Require expert advice on first build!

[Bad Pingu]

Thanks for all of your replies, shame about the motherboard as obviously the suggestions above sound rather complicated to a first time pc builder.

Three questions:

1) If I were to only use three fans including the CPU fan... can I easily use a 200mm fan on front and the 140mm on the back of the case? As I noticed using two 140mm fans on the front and back have been mentioned.

2) Can you confirm the PSU above is still the optimal, highest quality and most reliable PSU for the build after all of the changes? I'm sure you would of recommended a different PSU if it is not the best for the build but best to make sure.

3) Is there a motherboard you can recommend which can easily connect all 5 fans including the CPU? As this would be more convenient and give me more confidence when ordering the parts. I would even purchase the ASUS Gene vii provided it's compatible with all of the components above and can control 5 fans including the CPU fan.

 

[Termie]

If I were you, I'd start with just the fans that come with the case. Fans are very easy to add later if you need them. It seems you're complicating this build too much by focusing on buying additional fans and replacing the stock fans from the start. That's fine for veteran builders who know exactly what they want, but for a new builder, it's an extra step that will only add confusion (and expense).

Yes, an expensive mATX board like the Maximus VII Gene will have more fan headers (five in total), but spending much more than necessary on a motherboard just for fan headers that you may not need isn't a wise investment. It sounds like you're really interested in fans, however, so as a compromise, I'd suggest the Asus Z97 Gryphon, which has six fan headers but fewer overclocking features.

 

[Essence_of_War]

I'd suggest the Asus Z97 Gryphon, which has six fan headers but fewer overclocking features.

I agree with basically everything Termie said, and wanted to highlight this, because I happen to think this is a really nice MoBo.

 

[Bad Pingu]

Hi thanks for both of your replies, if I choose to replace the h97 plus board with the Gryphon z97 board... will it be compatible with all of the other components? Or will I have to change any other components?

As for the PSU... I take it this is still the optimal PSU for the build? As both of you didn't mention it.

Thank you,

P.s I would be interested to hear both of your backgrounds in PC building

 

[Bad Pingu]

I happen to think this is a really nice MoBo.

Good to know! ^ I'm curious as to why you like that motherboard (not to bother you with questions as it's only an enthusiast/nosey type question)

 

[Essence_of_War]

The usual silly reasons: very pretty, irrational attachment to the number of fan headers + great fan control software, etc

 

[Bad Pingu]

:biggrin: I tried to find what sound chip/card the Gryphon uses but all I could find was this ---> Realtek ALC892. I'm hoping this is as good as the H97 plus motherboards sound chip/card.

 

[Essence_of_War]

The original you were looking at before that uses ALC 887, the Gryphon uses ALC 892, I'd need to see a review to be sure, but they look awfully similar. It's probably a sidegrade or very modest upgrade.

 

[Termie]

ALC 887 is lower-end, ALC 892 is midrange. The ALC 1150 used on many $150+ boards is the best integrated solution.

The Gryphon is designed for durability and excellent fan control. Its other features are only average (sound, overclocking, etc.).

 

[Bad Pingu]

Thanks for the sound card information, the ASUS website does not even appear to specify which version of ALC the Gene vii uses.

Where I'm at now - I'm questioning whether the 750w would be unnecessarily costly while the computer is not being used to game on (word processing, programming etc). Also as I decided a couple of days ago that I will not overclock hence why I chose the i5 4690 over the 4690k... is the 750w too much?

I was re-reading one of your earlier posts on this thread Termie and I noticed you mentioned the 550w seasonic or 750w for future upgrades.

How about 650w?

This is most likely totally incorrect as it's only an educated guess (from zero knowledge) but... I look at 650w for my build as being...

• More than enough power
• Better efficiency than 750w whilst not gaming
• 100% as good as 750w for gaming
  
• ONLY disadvantage - Will need a new higher wattage psu if I wish to upgrade in the future

If the above bullet points are correct then how does the following appear to an expert in terms of performance and most importantly safety ---> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-S1...&qid=1409830266&sr=8-5&keywords=seasonic+650w

:thumbsup:

 

[Termie]

The EVGA Supernova G2 is overall a better unit than the Seasonic you found, and less expensive too: http://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-SuperN...=1409839703&sr=8-2&keywords=evga+supernova+g2

It may use 1W more at idle, but that really isn't significant. Plus it's fully-modular and ultra-quiet. Is it more power than you need? Yes? Can you get a lower power unit of the same quality for the same price? No.

