Questions about new build and streaming/youtubing.

Jon Joel · Apr 13, 2015

So after much deliberation I think I have decided on parts for my build, I plan to play games, possibly overclock (if i figure out how to do it), stream via twitch or just record, edit, and post to youtube.

I've done quite a bit of research about having an i7 being much better for editing videos, but if I don't really plan on streaming/recording very intensive games, nothing past anything like modded skyrim or Lol, will I really need to get an i7? If it's just the time it takes to render/edit or whatever, is it a substantial difference? If so how much? Also for streaming is there anything i need to get? I have a pulse elite headset and planned to talk on that if it would work.

And if for any reason my build seems inadequate please let me know, i purchased some extra fans to replace the ones inside of the h100i because apparently it sounds like an airplane, i would've gone with noctua but that white and brown crap is really ugly, I intend to have a red and black theme on my PC, inside and out. (Also my TV is apparently really good for being a 4 year old tv with like native 1920 resolution and 5ms, from what i saw it's competitive to monitors around 200 bucks now.)

I would like to note I really don't want to go above 1500 bucks, but if I really need to I will, thank you for the input.

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4f6Rbv) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4f6Rbv/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690k) | $199.99 @ Micro Center
**CPU Cooler** | [Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-h100i) | $89.99 @ Amazon
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-motherboard-z97gaming5) | $139.89 @ OutletPC
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl9d8gbxl) | $64.75 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003) | $47.99 @ NCIX US
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-gtx970gaming4g) | $333.98 @ Newegg
**Case** | [NZXT Phantom ATX Full Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/nzxt-case-phan001rd) | $115.99 @ Best Buy
**Power Supply** | [Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx600m) | $59.99 @ NCIX US
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $18.95 @ OutletPC
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-gfc02050) | $86.89 @ OutletPC
**Wireless Network Adapter** | [TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/tp-link-wireless-network-card-tlwdn4800) | $34.79 @ OutletPC
**Case Fan** | [Corsair Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.9 CFM 120mm Fans](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-fan-co9050006ww) | $27.89 @ OutletPC
**Other**| VIZIO razor tv|
**Other**| Redragon Karura K502 USB Keyboard| $25.99
**Other**| Redragon LAVAWOLF M701 3500 DPI| $18.99
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1296.07
| Mail-in rebates | -$30.00
| **Total** | **$1266.07**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2015-04-13 17:19 EDT-0400 |

Vosgy · Apr 13, 2015

All looks good to me, some people will tell you that the PSU is low quality, they base this off of http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html from this site. I'm personally really starting to question this list, my PSU is on the Tier three list just like the Corsair CX series, yet all the reviews on mine are great so meh.
Also I would recommend a SSD for that super fast boot and POP! in operation, once you have one you won't want to go back

250Gig is a good size IMHO though you can't go wrong with bigger.

tiny voices · Apr 13, 2015

Avoid the Corsair CX units. They really are not good.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2015/01/21/corsair_cx750_750w_power_supply_review/9#.VSyIJYyTaUk

tiny voices · Apr 13, 2015

And Vosgy, your unit is rated low, because of false advertising and false marketing. They advertise ALL JAPANESE CAPACITORS yet the ATNG the company that OEM's these units clearly uses some lower rated non-japanese caps. The unit is very good apart from the few capacitors (minor ones really that only really drop it from a 10/10 to a 9/10 on the quality meter. Not like the whole secondary side like the CX units being made of cheap caps) and performs well, but that kind of blatant false advertising is ridiculous. It's just like Coolermaster faking the 80+ certifications in like late 2000s.

rhysiam · Apr 13, 2015

Unless you have your heart set on overclocking, can I suggest you have a look at a Xeon 1231 -> It's basically an i7 4770 (100mhz lower boost clock), with the integrated graphics disabled. It's hyperthreading on a budget.

You streaming editing uses will benefit significantly from hyperthreading and the Xeon gives you that for a very reasonable price. Plus, you can then ditch the CPU cooler and the extra fans, that saves you over $100 which will easily offset the extra cost of the CPU.

