It's time to build fellows...

[Dannar26]

...but I'd love some feedback.

Info:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for.

Gaming. I have a swelling steam library, and many Blizzard games. Primarily WoW, Tekkit MineCraft, and Modded Skyrim/DAO

2. What YOUR budget is.

~800.00

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA. 20 mins away from the philly microcenter, lucky me.

4. Staying with the US.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference.

Intel wins my cpu buy, hands down, as much as I'd like to see AMD doing better. The GPU could go either way.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts.

Yes. I am recycling my old DVD ROM. I already purchased a Rosewill capstone 750w gold rated psu, and a 1 TB HDD.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

Not immediately. I want to learn how though.

8. What resolutionwill you be using?

1900 x 1080

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

In the next two weeks, depending on how dilligent Lenovo is with refunds.

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system?

I need an OS. I'm going with Windows 8.1.

Right then. I'm finally replacing my Core2 system. Normally I would go with Master Mfenn's midrange build, but I have the perk of living near micro center. They have a really nice processor i5 4690k combo deals. Link:

http://www.microcenter.com/site/brands/intel-processor-bundles.aspx

After a lot of research, I'm still not sure which way to go with the mobo. I was leaning towards the Asus (every computer I've built has had an Asus mobo) with the wifi...not because it's the most expensive (as if I thought that expense == quality) but because I've used a wifi connection for the past two years on my current rig. I figure I should stay with one of their 5 choices to maximize the bang-for-buck ratio.

MC also had the best deal on Crucial's mx drives, but it seems like they stopped listing the 256GB model. I'm not sure if I should try those mSATA or M2 drives instead. After all I'm going to stay with a single GPU solution.

I bought a cheapy GPU for testing in my old rig. it's an XFX HD 6670 2GB. I was going to use it until NVIDIA's 800 series launched. I know it's not an amazing card, but I should be able to get by in the mean time, right?

I'm in search of a monitor. I have a 1600x900 old 21" HP TN. Recently I bought a 23" IPS Asus LED for my wife's system... It seems like an upgrade. Maybe be I should gun for a 144hz TN or a 1440p resolution panel, but there aren't many of either out there on newegg. Not sure where it is you guys go to get these monitors on the regular, but it mustn't be cheap.

It seems like memory is $70-80 for an 8GB set. I'm less sure of the differentiation of quality here, if there's even really a big difference. Overclocking and XMP spund like they don't yield much of difference you can "feel."

So what's AT's opinion?

 

[mfenn]

You should definitely take advantage of the MC CPU+mobo combo. However, you're not limited to the boards that they specifically mention. The deal applies to any Socket 1150 motherboard (you can add both to your cart online to see).

So to be clear, you have $800 to spend on the following:

- CPU
- Mobo
- RAM
- SSD
- PSU
- Case
- Monitor
- OS

?

 

[Burpo]

The lazy upgrade.. New..i7-4770, 12GB, 1TB, WiFi, GTX760 complete with OS, Keyboard & mouse, and under budget?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261560561816?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[escrow4]

The lazy upgrade.. New..i7-4770, 12GB, 1TB, WiFi, GTX760 complete with OS, Keyboard & mouse, and under budget?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261560561816?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Box comes with a retarded RAM config - 12GB - likely a shonky PSU and average mobo, no SSD, and the case eh. Its also Win 8, not 8.1, so be prepared for a fat old update (GBs) if you buy. I'd build your own.

 

[Dannar26]

I definitely want to build my own!

I need:

CPU
Mobo
RAM
SSD
Case
OS

I can get by on my old monitor for now if there's not enough room in the budget for a quality panel. GPU and monitor will be future upgrades in that case.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Go to microcenter and get yourself a 4690k with a ASRock z97 anniversary edition board for $270.- out the door. Corsair Carbide 200r and 300r cases are around $50-$60 at microcenter too. Decent deal. It's a good place to really look at cases and see what you like. The rest I would use Mfenn's mid range build.

A GPU and a new screen are going to make the biggest difference. When you budget is ready for those let us know we will try to help you choose.

 

[Dannar26]

Any reasons for that particular board? See, I'm somewhat confused as to what distinguishes mobos beyond type and number of connections and ability to handle overclocks. Many seem like they're very similar, though price suggests otherwise...

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Any reasons for that particular board? See, I'm somewhat confused as to what distinguishes mobos beyond type and number of connections and ability to handle overclocks. Many seem like they're very similar, though price suggests otherwise...

Because it's a good balance of price vs. performance. It's the latest generation. It will allow overclocking, should you decide to do so. If you have no desire or inclination you could certainly save some $$$ by going with a lower spec mobo.

