Thoughts and suggestions on a build

Euryalus

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Oct 23, 2013
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Hello everybody, this is my first post here so please bear with me :p

After much thought and back-and-forthing, I've decided to build my own machine instead of purchase from a boutique builder, and I would appreciate any feedback on my components -- regarding compatibility (from what I've researched, all components should get along swimmingly), space, or cooling, all is welcome :)

Now, on to the build:
-Case: CM Storm Scout II Advanced (Gunmetal)
-CPU: Intel i5 4670K
-GPU: EVGA GTX 770 4gb superclocked
-Mobo: MSI Z87-G45
-RAM: G-skill Ripjaws x-series 16gb (2x8gb sticks, 1600 DDR3)
-Drive 1: Samsung MZ-7PD128BW 128gb SSD
-Drive 2;Western Digital WD10EZEX 1Tb 7200 rpm HDD
-PSU: Rosewill Capstone-750-M
-Asus 24x CD/DVD R/W

Now, my main actual question for you guys is regarding CPU cooling. I do plan on overclocking my CPU later on (probably to around 4ghz) so I don't need a crazy cooling solution, but the stock fan isn't going to cut it. I'm considering a CM Seidon 120M, but from what I've read I can get similar performance from a heatsink, but I find huge heatsinks somewhat ugly, and want to be able to admire my Mobo from my case ;3; what do you guys recommend regarding cooling, and where should I place the radiator if I go for the closed circuit?

Thanks so much in advance, cheers.

***Edit: I should specify that this will be used for gaming, if that wasn't already clear, hehe
 
Solution
First, if you're going to be primarily gaming with this PC, you won't need to overclock anything. You've chosen solid high-end components.

As far as the cooler's concerned, it depends on how much you want to spend. If you don't want the heat sink blocking the view of things, go with the Seidon or something similar. It takes the bulk of the cooling solution and moves it to a fan location on the case. A definite benefit is this type of cooler keeps everything around the motherboard easily accessible (ie RAM) and isn't an obstacle when you're working on any components inside your case. Don't expect miracles from it, but a 4GHz OC is easy with it. I've been using a self-contained liquid cooler in an H50 and an H80 for a few years they don't work miracles, but they are far better than stock and I've never had any issues with them.
 

TNoDz_

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May 15, 2013
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Like the response above, the coolermaster heatsink is great, cheap, and performs great. For a watercooling solution, the Corsair H100i is very well rated.

For best cooling and low noise volume a noctua nh-d14 is pretty much the best. It outperforms most watercooled solutions and is cheaper than watercooling.

All in all, your build is rock solid. Maybe a bit overkill with a 4gb gtx 770 thats superclocked. You wont get much difference in performance when compared to the 2gb superclocked version of the same card. If you plan on going to 5760×1080 resolution than maybe you can justify the purchase, but for 40$ less I would say you should stick with the GTX 770 2gb superclocked by evga. Remember more VRAM on a GPU doesn't mean more performance.
 
Solution

Euryalus

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Oct 23, 2013
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10,520
Awesome, thanks for the answers guys! And the overclocking is more a curiosity than anything, haha. I'll probably stick with the Seidon due to the space it provides and the fact that it looks pretty neat. Torrent, I do appreciate the feedback however! Most of the heatsinks I've seen people recommending are massive, and that evo isn't too bad at all.

Would you recommend placing the radiator on the top fan slots, or removing the rear fan and installing it there? Or, because I'm not running triple SLI and a 5ghz processor, does it not matter as much?

And true, regarding the card. I was thinking 4gb would be a good idea for when ultra HD monitors become a bit cheaper, but I suppose by that point I'll need a new card anyways
 
Your build looks good.
I second the cm hyper212, or similar.
It will do fine for a modest oc in the 4.0 range.
I would not use an all in one liquid cooler, particularly for a first build.
They are expensive, noisy,less reliable, and cool no better than a good air cooler.
The give you a dilemma on mounting. If you mount the radiator to draw in outside air, the cpu cooling will be better, but the interior of the case gets the hot air making motherboard and graphics cooling harder.
I would mount it to expel the hot air to the outside, giving up some of the cpu cooling capability.

If you really want a distinctive cooler to look at, how about the Zalman cnps9700 :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019
I do not particularly recommend it because of the proprietary fan.
I would suggest Noctua NH-U14S
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608041
 

TNoDz_

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May 15, 2013
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Yes indeed that would be the case. It is to be noted that these cards are just beginning to be able to run 4k resolution and you still need 2 cards running in SLI/Crossfire to get good performance.

Wait a little so that prices can come down. Also games are not yet optimized for 4k display and next gen consoles are only starting to come out. Overall the industry is not yet caught up with 4k resolution and there still a lot more work to be done in that regard. Save your money for now and in 3-5 years you'll be able to purchase hardware that will run such high resolution for half the price.
 


I'd use either of the top 120mm mounts exhausting the air through the top. See which works best once you have your other components installed.