$1700 build, need thoughts.

AgentTran

Honorable
Jan 21, 2014
604
0
11,360
I'm build a $1700 dollar computer with the monitor to be purchased near the July, and it will be in Canada, so everything is much more expensive.

Here's what I've put together, any constructive criticism and suggested builds are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($269.99 @ Memory Express)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-C12P SE14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-K/CSM ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.64 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($69.88 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 290X 4GB Video Card ($479.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($114.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VX248H 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($196.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $1671.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 
Solution
The 290x with a reference cooler is not a good idea, they run way too hot(to the point the card throttles) and they are loud. I did some editing of the build.
PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/VRDRgs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/VRDRgs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($269.99 @ Memory Express)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($69.88 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal...
[PCPartPicker part list](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/6y6WBm) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/6y6WBm/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k) | $249.99 @ NCIX
**CPU Cooler** | [Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-h60cw9060007ww) | $62.98 @ Amazon Canada
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fatal1tyz87killer) | $119.75 @ Vuugo
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cml8gx3m2a2133c11b) | $69.88 @ Canada Computers
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw) | $89.99 @ NCIX
**Storage** | [Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/western-digital-internal-hard-drive-wd1003fzex) | $79.99 @ Canada Computers
**Video Card** | [PowerColor Radeon R9 290X 4GB Video Card](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-video-card-axr9290x4gbd5mdhgoc) | $449.99 @ NCIX
**Case** | [Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4tiw) | $114.98 @ Newegg Canada
**Power Supply** | [XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1650snlb9) | $64.99 @ NCIX
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $99.79 @ DirectCanada
**Monitor** | [Asus VX248H 60Hz 24.0" Monitor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-vx248h) | $196.98 @ Newegg Canada
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1599.31'

got u a 4670k heats less than the 4690k also water cooler will be as quiet as the nh-c12p and z97 doesnt really add anything useful.

got you a stronger powersupply.

besides that everything looks good


 
The Asus Z87 BIOS Clock Freeze Bug has just been confirmed via user reports as affecting Z97 boards also. May wanna look into this before making final decision. Just Google "Asus BIOS Clock Freeze" and you should come up with dozens of hits, many of which include answers and commentary from Asus support personnel.

The most authoritative can be found on the Asus RoG Forums. A fix was announced for 12 Asus Boards on June 11th indicating that BIOs with the fix will include "RTC Stop Error Cured". But so far no one has been able to find any new BIOSs so noted. Still no fixes announced for any RoG Boards or any official comment from Asus on Z97.

http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?35490-Sabertooth-Z87-Bios-Clock-Issue/page15

Yes. I just did a build around the Sabertooth Z97 Mk 1, and I have had the same clock issue. I've tried all mentioned methods. Resetting the RTC worked for a few days, but the problem returned. I tried again, making sure to use the 'reset during standby' method. It's only been two days, but so far, so good.

I have always used ASUS boards. From my A8V Deluxe to the Maximus Formula, and now the Sabertooth Z97 Mk 1. I find it disturbing for such an issue that is so wide spread and (now) dated to have not been corrected on a new generation of boards.

In short, the BIOS clock freezes which on the surface is a minor inconvenience as you system time will always be wrong. However, this can wreak havoc with Backup Programs which depoend on accurate file dates / times and Windows Update can bork your OS installation when it tries to install files say dated June 29th on a system that thinks the file came from the future cause the system date ins June 26th.

The Seagate 7200.14's are about 30% faster than the Blacks

I'd think about a CF capable PSU.
 

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator
"got u a 4670k heats less than the 4690k " where are you getting that from? Everything I have read shows the 4690k running cooler due to its improved thermal design.
http://www.digitalstormonline.com/unlocked/intel-devils-canyon-i5-4690k-review-and-overclocking-benchmarks-idnum301/
 

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator
The 290x with a reference cooler is not a good idea, they run way too hot(to the point the card throttles) and they are loud. I did some editing of the build.
PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/VRDRgs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/VRDRgs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($269.99 @ Memory Express)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($69.88 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($411.61 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($114.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000G2 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($174.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.79 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VX248H 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($196.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $1702.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
Solution


Ya both right..... the 4790k produces more heat as it is a higher wattage CPU (88 versus 84 watts IIRC) ...... it is cooled better because the heat transfer from "inside to outside" is better with the new TIM.

