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Critic my new gaming rig? (1.5K budget)

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  • Water Cooling
  • CPUs
  • Systems
  • Build
Last response: in Systems
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August 10, 2014 8:06:34 PM

Hey guys, I am a newbie system builder, and would like some insight as to the solidity of my build.

I am a serious gamer, that means I will be looking for the best bang for my buck!

GOAL: To be able to max any game @ 1920 x 1080 res. (And stream/record footage with atleast 60FPS average on same games. BF4. Crysis 3. Ect.)

Budget: 1.5K


I do intend to overclock said parts (ram, cpu, gpu) to get the most performance from my gear, so that's why I included all-in-one watercooling for the cpu, and I would just like an ssd for faster boot/program loadups.(Could use some extra critique on this ssd bit, would an ssd be that useful to a gamer?)

I realize I will probably need some extra fans to help with airflow, please give me some advice on this too.


Any and all help/critiquing would be appreciated, thanks for the help!


PS. I'm sorry for not shortening the names of the components as other people do, like I said I am a novice!




Build:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Motherboard: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-Z97MXG5

CPU: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4790K-Processor-Cache-BX...

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

SSD: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-EVO-Series-2-...

WaterCooling_CPU: http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Seidon-120V-All-/dp...

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

More about : critic gaming rig budget

a b à CPUs
August 10, 2014 8:17:26 PM

$1500 for PC only or $1500 for everything?

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a b à CPUs
August 10, 2014 8:17:33 PM

I would get a i5 4690k for ~100 less and a MX100 256 GB SSD for ~30 less. The AIO cooler isn't really going to be much help, you'd probably get more thermal headroom by getting a NH-D14. Finally, I'd get a GTX 770 and a better PSU (Raidmax not recomended https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware... )

Note: I doubt you'd be able to 60 FPS@Ultra@1080p
You will not be able to see the difference between 60 FPS and 60+ FPS unless you have a higher refresh rate screen anyway (though you will get tearing)
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 10, 2014 8:20:27 PM

Case is too small. Get a 200r at least.

Yes, also get an i5 not an i7, and get rid of that time-bomb PSU in favor of an antec, XFX, Seasonic unit.

Also, get 8gb RAM and change the GPU to a gtx770 with saved money.
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a b à CPUs
August 10, 2014 8:25:33 PM

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Kk4MMp

You will max ANY game with 60fps while recording with Nvidia Shadowplay. I saved you $50 so you can choose a better case
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 10, 2014 8:27:19 PM

GRUxTSAR said:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Kk4MMp

You will max ANY game with 60fps while recording with Nvidia Shadowplay. I saved you $50 so you can choose a better case


Personally I would not get that h80i, but otherwise this is a very good build!
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a b à CPUs
August 10, 2014 8:52:13 PM

tiny voices said:
GRUxTSAR said:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Kk4MMp

You will max ANY game with 60fps while recording with Nvidia Shadowplay. I saved you $50 so you can choose a better case


Personally I would not get that h80i, but otherwise this is a very good build!


Well OP had liquid cooling in his original build, so I assumed he wanted some kind of AIO liquid cooler. He can easily change the CPU cooler to anything he wants though
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a c 84 à CPUs
August 10, 2014 11:24:02 PM

For 1500 dollars, you should be able to get 60+ FPS in most games on ultra settings. What all parts do you need?
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August 11, 2014 8:32:52 AM

GRUxTSAR said:
$1500 for PC only or $1500 for everything?

$1500 for the PC only, case/components and what not. I already have externals.

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a c 78 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 8:37:02 AM

I would suggest you stick with a i7, Cause you say you will be streaming and recording so the extra cores will come in handy especially as bf4 is very cpu intensive, it will also last longer and i assume you will be rendering if you are recording so the i7 will also help and you can save money by not getting a expensive cpu xooler and just get a noctua instead, and what gpu are you buying, link isn't working for me
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 8:39:52 AM

He said he wants to play at max settings.

