Please help with computer build (i7, haf-x)

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

Hey guys, my first time on here so go easy, I'm looking for a new computer, I don't have a specific budget but I know id like to start with the Haf-X case and an i7 (although not sure which i7), would also be looking for around 16gb ram, or 8 with the ability to expand to 16 later on.

I work as a graphic designer/web designer & Dev, so something with decent performance is a must but I also want to be able to use it for games.

Currently I'm using an i7 3.5ghz iMac with 32gb ram, its fine for work but it there are next to no games on the mac, and parallels causes it to choke.

Any help would be appreciated as I think I'm throwing myself in at the deep end here, my mates keep saying to build a computer myself as I'll get more for my money.

Thanks!

IAMEXTREME · Oct 16, 2013

Here you go with a $1500 build:
http://toptengamer.hubpages.com/hub/Best-Gaming-Computer-Under-1500

A $2000 gaming build:
http://toptengamer.hubpages.com/hub/Best-2-000-Gaming-PC-Desktop

now see what you want.

coastie65 · Oct 16, 2013

Hi. The case is a good one and roomy for sure. It is a Full sized case and rather bulky. With what you are going to do, Hyperthreading would probably serve you well, so that would mean an i7. The latest is the i7 4770k Haswell. A good Motherboard such as ASUS or ASRock. For Gaming, a good Video Card something in the Nvidia GTX 6xx or 7xx Series or AMD Radeon 7xxx Series ( 7700 and above ) and a good Power supply to handle the Load. As for Memory, 16 Gb of Corsair ( Vengegence ), or GSkill ( Ripjaws SeriesX for one ) would do. As for an Optical drive, The LiteOn iHAS124-04 would do nicely, unless you have a need for BluRay. For storage, a good SSD for at least your OS and a 1Tb hdd ( WD or Seagate ) for staorage and back up.

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

IAMEXTREME :

Thanks! I've put together a list on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/1HJWXKK6ED5IF

just out of curiosity would you recommend windows 7 ultimate or windows 8? i've no experience of windows 8 what so ever!

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

coastie65 :

Thanks! I've put together a list on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/1HJWXKK6ED5IF

just out of curiosity would you recommend windows 7 ultimate or windows 8? i've no experience of windows 8 what so ever!

IAMEXTREME · Oct 16, 2013

designedbychris :

IAMEXTREME :

Thanks! I've put together a list on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/1HJWXKK6ED5IF

just out of curiosity would you recommend windows 7 ultimate or windows 8? i've no experience of windows 8 what so ever!

windows 7 ultimate 64-bit!

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

IAMEXTREME :

designedbychris :

windows 7 ultimate 64-bit!

Oh sweet, cheers! I've already got an unused install disc for that! thanks for your help!

IAMEXTREME · Oct 16, 2013

designedbychris :

IAMEXTREME :

Oh sweet, cheers! I've already got an unused install disc for that! thanks for your help!

Good luck!

coastie65 · Oct 16, 2013

designedbychris :

Looks good. You went with the i7 4770, so you won't be Over Clocking ( you need the 4770k for that. If you aren't going to over clock ( and it really isn't necessary anyway ), then the stock cooler that comes with the processor will be fine and you won't need the water cooling. The Powersupply is over kill for that single card. I would do well to use the Money saved on the water cooling to get a better quality Power Supply. With a single Video card. 650W is more than enough. THis one would be better suited to that build: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-Modular-Multi-GPU-Technologies-Supported/dp/B00607JMI8/ref=sr_1_10?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1381938353&sr=1-10&keywords=Seasonic+power+supplies

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

IAMEXTREME :

coastie65 :

I didnt notice that the processor wasn't the 4770k thanks! have just swapped them on the list, what would you recommend for the cooling and power supplies?

IAMEXTREME · Oct 16, 2013

designedbychris :

IAMEXTREME :

coastie65 :

I didnt notice that the processor wasn't the 4770k thanks! have just swapped them on the list, what would you recommend for the cooling and power supplies?

#1 power supplies : XFX
Cooler: Hyper 212 evo

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

IAMEXTREME :

designedbychris :

IAMEXTREME :

coastie65 :

I didnt notice that the processor wasn't the 4770k thanks! have just swapped them on the list, what would you recommend for the cooling and power supplies?

#1 power supplies : XFX
Cooler: Hyper 212 evo

Cheers, that saves me a bit, what Wattage? 650w?

IAMEXTREME · Oct 16, 2013

designedbychris :

IAMEXTREME :

designedbychris :

IAMEXTREME :

coastie65 :

I didnt notice that the processor wasn't the 4770k thanks! have just swapped them on the list, what would you recommend for the cooling and power supplies?

#1 power supplies : XFX
Cooler: Hyper 212 evo

Cheers, that saves me a bit, what Wattage? 650w?

650 watt will be sufficient as long as you want to keep the stock settings of both GPU nad CPU and do not plan to upgrade in near future.. I would recommend a 800-850watt gold certified.

coastie65 · Oct 16, 2013

The Hyper 212 EVO is good. The Corsair GS800w PSU is an excellent choice. May be a bit of overkill, but can handle a second Video Card in sli. I think you are ready.

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

Brilliant, Thanks a lot guys! comes in under 1200gbp definitely cheaper than an iMac!!

coastie65 · Oct 16, 2013

Those things are over priced and not much in the way of an upgrade path that I can see. You will hyave something that wil good to go for quite a while.

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

coastie65 :

Reckon i will be able to get some of those things for less? do you know any good sites to look on? If its gonna go strong for a while then I'm happy!

coastie65 · Oct 16, 2013

designedbychris :

Not sure. There is the PCWorldSuperstore over there, But I can't see where their prices are any better than Amazon.co.uk Also I have been disappointed in their selections when trying to find something for someone over there. There is also Overclockers.uk that seem to be pretty decent. I am running the i7 4770k after upgrading the first week of June and a GTX 680 card that I got in June '12. I figure I am good to go for a while.

designedbychris · Oct 16, 2013

coastie65 :

designedbychris :

Not sure. There is the PCWorldSuperstore over there, But I can't see where their prices are any better than Amazon.co.uk Also I have been disappointed in their selections when trying to find something for someone over there. There is also Overclockers.uk that seem to be pretty decent. I am running the i7 4770k after upgrading the first week of June and a GTX 680 card that I got in June '12. I figure I am good to go for a while.

No problem I will shop around, Thanks for all your help!!

Please help with computer build (i7, haf-x)

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