My upcoming build.

vPatman

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Feb 4, 2014
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Hey everyone. I am simply looking for input on my new build choices, positive or critical comments, both needed. If you think I should make any changes PURELY based on compatibility standards, let me know. All I really want to know is if these parts are compatible and if they are the best options for to work together smoothly. If you have a suggestion of a part swap that is a different price that's ok. Just let me know. Thanks!!

Case: Fractal Design Define R4
CPU: Intel i5-4670 3.4GHz LGA 1150 84W
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero LGA 1150 z87 chipset
Ram: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8Gb DDR3 2133
SSD: Samsung 840 Evo 120Gb sATA 3
HD: WD AV-GP 1TB 64Mb Cache sATA 6.0Gb
GFX: (2 options) (1)- Sapphire 100364L Radeon R9 270X 2Gb; or EVGA Geforce GTX 660 FTW Sig 2
Power: Corsair HX series HX650 650W
Along with an assortment of 140 and 120 mm fans.
 
Solution
I'd suggest getting the K version of the cpu, allowing you the option of overclocking. Even if you don't think you will do it now, it is nice to have the option to do it in the future when your cpu begins to get dated. You are buying a motherboard that is designed with overclocking in mind.

If you are 100% certain you will never overclock, then it doesn't really make sense getting a Z87 chipset motherboard. You could switch to an H87 chipset for example, and save yourself some money.

I'd also suggest staying away from the corsair CX lineup. They are great psu's for entry level internet browsing builds, but not for a high end gaming build like you are making especially if you will be overclocking. What country are you in? Perhaps...
I would definitely say to grab a cheaper motherboard, like the Asus Z87-A. You won't lose a whole lot but you'll save enough money to get a stronger gpu. It should save you around ~$60-70. You should be able to at least grab a GTX 760, which is more suitable for gaming. If you can, I would even ditch buying the extra case fans to save money for a GTX 770, which is a very strong gpu that can max out anything at 1080p.

The AV-GP is an out-dated drive. Go for the Seagate Barracuda or the WD Blue.

How much is the ram, because 2133mhz doesn't really make a big difference over 1600mhz. I would say to find the cheaper 1600mhz, 1.5v, CAS9 RAM on the market right now. Currently, I think the cheapest one is ~$75-77. If the G.Skill 2133mhz is near that price, then keep it. Also, make sure that it is a set of 2x4gb, not 1x8gb so you can utilize dual channel memory.

For an alternative to the PSU, look at the XFX 650w 80+ Bronze non-modular. If it's cheaper, go for it as it's just as good quality.
 

vPatman

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Feb 4, 2014
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That sounds great. I actually did a little changing and here is whats new.
Case: Fractal Design Define R4
CPU: Intel i5-4670 3.4GHz LGA 1150 84W
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming LGA 1150
Ram: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8Gb DDR3 2133
SSD: Samsung 840 Evo 120Gb sATA 3
HD: WD AV-GP 1TB 64Mb Cache sATA 6.0Gb
GFX: MSI Gaming N760 TF 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 760 2GB
Power: CORSAIR CXM series CX500M 500W
Along with an assortment of 140 and 120 mm fans.
 
As far as I'm aware, the Corsair CX600M is the same price as the 500M, so it's a free 100w which is definitely a good upgrade.
I still stand by the HDD point. Unless you already have it, you're better off buying the newer model as it's the same price.
 

vPatman

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Feb 4, 2014
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yes I will look into the HD, I just haven't yet. But very good advice. I'm getting mixed answers on my psu. Some people are saying I should go in the 600W range, some saying I only need 450W. So I figured hey I'm safe in the middle.
 
I'd suggest getting the K version of the cpu, allowing you the option of overclocking. Even if you don't think you will do it now, it is nice to have the option to do it in the future when your cpu begins to get dated. You are buying a motherboard that is designed with overclocking in mind.

If you are 100% certain you will never overclock, then it doesn't really make sense getting a Z87 chipset motherboard. You could switch to an H87 chipset for example, and save yourself some money.

I'd also suggest staying away from the corsair CX lineup. They are great psu's for entry level internet browsing builds, but not for a high end gaming build like you are making especially if you will be overclocking. What country are you in? Perhaps I, or someone, can find you a good deal on a high end PSU. If you are in the U.S. here is a good deal

XFX 550W PRO550W Core Edition $49.99
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9
 
Solution

vPatman

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Feb 4, 2014
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After some research I have learned that most people with a similar setup as mine are running 600W. And I also found one guy who is running the same CPU and motherboard that I plan on using and he is using a 760 GFX card, and he is using a 600W Corsair CXM series and he loves it so i'll stick with that.
 

vPatman

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Feb 4, 2014
7
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10,510
New set up
Case: Fractal Design Define R4
CPU: Intel i5-4670k 3.4GHz LGA 1150 84W
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming LGA 1150
Ram: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8Gb DDR3 2133
SSD: Samsung 840 Evo 120Gb sATA 3
HD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200
GFX: MSI Gaming N760 TF 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 760 2GB
Power: CORSAIR CXM 600W SLI Crossfire Ready
Along with an assortment of 140 and 120 mm fans.
 

vPatman

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Feb 4, 2014
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I was thinking about this power supply ( although I will look into your suggestion) Rosewill CAPSTONE-550W.
Also I am changing my GPU to a MSI Gaming N770 TF 2G. What kind of power should I use for that. MSI says a minimum of 600W. Why do they ask for so much wattage. Cant I just use a 550.