Been almost 10 years since I built a machine

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MattN

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Dec 26, 2013
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10,510
So i've decided to replace my ancient machine that's served me well for about 7 years. I'm looking to build something that will continue to play anything that comes out for the next few years. I've already got a 900w power supply that's only 4 years old and still running fine, so i'm just gonna use that. My optical drive is gonna come across as well, as I barely use the thing. I went with a 3570k I-5 with a z77 chipset so that, if I wanted to, I could overclock it. (can you overclock something that you're already using? or is that something that has to be decided upfront?) I went with a GTX 660. (however the MB I picked out doesn't have SLI support, so If anybody has any recommendations for something around the same price and quality, but with SLI support so I have the option to Upgrade to dual cards at a future date).

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2q7FR

My Questions are as follows:

Does anybody see any problems with my Build?
Does anybody have any suggestions to Improve the build without going over my $1000 limit?
Has anything changed in the last few years regarding building?
Can I overclock something that's been in use or is that something that has to be done upfront?
Any good quality z77 MB with SLI support for cheap?
Any other Suggestions?

Thx.
 
Solution
R
Okay now your psu is going to be a problem. Rocketfish psus are very low quality. Combine that with 4 years of use, I would not recommend using it, especially if you plan to SLI in the future.

If you're willing to go a bit above your budget, here is the build with a psu that allows for SLI:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600...
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Shwerfy

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Dec 15, 2013
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Get 8gb of ram instead of 16 gb, you'll almost never use 16gb unless you're into editing and stuff like that. That will save you about $90. I'd also suggest getting windows from reddit, eBay, or somewhere like that, you can get it for like $20

You don't have to overclock upfront, you can do it later if you'd like.

Not sure about the mobo.
 
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realchaos

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Jan 30, 2013
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What is the make and model of your psu?
What is the resolution of your monitor?

Assuming you have a good quality psu, you can go for something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.95 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $936.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-26 18:34 EST-0500)

-Uses the newer gen Intel processor.
-Hyper 212 EVO is the newer version of the Plus.
-No need for extra thermal paste. The 212 EVO comes with some.
-Motherboard supports SLI and good overclocking.
-You only need 8gb of ram for games.
-Dropped the SSD to make room for a better gpu.
-Much stronger gpu.
-Better quality case.

Of course, we can't finalize anything yet until we know the brand and model of your psu.
 
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MattN

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Dec 26, 2013
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10,510


Thx for the tips. I'm looking into the 16gb, not for next gen games that are out / will be coming out, but for when i'm playing FTB modded Minecraft; so that I can run a server and play on it at the same time.



Rocketfish RF-900WPS - It's a replacement from a Powersupply I had that burned out... so I got one from Bestbuy, which meant I really didn't have any choices. But it's been wonderful.

I've got a pretty old samsung 2494hm monitor which runs 1080p.
 
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realchaos

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Okay now your psu is going to be a problem. Rocketfish psus are very low quality. Combine that with 4 years of use, I would not recommend using it, especially if you plan to SLI in the future.

If you're willing to go a bit above your budget, here is the build with a psu that allows for SLI:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.95 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1016.83
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-26 18:40 EST-0500)
 
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MattN

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Dec 26, 2013
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Thx for the tips.

Question tho... Is there a real big difference between the series 3 and series 4, I-5?
And I was pretty dead set on getting a SSD, as I can always replace a graphics card / add another at a later date.
 
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realchaos

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Yes there is a difference. The i5-4000 series are the 4th gen processors, Haswell. The i5-3000 series are the 3rd gen processors, Ivy Bridge. Ivy Bridge uses an out-dated socket, socket LGA 1155 while Haswell uses the newer socket, socket LGA 1150. While the performance increase going from Ivy Bridge to Haswell is very minimal, the newer socket makes it worth the extra money. Socket LGA 1155 is dead now while socket LGA 1150 still lives. Intel's next gen processor, Broadwell, will use the same socket as Haswell, socket LGA 1150. Also, with Haswell released, Intel will begin to discontinue Ivy Bridge processors so you won't have any upgrade options in the future.

I know an SSD is really nice to have, but remember that it's a luxury. If you're serious about wanting to play games for the next couple of years, you definitely want a stronger gpu. The GTX 760 is able to play games much better than the GTX 660. You can always add a SSD in the future anyways.
 
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MC_K7

MC_K7

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I don't see any problem. Just a few things you could improve. There are some parts that aren't easy to upgrade later on and you might regret not spending an extra 50$ or 100$ in a few years. But it's up to you to decide, here are some suggestions:

- SSD: The one you picked (Samsung 840) is one of the slowest out there. Sure it's reliable because it's Samsung, but it only has 130MB/s of write speed which is the same as a mechanical drive. Get the Samsung 840 EVO instead, it's newer, cheaper and a lot faster:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147247

- GPU: This is where I'd invest a little more. The GTX-660 memory bus width is only 192-bit and this could hurt you in certain games. For only 50$ more, the GTX-760 is a far better investment IMHO (better bang for the bucks). The 760 offers same performance as last year 670 which used to cost over 400$ not so long ago.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130933
or even better:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121775

- Case: Personally I don't like the one you picked, but it's a personal choice. I don't really have suggestions for the case, but maybe you could read this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/antec-gx700-cooler-master-storm-scout-2-advanced-in-win-gt1,3512.html



Not much has changed, I think it's even easier nowadays. But you can take a look at this if you ever have an hesitation during the process. It's a good step-by-step guide by Tom: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/274745-31-step-step-guide-building



No need to do it upfront, you can do it at a later time. The only thing you need is a better cooler and you already picked the Hyper 212 which is an excellent choice for the price. I think you can OC up to 4.5Ghz with that heatsink.

Merry Christmas and congrats for your build sir!

 
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tyranthoth

tyranthoth

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Dec 10, 2011
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http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2qzKx how about this
CPU Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core $219.99
CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing $29.98
Motherboard ASRock Z87M Extreme4 Micro ATX LGA1150 $119.99
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 $149.99
Storage Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM $59.98
Video Card Asus GeForce GTX 660 2GB $160.00
Case Raidmax ATX-248NWU (Black/Blue) ATX Mid Tower $57.98
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) $88.98
Total: $886.89
 
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