Hi everyone.
I am looking to build an Enthusiast Mini-ITX build, probably in the upcoming Corsair Graphite 380T case.
I am looking to include a motherboard with the new intel Z97 chipset and the new Intel i5 4690K to match. I thought I would pick the Asus R9 280X DirectCU II for the GPU.
Now, do you think that the i5 4690K is overkill for that graphics card? Furthermore; is it worth it to go with the Z97 chipset or would you recommend to resort to an older chipset for value reasons? Do you think the 280X is a good choice? I'd rather not spend much more on a GPU, what I might do though, is downgrading the CPU to safe some money if you guys think that it is a bit overkill.
What are your thoughts on Asus' DirectCU II cooler? I personally really like that particular cooler, but if there is a good reason to go with something else, I won't mind. I will definitely want to overclock the system where I can.
Those are the most important bits.
What I really could need some help with, are the other parts though. Especially with the RAM, the PSU and the Motherboard.
My current configuration goes something like this:
CPU: Intel Core i5 4690K
GPU: Asus R9 280X DirectCU II
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LP 8GB
MB: MSI Z97I Gaming AC
PSU: Corsair CX430M
CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H100i
SSD: Samsung 840 Evo 120GB
For mass storage I might just use the drive I have already, but in any case, choosing a good drive won't be very difficult I think.
Is it worth it to go with low profile RAM in a mini-ITX build or should I rather go with larger heat sinks, since I don't think there will be any clearance issues with the H100i (not sure though)? I wanted to go with a single 8GB DIMM so I could upgrade to 16GB later, in case I decided to do some video editing or similar, is that a good idea? I would have gone with two 4GB DIMMs, but all the mITX motherboards I know of only have two slots, so upgrading would require me to buy all the 16GB worth of RAM, instead of just 8GB. Is paying more for a modular power supply an intelligent choice in such a small enclosure, or do you think it doesn't matter? Should I pay more for a, say, 80 Plus Gold rated PSU or is Bronze just fine? I think 450 Watt should be enough for the system, please tell me if you disagree.
I would love to shave off a few dollars of what the system will cost me without loosing anything significant. Any input on more intelligent choices would be greatly appreciated. If there is a really good reason for me to spend a few more bucks on anything, I might consider that too!
TL;DR: What alternatives to the parts I have chosen would you recommend and why?
I am looking to build an Enthusiast Mini-ITX build, probably in the upcoming Corsair Graphite 380T case.
I am looking to include a motherboard with the new intel Z97 chipset and the new Intel i5 4690K to match. I thought I would pick the Asus R9 280X DirectCU II for the GPU.
Now, do you think that the i5 4690K is overkill for that graphics card? Furthermore; is it worth it to go with the Z97 chipset or would you recommend to resort to an older chipset for value reasons? Do you think the 280X is a good choice? I'd rather not spend much more on a GPU, what I might do though, is downgrading the CPU to safe some money if you guys think that it is a bit overkill.
What are your thoughts on Asus' DirectCU II cooler? I personally really like that particular cooler, but if there is a good reason to go with something else, I won't mind. I will definitely want to overclock the system where I can.
Those are the most important bits.
What I really could need some help with, are the other parts though. Especially with the RAM, the PSU and the Motherboard.
My current configuration goes something like this:
CPU: Intel Core i5 4690K
GPU: Asus R9 280X DirectCU II
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LP 8GB
MB: MSI Z97I Gaming AC
PSU: Corsair CX430M
CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H100i
SSD: Samsung 840 Evo 120GB
For mass storage I might just use the drive I have already, but in any case, choosing a good drive won't be very difficult I think.
Is it worth it to go with low profile RAM in a mini-ITX build or should I rather go with larger heat sinks, since I don't think there will be any clearance issues with the H100i (not sure though)? I wanted to go with a single 8GB DIMM so I could upgrade to 16GB later, in case I decided to do some video editing or similar, is that a good idea? I would have gone with two 4GB DIMMs, but all the mITX motherboards I know of only have two slots, so upgrading would require me to buy all the 16GB worth of RAM, instead of just 8GB. Is paying more for a modular power supply an intelligent choice in such a small enclosure, or do you think it doesn't matter? Should I pay more for a, say, 80 Plus Gold rated PSU or is Bronze just fine? I think 450 Watt should be enough for the system, please tell me if you disagree.
I would love to shave off a few dollars of what the system will cost me without loosing anything significant. Any input on more intelligent choices would be greatly appreciated. If there is a really good reason for me to spend a few more bucks on anything, I might consider that too!
TL;DR: What alternatives to the parts I have chosen would you recommend and why?
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