An i7 and a gtx 760 will not be maxing and games, but an i5 and a gtx770 will max plenty of games while recording. As long as he is editing for youtube, and not rendering 2 hour HD+ projects, he will not see a difference between the i5 and i7.
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August 11, 2014 8:54:27 AM

Alpha3031 said:
I would get a i5 4690k for ~100 less and a MX100 256 GB SSD for ~30 less. The AIO cooler isn't really going to be much help, you'd probably get more thermal headroom by getting a NH-D14. Finally, I'd get a GTX 770 and a better PSU (Raidmax not recomended https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware... )

Note: I doubt you'd be able to 60 FPS@Ultra@1080p
You will not be able to see the difference between 60 FPS and 60+ FPS unless you have a higher refresh rate screen anyway (though you will get tearing)


Could you explain as to why you would rather get these? (ssd: why would that model be cheaper?, cpu: I intend to stream quite a bit, would a downgrade from an i7 to an i5 hurt me in that area? cooler: what benefit would the NH-D14 have over an AIO cooler?

"I doubt you'd be able to 60 FPS@Ultra@1080p." Why would you say that? I was under the impression that $1500 could buy you a great gaming system. Any insight as to what I should change is welcome as always.

As to the monitor statement, do you think it's worth it to upgrade from my 60hz to a 120hz? My goal is to have the best quality/frames possible, and I am willing to go outside of the $1500 limit if a sizable boost in performance is clearly shown.
I am familiar with refresh rates after reading. http://www.tweakguides.com/Graphics_7.html

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a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 8:57:19 AM

With your original build, you will not max games. The gtx760 simply won't cut it. You NEED a gtx770 to start maxing games. The reason people say to get an i5 is to put more money towards the GPU which will then allow you to max games.

DO NOT get a 120hz monitor unless you have a system that will easily max any game. Basically you need a gtx780 or better.

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a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:00:54 AM

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/49dbRB
Just buy that and be done. It is as good as yo uwill do. An i7 and a 780. It will max any game and edit/ stream like a champ.
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a b à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:01:38 AM

eNSymbol said:
GRUxTSAR said:
$1500 for PC only or $1500 for everything?

$1500 for the PC only, case/components and what not. I already have externals.



http://pcpartpicker.com/p/34VFmG

The FX 8350 is better for streaming/recording. Big PSU for overclocking and possible future GPU upgrades, and $80 left over for a case of your choice. The 780 ti will max ANY game at 1080p with at least 80-100fps while recording

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August 11, 2014 9:03:38 AM

GRUxTSAR said:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Kk4MMp

You will max ANY game with 60fps while recording with Nvidia Shadowplay. I saved you $50 so you can choose a better case


What was the reason behind the switch from the AIO cooler I provided and the one you have listed here?
With an I5, would I still be able to stream not just record, at 1080p?

2x4 gigs, would I benefit from having16gig? (4x4gigs) I was under the impression that the more ram your system has available, the better quality your stream/recording would be as it can have reserves to draw from if the load because too much to bear.

Now to the graphics card, why that particular model of the gtx 780? why not the GTX 780TI 4G?
And while we're on the topic of graphics cards, would it not be more efficient to purchase two 770's or 760's which are cheaper, and sli them up? I know cooling and powerdraw would be increased but there are always fans for the first one.

Last but not least the case. Would the case that I provided be able to house everything comfortably?
As tiny voices said, the case I provided would be too small to house everything, do you concur?
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:05:20 AM

Look at the link I posted and buy that. It has an i7 and a gtx780. That is as good as it gets. Just buy it and be done.
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a b à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:08:48 AM

eNSymbol said:
GRUxTSAR said:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Kk4MMp

You will max ANY game with 60fps while recording with Nvidia Shadowplay. I saved you $50 so you can choose a better case


What was the reason behind the switch from the AIO cooler I provided and the one you have listed here?
With an I5, would I still be able to stream not just record, at 1080p?

2x4 gigs, would I benefit from having16gig? (4x4gigs) I was under the impression that the more ram your system has available, the better quality your stream/recording would be as it can have reserves to draw from if the load because too much to bear.

Now to the graphics card, why that particular model of the gtx 780? why not the GTX 780TI 4G?
And while we're on the topic of graphics cards, would it not be more efficient to purchase two 770's or 760's which are cheaper, and sli them up? I know cooling and powerdraw would be increased but there are always fans for the first one.

Last but not least the case. Would the case that I provided be able to house everything comfortably?
As tiny voices said, the case I provided would be too small to house everything, do you concur?


