$1400 Build Final Questions

roguecatfish

Honorable
May 5, 2013
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10,690
Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/roguecatfish/saved/1SfF

So I'm getting this build in the next couple of days and I wanted to ask some questions about my parts before I buy all of this. To answer the questions, please copy and paste the question list into the comment box and then double space below each question and answer it.

1. Is this a good motherboard? It got good reviews but is it actually a good board? Will it be compatible with all my other parts? If there is a better alternative for around the same price then link it to me.

2. Will my case fit all the components and have room for expansion?

3. Should I buy more case fans for the Define R4 or does it have adequate cooling already? Will it run quiet with the noise dampening material that is installed in it.

4. Is it easy to install an SSD? I was planning on installing one further down the line for my OS and Games (256GB Samsung 840). Is an SSD worth it for games and loading up your OS, should I just buy something like a 32 or 64 GB to put some games and my OS onto?

5. Should I wait for custom cooling designs to come out for the GTX 780 or should I just go with reference? Does it make a big difference other than cooling?

6. Is the PSU decent? I know it's an 80 Plus Bronze which is not that great. Should I get a Silver or Gold instead and spend the extra money? Is there a big difference?

7. Can you link me to some GTX 780 benchmark reviews? I've seen a few on Youtube but I would like to know all I can about the card before I get it (If possible, find some with benchmarks for games like Skyrim, BF3, DayZ/Arma2, Etc.).

8. I was hoping to upgrade further down the line and add some more components such as more RAM and an SSD and possibly another graphics card.
This is what I was thinking for the final product: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/roguecatfish/saved/1Sug

9. Will the default cooler for the 3570k cool it sufficiently or will I need the 212 EVO? I'm not planning on doing any Overclocking but just in case, what speeds could I go up to with the 212 EVO and which speeds could I go up to with just the Default Cooler. Is it worth buying the 212?

10. Is the Seagate a good hard drive? I've heard cases of it breaking or not working, are these true?

All answers are appreciated. If you do not know the answer to some of the questions, just double space down and put a question mark. Thank you for your time.
 
1. It is a good board.
2. Everything will fit just fine.
3. it will be fine. You could add one top exhaust fan if you wanted.
4. Don't get one unless it is 120gb. 32 will barely hold the OS, and 64gb eill barely hold the OS and one game.
5. It will be perfectly fine the way it is.
6. That is a very solid PSU.
7. http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/827
8. You don't need 16gb RAM for gaming and won't for a LONG time.
9. If you don't want to overclock the stock cooler is fine. Get a non 'k' CPU and save yourself some money.
10. Its fine. You could go with a western digital but its all a crap shoot. I have a seagate and its been great.
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($649.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1380.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-02 11:08 EDT-0400)

Got rid of the Budget Build PSU and added a Tier 1 UNIT , added Low Profile Ram , that will fit under cooler.
 

roguecatfish

Honorable
May 5, 2013
139
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10,690


Does the low profile RAM come in 2x4 sticks so that I can take advantage of the 4 RAM slots when I upgrade to 16GB?

 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($649.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $1395.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-02 13:05 EDT-0400)
 

roguecatfish

Honorable
May 5, 2013
139
0
10,690


I made a few revisions and paired it with a Haswell CPU, tell me what you think. The board got really good reviews and it looks very nice and has the 1150 socket. What do you think of it?

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1dJUT
 

roguecatfish

Honorable
May 5, 2013
139
0
10,690


Alright well now my only question is, what is a good monitor that I could get? I was looking for hopefully getting a 27" 1080p but 24" is fine. I was thinking of getting a 60Hz first and then saving up to get a 144Hz after and then use the 60Hz one as my secondary monitor for desktop functions. Is the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz huge and is it worth spending the extra $200 on? Please give a few links of different gaming monitors, 24 inch and 27 inch 60Hz, and some examples of 144Hz and 120Hz ones? Thanks.
 

Dark Lord of Tech

Retired Moderator
http://www.microcenter.com/product/389487/e2752vh_27_LED_Monitor

Color Black
3D Ready No
Screen Size 27"
Viewable Size 27" Viewable Image Size
Screen Size 27"
LED Backlight Yes
Widescreen Yes
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Viewing Angles 170 horizontal / 160 vertical viewing angles
Maximum Resolution 1920 x 1080
Color Support 16.7 million
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Pixel Pitch 0.311mm
Response Time 2ms
Brightness 300 cd/m2
Dynamic Contrast Ratio 20,000,000:1
Horizontal Scan Range 30 KHz - 83 KHz horizontal scan range
Vertical Scan Range 50 Hz - 76 Hz vertical scan range
Features
Touch Screen No
HDCP Support Yes
TV Tuner No
Built-in Speakers No
Built-in Webcam No
Stand Adjustment Tilt
Built-in Devices
Speakers Integrated Stereo Speakers
Audio Amplifier Integrated 2.5 Watt per channel audio amplifier
Connectivity
VGA 15-pin 1
Power
Voltage Required AC 110/240V (50/60Hz)
Power Consumption Operational (Standby) 55 Watts
Physical Specifications
Dimensions (WxDxH) 25.4" x 8.3" x 17.8"
Weight 11.6 lbs.
Environmental Specifications
Temperature - Operating (°C) 0 to 40 C
Temperature - Non-Operating (°C) -25 to 55 C
Humidity Range 5% to 93% non-condensing
Package Contents
What's in the Box Monitor, Power Cord, Base, CD Manual
Manufacturer Warranty
Parts 1 Year
Labor 1 Year