Mid-level Build Journal (i5-4570, Asrock H87M, Radeon 7970, Fractal R4)

[jrstriker12]

I've started in my new build to replace my aging computer. I've found other posts on build very helpful in getting me started and overcoming some problems, so I figured I'd post a build journal to help anyone else who might be building using some of the same components and run into some of the same issues.

Let's start with the new build components:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor (Purchased For $167.49)
Motherboard: ASRock H87M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard (Purchased For $82.49)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (Purchased For $120.14)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk (Purchased For $94.99)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $85.99)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (Purchased For $342.19)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250UBE 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter (Purchased For $10.19)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $79.99)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (Purchased For $79.99)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer (Purchased For $17.99)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) (Purchased For $91.98)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard (Purchased For $42.19)
Mouse: Mad Catz R.A.T. 5 Wired Laser Mouse (Purchased For $57.98)
Total: $1273.60
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-13 12:18 EDT-0400)

Notes on the Build:I'm NOT overclocking so I decided to save a few bucks and get a 4570 and a H87 mobo.
-Moving to BF4 on PC, figure the 7970 should be capable gaming at 1920X1080. Might consider selling the GPU and upgrading if the AMD Volcanic Islands GPUs are a good value and massive jump in capability. -
First time doing an install with an SSD. Should be interesting.

I've already started working on the PC in short time I had last night. The Day 1 build post with picts will be posted later.

 

[ps3hacker12]

nice.

 

[TheBigTroll]

this would have made more sense
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1rFg8

-the 4430 is cheaper and about as fast. its fast enough that you cannot tell the difference between the 2
-just as good board for cheaper
-the extra ram will do you no good for gaming
-a better SSD that isnt crap in terms of write speeds
-fair enough for the 7970 for bf4 but then the 7950 isnt that much slower yet its 100 bucks cheaper
-you dont need such a large case for a matx build
-extra wattage was competely not needed
-should have spent an extra 10 bucks on the keyboard. a mech keyboard is infinitely better than anything membrane can offer
-the logitech mice are built better and overall will last much longer. the rat 5 is a pretty big scam if you ask me

 

[jrstriker12]

this would have made more sense
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1rFg8

-the 4430 is cheaper and about as fast. its fast enough that you cannot tell the difference between the 2
-just as good board for cheaper
-the extra ram will do you no good for gaming
-a better SSD that isnt crap in terms of write speeds
-fair enough for the 7970 for bf4 but then the 7950 isnt that much slower yet its 100 bucks cheaper
-you dont need such a large case for a matx build
-extra wattage was competely not needed
-should have spent an extra 10 bucks on the keyboard. a mech keyboard is infinitely better than anything membrane can offer
-the logitech mice are built better and overall will last much longer. the rat 5 is a pretty big scam if you ask me

This input would have been great when I posted the original build on Toms on June 14th - I posted several updates too: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1703063/improve-microatx-build-rounded-mid-level-build-game.html

Thanks for the input but I already have the parts. Waited more than two weeks for delivery and I'm pretty happy with what I have.

BTW:
-CPU: i5-4570 is cheaper with Microcenter in store pick-up ($168 < $$183). I have two Microcenters in my area.
-I bought the extra ram because I could. there was one time where I though I'd never need more than 4gb on my old machine, but I'm now wishing I had more.
-Figured a 7970 for close to $320 after rebate isn't a bad deal and might be beneficial if I decide to get a higher resolution monitor.
-Yes, I know, the case is big, but I like it.
-The PSU was a decent deal and with my wattage estimate coming in close to 450 it can't hurt to have a bit extra to expand a bit.
- My current super-cheap keyboard and mouse set-up from logitech cost about $30 total when i bought them. This keyboard and mouse will be a step up either way.

Is it perfect? No, but I can live with that.

 

[ncasolo]

this would have made more sense
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1rFg8

-the 4430 is cheaper and about as fast. its fast enough that you cannot tell the difference between the 2
-just as good board for cheaper
-the extra ram will do you no good for gaming
-a better SSD that isnt crap in terms of write speeds
-fair enough for the 7970 for bf4 but then the 7950 isnt that much slower yet its 100 bucks cheaper
-you dont need such a large case for a matx build
-extra wattage was competely not needed
-should have spent an extra 10 bucks on the keyboard. a mech keyboard is infinitely better than anything membrane can offer
-the logitech mice are built better and overall will last much longer. the rat 5 is a pretty big scam if you ask me

This input would have been great when I posted the original build on Toms on June 14th - I posted several updates too: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1703063/improve-microatx-build-rounded-mid-level-build-game.html

Thanks for the input but I already have the parts. Waited more than two weeks for delivery and I'm pretty happy with what I have.