If you really want to play around with overclocking and aftermarket coolers, stick with your setup, but the Xeon gets you significantly better performance (for your use-case) for your budget.

RE PSU: There are XFX 550W units going at crazy prices at the moment, much much better than the CX600 you linked. More than enough for a Xeon and OC'd 970. If you stick with a 4690K and want to push a really high OC on both CPU and GPU, you might want to go 650W, but 550W is usually fine - and absolutely fine if you go with the locked clock Xeon.

You sure you want Win7? Win 8 is better and if you hate the modern UI just pay $5 for Start8 and you get all the benefits of Win8 with Win7 usability.

Otherwise solid build. 970 & mobo are good choices.

tiny voices · Apr 13, 2015

Also, the Corsair SP120 QUIET EDITIONS are not powerful enough to push air through the H100i. They will not work and you will have horrible temps. The stock fans are loud for a reason. They move air. If you wanted a quiet CPU cooler, air cooling is 1000% the way to go. An NH-D15 beats the H100i in cooling and makes less than half the noise.

okcnaline · Apr 13, 2015

Except for the PSU, and the lack of the SSD, it's looking okay.

@rhysiam: You don't really need 8 cores/threads in a game.

rhysiam · Apr 13, 2015

RE PSU: Here is a much better quality 550W XFX unit for $15 LESS than your current choice. That's a no-brainer: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

Or if you intend to push CPU and GPU OC hard, or want to play it safe, a 650W unit for $60: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1650snlb9

Or a gold rated full modular 550W for $62: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550bbefx

rhysiam · Apr 13, 2015

okcnaline :

I know... but he wants to stream, record and video edit. All uses which benefit significantly from hyperthreading.

That's exactly why I said "better performance (for your use-case)"... it's better performance for the streaming/recording/editing, not the gaming.

The Xeon is plenty enough for 60 fps in any game, will perform better with lower power draw than an OC'd 4690K for video editing related tasks, AND costs at least $50 LESS than the original build (if you remove the cooler and extra fans).

It's a better build IMHO unless OP is keen to try out overclocking.

Vosgy · Apr 13, 2015

tiny voices :

By that logic the GTX 970 shouldn't be recommended for Gaming builds as it had false advertizing, in both cases the advertizing as been fixed.
Considering there are PSU with non Japanese capacitors in the teir 2 list why isn't in there if the rest of the package is great?
Double standards help no one.

rhysiam · Apr 13, 2015

Oh, and OP, as others have said, don't put together a build at that budget without an SSD.

Repace the i5 with this Xeon: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646e31231v3
Ditch the extra fans, CPU cooler and drop to the 550W XFX unit.

That saves you a little under $95. Throw in an extra $5 and you can afford this Samsung 850EVO for $98: https://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz75e250bam

Much better build for an extra $5.

As I've said though... you forgo overclocking and the aftermarket cooler.

okcnaline · Apr 13, 2015

rhysiam :

okcnaline :

I know... but he wants to stream, record and video edit. All uses which benefit significantly from hyperthreading.

That's exactly why I said "better performance (for your use-case)"... it's better performance for the streaming/recording/editing, not the gaming.

The Xeon is plenty enough for 60 fps in any game, will perform better with lower power draw than an OC'd 4690K for video editing related tasks, AND costs at least $50 LESS than the original build (if you remove the cooler and extra fans).

It's a better build IMHO unless OP is keen to try out overclocking.

I AM aware he is streaming. But how about this: i5 can easily max games at probably 60 FPS, it's not going to affect it much IMO.

tiny voices · Apr 13, 2015

Vosgy :

tiny voices :

By that logic the GTX 970 shouldn't be recommended for Gaming builds as it had false advertizing, in both cases the advertizing as been fixed.
Considering there are PSU with non Japanese capacitors in the teir 2 list why isn't in there if the rest of the package is great?
Double standards help no one.

You are more than welcome to comment on the list thread to explain why it should be moved. I do not manage the list.

