Look at my build, before I order the parts.

[cloudbuster]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra 0.15g Thermal Paste ($13.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VI IMPACT Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($224.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($209.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($93.78 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Sunbeam 20W Rheosmart PCI Slot Smart Fan Controller ($10.99)
Total: $1909.70

It would be for gaming and surfing the internet.
I be ordering from USA
I want a Intel and Nvidia build.
Not planning on OC
I choose the TJ08B-E cause it look small enough and it would fit on my desk, on the specific area for a PC.
I was also looking at the silverstone PS07 but reviews point out the TJ08B-E keep components cooler.

I dont know what cpu fan/cooler to buy I dont want water cooling, can this combo work with just air?
are some part of my list completely overkill what should I change as far as RAM, MoBo,PSU, and how much thermal paste do I need to finish a computer .15g would be enough?
also a reliable DVD-r-rw drive.
I read some MoBo can control the fan to keep temp in control plus noise when is not gaming, is that Mobo capable of that.
Thanks!

 

[Charlie98]

No offense, that's an absurdly overbuilt system for 'gaming and surfing the internet.'

How about answering these questions, first... then maybe we can see if you can pare that down a little.

 

[mfenn]

I agree with Charlie. What kind of monitor do you have? That seems pretty overkill for your typical 1080p gaming setup.

 

[cloudbuster]

I did use that list somewhat.
no offense taken as im new to this trying to build a PC that will last me few years.
Last time I got a custom PC was in 2005/6. and now the laptop im using from office max. that why I want to build a better one.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Gaming and surfing the net multiple tab open if that make any difference.
game running on background from time to time with browser open while youtube and multiple tab open.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
1900-2200 just for the case and internals, not including a Monitor keyboard as I already have a mouse and headset.

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

4. N/A

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
I would like to build Intel with Nvidia anything else not really

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
N/A

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Mostly leave it stock

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
Dont know yet something compatible with the GTX 780 Ti will buying one later

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.
Im ready to buy just need some advice, make sure I picked compatible parts.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
Yes, Windows.

I updated a few components.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_RD 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: Gelid Solutions GC-Extreme 3.5g Thermal Paste ($11.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VI IMPACT Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($224.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident X 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($212.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($93.78 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 660W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($143.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS72 DVD/CD Writer ($27.73 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Other: Sunbeam 20W Rheosmart PCI Slot Smart Fan Controller ($10.99)
Total: $2138.38

 

[mfenn]

So the question becomes: do you have the budget for a good 27" or 30" monitor ($600-1000)? If so, then by all means get the GTX 780 Ti, otherwise it is kind of a waste. Beyond that, there are several other money-wasting parts in this build:

- CPU: Not worth the price premium over the i5 4670K for your stated uses.
- HSF: A giant dual-140mm cooler is going to be a tight fit in the TJ08, not to mention that spending $80 on a cooler is crazy for something run at "mostly stock" speeds. A normal 120mm cooler like the Freezer i30 will fit better and have plenty of cooling power.
- Paste: The HSF comes with thermal paste, you don't need to buy it separately
- Mobo: Sure, you can put a mini-ITX board in a MicroATX case, but why would you? That particular board is also overkill for your stated uses. Look at something like the Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H instead.
- RAM: Too expensive and has too-tall heatspreaders. They won't physically fit under a big cooler. This low-profile Crucial DDR3 1600 kit is a much better fit, especially at $129.
- SSD: You're not getting much benefit by going with the 840 Pro drive. The Crucial M500 240GB gets you most of the performance for less.
- HDD: Good
- GPU: See above
- Case: Good
- PSU: Too expensive for the marginal benefit that 80PLUS Platinum provides. The Rosewill Capstone 650-M will get you within a couple percent efficiency-wise.
- ODD: Too expensive for a plain DVD Burner. This Lite-ON costs less.