I just made a new partslist for you that should be in the comments here
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August 11, 2014 9:14:41 AM

GRUxTSAR said:
eNSymbol said:
GRUxTSAR said:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Kk4MMp

You will max ANY game with 60fps while recording with Nvidia Shadowplay. I saved you $50 so you can choose a better case


What was the reason behind the switch from the AIO cooler I provided and the one you have listed here?
With an I5, would I still be able to stream not just record, at 1080p?

2x4 gigs, would I benefit from having16gig? (4x4gigs) I was under the impression that the more ram your system has available, the better quality your stream/recording would be as it can have reserves to draw from if the load because too much to bear.

Now to the graphics card, why that particular model of the gtx 780? why not the GTX 780TI 4G?
And while we're on the topic of graphics cards, would it not be more efficient to purchase two 770's or 760's which are cheaper, and sli them up? I know cooling and powerdraw would be increased but there are always fans for the first one.

Last but not least the case. Would the case that I provided be able to house everything comfortably?
As tiny voices said, the case I provided would be too small to house everything, do you concur?


I just made a new partslist for you that should be in the comments here

I was managing two little brothers while I was replying, thanks for all the info!
I am going over the two builds with some friends, will reply in a bit.

Thankyou everybody for your input and time!
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August 11, 2014 9:36:24 AM

GRUxTSAR5's build (I revised it, took out a few things I did not need.) http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2MHWJx $1305.66
tiny voices's biold (same changes as above, I also took out the case for comparing) http://pcpartpicker.com/p/DgfdGX $1212.43

Could I get some insight as to why you said the AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor would be better in this case? I mean a 100+ drop in price must be for something other than just brand right?

I would also appreciate some case suggestions to house the whole thing. Thanks!
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Best solution

a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:46:27 AM

It will not game nearly as well as the i7 in pretty much all places. There will be a difference.

Also, if you are only playing at 1080p, the 780ti is a big waste. The normal 780 is plenty.
Share
August 11, 2014 9:58:53 AM

Thanks everyone for the help, but I have decided to go with tiny voices' recommendation.
On a closing note, would you be able to link me to a case you would suggest with this build?
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 10:02:33 AM

Something like a Corsair 500r or NZXT Phantom 410 would be great for this build.
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August 11, 2014 10:53:39 AM
a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 10:56:07 AM

If you get a 780ti, get a 750w PSU. I recommend only a 780, as there is NO difference between them at 1080p. ONLY get the 780ti if you play on 3 monitors or at WELL over 1080p on one monitor.

Also, you will need a HDD in addition to the SSd.
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August 11, 2014 11:21:06 AM

tiny voices said:
If you get a 780ti, get a 750w PSU. I recommend only a 780, as there is NO difference between them at 1080p. ONLY get the 780ti if you play on 3 monitors or at WELL over 1080p on one monitor.

Also, you will need a HDD in addition to the SSd.



k for an HDD http://pc.ncix.ca/products/index.php?mode=productreview...

But as for the 780/780ti. I looked up benchmarks for a single monitor at 1080p and there were differences of 10 to 15 fps between both cards, running games at max settings (75-90fps average on Battlefield 4 for instance.)
How sure are you that the 780TI wouldn't be worth going to? I might get a higher res monitor in the future, but I do not intend to use more then 1 monitor.
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a b à CPUs
August 11, 2014 3:43:33 PM

I'd just get the 780ti for future proofing. Or an R9 290x if you're getting a high-res monitor (780ti is better for recording, R9 290x is better for high resolutions)
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August 11, 2014 4:13:38 PM

GRUxTSAR said:
I'd just get the 780ti for future proofing. Or an R9 290x if you're getting a high-res monitor (780ti is better for recording, R9 290x is better for high resolutions)

That was along my line of thought, I may be going overboard yes, but I want to make sure I can max everything. I have money to burn. Why not? And It's still under the initial $1500 budget.
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a b à CPUs
August 11, 2014 4:27:24 PM

eNSymbol said:
GRUxTSAR said:
I'd just get the 780ti for future proofing. Or an R9 290x if you're getting a high-res monitor (780ti is better for recording, R9 290x is better for high resolutions)

That was along my line of thought, I may be going overboard yes, but I want to make sure I can max everything. I have money to burn. Why not? And It's still under the initial $1500 budget.


Good way of thinking mate!

