Help in reviewing a PC upgrade build.

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

I'm getting ready to upgrade my PC pretty soon. I've picked out all the parts that I've found the best for what I want to do (high end gaming, video recording and editing, and C++ coding) and I wanted some second opinions on compatibility and other options. What I'm most concerned with is my CPU cooler potentially blocking my RAM slots or being too large for my current case to fit, and if my choice of motherboard is worth the cost. I plan on doing some minor OCing here and there with my build.

Here is the new part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/chasem_94/saved/ddvdnQ
The case in the list is the one I am using now. I don't have any issues purchasing a larger case if need be. Any recommendations and potential changes are welcome.

turkey3_scratch · Sep 21, 2014

On an ATX Motherboard like that the CPU cooler should not be in the way. I also think you are overpaying on the wireless adapter (unless you need really, really, really good range and through a series of brick walls). Other than that I like it! You might want to invest some money taken out of the wireless adapter into higher-clocked RAM to future-proof, such as in the 2000Mhz range.

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

turkey3_scratch :

I need the adapter because I'm using an older Intel-Centrino-N adapter that's not keeping up anymore. I recently upgraded my internet speed through uVerse and installed an ASUS AC2400 router. I'm the farthest away from the router, on opposite ends of the house. I wanted to be able to take full advantage of the new router/service.

turkey3_scratch · Sep 21, 2014

chasem_94 :

turkey3_scratch :

I need the adapter because I'm using an older Intel-Centrino-N adapter that's not keeping up anymore. I recently upgraded my internet speed through uVerse and installed an ASUS AC2400 router. I'm the farthest away from the router, on opposite ends of the house. I wanted to be able to take full advantage of the new router/service.

Okay makes sense now. How come you did not include a PSU in the build?

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

turkey3_scratch :

chasem_94 :

Okay makes sense now. How come you did not include a PSU in the build?

Ahh, it's because I already have an XFX 850watt Gold Certified PSU.

esco_sid · Sep 21, 2014

you can do this motherboard has the WIFI on it so you save some $ and upgrade CPU cooler

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($338.97 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-DELUXE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($269.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($559.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($559.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Raidmax Vampire ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Fan Controller: NZXT SENTRY 3 Fan Controller ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $2169.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-21 21:44 EDT-0400

turkey3_scratch · Sep 21, 2014

esco_sid :

you can do this motherboard has the WIFI on it so you save some $

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($338.97 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling ACFZI30 74.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-DELUXE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($269.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($559.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($559.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Raidmax Vampire ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Fan Controller: NZXT SENTRY 3 Fan Controller ($32.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $2135.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-21 21:41 EDT-0400

Probably won't have the range he wants though and gets with that $90 wireless adapter with about 5 or so antennas.

esco_sid · Sep 21, 2014

turkey3_scratch :

esco_sid :

Probably won't have the range he wants though and gets with that $90 wireless adapter with about 5 or so antennas.

na it mostly depends on the router not receiver and that router is $300 one so should be fine on AC

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

esco_sid :

I had considered that motherboard too, the thing that deterred me were some unfavorable reviews on newegg. I think it was averaged at 3 eggs? I can't remember. The adapter on it is a big plus though.

esco_sid · Sep 21, 2014

chasem_94 :

esco_sid :

I had considered that motherboard too, the thing that deterred me were some unfavorable reviews on newegg. I think it was averaged at 3 eggs? I can't remember. The adapter on it is a big plus though.

hm i looked at amazon had 4.5/5 its usually early adopters complaining when bios/firmware still are not matured usually 2nd batches all issues are fixed.

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

esco_sid :

turkey3_scratch :

na it mostly depends on the router not receiver and that router is $300 one so should be fine on AC

As long as the adapter can facilitate the speed that I'm getting (should be around 2-4mbps) I have no problems bundling it with the mobo.

turkey3_scratch · Sep 21, 2014

chasem_94 :

esco_sid :

As long as the adapter can facilitate the speed that I'm getting (should be around 2-4mbps) I have no problems bundling it with the mobo.

2-4Mbps! I was expecting you needed about 50-200Mbps. Any cheap adapter or on-borad wifi will give you those speeds you need

buy like a $30 one.

RookieOfTheYear · Sep 21, 2014

I would recommend this ram. It is faster ram for less money. Can't go wrong here.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Total: $147.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-21 21:53 EDT-0400

turkey3_scratch · Sep 21, 2014

RookieOfTheYear :

He wants 32GB RAM.

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

turkey3_scratch :

It doesn't have to be 32GB yet. Also I found that I should be getting max 18Mbps down from uverse Max Plus. Theoretical max that is.

RookieOfTheYear · Sep 21, 2014

turkey3_scratch :

He only shows 16 in his build. I never read anything about 32GB's.

turkey3_scratch · Sep 21, 2014

chasem_94 :

turkey3_scratch :

It doesn't have to be 32GB yet. Also I found that I should be getting max 18Mbps down from uverse Max Plus. Theoretical max that is.

Believe it or not you usually get faster speeds than wat you pay for.

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

turkey3_scratch :

chasem_94 :

Believe it or not you usually get faster speeds than wat you pay for.

Hm. I just did the conversions and it turns out I do actually get more. The only thing is that it isn't very stable since my Centrino-N adapter is older and not AC.

RookieOfTheYear · Sep 21, 2014

chasem_94 :

Then I would definitely go with that ram. It is an amazing deal right now. Probably won't last long though.

Also, here is my two cents on the fan controller. Since you have plenty of external bays, maybe look into this fan controller.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Fan Controller: NZXT Sentry LX Fan Controller ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $47.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-21 22:04 EDT-0400

EDIT: Actually this is the one I was looking for. It can change between like 6 or so colors and is touchscreen.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999243

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

RookieOfTheYear :

chasem_94 :

Then I would definitely go with that ram. It is an amazing deal right now. Probably won't last long though.

Also, here is my two cents on the fan controller. Since you have plenty of external bays, maybe look into this fan controller.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Fan Controller: NZXT Sentry LX Fan Controller ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $47.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-21 22:04 EDT-0400

I'll probably go with the Asus Z97-Deluxe since the Sabertooth Z97 Mark1 isn't all it's cracked up to be. I read some tests that show the heat shield only really knocks off about 1-3 degrees. Plus I'm worried with the CPU cooler it might get in the way, since it's larger than it seems.

EDIT: Aw man that controller is hype. I'll probably go with it.

Now with that RAM, would it be safe to use that with the Z97 Deluxe?

RookieOfTheYear · Sep 21, 2014

Check this fan controller out. This is the one I really want. I love that it can change colors and is touchscreen.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999243

chasem_94 · Sep 21, 2014

RookieOfTheYear :

Hype, I'm going with that one.

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