Building first system, high end gaming desktop - need opinions

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lowquality

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May 16, 2014
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Hi,
I have been researching for quite a while now and Google leads me to tomshardware most of the time, so I figured I'd just eventually ask my own questions here.

I'm planning on building a high end gaming desktop, as the title suggests. I have an extremely flexible budget but do not plan on spending money unnecessarily.
Right now my build is looking like this:

Corsair Carbide Series 500R
MSI Z87-G45
MSI GTX 780 Ti
i5 4670K
H100i Liquid CPU Cooler
G.Skill Ripjaws-X 2x4GB
Corsair RM Series RM550
Samsung 840 Pro Series SSD
WD Black 1TB

I plan on overclocking the processor to at least 4.4GHz.

Now I have several questions about this;
1. Are there any obvious mistakes I made, things that don't work well together?

2. The case comes with (if I understand correctly) 4 fans. 2x120mm as front intake, 1x200mm as side intake, 1x120mm rear top exhaust.
As I stated in the component list, I want to install an H100i and I think the only place for the radiator is at the top.
So should I be using the radiator with the 2 fans as exhaust? And if so, do I use it as pull or push?
I'm really confused about this as I read different things everywhere. Some people say it's better to use it as an intake for cooler air, which in my opinion doesn't make sense, as the heated air inside the case rises up. Also, this would mean I would have only 1 exhaust.

So since I plan on overclocking and have a high end GPU, I want to have a good airflow and cool system. Maybe you guys could give me some good advice on how to get the most out of this case, or you could suggest a different case if you know a good one.

3. As I have a flexible budget, would it be wise to replace the 200mm fan with 2 140mm fans by for example Noctua?

Thanks in advance!
 
Solution
HiTechObsessed
Don't go with the RM550. It's an ok unit, but you can get better quality for cheaper.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $64.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-16 11:48 EDT-0400)

Definitely set the H100i on top as exhaust. Leave the front 120s as intakes, the side 200 as intake, and leave the rear fan as exhaust as well. This will give you a little bit positive air flow. You don't need push/pull on it, as the H100i comes with pressure optimized fans, and adding 2...
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Cryoburn101

Cryoburn101

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Apr 16, 2014
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1. Nothing obvious to me.

2. You want your airflow to intake at the front and low, and exhaust at the top and back. This allows for smooth, natural airflow throughout the case. If your case has decent airflow, then using it as an exhaust at the top would work just fine. When it comes to push/pull, I've heard a lot of different views on this to. It really doesn't make a difference though beyond a few degrees. Try experimenting to see what works best for you. When it comes to the amount of intakes and exhausts, I always try for static pressure, or a minor positive pressure in my case.
3 exhausts - 3 intakes would be static pressure.

3. Noctua makes good fans, but most people agree they aren't the prettiest things to look at. I don't think its necessary personally, but as I said, try experimenting.
 
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HiTechObsessed

HiTechObsessed

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Dec 3, 2013
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Don't go with the RM550. It's an ok unit, but you can get better quality for cheaper.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $64.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-16 11:48 EDT-0400)

Definitely set the H100i on top as exhaust. Leave the front 120s as intakes, the side 200 as intake, and leave the rear fan as exhaust as well. This will give you a little bit positive air flow. You don't need push/pull on it, as the H100i comes with pressure optimized fans, and adding 2 more fans will only yield maybe a degree or 2 of difference. The airflow the case has set up is fine already, a single GPU and H100i cooled CPU won't be terribly warm at all inside.

About the side fan; if budget isn't a concern, I would recommend the Noctuas. Great airflow, and extremely quiet. If you don't mind the color (though the mesh will hide most of it) then they will definitely be better than the stock 200 that comes stock.
 
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L

lowquality

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May 16, 2014
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So the PSU you just recommended is actually of better quality even though it is semi-modular and has 80 bronze rating?
My knowledge actually lacks quite a bit in the area of PSU's so maybe you could elaborate!

As for the tips with 500R, I think you convinced me on the placement, yet I just set my eyes on the CM Storm Trooper which also looks extremely promising. According to benchmarks it has around the same cooling ability and is much more silent.

So I'm torn between the two. Can't make a choice. Any advice?
 
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HiTechObsessed

HiTechObsessed

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Dec 3, 2013
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About the case: picture it on your desk, or wherever it's going, and see what you would like better. I prefer quiet as well, so it sounds to me like your gut wants the Storm Trooper ;)

Onto the PSU: Yes. The RM series generally isn't very good. The 550 is the exception, but too many horror stories on the RM series, whereas the HCG series from Antec is phenomenal.

80+ rating is only really important to corporations buying hundreds or thousands to where they would see the price difference, or people doing Folding at Home, mining, etc. What matters is the overall quality of the power supply. There are plenty of 80+ gold PSUs on the market that are much lower quality than some 80+ bronze units
 
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L

lowquality

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May 16, 2014
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Well then, I guess I'll just futureproof my system and get a 750W HCG Series PSU.
And I know it's what my gut sounds like in the posts. I guess I'm looking at it too logically... I just want the best cooling and preferably features, which is what's making this so damn hard because every case has downsides to it.

I think I'll just put a pin in it until I get home (currently at sea for 4 months) and look at the cases with my own eyes. Thanks for all the help mate, much appreciated!
 
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