Three monitor gaming desktop; New build - looking for any troublesome pieces in build.

AlaskanDSM

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Jun 11, 2014
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Hey guys,

I have recently gotten some extra cash and I wanted to finally get the gaming system that I have always wanted. I put this build together with gaming in mind but with upgrading options available. I still need to locate a good monitor stand and a desk that will fit everything but I wanted to make sure that the essential pieces of the build are all going to play nice with each other.

Thank you for taking the time to look this over and provide any feedback or suggestions!


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($153.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($217.36 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($279.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($279.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill BLACKHAWK-ULTRA ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2255.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-18 04:12 EDT-0400
 

NiCoM

Honorable
So the price of your build have actually changed since you posted that, im getting a number that says ~$2360

YOUR BUILD
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wMDfFT

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (4 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($217.36 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($299.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($299.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill BLACKHAWK-ULTRA ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($156.44 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($156.44 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($156.44 @ Amazon)
Total: $2361.57


But I've made some changes, you've had some stuff that needed correcting and i'll just go through it after this build post.

MY CHANGED BUILD
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ZzLqBm

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($391.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($391.99 @ B&H)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($87.32 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($116.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($156.44 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($156.44 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($156.44 @ Amazon)
Total: $2319.50


1: you had a non-k CPU on a more expensive Z97 board, plus a non-overclockable processor means the H100i is almost obsolete, since a more quiet and cheaper fan solution is better when not overclocking. I've putted in a great budget gaming z97 mobo which overclocks pretty well too, that made room for a nice i5-4690K which is overclockable and overall also faster at stock than the other CPU, also makes the H100i viable since you can overclock.

2: Z97 only support dual-channel ram, so putting more than two ram dimms in doesn't help performance, only limits your options for upgradeability and costs you more. I've changed it for a nice dual-channel ram kit which runs faster and costs you less.

3: I changed the SSD, the M500 isn't a very good SSD either after what i know, and overall a solution of SSD + HDD is better, since you have the cheap storage for all the files you don't use that often, or just for big files, like games. I myself run a 128GB SSD and a 2TB HDD, and i tried running the same game on each place, didn't notice much of a difference, and considering the cost per GB, you defently want a HDD for games, and since the HDD isn't occupied by the workload from windows (since you should put that on the SSD), it's going to only concentrate about loading your games.

4: This is the big one, the gpus. I've owned the old version of the 280X, the 7970Ghz, and it was a pretty nice card, but because of the changes i've made, theres enough space to get TWO R9 290's! I also upgraded my 7970Ghz (R9 280X) to a single R9 290, and it's a beast in everything i throw at it. Im not limiting my setting when playing, i have more trouble trying to limit my fps to suit my 60hz screen. It's faster but a pretty imortant thing when doing CF, it's carrying 4GB of VRAM, that's important since CF means running twice the speed on only one cards VRAM (would be like having a 1GB version of the GTX770)

5: changed the case to something not that expensive. You can change this how you will to something you like, just don't let the case price limit the price of what's inside it.

6: changed psu to one good enough for CF and for overclocking, and it's still pretty high quality.


EDIT: buying the monitors from newegg for $159.99 gives you a promo of $20, which would make this ~$50 cheaper, making it the same price as your original price. I don't know why it didn't count the promo from newegg in and just took amazon.
 

AlaskanDSM

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Jun 11, 2014
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NiCoM

Thank you for a fantastic review of my build. I obviously missed some things, especially with the CPU. Money isn't completely the issue as I am just trying to keep it under $2500. In response to your answer:

1. CPU: I really missed the mark on the CPU I chose for overclocking. I had based my choice on the review that I read from http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html however I may have missed that the i5-4590 was not overclockable. I can spend the $40 for that capability.

2. Mobo: I Originally chose the ASRock z97 Extreme 4 as my motherboard from another Toms Hardware review (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mainstream-gaming-z97-motherboard,3824.html) but if I am to take advantage of the Corsair h100i software, it requires the use of an internal USB port. To keep the front I/O panel fully functioning, I chose the ASRock Extreme 6 which has an internal Vertical Type A USB 2.0 port that I should be able to utilize.

3. Memory: I already have the memory I had listed. I was going to take it from my old system that I am upgrading from. However, You have a good point about the motherboard being Dual Channel... and the memory that you listed is faster than the ones I currently have so it wouldn't be a waste to just upgrade them and Leave the RAM in the old system.

4. HDD/SSD: I know very little about the brands and quality of the SSD these days since my last build took place before mass market SSD came about. I was going to go with the larger SSD and use my existing 500GB HDD paired with it, but again, you make a better point and for less money, I get better storage. However, Price per GB the M500 has good storage and overall price. It allows me to use and install some stuff on the SSD and carry everything else to the HDD.

5. GPU: I was considering the 290 but it just felt like they were so much more expensive... but I know that performance wise, they really have that punch. Since this build is going to be one that lasts me, I don't see the pain in upgrading a bit newer to last longer.

6. Case: I am super picky about cases. Of everything other than the monitor its the only other thing you have to look at. I really like the Blackhawk Ultra because of it's cooling capabilities, it's look and features, plus the thing is big enough to fit anything inside that I can care to think of in the future. I spend the longest time out of everything picking out the case. :p

7. PSU: I am assuming you simply changed it to a less expensive model that still gets the job done. I changed it again based on a recommendation and being fully modular.


Let me know if this looks better. I am ~$150 more than what you listed (with the newegg monitor discount) and about $170 more than I had listed before and I have things that I still want included, fully modular PSU, Case, Blu Ray burner, and 2 even more powerful graphics cards than before.


So currently with NiCoN's input and another recommendation, my build would look like the following:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.97 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($381.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($381.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill BLACKHAWK-ULTRA ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000G2 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit) ($142.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2418.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-18 14:34 EDT-0400



Any further suggestions or comments are welcome! Also I am still looking for a great triple monitor stand that fits the listed monitors.
 

AlaskanDSM

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Jun 11, 2014
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The last piece of my puzzle is a triple monitor stand that I can mount all 3 Asus Monitors on and will still allow me to draw arc them in 30-45 degrees on either side. I am looking for something of quality and I am having a tough time finding something that I would feel confident in purchasing without breaking the bank.

One option I found, although I am not certain how I feel about the product from the information I see available, is the Ergotech Triple Horizontal LCD Monitor Arm Desk Stand (100-D16-B03). It seems to possibly fit what I am looking to do with the Crossfire setup I have going. First glance doesn't show much for the eye. Has anyone had any experience with this product?

http://www.amazon.com/Ergotech-Triple-Horizontal-Monitor-100-D16-B03/dp/B001NPEC5A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403155348&sr=8-1&keywords=ergotech+triple

Another option I found although priced much much higher is the XFX FXTRISTANDX Triple Display Monitor Stand. This thing Looks much more visually appealing to they eye but again it seems much more expensive and I am wondering if anyone has this product and how they feel about it. Is it worth the cost?

http://www.amazon.com/XFX-FXTRISTANDX-Triple-Display-Monitor/dp/B0050BOCY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403155726&sr=8-1&keywords=XFX+triple

I know there a lot of people out there who must have triple monitor setups... Not all will have stands, but I am hoping a few have tried a few options for stands and might be able to provide some insight on what would work best for an Eyefinity display setup. These are only two of many options I have found but I am looking for some solid feedback or recommendations for any product that will work for my needs.

Thanks!!