 

[mfenn]

I definitely want to build my own!

I need:

CPU
Mobo
RAM
SSD
Case
OS

I can get by on my old monitor for now if there's not enough room in the budget for a quality panel. GPU and monitor will be future upgrades in that case.

OK here goes:

i5 4690K + GA-Z97-HD3 combo $245 AR
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $73
Crucial MX100 256GB $100
Corsair 200R $60
Windows 8.1 Full $120 - the extra $20 to get a version that's not mobo-locked is well worth it
Total: $598

That gives you about $200 to play with. That's plenty for a good 1080p 60 Hz IPS panel, but won't buy a 144 Hz or 1440p panel. You can get a good 1080p 60 Hz GPU for that price as well (R9 290), but you won't something that can push the higher resolution or refresh rate.

So really, it comes down to how set on 144 Hz or 1440p you are. If you don't mind being at 1080p60 like most people, then you can get 1/2 of your upgrade now. If you want to be at a high resolution or refresh rate, you're looking at spending another $800 ($400 monitor + $400 GPU).

 

[Dannar26]

OK here goes:

i5 4690K + GA-Z97-HD3 combo $245 AR
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $73
Crucial MX100 256GB $100
Corsair 200R $60
Windows 8.1 Full $120 - the extra $20 to get a version that's not mobo-locked is well worth it
Total: $598

That gives you about $200 to play with. That's plenty for a good 1080p 60 Hz IPS panel, but won't buy a 144 Hz or 1440p panel. You can get a good 1080p 60 Hz GPU for that price as well (R9 290), but you won't something that can push the higher resolution or refresh rate.

So really, it comes down to how set on 144 Hz or 1440p you are. If you don't mind being at 1080p60 like most people, then you can get 1/2 of your upgrade now. If you want to be at a high resolution or refresh rate, you're looking at spending another $800 ($400 monitor + $400 GPU).

Both mobos suggested in this thread so far seem to be cheapo(ish) options. Does mobo quality not really matter? Would that make something like ROG hideously overpriced and unneeded?

All I care about is quality and the likelyhood that the component will last.

If I use a wifi card on a PCIe bus, does it "consume lanes" and slow up my GPU? Again, I may end up being on wifi... The wife and I haven't hashed out where our router will be yet...

 

[dmoney1980]

If you want built-in wifi and a solid board, consider an iTX board such as the Asrock z97e-itx (http://www.microcenter.com/product/433091/Z97E-ITX_LGA1150_Intel_mITX_Motherboard)

You can combo it at microcenter with the CPU. It has wireless AC built in, Intel LAN, and Realtek ALC1150 audio. The itx board will fit in the corsair case, or you can buy an ITX case if you prefer. The itx form factor will only limit you to a single video card.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Both mobos suggested in this thread so far seem to be cheapo(ish) options. Does mobo quality not really matter? Would that make something like ROG hideously overpriced and unneeded?

All I care about is quality and the likelyhood that the component will last.

If I use a wifi card on a PCIe bus, does it "consume lanes" and slow up my GPU? Again, I may end up being on wifi... The wife and I haven't hashed out where our router will be yet...

Your budget is "cheapo(ish)" hence the suggestions. Unless you are planning multi-gpu, lots of storage devices, significant overclocking, etc. ROG gear is unnecessary. Reliability of components has more to do with the brand. Asus usually tops the charts for solid mobo's. ASRock is in the middle.

Unless you plan to do multi-gpu you have plenty of PCIe lanes. Pro-tip: for gaming, especially online, wifi will add some latency.

 

[mfenn]

Both mobos suggested in this thread so far seem to be cheapo(ish) options. Does mobo quality not really matter? Would that make something like ROG hideously overpriced and unneeded?

All I care about is quality and the likelyhood that the component will last.

Don't conflate price with quality. All boards from the major brands are built on the same assembly lines (within the brand) using the same parts bins and PCB fabrication processes. Paying out the nose for a board that includes everything and the kitchen sink doesn't make sense for what you're trying to accomplish. In fact, it could detract from your goals by forcing you into cheaper parts elsewhere.

If I use a wifi card on a PCIe bus, does it "consume lanes" and slow up my GPU? Again, I may end up being on wifi... The wife and I haven't hashed out where our router will be yet...

Depends on what slot you put it in. Typically the x16 physical slots will either be a x16/x4 or go down to a x8/x8 when a card is plugged into the second slot. The PCIe x1 slots are fair game though, they don't share lanes with other slots. Though really, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between running the GPU at Gen3 x8 and Gen3 x16 (~1%).