 

[cloudbuster]

I'm was not planing on spending more than 250 for the monitor. Would that be a waste of the gtx 780?
I was going for the big heatsink thinking that later one I could OC when the computer start slowing down.
I overlooked the mitx. Yes I mean a matx mobo.
I also looked at the g skill sniper and Ares are the crucial better?
SSD - would I be better just getting that ssd but in the 480gb and not getting the other drive. Actually I'm not using that much space. On my 2 year laptop I only use 140gb so far.
PSU will use that one you mention then. It seem that it would fit.
CD ROM advise taken.
Mobo would the asus gryphon or z87m plus be a better choice or no difference.
Thanks

 

[lehtv]

I'm was not planing on spending more than 250 for the monitor. Would that be a waste of the gtx 780?

The GTX 780 Ti is different from the GTX 780.

But yes, I don't think it makes any sense to pay $700 for a graphics card on 1080p. Not one bit. A Radeon 280X gets you 80% of the performance for 45% of the cost. The 280X doesn't really fit your budget though... and you said you want NVIDIA. Tell you what - either lower the budget and grab a GTX 770 2GB, or increase the budget and grab dual GTX 770 2GB for the cost of one GTX 780 Ti.

The latter solution only really makes sense on a 144hz monitor VG248QE
So you're not limited to 60fps

I was going for the big heatsink thinking that later one I could OC when the computer start slowing down.

Do you really think it's worth splurging $80 extra just to benefit from it years later? It'd be wiser to either overclock properly right away (while preferably spending less on the cooler), leave the cooler purchase for later when you need it, or just upgrade the whole platform to whatever Intel has lined up two generations from now.

I also looked at the g skill sniper and Ares are the crucial better?

They're all the same stuff, just get whichever kit is the cheapest and fits these specs: at least 1600MHz, at most 1.5V, no tall heat spreaders

SSD - would I be better just getting that ssd but in the 480gb and not getting the other drive. Actually I'm not using that much space. On my 2 year laptop I only use 140gb so far.

A 250GB SSD will fit almost all of your games, most likely. Plus the OS and programs of course. So it doesn't really make sense to get an expensive 500GB drive

 

[mfenn]

I agree with lehtv, and will elaborate a little on the memory.

They're all the same stuff, just get whichever kit is the cheapest and fits these specs: at least 1600MHz, at most 1.5V, no tall heat spreaders

The Crucial kit is actually true low-profile, which means that it is half the height of a standard DIMM and about a quarter the height of a tall DIMM like the Trident. It also runs at 1.35V. That coupled with the price make it a no brainer IMHO

Mobo would the asus gryphon or z87m plus be a better choice or no difference.

The Z87M-Plus has slightly worse features (no x8/x8 PCIe 3.0, slightly worse audio, worse NIC) than the GA-Z87MX-D3H and costs more, so that would not be a good choice. The Gryphon is pretty much equivalent to the Gigabyte, but you pay $40 for the ASUS name. So, overall I would stick with the Gigabyte.

 

[cloudbuster]

Thank guys, will follow advise.
To elaborate more on the GPU I marked an nvidia only because I wanted to try them, on my last PC I had AMD, not that I am a fan of either.

What I would like is for it to be the type that push the warm air to the back of the case, not the one that release in the case.
You mention the r280x won't fit my budget, it look cheaper.
Gtx 780 is only worth in SLI?
Then gtx 780 or r280x.
I don't see me buying 2 GPU.
So would they be about equal with that monitor you linked?
Or they only good on 60fps

The cooler was going to be and extra 38 or close but that one won't fit with the big fans I would have to change them for 120 that would be extra $$.
I also saw the be quiet dark rock pro 2 and that one seem to fit. It have good reviews.
I was wondering if with the extra degrees that the big heat sink would take from the CPU if that would improve the lifetime of it.
Then I believe is worth the few extra bucks if a 5-10* won't make a difference then no point in buying the big ones.
But it does look better so that give it cool points.

