microATX Build Confusion

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YoDa_95

YoDa_95

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Oct 15, 2014
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I'm building a microATX PC for editing, college work and gaming ofc...I had already decided an ATX build but I wanted a small form factor since I'm staying on campus so I went with microATX *This will be my first build*.

1) Should I go with the gtx980 or gtx970...'budget is not an issue' and I would prefer one card as I want this build to last me at least 4-5 years and also I don't demand to play everything at ultra.
2) Dumb question: How do you install Windows 8.1 as their is no space for a cd drive in the mentioned case. Can you use an external cd drive....
3) Good recommendation for any hardware to be changed will be accepted :)
4) I know ATX builds can be updated easily but is it the same with microATX?

Build:
*Intel i7 4790k
*Corsair H80i
*Asus maximus VII gene motherboard
*G.skill ripjaws X 16gb
*Asus geforce gtx980 strix 4gb
*Samsung 840evo 120gb
*Seagate 1tb barracuda
*Evga 850W g2 gold psu
*Corsair Carbide Air 240 case
*Corsair AF-120 case fans (x2)
*Artic Cooling 80mm case fans (x2)
*Corsair SP-120 case fan (x2)
*Windows 8.1
 
Solution
jimthenagual
1. I'd go with the gtx970. The performance increase is about 8-10% to go with the 980 but the price gap doesn't really justify it. If budget really isn't an issue at all, then of course grab the 980. Why not?
2. You can use a USB memory stick to install windows. Microsoft has release a nice new program that sets up the USB for you nice and easy. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
3. Looking really nice. The only thing I'd consider changing is that PSU. It is extremely good quality, but it is also extreme overkill in the wattage. You can drop to a high end 550w and still have lots of room to breath. Unless you are thinking SLI in the future?
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jimthenagual

jimthenagual

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Apr 8, 2012
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1. I'd go with the gtx970. The performance increase is about 8-10% to go with the 980 but the price gap doesn't really justify it. If budget really isn't an issue at all, then of course grab the 980. Why not?
2. You can use a USB memory stick to install windows. Microsoft has release a nice new program that sets up the USB for you nice and easy. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
3. Looking really nice. The only thing I'd consider changing is that PSU. It is extremely good quality, but it is also extreme overkill in the wattage. You can drop to a high end 550w and still have lots of room to breath. Unless you are thinking SLI in the future?
 
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Solution
YoDa_95

YoDa_95

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Thanks mate...solved all my issues :)
One final question before I finalize my build. I have decided to go with the 980 and ofc reduce the wattage but...
The Corsair Carbide Air 240 does not fit the Asus strix gpu (just found out :( )...any other case recommendation?
 
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YoDa_95

YoDa_95

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http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/2kn900/uatx_case_roundup_corsair_obsidian_350d_corsair/

Under the negative section of the Corsair Air 240...the author said it does not fit...
 
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YoDa_95

YoDa_95

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So do you recommend any cases?

 
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