Need final feedback on build

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valefore

Reputable
Sep 26, 2014
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4,510
Hello all,

I'm currently building a new gaming computer and need some help on polishing.
I usually do not play super high graphics games but instead like strategy games like supreme commander or sword of the stars 2 (old, but my i5 750 and gtx 460 slow down when handling them). So cpu power and overclocking is also a big concern for me.

The following is my current build planned:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($235.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BL 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($128.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($349.99 @ B&H)
Case: Thermaltake VL800P1W2N (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($46.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($26.97 @ Newegg)
Total: $1206.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 22:18 EDT-0400
Windows 8.1 64bit free from school


Now I have a few questions.

1. Motherboard.
The ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer seems like a good MB but the ASRock Fatal1ty Z97x costs only $7 more right now. I also heard the Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO is the best MB for overclocking. However, it also costs $90 more. Are the additional features such as audio, network, key board optimization and OC ability of the Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO a significant difference compared to those of the ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer?
In the end, which would you prefer?

2. Memory.
I couldn't find much out about memory. The one I have is okay? (maybe depends on MB?)

3. SSD.
I found the Samsung 840 EVO and PRO are almost the same price/gb at ~120gb. However, the 240gb EVO is much cheaper in price/gb. I already have a 1tb hard drive, so was wondering how much ssds help games. If there is a significant performance gain for gaming, I'm going to buy the 240gb EVO and install all my games in C. If not, I'll buy the 120gb PRO and put only a few games in C and also save some money. What to do?

4. PSU
I was recommended the XFX XTR 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX PSU which is $70 at NCIXUS. While these were all out of stock, I found SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX PSU at $80, which also seemed to be good. Which one would you recommend based on function and power efficiency?

5. Case
I'm guessing a mid tower case would suffice and window would be great (I like clear clean things and bright colors... hehe...). The ones I have marked are...

BitFenix Comrade ATX Mid Tower Case $69
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/bitfenix-case-bfccom100wwwk1rp
Enermax ECA3253-PW ATX Mid Tower Case $68 (problem with airflow?)
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/enermax-case-eca3253pw
Thermaltake VL800P1W2N (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case $47 (small window but love colors and design. Also cheap)
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/thermaltake-case-vl800p1w2n
Thermaltake VP200A6W2N ATX Mid Tower Case $86
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/thermaltake-case-vp200a6w2n

Which one would you recommend? Also, if you know any great cases please tell me that also. I'm really open to debate. I'm willing to pay up to $150 depending on design, but for personally so-so ones, I'd opt for under $80.

6. Monitor
I have a ASUS VH242 right now from 5 years ago.
http://www.displayblog.com/2008/12/14/asus-vh242-24-1080p-lcd-monitor/
I know computers advance really quickly but should I replace this too? If I do replace anything, it will go to my family so I really won't be wasting anything except I have to fly it to Korea...



I know this is a lot, but I guessed doing research and asking a bunch of questions at the same time would be better than asking bit by bit like 10 times.
Any help is greatly appreciated and as I said, I am very open to debate. I'll be back to check on gracious feedback around every 30 minutes.
Thanks for reading my long post too.

valefore
 
Solution
okcnaline
1) I would always recommend the ECS Z97 MACHINE motherboard. It's just the cheapest with all available features. But pretty much any motherboard is fine. If you need OC, then try to always get Z series motherboard.
2) The RAM's fine, just a tad too expensive.
3) Get the EVO if it's higher. Get the Pro if prices are around the same. The Pro should be faster, but not by much. So...
4) I tagged a better PSU in the build.
5) How about Fractal Design Define R4? If you don't like it, I'll be perfectly happy to find another good case.
6) That looks fine. To be honest, I'm using a ~10 inch Dell monitor from like ~10 years ago. But it's also a laptop I'm typing this up on that is plugged to the monitor. You can give it to your family if you feel...
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okcnaline

okcnaline

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Nov 17, 2013
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1) I would always recommend the ECS Z97 MACHINE motherboard. It's just the cheapest with all available features. But pretty much any motherboard is fine. If you need OC, then try to always get Z series motherboard.
2) The RAM's fine, just a tad too expensive.
3) Get the EVO if it's higher. Get the Pro if prices are around the same. The Pro should be faster, but not by much. So...
4) I tagged a better PSU in the build.
5) How about Fractal Design Define R4? If you don't like it, I'll be perfectly happy to find another good case.
6) That looks fine. To be honest, I'm using a ~10 inch Dell monitor from like ~10 years ago. But it's also a laptop I'm typing this up on that is plugged to the monitor. You can give it to your family if you feel like getting a new LED 1080p monitor, but it's up to you.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($235.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($128.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($349.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.16 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($26.97 @ Newegg)
Total: $1256.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 23:27 EDT-0400
 
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Solution
V

valefore

Reputable
Sep 26, 2014
6
0
4,510
/SuperAdithya, Okcnaline
Thanks for the feedback!

/Okcnaline
Some more questions.
1) So just get the cheapest motherboard? Anyways that motherboard seems nice from searches so i'll definitely look at it.
2) Do you know of a cheaper alternative?
4) My build suffices with 550W so will the extra 100W of the EVGA psu go to waste as energy? Or will it consume less power if less is pulled by the computer? Except that, this looks like a good psu with good efficiency and bang for the buck.
5) [strike]I looked into this but it looks bland and it also worried me of airflow since the front is blocked.[/strike] NM. Didn't notice the front opened when I looked before. Pretty cool.
6) So a new monitor won't feel as much of a performance gain, right?
 
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okcnaline

okcnaline

Splendid
Nov 17, 2013
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1) You can, but like I said, there's not really much difference between motherboards except for some extra features here and there, so...
2) Eh... Hard question. It's just a very slight more expensive than DDR3-1600. If you don't mind, overclock those and call it a day. But do keep this RAM.
3) You said you want to overclock, so the 100W would help that.
4) You skipped a number. ;-)
5) The Corsair H100i is classic; it's good cooling.
6) It's just for the LED, not much performance gain. Unless... The new monitor response time is lowered or the resolution is heightened or the brightness is heightened.
 
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V

valefore

Reputable
Sep 26, 2014
6
0
4,510
Ok. I am set.
The parts builder actually says estimated wattage is 347W so I think 550W is already a safe bet. If the 650W definitely does not cost more electricity (those bills!), planning to go with the EVGA.

As for the cooler, I am pretty set on my air cooler as it was the easiest to research. I'd still prefer air over water.

Thanks for all of the help Okcnaline!
 
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