Build Questions and Comparison

MatthewHawkins

Reputable
Oct 2, 2014
3
0
4,510
Hey guys,
First time building a machine (and posting on a forum for that matter), and I'm a tech dummy. This build is what I've come up with alone. Huge thanks in advance for input:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jH6TFT

-Case is for aesthetic, but open to a different one.
-Was thinking on splurging on the CPU, as other systems can be updated more easily later. Bad/cost ineffective move?
-No overclocking planned, but could change once I figure out how to do it.
-Is the compatibility issue with GPU blocking some drive bays going to be a fatal flaw if I only intend to have one CD drive installed?
Last, I'm curious if this rig would be similar to a pre-built one I've found at Alienware, link is here:

http://www.dell.com/us/eep/p/alienware-x51-r2/pd?cs=2236&oc=dposxy03s&model_id=alienware-x51-r2#overrides=dposxy03s:7586~FTSOT01CCMPP;1014~NOAVR

Thanks again for the help!
 
Solution
I'd drop back a bit on the CPU and see if you could go up one on the graphics card. eg

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($225.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($143.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($339.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($71.98 @...
I'd drop back a bit on the CPU and see if you could go up one on the graphics card. eg

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($225.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.49 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($143.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($339.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($71.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1155.15
 
Solution

MatthewHawkins

Reputable
Oct 2, 2014
3
0
4,510
Thanks so much for your input! I was fairly sure those who've done this a time or two would tell me to cut back on CPU power. Just out of curiosity, does the machine you listed outperform the pre-built system I linked? I've never put a PC together, and don't know if I'm really saving money by building vs. buying. Thanks again so much for your help!
 
If you were into video editing, I'd recommend staying with an i7. But for gaming, the i5 4690k is perfect.

And the gtx 970 will destroy a R9 280X - http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-980-970-maxwell,3941-8.html - with less power! And only for an extra $40.

I've also gone for a Hybdrid/SSHD drive - nearly as fast as a SSD but way cheaper.

Edit - it makes no difference if you use the NZXT case and the EVGA PSU.