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a b à CPUs
August 11, 2014 6:33:41 PM

eNSymbol said:
Alpha3031 said:
I would get a i5 4690k for ~100 less and a MX100 256 GB SSD for ~30 less. The AIO cooler isn't really going to be much help, you'd probably get more thermal headroom by getting a NH-D14. Finally, I'd get a GTX 770 and a better PSU (Raidmax not recomended https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware... )

Note: I doubt you'd be able to 60 FPS@Ultra@1080p
You will not be able to see the difference between 60 FPS and 60+ FPS unless you have a higher refresh rate screen anyway (though you will get tearing)


Could you explain as to why you would rather get these? (ssd: why would that model be cheaper?, cpu: I intend to stream quite a bit, would a downgrade from an i7 to an i5 hurt me in that area? cooler: what benefit would the NH-D14 have over an AIO cooler?

"I doubt you'd be able to 60 FPS@Ultra@1080p." Why would you say that? I was under the impression that $1500 could buy you a great gaming system. Any insight as to what I should change is welcome as always.

As to the monitor statement, do you think it's worth it to upgrade from my 60hz to a 120hz? My goal is to have the best quality/frames possible, and I am willing to go outside of the $1500 limit if a sizable boost in performance is clearly shown.
I am familiar with refresh rates after reading. http://www.tweakguides.com/Graphics_7.html



SSD It's newer, on the 16nm, so cheaper per GB to manufature

As long as you aren't doing long HD videos the CPU change shouldn't matter much

The NH-D14 should be quieter at low loads

About the 60 FPS I'd say 45+ is a good target, and also quite achiveable for everything.
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:04:14 PM

If your monitor is 60hz (standard), 10fps difference between 75 and 85 or so doesn't matter at all because you will only be playing at 60. This is why the 780ti is pointless for 1080p. The normal 780 will lock any game at 60fps easily.

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a b à CPUs
August 11, 2014 9:14:52 PM

tiny voices said:
If your monitor is 60hz (standard), 10fps difference between 75 and 85 or so doesn't matter at all because you will only be playing at 60. This is why the 780ti is pointless for 1080p. The normal 780 will lock any game at 60fps easily.



^This is actually 100% true. Unless you have a 120Hz monitor, I would not recommend getting a 780ti

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August 12, 2014 8:41:27 AM

tiny voices said:
If your monitor is 60hz (standard), 10fps difference between 75 and 85 or so doesn't matter at all because you will only be playing at 60. This is why the 780ti is pointless for 1080p. The normal 780 will lock any game at 60fps easily.



I feel rude going on after I "chose my answer" but I can't help it.
I have looked into it further, and a 780 should suit me nicely.
I am also looking to drop the i7 to an i5 to save money, and get a cheap case instead of some $115 one.
any suggestions on a small, budget case? ( I do not intend on having more then 1 HDD in the case, the 1TB one.)
Also power supplies. Do you know of any PSU that's 650watt, modular, and a good brand for $80 or under??

I am Canadian btw, so the American sites usually mean more $$$ (Shipping/price changes) so if you could find some Canadian sites, that would be sick. Thanks again.
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 9:29:13 AM

The Corsair 300r is an amazing case for the money. I use one and LOVE it.

For the PSU, look to XFX.
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August 12, 2014 10:11:30 AM

PSU: http://www.ncix.com/detail/xfx-650w-pro650w-core-editio... Look good for PSU? Does it have enough amps or whatever? :p 
CASE: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681... Look gud?

About cooling, someone above me recommended the Noctuna for cooling, but a friend I am chatting with on steam told me to he has a cheaper one, and it's serving him well. What are your thoughts on this? http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1683...

At the moment the only parts I'm not 100% happy about are the the Motherboard, and the Cooling.

Motherboard: I know you recommended me the Gigabyte one, it's also the one that I am defaulting to atm, but I'd like some assurance as to it's superiority over say a $85 mobo with the same chipset.

Cooling: Plain and simple, I don't know anything about cooling, AIO Or airflow. I would greatly appreciate it if you go point me in the direction of a low cost, efficient cooler that would be ideal for overclocking.
On that note, would you recommend that I get some additional fans to hook up to my case? if so, how many?
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 11:22:50 AM

Yes that PSU is VERY good.

The Case looks great. I use the same one.

