Need help picking parts for my first PC build?

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Anoxis Zero

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Mar 7, 2015
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Hello everyone!

So I've decided to build a computer as my old one can't be upgraded to any useful degree and just doesn't work for me anymore. I've never built a computer before and I'd appreciate some help and advice on my choice of parts. This computer is going to be used for digital painting, scientific calculations (nothing too intensive) and some really light gaming some my emphasis is not on GPU here as the apps I'm using don't utilise it.

Here's my proposed build:
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor or Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (Need help deciding?)
CPU Cooler: (Advice appreciated, might possibly overclock at some point?)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory (Do I need a frequency this high?)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (for OS)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive (for other data)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: (Need help choosing?)

Thanks in advance.
 
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Ray Tsou

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Sep 22, 2014
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i7 would be a lot better, but the i5 is good too. Since you're not gaming the i5 should be enough.
For cooling, I would recommend a H100i, Kraken X61, or a Noctua NH-D14
Motherboard is good.
You have no need for such high frequency ram, 1600mhz is enough, and you could always overclock the ram to higher speeds.
120GB is not enough. You put your OS in their any it'll be pretty much full. The more you put into an SSD, the slower it gets, so by the time your SSD gets 80% full, it'll run at roughly the same speeds as a HDD. I recommend getting a larger SSD, 250GB or above. Also, go with a Western Digital Blue or Black, Greens are really slow.
For the power supply, I say get any Antec, EVGA, or Corsair power supplies. But don't get the CX series for corsair, they tend to fail catastrophically over time.
I also recommend getting a entry level gpu, because some games have high requirements. Consider a R7 260x or a GTX 750(ti). If you really wanna save, get a GTX 740 or the like.
 
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Anoxis Zero

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Mar 7, 2015
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My max budget for just the hardware would optimally be around £800. Peripherals and software already covered.
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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Jan 5, 2014
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Just for other users I need to clarify some of the information stated here..

1. 120GB is definitely enough. After he puts OS on there it will be about 25%-40% full..
2. An SSD does not get slower as it fills up.. Only after about 80%-85% will you start to notice a difference.
3. DO NOT get a Corsair PSU. They are over priced garbage. For your use, the XFX TS550 would be your best bet.
 
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O

Outlander_04

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Nov 18, 2008
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£263.94 @ Aria PC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£99.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£107.87 @ More Computers)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£51.54 @ Aria PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£42.97 @ CCL Computers)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Superclocked Video Card (£109.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case (£75.03 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply (£67.98 @ Kustom PCs)
Total: £819.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-08 01:18 GMT+0000

The i7 , stock cooler , 2 x8 gig of low latency RAM [ that should OC well with a shade more voltage ] , excellent m-ATX case , seasonic psu , and a fast SSD and conventional drive . The 750ti gives you pretty reasonable gaming too
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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Jan 5, 2014
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ECC memory would be a good idea.
 
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Anoxis Zero

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Mar 7, 2015
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Just to clarify this computer is not being used professionally., it will be a "just for fun" machine. I have access to large server racks with many cores and GB of ECC ram. ECC ram won't be necessary this build.
 
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MasterDell

MasterDell

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Jan 5, 2014
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OHHHH.. Well in that case,

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£263.94 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo 43.1 CFM CPU Cooler (£16.48 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: Asus Z97M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (£99.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Kingston Fury Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory (£52.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Crucial BX100 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£49.98 @ Ebuyer)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive (£43.97 @ CCL Computers)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Core Edition Video Card (£83.99 @ Scan.co.uk)
Case: Aerocool DS Cube Black/White Silent Cube MicroATX Mini Tower Case (£55.20 @ CCL Computers)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£37.99 @ Aria PC)
Total: £704.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-03-08 07:51 GMT+0000
 
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