This Corsair 550W unit comes close, but it's just not as good, so I'd spend the extra cash on the EVGA. Link to Corsair: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CP-...d=1409839926&sr=8-2&keywords=corsair+550W+psu

 

[Bad Pingu]

Hi Termie I appreciate your feedback on the seasonic PSU, unfortunately you didn't mention why you believe the EVGA G2 Supernova is better? ie what exactly makes it better?

I'm curious as to how the EVGA G2 Supernova also compares to this ---> http://www.scan.co.uk/products/660w-seasonic-platinum-full-modular-80plus-platinum-atx-psu

and this ---> http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-seasonic-x-series-full-modular-80-plus-gold-atx-psu

(That is of course if they both fit inside the case, well they should as they are 20mm shorter in depth than the EVGA G2 Supernova)

I must also mention that price is not an issue when it comes to the PSU as safety is most important to me.

Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[mfenn]

Hi Termie I appreciate your feedback on the seasonic PSU, unfortunately you didn't mention why you believe the EVGA G2 Supernova is better? ie what exactly makes it better?

Here's what he said:

It may use 1W more at idle, but that really isn't significant. Plus it's fully-modular and ultra-quiet. Is it more power than you need? Yes? Can you get a lower power unit of the same quality for the same price? No.

I'm curious as to how the EVGA G2 Supernova also compares to this ---> http://www.scan.co.uk/products/660w-seasonic-platinum-full-modular-80plus-platinum-atx-psu

and this ---> http://www.scan.co.uk/products/650w-seasonic-x-series-full-modular-80-plus-gold-atx-psu

(That is of course if they both fit inside the case, well they should as they are 20mm shorter in depth than the EVGA G2 Supernova)

The X-650 is about the same as the SuperNova, perhaps slightly better. The SS-660XP2 is slightly better still. Neither are worth the price increase.

I must also mention that price is not an issue when it comes to the PSU as safety is most important to me.

All of the power supplies we are recommending are extremely safe, you don't have to worry about that.

 

[Bad Pingu]

Thanks for the reassuring reply mfenn, I'm in the process of comparing prices for my components before posting the final build revision. Since Termie recommend the z97 Gryphon I've always assumed it looked like this ---> http://www.amazon.co.uk/GRYPHON-Arm...73&sr=1-1&keywords=ASUS+Gryphon+Armor+Edition however while comparing prices I found this ---> http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus...e-30-(x16)-quad-sli-quad-crossfirex-dp-dvi-d-

Sorry to be a pain but what is the difference between those two? If I bought the second would I leave the protective plating on or remove it before installing the components?

I never new that military themed motherboards exist until now lol

Edit - I believe this ---> http://www.newegg.com/global/uk/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132133 is the same as the Amazon motherboard?

 

[Termie]

Thanks for the reassuring reply mfenn, I'm in the process of comparing prices for my components before posting the final build revision. Since Termie recommend the z97 Gryphon I've always assumed it looked like this ---> http://www.amazon.co.uk/GRYPHON-Arm...73&sr=1-1&keywords=ASUS+Gryphon+Armor+Edition however while comparing prices I found this ---> http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus...e-30-(x16)-quad-sli-quad-crossfirex-dp-dvi-d-

Sorry to be a pain but what is the difference between those two? If I bought the second would I leave the protective plating on or remove it before installing the components?

I never new that military themed motherboards exist until now lol

Edit - I believe this ---> http://www.newegg.com/global/uk/Prod...82E16813132133 is the same as the Amazon motherboard?

The standard Gryphon does not come with the "armor." You found the armored edition. It really isn't that important, but from the links you provided, it seems it's cheaper. Certainly buy the armored edition if it's cheaper, otherwise skip it. Not necessary.

 

[mfenn]

The standard Gryphon does not come with the "armor." You found the armored edition. It really isn't that important, but from the links you provided, it seems it's cheaper. Certainly buy the armored edition if it's cheaper, otherwise skip it. Not necessary.

Agree. The "armor" doesn't do anything but make the motherboard look "cool". Buy whichever version is less expensive, the armor is removable.

 

[Bad Pingu]

Hi guys,

When looking at cases for the PC I was initially 100% sure I was going to purchase the inwin 904 chassis. After being advised on another forum that this would not provide sufficient cooling and especially as the initial idea was to place it in a cupboard with doors open, I reluctantly searched for different cases.

