First time builder. Is this overkill?

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bluemosquito

bluemosquito

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Oct 17, 2013
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Looking at building my first PC rather than go with next gen consoles. Using it as a media center, but I also want serious graphics performance without having to upgrade for a while.

Don't want a jet engine in my living room. Can you guys help me balance power, noise, and budget? I know this is sort of high-end, but I don't want to have to upgrade constantly. And I do want a great graphics experience.

Using 1080p TV. Tried to pick a case that isn't too ugly for my wife's living room, and not so small for hot gaming parts and my inexperience at building.

Is this overkill? Suggestions? Thanks!

Parts: [Edit: Sorry, accidentally deleted this list]

EDIT: New parts list, still being toyed with:
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/bluemosquito/saved/2BxZ
 
Solution
geofelt
Your build is reasonable.
I have some suggestions:
1. I like the case, but it does not look to me like a very quiet case. For a media center use, you want the pc to be unobtrusive under load.
Do some research at www.silentpcreview.com . In particular, this article: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article75-page1.html
2. The stock intel cooler fan will spin up and become noisy under load. Include at least a $30 tower type cooler like the cm hyper212.
3. There is little difference in performance between 3570K and 4670K when overclocked. But, at stock, or with a modest oc, the 4670K will run faster and cooler.
3. Look at a M-ATX motherboard, and the $100 Silverstone TJ-08E case. It will cost you less.
4. There is little value...
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Swordkd

Swordkd

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Oct 3, 2012
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Well, questions. Will you be playing games on this system? Will you be overclocking? Is this one in your general budget because you can save some money in spots, and even get better performance. Really, except for a couple of money saving improvements, the build is solid for a gaming Pc.
 
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senkasaw

senkasaw

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Aug 2, 2010
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Doesn't look like overkill at all. A very sensible build...depending on what is most important, you may be able to squeeze a few more dollars out of it, or squeeze a bit more power into it. But as is, it is solid and balanced. :)
 
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bluemosquito

bluemosquito

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Oct 17, 2013
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Sorry if that wasn't clear. By graphics I meant gaming, yes. I am a gamer first and foremost. FPS, RPG, Action.

Thanks for all the input so far, this has been very encouraging! Checking out your suggestions...

Additional comments:
Interested in OC'ing but if I can perform well without it, and save a decent amount of cash, please make suggestions? I don't want to spend more than I have to.
 
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T

TNoDz_

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May 15, 2013
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($68.00 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.96 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($397.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($139.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1347.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-17 17:16 EDT-0400)

This is my suggestion. Every part is current gen and I managed to fit in a little more for a couple of bucks cheaper than what you're looking at. Asus ROG mobos are top notch and designed for gaming. The PSU is also top of the line and 750W allows you some expandability if you want to add a second GPU down the road. The GPU itself is a beast.

When it comes to the case, the 750D is new on the market and its an absolute work of art. Its the same price as your current prospect but I can guarantee you that the sleekness of this case will win over your wife no problem!

I would also suggest, if you have an extra 60$ to spare, to invest into a liquid cooling for the CPU. the Corsair h100i is running for about 90$ atm.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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Your build is reasonable.
I have some suggestions:
1. I like the case, but it does not look to me like a very quiet case. For a media center use, you want the pc to be unobtrusive under load.
Do some research at www.silentpcreview.com . In particular, this article: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article75-page1.html
2. The stock intel cooler fan will spin up and become noisy under load. Include at least a $30 tower type cooler like the cm hyper212.
3. There is little difference in performance between 3570K and 4670K when overclocked. But, at stock, or with a modest oc, the 4670K will run faster and cooler.
3. Look at a M-ATX motherboard, and the $100 Silverstone TJ-08E case. It will cost you less.
4. There is little value in the pro version vs. the EVO for most of us in performance. In desktop usage, the pro might last 15 years vs. 10, but both will be long obsolete by then.
5. I have my doubts about the noise and cooling of aftermarket gpu coolers vs. stock blower types. See if you can't find some reviews that compare the 7970 with a GTX770.
 
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T

TNoDz_

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May 15, 2013
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As rated on Anandtech, the 750D fits in with great reviews on the level of noise it absorbs.

Its is true though that the noctua cooler is very silent even underload but possibly a watercooled cpu might be the best way to go about it.

The MSI GTX 770 lightning has the lowest decibels output and is just 2$ more than the card I suggested.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Noise comes mainly from smaller fans running at higher rpm.
Most liquid coolers will have 120mm fans and run at high speeds.
Noctua nh-d14 pr phanteks use 140mm fans running at slower speeds.
The Silverstone th08-E I referenced uses a single 180mm fan that needs to run at a very low rpm.
Using a sufficiently strong psu, perhaps gold rated will keep the psu fan from running fast, if at all.

A case with baffled intakes or perhaps sound deadening covers can help.
 
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bluemosquito

bluemosquito

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Thanks guys. This is all great. Noctua seems like the best solution for noise. I am thinking 4670k with Asus Z87-A mobo. Is that mobo sufficient?

Looking at fractal r4 case. Lots of padding and good stock fans. If it's quieter than my Xbox 360 at least that will be an improvement. Not a fan of the height but the plain front looks nice to me.
 
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TNoDz_

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All those look great. Like I said, if you're gaming, get the Asus Maximus VI Hero mobo. It is for a z87 chipset and gaming focused with a bunch of features that will only make your gaming experience better.

If gaming is not the central focus and you want an all-round great board the Asus z87-Pro is a great option for about 10-20$ less.
 
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TNoDz_

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In no way did I state that it improves game performance. I stated it gives a great gaming experience due to some features that will allocate more of the mobos resources to running games optimally.

Just as an example, it includes an integrated sound card that is quite on par with any dedicated card you can buy. A feature that is great for gaming and allows an even better immersive experience.

And I would go as far as stating that mobos do have an impact on gaming performance. A board that restricts OC can definitely restrict gaming perfomance.
 
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tiny voices

tiny voices

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Sep 6, 2012
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Motherboards do not impact the way a game performs at all.

Yes a nice onboard sound card is great, but pretty much every motherboard out right now comes with 5.1 or 7.1 surround build in. There is no need for a sound card in a modern gaming computer.

Restricting oveclocking does not impact gaming performance. The CPU will be the impact. Overclocking modern CPUs like an i5 and i7 isn't for more gaming performance. Its a hobby. At stock clocks a 4670k or 4770k can EASILY keep up with and single or set of 2 GPUs out right now. Overclocking is by no means a necessity. Like I said, it is a hobby.
 
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