Some questions regarding case, motherboard and power supply for xfire

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So I'm just finalizing my build: Here
And I have a few questions:

1. For the fractal r4 case, is there enough air flow to support my current gpu and future xfire setup? I heard of different ppl that the r4 has great airflow capacity but I'm quite skeptical as there's only small gaps for air intake.
2. Is the asus z87 plus a better budget mobo for moderate oc (I don't know if I need to turn up the oc for xfire) and support for future xfire or should I stick with asus hero.
3. Is the antec 850w enough to support 2x r9 290? I chose the antec 850 because its only 100$ (and its red :p).

My budget is around 1200$ (just want to buy the best value product) but willing to spend a bit more for "future proof" parts.
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
Stick with the HERO , it's feature rich and has all the options you will need.I own it you won't be disappointed.

I added some matching Gskill Sniper ram for the board.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($259.79 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($210.84 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($85.67 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($449.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000G2 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($189.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $1335.06
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-03 22:10 EDT-0400)

Optional RED Sleeved cables for the PSU:
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=100-CR-1300-B9


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This is from the Fractal Design website:

Cooling system

Front: 1 - 120/140mm fan (included is a hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed; 1 - 120/140mm fan (not included)
Rear: 1 - 120/140mm fan (included is a hydraulic bearing 140mm Silent Series R2 fan, 1000 RPM speed)
Top: 2 - 120/140mm fans (not included) - positions also support some models of 240 radiators, depending on configuration
Bottom: 1 - 120/140mm fan (not included)
Side: 1 - 120/140mm fan (not included)
Fan controller: 1 - Integrated fan controller for up to 3 fans (included)

As you can see there are seven fan mounting positions, this case has enough room to ensure optimal air flow inside the case.

If you've budget issue you can safely stick with Asus Z87 Plus as it will give you good overclocking potential. Hero is ROG series board more tune towards good gaming experience and is packed with extra features. If budget is not issue stick with Hero.

With two cards on CF total wattages drawn would be like 700ish. So you are covered here as well. Antec 850W would be plenty even with overclocking.

Regards,
 
Check this build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 730T Black ATX Full Tower Case ($153.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($177.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1271.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-03 22:26 EDT-0400)
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($259.79 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VI Hero ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($210.84 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.79 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($469.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($131.25 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $1280.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-03 22:37 EDT-0400)
 
Solution

Hulu

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Apr 16, 2014
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Alright, I'll stick with the hero motherboard. but is the 1000w really needed?



uhh, so...blackbird linked a 1000w but you said that 850w is enough... :??:

And what about the cooling inside silent cases? The main reason I chose the silent cases such as r4, nanoxia, or h440 is the sound reduction. but if it compromises airflow, making the already hot gpu overheat when overclocked, then i would rather go with a airflow optimized case. I know there is water cooling (i might have to upgrade to that if im going to xfire in the future) but for now, I would prefer to stick with air as its easier. so it would be much appreciated if someone with experience with these silent cases could give some advice.
 
NZXT H440 is a good choice for your requirement. It provides high air flow while maintaining the appropriate noise levels though 37 dBA is on higher side but for gaming case it is acceptable.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nzxt-h440-case-review,3734-3.html

I've used Cooler Master Storm Scout II which is mid tower case. I used 5 Corsair SP 120 fans in it and still whenever I entered in my PC room, I really could not tell if my PC was on or not (Yeah that much silence)

850/860W is good enough for your build. Just make sure that you get good PSU 850/860 W with 80+ Gold (minimum).