Jon Joel · Apr 13, 2015

I appreciate all the input everyone, I was actually contemplating getting a Xeon, but i saw you can't overclock it, so what are the benefits of overclocking, is it just a few more fps? like is it even a noticable difference?

Also, thanks for the advice on my psu everyone, I haven't heard anything about it being shitty

okcnaline · Apr 13, 2015

OC is merely boosting the speeds the transistors in your CPU is running. The benefits are higher FPS. The example would be the famous FX vs. i5 comparison; which 5.0Ghz is required for FX CPUs to run as fast as i5/i7. Regularly, you'll be getting probably 30 FPS off, but once you boosted from 3.5 Ghz to 5 Ghz (1.5 Ghz difference) you'll see a massive boost.

rhysiam · Apr 13, 2015

okcnaline :

You're right, it doesn't affect it much. You've prompted me to go and check the prices which confirmed my opinion. The point I'm trying to make is that by the time you add in the cooler and fans (almost $120), you're paying $80 MORE for the i5 and cooling. I'd trade off the ability to overclock for $80 and hyperthreading for a recording/streaming rig any day of the week. To me it's a no-brainer.

As I noted in my post above, with that $80 plus the $15 saved by going with a (better!) XFX PSU, OP has the budget for a 250GB Samsung 850 EVO.

I know some people really enjoy having a closed-loop cooler and tweaking up a nice hefty OC. If that's what OP wants to do then that's fine, she/he should stick with the i5 (as I've been saying all along). But if you want bang-for-buck, go the Xeon IMHO.

tiny voices · Apr 13, 2015

Overclocking really does not add much in the majority of games. The difference in most demanding games with my 3570k at 3.4ghz vs. 4.5ghz is 1-5fps, sometimes nothing.

To be fair, you will not be able to add 1.5ghz to that i7.

Overclocking AMD CPUs is WAY more beneficial than on Intel.

Overclocking is more of a hobby than it is for actual performance gains.

rhysiam · Apr 13, 2015

OP - just bear in mind that any modern Intel quad core CPU is sufficient for maintaining 60fps on (just about) any game. So OCing doesn't really buy you anything for gaming unless you have some serious high-end GPUs (more than one) and a 120/144hz monitor, AND you're playing a massively CPU demanding game.

With a 60hz monitor there's not a lot of benefit exceeding 60fps, which any modern Intel quad core (i5/i7/Xeon) can handle without too much trouble.

Jon Joel · Apr 14, 2015

I know this sounds really stupid but what if i start streaming or something and no one likes it so I give up, will the xeon still be okay for my build? will i be able to play beautiful ass new games on ultra with a fps around 50 or 60?

tiny voices · Apr 14, 2015

With a single gtx970, you will not likely see any gains form overclocking the CPU.

I would DEFINITELY get a Xeon and skip overclocking. Well worth it for your needs.

The Xeon will be BETTER for streaming than the i5.

YEs this build will play new games at ultra settings at 1080p.

Jon Joel · Apr 14, 2015

I see so then this https://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646e31231v3 Xeon would be the best one for me to get?

Also on the SSD thing, i also contemplated that but decided to save it for later, but if I do this I'll buy it, but I have some confusion on the samsung ones. how much better is the 850 series than the 840? and what's the difference between pro and EVO?

thanks again guys, i really appreciate it.

tiny voices · Apr 14, 2015

Yes that is what you want to get.

The 850s are alot better and have none of the issues the 840s had. I would get an 850 EVO. I own one actually myself.

Jon Joel · Apr 14, 2015

Sweet, i updated everything!! And I just put the OS and like my favorite game on the SSD right?

Jon Joel · Apr 14, 2015

So I don't need anything besides the fans included in my tower now correct?

okcnaline · Apr 14, 2015

Here's a better build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 EXTREME4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($125.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($62.75 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($98.24 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card ($323.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 w/Window (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($117.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: XFX TS 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($71.08 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.88 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1210.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-14 00:11 EDT-0400

Questions about new build and streaming/youtubing.

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