However... after browsing the cyberpowersystems website simply looking at the cases their pc's are built inside... I actually found a pc build similar to mine inside the inwin 904 ---> https://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/system/Infinity_Achilles_Pro.

So I ask you... as you have all been so helpful... for your advice as it's proved to be far more helpful and concise than another forum which left me disappointed.

Can the InWin 901 (smaller version of 904, specifications and temperature tests found here ---> http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2014/05/20/in-win-901-review/1 for your convenience) provide sufficient cooling if I were to use these fans...

• 
  http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-023-BQ&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=4
  
  http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-011-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=820

Other components would obviously have to change as the r9 290 is just too big... so an evga gtx 780 would be more suitable, not to mention the motherboard... and cpu cooler... but I would be foolish not to ask after all of the valuable advice I have received in this thread.

The idea... was to then place this case in the cupboard/cabinet... sideways with usb ports facing directly out of the cupboard at the open doors.

After subtracting the width of the cupboard (680mm) with the depth of the case (400mm) I then have 280mm of space to use at each end of the case (left and right side of case when looking at it with doors open) so after halving that amount I would have 140mm of space at each end of the case for the outtake fan and the right hand side with the intake fan. I would then mount fans inside the cupboard down the left hand side to blow the air from the case outtake outside of the cupboard. This particular cupboard fan was posted on another thread I started on this forum by LuluTheMonk "I use a Antec ISK600 (mini ITX) in a cabinet with a 2600k and a GTX780.

I also have http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CO543S/ installed in the back to have some airflow."


It would be far easier if I could draw a diagram or show a picture of the cupboard with a tape measure inside.


Apologies for the length post, I'm trying to provide as much detail as possible.

Fingers crossed... :thumbsup:!

p.s. I've certainly learnt a lot about computer builds and components currently on the market over the last few weeks!

 

[Bad Pingu]

I found this inwin 901 build/layout ---> http://www.overclock.net/t/1444673/lightbox/post/21641967/id/1856373

:thumbsup:

 

[mfenn]

The Sapphire Tri-X cooler is too long, but there are shorter R9 290's out there like the ASUS DirectCU II for £300. That card is 287mm long, so it will just squeak under the 300mm maximum GPU size that bit-tech noted.

You'll definitely need to get a mini-ITX motherboard and a shorter CPU cooler however. For the board, I would go with the Gigabyte H97N-WIFI for £95. The CPU cooler needs to be fairly low profile, I think I'd go with a horizonal cooler like the Noctua NH-L9i for £35.

 

[MongGrel]

Agree. The "armor" doesn't do anything but make the motherboard look "cool". Buy whichever version is less expensive, the armor is removable.

I'd thought it was supposed to help cooling, but I've never had one.

If it did it was minimal, had never owned one, but the Gryphons did look a pretty solid board whe was looking at em awhile back.

 

[schmuckley]

I think you should get the "K" Sku chip.
Overclocking increases framerates in games dramatically.
This motherboard is a better deal than an h97 board or that Gryphon.
Also it appears you're a bit of an audiophile.
I see you have Harmon speakers in there..
You could save some by getting some nice headphones..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIOSTAR-H...DDR3-CrossFireX-ATX-Motherboard-/351092080715

10-phase power,good quality inductors,comes with conformal coating
M.2 port ..you probably won't use it..for a while.
Price-friendly.

cooler: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coolergiant...=UTF8&qid=1410451344&sr=1-38&keywords=enermax

 

[Bad Pingu]

@mfenn Thanks for the noctua cpu cooler recommendation. I assume It would be ok to use the noctua cpu cooler and still use this fan ---> http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-011-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=820 as an exhaust fan at the back of the case?

Is the above ^ better than this layout I found ---> http://www.overclock.net/t/1444673/lightbox/post/21641967/id/1856373

^ I'm guessing the fan attached to the radiator acts as an exhaust fan instead of a smaller fan used on the 92mm fan mount. So the fan exhausts the air through the radiator whilst then cooling the cpu via the water cooled tubes leading to the cpu cover.

I also wonder with the above layout... is it a good idea to mount a fan to the 92mm as well... taking into consideration these fans would be close together. (I'm unsure whether using two fans for a windtunnel type effect is good practice).