 

[VirtualLarry]

The Crucial kit is actually true low-profile, which means that it is half the height of a standard DIMM and about a quarter the height of a tall DIMM like the Trident. It also runs at 1.35V. That coupled with the price make it a no brainer IMHO

If you're talking about the Ballisix Sport LP, those have horrible compatibility issues.

 

[lehtv]

If you're talking about the Ballisix Sport LP, those have horrible compatibility issues.

Judging by newegg reviews, Crucial has acknowledged that the modules have compatibility issues in some AMD systems. But not Intel.

I'd also hint that running them at 1.5V instead might solve compatibility issues

 

[mfenn]

What I would like is for it to be the type that push the warm air to the back of the case, not the one that release in the case.
You mention the r280x won't fit my budget, it look cheaper.
Gtx 780 is only worth in SLI?
Then gtx 780 or r280x.
I don't see me buying 2 GPU.
So would they be about equal with that monitor you linked?
Or they only good on 60fps

What lehtv meant was that if you got an R9 280X, you would be spending much less that what you had budgeted. That's totally fine, especially at 1080p.

The cooler was going to be and extra 38 or close but that one won't fit with the big fans I would have to change them for 120 that would be extra $$.
I also saw the be quiet dark rock pro 2 and that one seem to fit. It have good reviews.

The fans are only part of the problem. Changing to 120mm fans won't really help because the heatsink itself on the PH-TC14PE is sized for 140mm fans. It's also a dual heatsink which makes it super long, again changing the fans won't help there. Stick with a single 120mm cooler like the one I linked.

I was wondering if with the extra degrees that the big heat sink would take from the CPU if that would improve the lifetime of it.
Then I believe is worth the few extra bucks if a 5-10* won't make a difference then no point in buying the big ones.
But it does look better so that give it cool points.

Theoretically yes, running at a lower temp will increase the CPU's lifespan. However, at "mostly stock", your talking about increasing the lifespan from 20 years to 25 years.

 

[mfenn]

If you're talking about the Ballisix Sport LP, those have horrible compatibility issues.

Care to post a link rather than making vague doom and gloom statements?

 

[cloudbuster]

Do all the r280x release the heat in the case?
I also looked at the r290 it seem like a direct match for the gtx780.

But the question arise are they still having heat issues/thermal throttling down?
This being a small case don't know if that would help the stock fan on the GPU or not.

Also would that monitor be a good buy no matter what GPU I end up buying?

I Din't know that CPU would last that long then it seem that those few degree won't matter at all.

 

[lehtv]

That Silverstone case has rather good GPU cooling, I would not be worried with using a cooler that exhausts mostly internally. Such a cooler will also run quieter and keep the GPU cooler - and allows for better overclocking as well. Among 280X's, I think MSI Gaming is the best, with Asus and Gigabyte as close seconds.

 

[cloudbuster]

PSU: is a semi modular design, is that good on a small case?
With necessary 20+4-pin and 1x 4+4-pin ATX12V/EPS12V connectors fixed.
or should I get Full Modular.

Also would and extra $90 on the R290 worth it over the R280x?

Now this look like 90% complete

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling ACFZI30 74.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87MX-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($128.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($309.99 @ B&H)
Case: Silverstone TJ08B-E MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($93.78 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($103.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Other: Sunbeam 20W Rheosmart PCI Slot Smart Fan Controller ($10.99)
Total: $1285.65

 

[UNhooked]

I would avoid Crucial Memory due to some recent quality issues. That said I never had an issue with their memory.

G.Skill is my brand of choice. Any 1600 DDR3 should suffice your needs.
Video card. If you hell bent on sticking with Nvidia get the GTX 780. Else the 280x or wait for a aftermarket 290. IMHO 290 is the card to get if you can find it. I got mine for $375 shipped from the Egg after coupon.

As for cooling air cooling if fine. Or if you feeling a bit adventurous you can get the Swiftech H220 or Coolermaster Glacer 240 and mount it something like this

http://www.overclock.net/t/1255309/build-log-tj08b-e-silent-gaming/40

 

[mfenn]

I would avoid Crucial Memory due to some recent quality issues.

