Few last minute questions before assembly.

id1otbox

Honorable
Jan 14, 2014
9
0
10,510
Here's my build:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (Purchased For $220.00)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (Purchased For $40.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (Purchased For $140.00)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory (Purchased For $144.00)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk (Purchased For $70.00)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $55.00)
Case: BitFenix Shinobi Window ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $40.00)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex 60.4 CFM 120mm Fan (Purchased For $10.00)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex 60.4 CFM 120mm Fan (Purchased For $10.00)
Case Fan: Xigmatek CLF-F1255 68.3 CFM 120mm Fan (Purchased For $5.00)
Case Fan: Xigmatek CLF-F1251 68.3 CFM 120mm Fan (Purchased For $5.00)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $100.00)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer (Purchased For $50.00)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) (Purchased For $80.00)
Monitor: BenQ GW2450 24.0" Monitor (Purchased For $109.00)
Total: $1078.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-14 10:38 EST-0500)

Questions:

I will be purchasing a dedicated video card for the purpose of gaming in about a month once I have recovered some funds. How far can I get with the integrated Intel graphics?

When installing my two HDDs how do I assign master with SATA connections and how do I ensure my OS get installed onto the SSD?

Will this PSU be adequate for possible future SLI of graphics cards? Would it be worth it now to invest in a better PSU?

What type of screw should be used when mounting my MOBO?

Should I invest in aftermarket thermal paste or will the paste provided with the hyper evo be adequate?

Thank you for reading.

Any and all input, suggestions and comments on my build will be greatly appreciated.
 
Solution
1) You won't get too far with integrated Intel graphics for most gaming. It can handle some light gaming and basic uses though, I'd look at upgrading to a dedicated card asap.

2) Doesn't matter how you hook them up, just make sure they're hooked up. When installing your OS, you'll be able to choose where you want to install it to, all you do is select the SSD.

3) I would invest in a slightly higher wattage Power Supply. Throw in the few extra dollars and go with a Gold rated 850w, you won't regret it when you want/need the extra power.

4) The screws will come with the case, so you'll know which to use.

5) The included paste will do fine, but spending a few extra bucks for a higher quality paste couldn't hurt.

Let me know if you...

GMPoisoN

Honorable
Mar 13, 2013
505
0
11,010
1) You won't get too far with integrated Intel graphics for most gaming. It can handle some light gaming and basic uses though, I'd look at upgrading to a dedicated card asap.

2) Doesn't matter how you hook them up, just make sure they're hooked up. When installing your OS, you'll be able to choose where you want to install it to, all you do is select the SSD.

3) I would invest in a slightly higher wattage Power Supply. Throw in the few extra dollars and go with a Gold rated 850w, you won't regret it when you want/need the extra power.

4) The screws will come with the case, so you'll know which to use.

5) The included paste will do fine, but spending a few extra bucks for a higher quality paste couldn't hurt.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
 
Solution

bfitzpatrick

Honorable
Feb 9, 2014
262
0
10,860
Integrated graphics on Haswell have been stepped up, so they are pretty good. Not sure what you mean by assigning "master" with SATA connections, but when installing your OS, select custom installation and say which drive to install too. Yes, the PSU is adequate for SLI in the future. I have know idea which screws; they should be the ones that fit into the motherboard standoffs. Thermal paste with the Hyper 212 Evo is pretty good, but if you are going to be pushing your CPU far, I would recommend something like Arctic Silver 5.
 
You can do everything with Intel graphics with regard to productivity and some light gaming such as MMORPGs set to low.

You don't need to assign MASTER/SLAVE on SATA controllers. To ensure everything works right, install only the SSD and install the OS. After the OS is installed on the SSDs, connect the HDD.

The PSU will be adquate for any single GPU and most SLI setups. I would say keep what you purchased. If you end up getting a second GPU, you'll most likely be all set.

Screws and standoffs for mounting the motherboard should come with the Shinobi case. Don't forget to use the 9 appropriate standoffs!

Use the paste that comes with the 212 EVO. Most aftermarket pastes will give you 1-2C additional of cooling at most.