The 212 EVO is a good cooler for the money. If you want low cost and efficiency, DO NOT buy a liquid cooler. Air rules the under $100 segment at every price point. You could get a slightly better cooler for around $50 if you want to do some real overclocking.

The case comes with a front intake and rear exhaust. At most I would buy a single 120mm or 140mm fan and use it as a top exhaust.
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August 12, 2014 11:36:57 AM

tiny voices said:
Yes that PSU is VERY good.

The Case looks great. I use the same one.

The 212 EVO is a good cooler for the money. If you want low cost and efficiency, DO NOT buy a liquid cooler. Air rules the under $100 segment at every price point. You could get a slightly better cooler for around $50 if you want to do some real overclocking.

The case comes with a front intake and rear exhaust. At most I would buy a single 120mm or 140mm fan and use it as a top exhaust.


I'd be interested in getting the most out of my hardware, while operating in the safe perimeters, so I suppose I'd be looking to do some "serious" overclocking, though I'd have to read up about it as I am a dunce as far as overclocking goes at the moment.

Would you be able to recommend a good $50 cooler for a future "serious" overclocker like myself?

Also I've read about thermal paste, and discovered that some people prefer non-stock paste, I found a chart, could you give me some insight?
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-perfo...
Would investing $10-$15 into thermal paste we worth while for controlling heat output?
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August 12, 2014 12:06:13 PM

tiny voices said:
Get either of these: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc14... or http://pcpartpicker.com/part/phanteks-cpu-cooler-phtc12... The first is better by like 15% but cost alot more. they both are great and come with GOOD paste so no need to buy any.


I chose the cheaper one as I am trying to stay below the budget, I have not even seen the total price with shipping + taxes yet. Plus I can just slap on a fan like you said if heat is really an issue.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1683...

Also I read up on the ssd about how it writes a page file, and in short it kills your ssd faster. Some people were saying to disable windows ability to write said file, but others said to keep it on to remain fast and unburdened.
My friend told me IF I did disable the ssd's write file option, I'd have to have enough ram to support it all or my system would blue screen on me.

That being said, would 8 gigs(2x4) or 16gigs (2x8) be advised? (Both clocked at 1600mhz)

RAM: |$85| http://www.newegg.com/global/au/Product/Product.aspx?It...

|$150| http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Modules-1600MHz-KHX1600C...

The deal on the 2X8 Sticks looks too good to be true, can I get some insight here as well?
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 12:13:47 PM

Just use an SSD like a normal Drive with TRIM enabled. Let it write. It will be fine.

That 16gb RAM is perfectly fine, but I would not advise it as you will not need it. Get 8gb RAM.
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August 12, 2014 12:17:39 PM
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 12:29:13 PM

You need another HDD. Like a 1tb drive for programs and files.

Your GPU link is the cooler again. Everything else looks good though.
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August 12, 2014 12:38:55 PM

Well I am currently on a 277gb hdd, and I know it is small as of today's standards, but it's working out for me, I don't have too many games installed at once. But other then space, was there a reason you recommend I buy a 1tb? (ex. performance?)

And I still have to find a GPU link for $500 or under. And should it be asus,ebga,zotac,gigabyte?
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 1:13:54 PM

No, you need to keep the SSD 20% open space at all times. This only gives you like 95gb to work with.

You WILL fill it up fast and you WILL need another HDD. Simple as that.
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August 12, 2014 1:29:01 PM

Alright, I will look for a well priced 1TB hdd.

By the way, what do you think of this case? It's cheap as hell tonight, so I thought why not check what you think.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
Omitting the more expensive case in favor of this one would make me feel better about spending $70 on an HDD.

p.s. Thankyou for all your help, I'm sorry for how long I dragged this thread on for, this will hopefully be my last post in this thread :>
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 2:55:32 PM

Looks pretty cheapy for a build as expensive as yours. Wouldn't do it. I would get a Corsair 200r over this for sure.

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August 12, 2014 3:04:23 PM

True, but I am not considering looks in the slightest, I am trying to build a budget build and get as much performance for my money.
Are there any benefits over the ssd holder that the Corsair 200/300 series can offer over this one?
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 3:26:11 PM

The Corsair cases are MUCH better quality. Will be MUCH easier to transport without falling apart. Will my much quieter. Will have MUCH better cable management.
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a c 193 à CPUs
August 12, 2014 5:05:50 PM

Always glad to help!
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