Many thanks

 

[mfenn]

@mfenn Thanks for the noctua cpu cooler recommendation. I assume It would be ok to use the noctua cpu cooler and still use this fan ---> http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FG-011-NC&groupid=701&catid=2331&subcat=820 as an exhaust fan at the back of the case?

Is the above ^ better than this layout I found ---> http://www.overclock.net/t/1444673/lightbox/post/21641967/id/1856373

^ I'm guessing the fan attached to the radiator acts as an exhaust fan instead of a smaller fan used on the 92mm fan mount. So the fan exhausts the air through the radiator whilst then cooling the cpu via the water cooled tubes leading to the cpu cover.

I also wonder with the above layout... is it a good idea to mount a fan to the 92mm as well... taking into consideration these fans would be close together. (I'm unsure whether using two fans for a windtunnel type effect is good practice).

Many thanks

Yes, that Noctua 92mm fan is a good fan to put in the back. Since the rear fan has a piece of sheet metal between it and the actual motherboard socket area, you won't get much of a wind tunnel effect with a tower cooler. If you want a tower cooler, make sure to get a 92mm model, a 120mm one won't fit.

 

[mfenn]

I think you should get the "K" Sku chip.
Overclocking increases framerates in games dramatically.
This motherboard is a better deal than an h97 board or that Gryphon.
Also it appears you're a bit of an audiophile.
I see you have Harmon speakers in there..
You could save some by getting some nice headphones..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BIOSTAR-H...DDR3-CrossFireX-ATX-Motherboard-/351092080715

10-phase power,good quality inductors,comes with conformal coating
M.2 port ..you probably won't use it..for a while.
Price-friendly.

The OP is looking at a mini-ITX case to fit into a specific space, so an ATX motherboard like the Biostar won't work.

 

[Bad Pingu]

The components below require a thorough compatibility check, please be aware that the majority of the components have changed. :thumbsup:


OS – Windows 8.1 pro (discounted)


Chassis – inwin 901
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/inwi...luminium-design-silver-mini-itx-tower-w-o-psu


Front case fan - Noctua NF-F12 PWM 120mm Focused Flow Fan
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/120mm-noctua-nf-f12-pwm-focused-flow-pwm-cooling-fan-quiet


Back case fan - Noctua NF-B9 PWM 92mm Quiet Cooling Fan
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/92mm-noctua-nf-b9-pwm-cooling-fan-quiet-bearing-9-blade-1600rpm **Should I mount a second 120mm with cable ties on the inside of the silver aluminium but behind the 92mm fan (in the unused gap)? (This is what I meant by a tunnel effect, not the cpu cooler).


CPU cooler - Noctua NH-L9i
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/noctua-nh-l9i-low-profile-quiet-cpu-cooler-intel-lga1150-1155-1156.


CPU – Intel i5 4690
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-3-50G...1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410650620&sr=8-1&keywords=4690


GPU - EVGA Nvidia GeForce SC GTX 780
http://www.amazon.co.uk/EVGA-GeForc...id=1410650822&sr=8-2&keywords=evga+gtx+780+sc **I think the reference card and its blower style fan may be optimal, it appears the acx type cooler will battle the upwards facing psu fan for air. The blower style fan should hopefully take air in directly from the 120mm front case fan and exhaust the heat outside of the small itx case.


RAM – 2 x 4GB Corsair CML8GX3M2A1866C9R
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CML...178&sr=8-1&keywords=Corsair+CML8GX3M2A1866C9R


Motherboard - Asus Maximus VII Impact Intel Z97
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-630-AS
** Chosen as it offers wifi, Bluetooth and hopefully enough fan headers for the build plus the ALC 1150 codec although I’m unable to find the information to confirm this.


SSD - Samsung 840 EVO 500GB SSD
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-500...UTF8&qid=1409593445&sr=8-1&keywords=500gb+ssd


DVD-RW drive - Sony BC-5600S Slim Line Blu-ray Combo Drive
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-BC-560...2&sr=8-2&keywords=slim+internal+blu+ray+combo


PSU - Seasonic Platinum 660W SS-660XP2
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/660w-seasonic-platinum-full-modular-80plus-platinum-atx-psu


Monitor - ASUS VX229H AH-IPS 21.5"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/VX229H-21-5...F8&qid=1410652382&sr=8-1&keywords=ASUS+VX229H **Share your thoughts on this monitor, it’s the best I’m able to find.


Many many thanks