Advice on $1600 high end PC

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
(EDIT: Completely wrong on the parts i've chosen - thanks darkbreeze!)

Approximate Purchase Date: 19th January 2015 (Next week hopefully)

Budget Range: 1200$ or more if needed

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Music & video production, gaming, surfing the internet

Parts Not Required: Speakers, OS

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: amazon.co.uk

Country: Denmark


Parts Preferences: After having done some research, I would like to use an Intel core i5 or i7 CPU & Gigabyte Z97X-UDH3 mobo with what i believe is a full tower case. How many inches screen i have not yet figured out, but something big, which accommodates the rest of my computer well.

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Whether I'm choosing NVIDIA or AMD depends on the monitor i choose (I guess?). Based on Tom's Hardware recommended, so far i have chosen "SAPPHIRE AMD R9 280 Graphics Card (3GB, DDR5)"

Monitor Resolution: So far i'd like to go with a really big one, like 1920x1200)

Additional Comments: I do not care about the appearance of my computer. I'd like it to have liquid cooling and be a quiet PC, with a really good sound output.

Parts I've already selected (Can be replaced if i'm completely wrong, or if they don't work well together):

Corsair Carbide 500R microATX Midi PC Tower Black


Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W Modular 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX/EPS PSU


Intel Core i5 i5-4690K CPU (Quad Core 3.5GHz Processor, 6MB Cache, Intel HD 4600 Graphics, Socket H3 LGA-1150)

Gigabyte Z97X-UD3H Intel LGA1150 Z97 ATX Motherboard (4x DDR3, 6x USB3.0, 8x USB2.0, GBE, LAN, HDMI, DVI-I, DSUB)

Corsair CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10 Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 Mhz CL10 XMP Performance Desktop Memory Kit Black


Samsung 840 Series Pro 256GB 2.5 inch SATA Solid State Drive


WD 1 TB 3.5-inch Internal Hard Drive - Black


SAPPHIRE AMD R9 280 Graphics Card (3GB, DDR5)


I am most likely still missing a lot of components, and i can't wait to hear you guys feedback and help.

I've based my components on lifehacker's guide to building my own "Enthusiast"'s PC - I am a complete beginner at this, and have never built my own computer. I am willing to learn, however, but all these different models etc really confuse me. Your help is more than appreciated and I am so happy to have found this site.

Thanks in advance, Anton Sherar
 
Let's start with clarifying first. 1200 dollars is NOT a high end PC. It's a mid range PC.

Secondly, aside from a few basic tutorials, I would pay a lot of attention to anything on Lifehacker. To begin with they have you pairing a Corsair CX series PSU with a high end gaming card, which is an extremely poor decision, and goes to show their lack of understanding when it comes to hardware.

What is your actual overall budget and what are your main intended uses?
 
This would be a FAR, FAR better use of 1200.00:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($136.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($155.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($124.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.45 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($325.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1215.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 03:10 EST-0500

You'll have a much better GPU and PSU. A CPU with the same core performance as the 4690k, but with four additional threads which will help immensely with the video and audio. The best case of 2014 under 150 bucks and WAY faster memory on both the clock and latency. Plus a much more reliable hard drive.
 
Solution

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
Thanks a lot man, I had a suspicion they were not complete experts on this.

On their site, 1200$ was the highest, and i was also pretty surprised as i had thought my PC would be way more costly.

My current PC is so damn awful, so I'd like to just get the newest and best for the money.
My actual overall budget would be around 1600$ max. Is that enough for a good PC?

My main intended uses are producing music (and video one day), and also playing games on high quality with the best FPS. Other than that, just having a really fast and great computer i can surf the net with, without having to buy a new one in a loong time (i can also just replace the parts i need to replace, which is another reason why i wanna build my own).
 
Surfing the internet does not require more than a basic unit with a very good internet connection. This unit will do just about anything you want to do with it including running high end graphics and audio production applications. It will also game about as well as any single card rig out there. It doesn't have ALL the bells and whistles, but you don't need them. This is a very sweet rig for the price and would serve you very well for your needs.

The Xeon E3 CPUs are actually i7 chips without the integrated graphics, which you don't need with a discreet card installed.
 

Yonose

Distinguished
Hello Anton.

We can start with that your cabinet dosent support the size of the chosen Motherboard.
As you can see your motherboard is a ATX type, which tell you about which size it is, on your cabinet it says it only support microATX.

As it comes to Liquid/Water cooling and sound card, i'll let some other guys give you info on that. Its not my area :)


Edit:

Dident see Darkbreeze did answer, now that he gave you a build, i'll let it up to him.
Have a good time with new computer!!


 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
Darkbreeze, is that the rig you just posted? Thanks a lot man, you're great help and really quick answer as well

Also, how about liquid cooling? :) Due to my experiences with my current computer, overheating has always been my biggest issue, and i would like to have the smallest chance of that, and as far as i know, liquid cooling is best (and sounds pretty damn cool too)
 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630


Thanks man! :)

 
Sep 10, 2013
141
0
10,710


Liquid cooling will surely keep your PC running cool; but it is not exactly the quietest option.
You have to account for the radiator fans and liquid pump; all moving parts making noise.

If you want liquid cooling i'd look for a closed loop prefabricated unit; you don't have to lay your own tubes or mess with the actual fluids, so they are a lot easier to install.

PS: the thread is not closed, it's just that now that you already picked a best solution, trophy hunters might be less inclined to help you
 
No, the thread is still open. To those who are more concerned with actually helping rather than getting selected.