BTW:
-CPU: i5-4570 is cheaper with Microcenter in store pick-up ($168 < $$183). I have two Microcenters in my area.
-I bought the extra ram because I could. there was one time where I though I'd never need more than 4gb on my old machine, but I'm now wishing I had more.
-Figured a 7970 for close to $320 after rebate isn't a bad deal and might be beneficial if I decide to get a higher resolution monitor.
-Yes, I know, the case is big, but I like it.
-The PSU was a decent deal and with my wattage estimate coming in close to 450 it can't hurt to have a bit extra to expand a bit.
- My current super-cheap keyboard and mouse set-up from logitech cost about $30 total when i bought them. This keyboard and mouse will be a step up either way.

Is it perfect? No, but I can live with that.

When I read you were quoting "TheBigTroll" I laughed because I thought you had edited the username since he clearly didn't read the original post where you said you already purchased all the parts. Then I realized it was his username and it was less funny. Looks like a nice build to me. You'll have to post pictures when you're done.

 

[jrstriker12]

this would have made more sense
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1rFg8

-the 4430 is cheaper and about as fast. its fast enough that you cannot tell the difference between the 2
-just as good board for cheaper
-the extra ram will do you no good for gaming
-a better SSD that isnt crap in terms of write speeds
-fair enough for the 7970 for bf4 but then the 7950 isnt that much slower yet its 100 bucks cheaper
-you dont need such a large case for a matx build
-extra wattage was competely not needed
-should have spent an extra 10 bucks on the keyboard. a mech keyboard is infinitely better than anything membrane can offer
-the logitech mice are built better and overall will last much longer. the rat 5 is a pretty big scam if you ask me

This input would have been great when I posted the original build on Toms on June 14th - I posted several updates too: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1703063/improve-microatx-build-rounded-mid-level-build-game.html

Thanks for the input but I already have the parts. Waited more than two weeks for delivery and I'm pretty happy with what I have.

BTW:
-CPU: i5-4570 is cheaper with Microcenter in store pick-up ($168 < $$183). I have two Microcenters in my area.
-I bought the extra ram because I could. there was one time where I though I'd never need more than 4gb on my old machine, but I'm now wishing I had more.
-Figured a 7970 for close to $320 after rebate isn't a bad deal and might be beneficial if I decide to get a higher resolution monitor.
-Yes, I know, the case is big, but I like it.
-The PSU was a decent deal and with my wattage estimate coming in close to 450 it can't hurt to have a bit extra to expand a bit.
- My current super-cheap keyboard and mouse set-up from logitech cost about $30 total when i bought them. This keyboard and mouse will be a step up either way.

Is it perfect? No, but I can live with that.

When I read you were quoting "TheBigTroll" I laughed because I thought you had edited the username since he clearly didn't read the original post where you said you already purchased all the parts. Then I realized it was his username and it was less funny. Looks like a nice build to me. You'll have to post pictures when you're done.

LOL, seems like he's a mod so he is probably really busy and didn't read the whole thing.

Trying to find time to post my day 1 build picts. First day went a little slow, but my last build was 5 years ago and I was falling asleep on my feet, so I have to get back into it.

 

[jrstriker12]

*Duplicate post.....

 

[ps3hacker12]

Is it all finished now?

 

[jrstriker12]

Is it all finished now?

Nope, work has been insane this week. Had relative over the weekend so haven't got much done.

 

[jrstriker12]

Okay, finally got around to finishing the machine and posting pics. The pic titles have a little info about some of the issues/problems I bumped into. Overall build went smooth. Booted first time, no problem! http://imgur.com/a/YNwr5

 

[TheBigTroll]

the thing id change is remove the top cage altogether and put the drives on the bottom cages. looks cleaner and allows more space for the fans to pump air through the front

wouldnt have gotten a sidewinder when mechanical is so much better for not much more.

