Need help finishing this build (1200 range budget)

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/34u2E

It seems everyone prefers i5 4670k for gaming, so that was my choice for the CPU.
What is the best motherboard to go with this processor? Asus? Asrock? Why?
with that said, what would be the best choice for memory?

For the power supply, i want to go for 750W. Should i go with Corsair or XFX?
Modular or non-modular?

PC part picker says the height cannot be verified with the hyper 212 EVO? Is this a problem?
Do the cooler master fans i have chosen fit inside the A31 case? Where would be the best placement of those fans for good airflow?

I think i covered all my questions. Thanks for all your help.

I would like to keep the budget around $1200-1300USD

Jacob McIntosh · Mar 5, 2014

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.96 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.89 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Chaser A31 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.08 @ Mwave)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($7.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($7.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($20.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1226.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-05 07:17 EST-0500)

I went with the ASRock board because unless you are planning on doing some major OCing, a big fancy expensive board isn't needed.

8gb of RAM is all you need, and G.Skill is one of the best manufacturers out there for RAM.

750watt modular PSU from XFX: Amazing build quality, modular = better cable management, 750 watts = headroom for OCing and SLI.

I wouldn't recommend the case, just because it doesn't seem to have great airflow. Look at NZXT's lineup and see if you like any of theirs. Check out Corsair as well. And Cooler Master.

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

I don't really see the need for 2133 speed memory. I've had a previous build with 1866 and could not see or feel the difference between that and 1600.
I plan on doing a small overclock, i originally wanted to go with the Z87 extreme4, but i was not sure if there were any better ASUS motherboards out there.

If that case doesn't have efficient airflow, i'm not sure what other cases to go with. I really like the look of the A31, and the HAF 912 doesn't look too bad either if it had a window.

Pr3di · Mar 5, 2014

The 212 Evo is 160mm height, and I recommend to set the fans to blow towards the back of the case, where you should have an exaust. This will get the hot air directly out of the case.

As for cases, I would recommend the Antec 1100, since it has a window and really good airflow for only 2 equipped fans (better flow than cases with 5 fans): http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-case-1100illusion

As for PSU, you can also consider Seasonic or Silverstone. And fully modular does wonders with cable managing, not to mention it will also improve the airflow (the less cables to stop the airflow, the better).

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

So the Hyper 212 EVO WILL fit inside the Chaser A31?
I'm not really looking to pay that much for a case.

it doesn't seem to have great airflow.

Can anyone that has had this case give some info on the airflow.
I plan on installing 2 additonal case fans.

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

What about the Zalman Z11 Plus?
How does the airflow of that case compare to the Chaser A31?

Pr3di · Mar 5, 2014

I remember that I was also considering Zalman Z11 for my build, before I decided for a SFF (small form factor).
I would go for it if you can.

Also, here`s confirmation that the 212 Evo will fit in your initial case, and it will surely fit in the Z11: http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/?compatible_with=thermaltake-case-vp300a1w2n

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

Cool. I've never liked micro builds, maybe if I ever decided to build a steam box I would go that direction.

Not sure out of the Z11 and A31 which has better airflow . But I'm set on one of those cases.

Edit: on mobile. Autocorrect Is terrible

Pr3di · Mar 5, 2014

Out of the 2 I would gofor the Z11, but that`s just me.
Also, there`s a lot pf people really liking the HAF 912.

In the end, it`s only up to you. Do you care more for looks than functionality? This is the main question.

For example, my case is really ugly, but due to the size and all the gear it fits in there, and the cooling that it allows, I friggin love it.

So as I said, it`s all up to what matters most for you. You cand argue about the CPU or GPU or whatnot, but the case is the only one with the most visual impact, so you cannot say that one is better than the other.

JoshuaPinto · Mar 5, 2014

Jacob McIntosh :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.96 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.89 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Chaser A31 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.08 @ Mwave)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($7.98 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Cooler Master R4-L2R-20AC-GP 69.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($7.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($20.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1226.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-05 07:17 EST-0500)

I went with the ASRock board because unless you are planning on doing some major OCing, a big fancy expensive board isn't needed.

8gb of RAM is all you need, and G.Skill is one of the best manufacturers out there for RAM.

750watt modular PSU from XFX: Amazing build quality, modular = better cable management, 750 watts = headroom for OCing and SLI.

I wouldn't recommend the case, just because it doesn't seem to have great airflow. Look at NZXT's lineup and see if you like any of theirs. Check out Corsair as well. And Cooler Master.

I totally agree with you. Nice job!

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

Still need help picking a motherboard. Should i go with Asus or Asrock using the i5 4670k? I only want to do a small overclock, maybe up to 3.9

Jacob McIntosh · Mar 5, 2014

For a OC of 3.9, it doesn't really matter. As long as you get a board that you like, and it's a Z87 chipset, you will be fine. I wouldn't spend more than $125-$145 on it.

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

That's another question, what can the hyper 212 EVO handle on a i5 4670k overclock?

I don't know anything about motherboards so i'm asking for opinions and what would work best for my build.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/34u2E

I have been recommended these boards a few times. To me they look exactly identical.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131981
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157369

Are those boards okay? Should i prefer one of them for my build?

Jacob McIntosh · Mar 5, 2014

Both are great, go with the ASRock one for it's color scheme.

Tulser · Mar 5, 2014

Jacob McIntosh :

I think i'll do that. Should i go with G.Skill ripjaws? or Sniper?
I looked at the motherboard and i believe ripjaws isn't compatible with that board?

Jacob McIntosh · Mar 7, 2014

Yes, it is compatible. The Ripjaws and Sniper series are both great, so pick whatever one you want.

JoshuaPinto · Mar 10, 2014

Jacob McIntosh :

Once again, this guy is right. I use the Ripjaws 1600Mhz RAM and i love it!

Need help finishing this build (1200 range budget)

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