Care to provide a link?

 

[mfenn]

PSU: is a semi modular design, is that good on a small case?
With necessary 20+4-pin and 1x 4+4-pin ATX12V/EPS12V connectors fixed.
or should I get Full Modular.

It's fine, you will have to use the fixed cables anyway.

Also would and extra $90 on the R290 worth it over the R280x?

No, absolutely not. The R9 290 is a hot and loud card even in the biggest case. In a small case, it's akin to committing suicide by icepick to the ear.

Overall, your current build looks good to me.

 

[UNhooked]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...62&ignorebbr=1

There was another one as well that I am unable to find. It was a single 8GB stick.

A buddy of mine also the got the "Free " ram with a mobo from Crucial and he had issues with it. Heck I am still rocking a Crucial 512 SSD.

With that said I personally haven't had issue with the Crucial ram that I have owned. But still for the time being I would avoid their ram

I have had great luck with all G.Skill and Kingston Ram

Just my 2 cents.

To the OP don't be discourage by the R9 290, it truly is a great card. If anything buy the Artic Aftermarket cooler for it.

 

[mfenn]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...62&ignorebbr=1

There was another one as well that I am unable to find. It was a single 8GB stick.

A buddy of mine also the got the "Free " ram with a mobo from Crucial and he had issues with it. Heck I am still rocking a Crucial 512 SSD.

Newegg reviews are not compelling evidence. You have no idea of the technical ability of those reviewers. For example, notice how the negative reviews are on the SKUs that came bundled with low-end AMD motherboards whereas the reviews for the exact same modules in different SKUs are largely positive. Free RAM with mobo combos bring in a lot of less-technical people.

A couple reviewers were actually decent people and came back and posted another review saying "When I actually used the memory properly, it worked fine." Most don't however.

Pros: In a previous review I stated this memory won't work at the rated 1600mhz. I was wrong, it does if set to the 1.5v XMP profile in the bios.

It was free with the Biostar TA970 motherboard
Cons: None now that it works at rated speeds

Hell, a few admitted to not even owning the product!

3 egg
Pros: None I don't own this product
Cons: None I don't own this product

Newegg reviews are useful for a very limited set of things. Judging quality and DOA rate is not in that set, becasue most people who buy components have absolutely no idea what they're doing. What Newegg reviews are good for are things like judging whether a GPU fits into a case or an HSF has clearance issues with a motherboard.

 

[cloudbuster]

Hi guys I would be finally ordering the parts this week so they be here for Christmas day

After looking for the monitor I found what look to be a good deal, mostly good reviews so I will give it a try 2560x1440 60Hz but OC to about 120Hz
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-QNIX-QX...1717?pt=Computer_Monitors&hash=item2584d2dd75
So would the R9 280x be good on that one or I would have to change it?
Also I changed the cooler for the CM Hyper 212 EVO

 

[VirtualLarry]

Care to post a link rather than making vague doom and gloom statements?

Personal experience. A friend bought an MSI ATX A85X mobo, and Newegg was giving away sets of that RAM with those mobos. Well, the RAM didn't work on that mobo, known incompatible.

Never had that issue with GSkill. In fact, I traded my friend 4x4GB GSkill Ripjaws DDR3-1333 for his 4x4GB of Crucial.

The GSkill worked great.

 

[Freddy1765]

If you're gonna go with a 1440p monitor I'd get a more capable GPU like a 780. Considering you initially stated a budget of $2000 you may as well spend that much, provided the components are balanced.

EDIT: Not sure what kind of GPU grunt you'd need to run 1440p @ 120Hz, but I wouldn't be surprised if that required a high end dual-GPU setup.

 

[cloudbuster]

Thanks.
now I'm worried about the RAM, how tall are those ripjaws?

I read of people using gtx 780 to power those monitors just not much info on the r9 since they are newer I think. Also it seem single GPU is just fine.