First time build: Numerical Analysis/Gaming Rig

staabmia · Aug 27, 2013

Hello all,

I will be attempting to build my first PC. My main uses will be infrequent gaming, watching movies and work. My work is very computationally heavy (i.e. analyzing very large data sets, and running simulations), thus cuda support on the GPU is a must.

I haven't decided on OCing (haven't done my research). And I already have mouse/keyboard and 1080p screen (but thinking about getting a yamakasi in the future).

I set a $1300 budget, but went a bit over:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1wCGu

I don't mind paying the extra money IF it's actually worth it. Here are my concerns:
1. Would this setup allow for OCing should I actually do so in the future?

2. Please help with Power supply, I have no idea if 850W is too much/not enough.

3. Is water cooling necessary? I assume it is for OCing but not sure about just regular usage.

4. Stupid question: Does the case I chose come with fans or are those separate?

5. And as this is my first build, is pcpartpicker's compatibility tool accurate or will I have issues?

6. And of course, should any parts be upgraded or downgraded to fulfill my needs/save money?

Thanks for any/all your help!

thesuperguy · Aug 27, 2013

For a single gpu system, you really only need 600 watts (excluding the ridiculous).

Watercooling comes in 2 flavors. Closed loop which typically only cools the CPU and full on legit watercooling which will cost several hundred dollars to set up and you will need some experience. Closed loop coolers are an option if you really want to OC to the max, but a good quality air cooler will actually sometimes do better than closed loop until you get into the high end closed loop coolers. If you don't plan on OC too much, decent air cooler will be sufficient.

Your case comes with 2 fronts fans and 1 back fan all 120mm.

If you plan on overclocking, you will need to get a k series CPU, namely the 4770k which will set you back a couple more dollars. Other than that, everything looks fine.

I see many of your parts come from newegg. I would suggest taking the time to browse newegg's combo deals and you could save 50-100 dollars or even more.

staabmia · Aug 27, 2013

thesuperguy :

Thanks for the input. I upgraded CPU to k series and downgraded PSU to 650W, actually ended up saving some money.

If I do OC, it won't be max and will probably only be CPU, if I even decide to do it.

You say air cooler may be better than closed loop cooler for CPU, should I change that? If so, do you have any suggestions as to which one might be better? I upgraded my build, here:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1wJgh

realchaos · Aug 27, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($184.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($110.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($61.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1195.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-27 01:45 EDT-0400)

-The H60 is crap. The cheaper Hyper 212 EVO cools just as well as it. The Hyper 212 EVO allows for mild oc (4.3-4.5), anything past that I would recommend this Phanteks cooler: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebl
Don't worry, it comes in different colors.
-Cheaper RAM. Also lower profile.
-Don't get the GTX 670. I wouldn't get any of the 600 series card. The GTX 760 performs closely to the 670 at a cheaper price.
-Much better quality case.
-More reasonably priced psu.

1. Yes, it would allow OCing. You may want the Phanteks cpu cooler if you want to OC to the max.
3. Water cooling is not necessary and is over-rated and over-priced. The $100 AoI cpu coolers perform closely to $70-80 cpu heatsinks.
4. The Corsair 400R comes with enough fans.
5. No compatibility issue.

JackNaylorPE · Aug 27, 2013

See this thread

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1781334/build-gaming.html

-Forget the H series coolers....many. many times louder than better air coolers and don't do as well a job

-Given your intended usage, I'd recommend a workstation class board such as the Asus Z87 Sabertooth or MSI Z87 GD-65

-The tall, toothy heat sinks are there just for looks and will likely hiyt any 3rd party cooler ya use
RAM - $140 - (2 x 8GB) Muskin CAS 9 DDR3-1866 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226382

-Ya GFX choice is a generation behind..... Id do a MSI N770

Ya spending $267 for case / PSU.....This is a much btter case and a slightly better PSU...has lower ripple and betetr voltage regulation than AX series....and it's $20 cheaper.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1390833

I kept the 850 as going smaller removes the possibility of adding a 2nd GFX card down the line which can give ya system a good 18-24 months of extra life.

staabmia · Aug 27, 2013

realchaos :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($339.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($184.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($110.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($254.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($61.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1195.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-27 01:45 EDT-0400)

-The H60 is crap. The cheaper Hyper 212 EVO cools just as well as it. The Hyper 212 EVO allows for mild oc (4.3-4.5), anything past that I would recommend this Phanteks cooler: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14pebl
Don't worry, it comes in different colors.
-Cheaper RAM. Also lower profile.
-Don't get the GTX 670. I wouldn't get any of the 600 series card. The GTX 760 performs closely to the 670 at a cheaper price.
-Much better quality case.
-More reasonably priced psu.

1. Yes, it would allow OCing. You may want the Phanteks cpu cooler if you want to OC to the max.
3. Water cooling is not necessary and is over-rated and over-priced. The $100 AoI cpu coolers perform closely to $70-80 cpu heatsinks.
4. The Corsair 400R comes with enough fans.
5. No compatibility issue.

Wow, thanks for the input! You put me under budget! Haha.

Now, with $100 to spend, what would be the best upgrade to your specs? Upgrade to 32GB ram? Would upgrading to GTX 770 be worth it? Or just leave things as is?

realchaos · Aug 27, 2013

I wouldn't really upgrade the gpu since you're only doing infrequent gaming. The GTX 760 should do a nice job on all games, but don't expect to max out games like Crysis 3 and what not.
I would wait on the ram as well. Buy 2x8gb for now, and if you need more ram, you can always add it whenever.
You can upgrade the gpu to a 750w one so you can SLI the GTX 760 when your rig starts to get old.
Another upgrade could be a better cpu cooler for better overclocking.
That's all I can think about for upgrades.

Search

First time build: Numerical Analysis/Gaming Rig

staabmia

Honorable

realchaos

thesuperguy

Honorable

staabmia

Honorable

realchaos

Distinguished

JackNaylorPE

Titan

staabmia

Honorable

realchaos

Distinguished

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page