I'm also not sure what Yanose was referring to as the case in your original post WOULD support the board you had chosen. It supports Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX, so that information was just wrong. The 500R is a very good case too, but the Phanteks is better.
 
You don't need liquid cooling, or even any aftermarket cooler, for that configuration. The Xeon is a low TDP chip as is the GTX 970. For the purpose of lower noise levels and longevity though, a good cooler would be a nice touch. The Noctua NH-U14S would be my choice. Liquid cooling is a poor choice in my opinion for anything other than extremely overclocked rigs or machines where aesthetics are more important. For a workstation, or any gaming rig with a high but not extreme overclock, air is fine and generally quieter as liquid still has fan noise plus additional noise from the pump.

For audio workstations the electrical noise created by the pump could be an issue too although most modern boards have audio shielding to help minimize this.
 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
Ah okay, great - thanks!

The part list you sent me looks really good, but all the links to stores go to places i can't buy from, since i live in Denmark. Is it still possible to get all of the parts on for example amazon.co.uk?

I guess i'll be fine without the liquid cooling. What about a fan? Is that included in the parts you sent me?

Also, since my budget can be higher, do you have a recommended keyboard, monitor, cooler and other stuff i should be having? What about wifi, bluetooth, sound card etc? Are all these included?

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Gcx9Bm
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Gcx9Bm/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($242.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($136.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($155.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($123.87 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($325.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1214.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 03:45 EST-0500
 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
Yeah euro's look more familliar, i'd like your recommendation on a 1200-1600$ PC (converted to £ or €), including fan, keyboard, monitor and soundcard (and other things important) - Thank you so much for all this help, you are a lifesaver.
 
Keyboard, mouse, sound card and other peripherals are highly subjective and should be targeted based on specific need rather than opinion or cost. You can find good reviews on those items in order to determine what models might best suit your intentions. As far as the core build is concerned, see if this works for you.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (€243.89 @ Home of Hardware DE)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (€69.90 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: Asus H97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (€98.85 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (€139.90 @ Hardwareversand)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (€109.70 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€82.89 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card (€315.73 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€99.90 @ Caseking)
Power Supply: Antec 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€49.90 @ Caseking)
Total: €1210.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 10:00 CET+0100
 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
Looks like there is a UK version, but i'm not 100% sure.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£208.81 @ More Computers)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£110.39 @ Aria PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory (£139.46 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£90.00 @ Aria PC)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£55.60 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card (£255.59 @ Aria PC)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case (£78.73 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Total: £938.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 09:06 GMT+0000

Edit: Oh great, i guess the german one will be even cheaper since i live in Denmark.
 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630
I noticed that you changed the motherboard, memory, SSD, case and power supply. Is this because they are not available in Germany, or is there a different reason?

Also, the UK pc part picker seems to have the exact same parts as the US version - also has the same price as the German one which has different parts.

I guess now it comes down to if the original parts you sent are better, and therefore i should go with the UK version, or if the german ones are just as good, and it all comes down to shipping price.
 


In some cases, not available. In other cases, better or just as good of product for cheaper price since it's a different market. I changed the motherboard too since the Xeon can't be overclocked so it doesn't need a Z97 board. An H97 board has the same features, just doesn't overclock. If you want to be able to overclock, which isn't necessary in this case really, but if you want that ability, I'd suggest paying a little more to go with the 4790k i7 and switch to a Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming 5 motherboard.
 

Anton Sherar

Reputable
Jan 15, 2015
70
0
4,630


Both are fine, i think. Germany is closer to me, but I'm not sure if the shipping is cheaper. Guess i'll have to look into that.
Now i guess it's either:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£208.81 @ More Computers)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (£59.99 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£110.39 @ Aria PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory (£139.46 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£90.00 @ Aria PC)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£55.60 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card (£255.59 @ Aria PC)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case (£78.73 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Total: £998.57
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 09:20 GMT+0000

or

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (€243.89 @ Home of Hardware DE)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (€69.90 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: Asus H97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (€98.85 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (€139.90 @ Hardwareversand)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (€109.70 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€82.89 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card (€315.73 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€99.90 @ Caseking)
Power Supply: Antec 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€49.90 @ Caseking)
Total: €1210.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 10:20 CET+0100

I don't feel like i need to overclock (especially since i'm scared to death of overheating), so i'm fine with what you just said - should i then go with the German list? Or change the parts in the UK list to the ones in the german and compare the two? Getting closer to the final decision, i can feel!
 
You have the EU version already, above, and here is the UK version tweaked for that market. If you'll notice, on the UK version above, there was no price included for the PSU, since it's not available in the UK, which is probably why it looked much cheaper.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£207.78 @ More Computers)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (£59.99 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£85.16 @ Scan.co.uk)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory (£139.46 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£107.59 @ CCL Computers)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£55.60 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card (£255.59 @ Aria PC)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case (£113.53 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: Antec TruePower Classic 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply (£59.98 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £1084.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 09:31 GMT+0000


OR


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (€243.89 @ Home of Hardware DE)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (€69.90 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Motherboard: Asus H97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (€98.85 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (€139.90 @ Hardwareversand)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (€109.70 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€82.89 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card (€315.73 @ Amazon Deutschland)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (€99.90 @ Caseking)
Power Supply: Antec 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (€49.90 @ Caseking)
Total: €1210.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-15 10:33 CET+0100