 

[Dannar26]

If you want built-in wifi and a solid board, consider an iTX board such as the Asrock z97e-itx (http://www.microcenter.com/product/433091/Z97E-ITX_LGA1150_Intel_mITX_Motherboard)

You can combo it at microcenter with the CPU. It has wireless AC built in, Intel LAN, and Realtek ALC1150 audio. The itx board will fit in the corsair case, or you can buy an ITX case if you prefer. The itx form factor will only limit you to a single video card.

I like your suggestion! I love doing more with less.

But the problem I see is this board only supports one SATA device. Even if I went with a M2 SSD (is it just me, or aren't most of these drives only rated for 6 gbps instead of the 10 gbps the tech purportedly supports), then there wouldn't be an option for an optical drive.

Your budget is "cheapo(ish)" hence the suggestions. Unless you are planning multi-gpu, lots of storage devices, significant overclocking, etc. ROG gear is unnecessary. Reliability of components has more to do with the brand. Asus usually tops the charts for solid mobo's. ASRock is in the middle.

Unless you plan to do multi-gpu you have plenty of PCIe lanes. Pro-tip: for gaming, especially online, wifi will add some latency.

No to multi gpu. I'm cheaper than I need to be... I find it difficult to justify the cost of a second GPU and all the stresses of making the software work for a (relatively) small performance boost.

I may want to overclock in the future. I need to research it more, although it sounds like it's gotten much easier with one click mobo solutions.

I realize this about wifi. It hasn't been a problem for me though. Sometimes it's hard to place/justify running a cord through the middle of the room.

Don't conflate price with quality. All boards from the major brands are built on the same assembly lines (within the brand) using the same parts bins and PCB fabrication processes. Paying out the nose for a board that includes everything and the kitchen sink doesn't make sense for what you're trying to accomplish. In fact, it could detract from your goals by forcing you into cheaper parts elsewhere.



Depends on what slot you put it in. Typically the x16 physical slots will either be a x16/x4 or go down to a x8/x8 when a card is plugged into the second slot. The PCIe x1 slots are fair game though, they don't share lanes with other slots. Though really, you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between running the GPU at Gen3 x8 and Gen3 x16 (~1%).

I'm odd. I have a higher tolerance for lower frame rates and resolution. Given that, I don't mind staying on my old gpu and monitor for the time being and maybe allocating the rest of the budget towards better parts.

I know it may seem like heresy. I'm just trying to feel out my options before I squeeze that trigger...

 

[mfenn]

I'm odd. I have a higher tolerance for lower frame rates and resolution. Given that, I don't mind staying on my old gpu and monitor for the time being and maybe allocating the rest of the budget towards better parts.

I know it may seem like heresy. I'm just trying to feel out my options before I squeeze that trigger...

That's exactly my point though. You're not getting a "better" part by spending a ton of money on a motherboard. You're getting "more" part, in the sense that you're getting more features, but those don't matter if you don't need or use them.

 

[mfenn]

Even if I went with a M2 SSD (is it just me, or aren't most of these drives only rated for 6 gbps instead of the 10 gbps the tech purportedly supports), then there wouldn't be an option for an optical drive.

M.2 is a physical form factor, not a logical interface spec. Drives can use either a SATA or PCIe interface. Since solid SATA drive designs already exist, it is a fairly simple engineering problem to put the components on a differently-shaped PCB. Coming up with a PCIe SSD controller is a lot more work, so naturally the SATA designs are first to market.

 

[TheStu]

M.2 is a physical form factor, not a logical interface spec. Drives can use either a SATA or PCIe interface. Since solid SATA drive designs already exist, it is a fairly simple engineering problem to put the components on a differently-shaped PCB. Coming up with a PCIe SSD controller is a lot more work, so naturally the SATA designs are first to market.

Also, OP, there are also 6 SATA ports on there, as well as 1 SATA-Express. You can have 1x M.2 SSD on there (the port is actually on the bottom of the mobo), and plenty of SATA ports left over for drives.

 

[Dannar26]

It still seems like one of the suggested combo mobos comes out ahead. The extreme 4 has more ports and allows me to do more in the future should I feel more adventurous.

Asrock's pro4 seems like another solid (and cheaper) choice. It seems to have a cheaper sound solution than the extreme however.

According to newegg's pricing, the entry level Fatal1ty board is between the pro4 and extreme4 in terms of cost and features, but includes the better sound. However, it doesn't seem to be combining with the bundle discount on microcenter's website.

 

[mfenn]

It still seems like one of the suggested combo mobos comes out ahead. The extreme 4 has more ports and allows me to do more in the future should I feel more adventurous.