 

[teddymines]

this would have made more sense
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1rFg8

-the 4430 is cheaper and about as fast. its fast enough that you cannot tell the difference between the 2
-just as good board for cheaper
-the extra ram will do you no good for gaming
-a better SSD that isnt crap in terms of write speeds
-fair enough for the 7970 for bf4 but then the 7950 isnt that much slower yet its 100 bucks cheaper
-you dont need such a large case for a matx build
-extra wattage was competely not needed
-should have spent an extra 10 bucks on the keyboard. a mech keyboard is infinitely better than anything membrane can offer
-the logitech mice are built better and overall will last much longer. the rat 5 is a pretty big scam if you ask me

This input would have been great when I posted the original build on Toms on June 14th - I posted several updates too: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1703063/improve-microatx-build-rounded-mid-level-build-game.html

Thanks for the input but I already have the parts. Waited more than two weeks for delivery and I'm pretty happy with what I have.

BTW:
-CPU: i5-4570 is cheaper with Microcenter in store pick-up ($168 < $$183). I have two Microcenters in my area.
-I bought the extra ram because I could. there was one time where I though I'd never need more than 4gb on my old machine, but I'm now wishing I had more.
-Figured a 7970 for close to $320 after rebate isn't a bad deal and might be beneficial if I decide to get a higher resolution monitor.
-Yes, I know, the case is big, but I like it.
-The PSU was a decent deal and with my wattage estimate coming in close to 450 it can't hurt to have a bit extra to expand a bit.
- My current super-cheap keyboard and mouse set-up from logitech cost about $30 total when i bought them. This keyboard and mouse will be a step up either way.

Is it perfect? No, but I can live with that.

There will always be people who will find "better" components. You have to draw a line in the sand somewhere, and lock in, which it sounds like you did (I did the same, BTW). Hope you enjoy your new build.

 

[ps3hacker12]

That build looks pretty awesome, hows it doing in terms of noise and stress tests?

 

[jrstriker12]

I left in all the sound baffles covering the vents so it runs extremely quiet. Haven't run any bench marks but it sure as heck runs BF3 beautifully! I'm happy with it!

 

[jrstriker12]

the thing id change is remove the top cage altogether and put the drives on the bottom cages. looks cleaner and allows more space for the fans to pump air through the front

wouldnt have gotten a sidewinder when mechanical is so much better for not much more.

Fair enough. I'll have to take some time to make some changes.

 

[jrstriker12]

this would have made more sense
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1rFg8

-the 4430 is cheaper and about as fast. its fast enough that you cannot tell the difference between the 2
-just as good board for cheaper
-the extra ram will do you no good for gaming
-a better SSD that isnt crap in terms of write speeds
-fair enough for the 7970 for bf4 but then the 7950 isnt that much slower yet its 100 bucks cheaper
-you dont need such a large case for a matx build
-extra wattage was competely not needed
-should have spent an extra 10 bucks on the keyboard. a mech keyboard is infinitely better than anything membrane can offer
-the logitech mice are built better and overall will last much longer. the rat 5 is a pretty big scam if you ask me

This input would have been great when I posted the original build on Toms on June 14th - I posted several updates too: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1703063/improve-microatx-build-rounded-mid-level-build-game.html

Thanks for the input but I already have the parts. Waited more than two weeks for delivery and I'm pretty happy with what I have.

BTW:
-CPU: i5-4570 is cheaper with Microcenter in store pick-up ($168 < $$183). I have two Microcenters in my area.
-I bought the extra ram because I could. there was one time where I though I'd never need more than 4gb on my old machine, but I'm now wishing I had more.
-Figured a 7970 for close to $320 after rebate isn't a bad deal and might be beneficial if I decide to get a higher resolution monitor.
-Yes, I know, the case is big, but I like it.
-The PSU was a decent deal and with my wattage estimate coming in close to 450 it can't hurt to have a bit extra to expand a bit.
- My current super-cheap keyboard and mouse set-up from logitech cost about $30 total when i bought them. This keyboard and mouse will be a step up either way.

Is it perfect? No, but I can live with that.

There will always be people who will find "better" components. You have to draw a line in the sand somewhere, and lock in, which it sounds like you did (I did the same, BTW). Hope you enjoy your new build.

Thanks. Definitely having fun. Got the Humble Bundle and I've been gaming away. Finshed the MOH Campaign, which was actually decent. I think I like it better than BF3's campaign for some reason.