Sanity check and feedback on new Z97 build

[Freddy1765]

Sooo, it's gotten to the point where the proverbial itch simply can't be assuaged by frequenting forums and researching parts. It's finally time to upgrade my rig.

I pretty much just use my computer for gaming at 1440p, and it is with this in mind that I've chosen the parts. My current system is in sig, and the stuff I'm carrying over is:

PSU: Seasonic G-550
Storage: Both my 840 EVOs
Case: Arc Midi R2
GPU: GTX 670 (until the 800 series comes out)

That means my 2500k, memory sticks and Z68 mobo will all be replaced, and what I had in mind is something like this:

Mobo: Asus Maximus VII Ranger
CPU: i7 4790k
Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S
RAM: G.Skill TridentX 2133 CL9 2x 8GB

I'm determined to go for one of Asus' ROG boards; they look sexy as hell, and I'm very excited about the BIOS fan-controls that Asus implements. Both the Hero and Ranger are in my price range, but it seems as though I'd be paying 25€ just for some LEDs on the Hero, so the cheaper Ranger appears to be the better choice.
I'm still going back and forth between the two since the price difference is a rather small proportion of the total build.

The i7 may or may not be worth it in terms of gaming experience at the moment, but I'm thoroughly convinced it will prove itself superior to 4c/4t i5 offerings in the new games coming out. This build is also meant to last 2-3 years, so paying an additional 80€ is a small price for the piece of mind I'll find in knowing it can't get any better on this side of Haswell-E.

In terms of memory, I debated for a long time whether to upgrade as the benefits of higher frequencies seem marginal at best (I read the "Memory Scaling on Haswell"-article here on AT), but since this build is meant to last a while I might as well go for 16GB from the get-go, and I vastly prefer using two sticks over four (not least due to potential CPU heatsink clearance issues), which pretty much leaves me with just one option. I'm also quite curious about high frequency memory as I've never owned anything faster than my current 1600 CL8 Crucial Ballistix.
I suppose you could say I want to experience the marginal benefits for myself.
The choice of G.Skill is mostly based on the price and the frequency/latency. They're about 175€, but if anyone has other recommendations I'd gladly hear them out.

I'm very excited about finally building a new rig, and look forward to any and all feedback or helpful/encouraging comments!

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Looks like a great build to me. The Asus Ranger board does everything well without getting too spendy. I'd probably skip on the memory if you've already got 1600 but that's cause I'm cheap. Save it for the GPU.

 

[Termie]

Just to be clear, you'll get essentially zero improvements in any game until the 670 is replaced. So while I understand you have an itch, it would make a lot more sense to hold off until the GTX800 arrives to buy the other parts, as prices may come down on those. GTX800 isn't expected any sooner than late October.

Otherwise, yes, those are good choices. Except the Hero is much cheaper than the Ranger in the states (well, the Ranger isn't widely available actually). Are you sure you don't have the prices reversed?

 

[Freddy1765]

The Ranger might be Europe only, it is definitely the cheaper of the two. I might've read somewhere the Ranger isn't officially sold in the US, perhaps that's why it's more expensive over there.

I'm aware the GPU will be holding me back, but there doesn't appear to be much point in waiting. There's a cash-back deal at the moment where a Z97 board and 4790k yields a 45€ refund, and Intel notoriously don't change the prices of older generation CPUs. Over here in Denmark the 3570k is more expensive than the 4690k.

Thanks for raising some good points though, I feel more confident placing an order now!

 

[Termie]

Ok, sounds good. At least hold off on the memory, as prices are fairly high now and you already have memory from your current build. See if you still want it once the GTX800 comes out. You'll get far more performance gain investing that in the GPU.

 

[mfenn]

My main complaint with your parts is that you're blowing a ton of money for very small marginal benefit. You should be aware that you're knee deep in the enthusiast echo chamber and way outside of any sort of price/performance curve. If you're aware of that and still want to chase that last 1%, then so be it.