Asrock's pro4 seems like another solid (and cheaper) choice. It seems to have a cheaper sound solution than the extreme however.

According to newegg's pricing, the entry level Fatal1ty board is between the pro4 and extreme4 in terms of cost and features, but includes the better sound. However, it doesn't seem to be combining with the bundle discount on microcenter's website.

The Extreme3 and Pro4 are both solid boards, no question. I would lean towards the Pro4 since you don't need multi-gpu.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

However, it doesn't seem to be combining with the bundle discount on microcenter's website.

OT: Just wanted to say thank you to Dannar26! I decided to take a look at what Microcenter had in stock for mobo's for your build. Stumbled across an open-box Asus Sabertooth Z87 for $8.50.-. After flashing the bios to allow for 4690k it's my new sig rig for STUPID cheap.

If there is any more advice I can try to help you with I'd be HAPPY to! :awe:

 

[Dannar26]

The Extreme3 and Pro4 are both solid boards, no question. I would lean towards the Pro4 since you don't need multi-gpu.

Agreed. But the extreme 4 is cheaper after rebate. And it allows me more room to do awesome things like multi gpu or OCing. I intend to learn...

OT: Just wanted to say thank you to Dannar26! I decided to take a look at what Microcenter had in stock for mobo's for your build. Stumbled across an open-box Asus Sabertooth Z87 for $8.50.-. After flashing the bios to allow for 4690k it's my new sig rig for STUPID cheap.

If there is any more advice I can try to help you with I'd be HAPPY to! :awe:

Yikes! And a Sabertooth no less. For that price I'd totally take a Z87! Glad my noobish rants have aided someone! But there is a bit more in the way of advice you could give.

So to recap, I already have a PSU, HDD, SDD, and recently picked up some RAM and a DvD drive courtesy of this week's Mufenntured build. The mobo and cpu will certainly be a microcenter bundle. This leaves the case.

It seems like cases can be:

1) Inexpensive
2) equipped with a great layout to build in
3) cool looking

... Pick two.

I can't give up the desire to have a "cool" looking case, even though the corsair 300R seems like a great choice where practicality is concerned.

I want a case that I could put a cooler master 212 in. I've never used an aftermarket cooler, but I feel I ought to learn. I think I should at least try to get the 4690k I intend to buy to 4.0 ghz. I'm more interested in doing this to build my skillset than to realize performance gain (not that I mind the latter).


Then it's just a matter of an OS and a few odds and ends...

 

[monkeydelmagico]

It seems like cases can be:

1) Inexpensive
2) equipped with a great layout to build in
3) cool looking

... Pick two.

I can't give up the desire to have a "cool" looking case, even though the corsair 300R seems like a great choice where practicality is concerned.

I want a case that I could put a cooler master 212 in. I've never used an aftermarket cooler, but I feel I ought to learn. I think I should at least try to get the 4690k I intend to buy to 4.0 ghz. I'm more interested in doing this to build my skillset than to realize performance gain (not that I mind the latter).


Then it's just a matter of an OS and a few odds and ends...

Inexpensive and cool looking are rather subjective. I think you can have your cake and eat it too. I find several less expensive cases to be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Corsair 200/300r are both good examples. Antec 300 or One, NZXT H230, Fractal 3300, or Cooler Master N400 are also cases I would consider.

Going to your local microcenter and getting a chance to actually look at and touch some of the cases helped my decisions in the past. When I was there this past weekend I grabbed the Cooler Master N400. I had the N200 before it. I would give the N400 a 4/5 stars. The only problem I encountered was less than ideal water cooling options.

Any of the above will easily fit any variant CM212 CPU cooler under the hood. 4.0 on a 4690k is a breeze. :thumbsup:

 

[Dannar26]

What about: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103182 for a cooler? I know next to nothing about aftermarket cooling solutions.

Would it by chance fit into: http://m.tigerdirect.com/products/9...ffiliateID=Es5Ekr9eEBk-cEHiBCxyumumNziwEPEjqQ ?
Thought I read a review that said the CM212 wouldn't fit in there....

And yes, I'm a tech bargains whore.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Coolermaster Hyper T4 dimensions (per newegg) 128 x 44 x 152.3 mm
NZXT cooler clearance (per their website) 158 mm

You are good to go. That's a pretty good deal on that case too.

 

[mfenn]

Agreed. But the extreme 4 is cheaper after rebate. And it allows me more room to do awesome things like multi gpu or OCing. I intend to learn...

It's not, at least as far as my local MC is concerned. The Z97 Pro4 + i5 4690K combo is $270 - $10 rebate = $260. The Z97 Extreme3 + i5 4690K combo is $300 - $15 rebate = $285.