 
[PCPartPicker part list](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/rL4bCJ) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/rL4bCJ/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690k) | $269.99 @ Memory Express
**CPU Cooler** | [Corsair H90 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-h90) | $89.98 @ Newegg Canada
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-fatal1tyz97killer) | $134.75 @ Vuugo
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cml8gx3m2a2133c11b) | $69.88 @ Canada Computers
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw) | $89.99 @ NCIX
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003) | $57.99 @ Canada Computers
**Video Card** | [Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-1003622sr) | $411.61 @ TigerDirect Canada
**Case** | [Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4tiw) | $114.98 @ Newegg Canada
**Power Supply** | [EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b10750vr) | $79.98 @ Newegg Canada
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $99.79 @ DirectCanada
**Monitor** | [Asus VX248H 60Hz 24.0" Monitor](http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-monitor-vx248h) | $196.98 @ Newegg Canada
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1615.92

revised build yesh :)

 
you do not have to agree to know if its right or not im a computer specialist.

watercooling is more silent than the dh14 and fits better and easier.

i think the fatality is just as good as the gigabyte model.

powersupply is good and isnt overkill. i see a good complete system this is not a popularity contest but more on how to help the original poster on best build for his dollar :)

 


Water cooling is quieter than air cooling ..... that is when doing real custom loop water cooling using properly selected fans which typically will run between 850 and 1450 rpm. I have 16 fans in my case, running between 325 rpm and 850 rpm depending upon load and the case is dead silent.

However AIOs are a far cry from custom water loops and except in rare instances like the H110 which uses moderate speed fans, they don't get even close to the better air coolers. All AIO coolers are air coolers.....AIOs just relocate the air movement from above the CPU to the radiator.....what happens at the CPU doesn't make any noise.

Air moving thru closely packed fins makes noise..... no escaping it....and the faster the air moves thru the fins, the more noise you get. AIOs with low - moderate rpm (i.e. H110) fans or AIOs in a 'quiet mode' where they don't do anywhere near the level of cooling that the air coolers do.

The H110 at 1500 rpm performs comparably to the Noctua DH14 at 1500 rpm and even edges it out by 1 dbA ..... a virtual dead heat because the fan speeds are identical.

index.php


However, no way can you expect similar noise levels on a H80, H100i at 2700 rpm or even a Kraken 40 at 2000 rpm

H100i advertises 37.68 @ 2700 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181032

Phantekls advertises 19 dBA @ 1200 rpm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835709011

Each 10 dba is a doubling of perceived loudness.... so if we believe the manufacturer's advertising , the H100i is 4 times as loud. There's simply no way a 2700 rpm fan will be anywhere near as quiet as a 1200 rpm fan.

The problem with getting real numbers is that in a real setting we have the PSU and GFX cards all chugging away at the same time which distort the results.

The other thing is in a closed case, the noise on an air cooler is somewhat absorbed as it bounces around inside the mostly closed case. With an AIO, the sound is made by air passing thru the fins which immediately exits the case greatly reducing any muffling.
 

bignastyid

Titan
Moderator


I chose 1000w because it allows room for a 2nd 290 and a good overclock and it was able to add it without blowing the budget. 850w would be the minimum I would suggest for 2x290s and isn't going to leave alot of room for overclocking.
 
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r9_290x_review_benchmarks,10.html

Here is Guru3D's power supply recommendation:

AMD R9-290X - On your average system the card requires you to have a 550~600 Watt power supply unit.
AMD R9-290X Crossfire - On your average system the cards require you to have a 800 Watt power supply unit as minimum.

If you are going to overclock GPU or processor, then we do recommend you purchase something with some more stamina.

Power consumption AMD Radeon R9-290X

System in IDLE = 120W
System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 396W
Difference (GPU load) = 276W
Add average IDLE wattage ~10W
Subjective obtained GPU power consumption = ~ 286 Watts

That's 682 watts with a 230 watt 3960x CPU .... so lose 100 watts for Haswell and you're at 582 watts .... adjust for 110% TDP and that adds 29 watts per card and ya at 640 watts.

And, since the 5xx series, I almost always go SLI from the get go .... two 560 Ti's were 80% of the cost of a 580 and 40% faster. I used to buy big PSUs to handle later additions but usually by the time I was ready to upgrade, I was doing ab new build anyway. With all the alleged ails of SLI pretty much relegated to "history", (at least over $200 cards ... I have never seen microstuttering or any other problem) .
 

jshoop

Honorable
Jun 25, 2013
997
0
11,160


it is also massive. aio cooler vs high end air cooler is mostly personal opinion, aio for less motherboard stress and "water cooled," high end cooler for high end cooling