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First PC Build, Look Over My Hardware? Core i7, Water Cooled.

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June 17, 2014 6:47:48 PM

Hey all. I'm new to the PC building, and looking to build one fora little bit of a summer project (plus I'm tired of my laptop). I've been researching for a little while and compiled a list of the components, and wanted to get some constructive criticism or advice before I buy.

I'll be using the PC for video and graphic editing and rendering, as well as gaming with modern, demanding titles. I tend to run heavy programs together. I don't really have a budget, I just want to keep it reasonable. I'll be buying parts online, from wherever really. I figure with the water cooling I'll be alright with overclocking, but it's not on the top of my list.

Again, I haven't bought any of my parts yet, and keep in mind when reading through this that I have never, ever dabbled in computer building before, so again, constructive criticism welcome :biggrin:

CASE

I'll be using the NZXT H440 case. Still deciding between white or black and blue.

CPU

I'll (naturally) be going for an Intel i7 4770K. I figure going a few extra bucks from the 4770 is worth it in case I decide to overclock.

GPU

I'm thinking of going for the late GeForce GTX 770. The 780 or 780Ti will break the bank a bit too much for me.

RAM

Decided on the G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB 2400 RAM.

MB

I really loved the value, look, and features of the ASRock Z97 Extreme.

STORAGE

A Samsung 840 Evo 120GB SSD for the OS and some programs, and a WD Black 1TB drive for everything else.

PSU

I didn't have a clue when it came to the PSU, do you think the Corsair HX 750W will be enough (or too much)?

COOLING

I'll be leaving the 3 stock fans in the front. The back fan will be replaced with one of the Enermax 120mm Vegas (blue) fans.

As for the top 3 spots, that's where I'll stick my Swiftech Triple 120mm radiator. I'm a noob when it comes to water cooling, so you may get a chuckle out of this, but do I need 3 120mm fans along with the radiator, and do they go above or below the radiator?

I'll be water cooling the CPU and the GPU. I went with this Swiftech Apogee HD waterblock for the CPU and this EK waterblock for the 770 (GPU).

Powering the water will be the Swiftech MCP35X Pump, and the reservoir will be the directly mountable MCP35X reservoir from Swiftech.

For tubing, I just picked out some vinyl from Switech (10ft). I still don't know which size is right, however. Would the 1/2" OD x 3/8" ID fit with my waterblocks, pump, reservoir, and radiator? What kind of fittings would I need? I need the most advice on that.

To finish it all up, I went with this non-conductive Blue UV coolant, I think two bottles should do the job?

MONITOR

I'm honestly liking the AOC 29" wide monitor: high resolution, cheap price, nice large IPS panel.

ACCESSORIES

This Akasa blue LED strip.

These Logisys UV lights for the coolant.

This Samsung external optical drive, as the case doesn't come with a spot for one.

I've yet to find a keyboard or mouse, would appreciate suggestions.


Well folks, that's it. I would appreciate any and all comments, improvements, or criticisms on the hardware, functionality, and even the physical appeal (I went for the blue scheme obviously). Thanks!

More about : build hardware core water cooled

June 17, 2014 6:57:34 PM

Go for the 4790K over the 4770K.

Consider getting the 280X or 290 over the 770

You might want to look at a 250GB SSD; you're probably going to fill 120GB fairly quickly looking at what you're doing. Don't bother with the Black drive; get the cheapest 7200RPM one.

For the PSU, a good 550W will be plenty, e.g. this. A 750W or 850W is good if you want to SLI/CF in future, though.
June 17, 2014 8:13:05 PM

Someone Somewhere said:
Go for the 4790K over the 4770K.

Consider getting the 280X or 290 over the 770

You might want to look at a 250GB SSD; you're probably going to fill 120GB fairly quickly looking at what you're doing. Don't bother with the Black drive; get the cheapest 7200RPM one.

For the PSU, a good 550W will be plenty, e.g. this. A 750W or 850W is good if you want to SLI/CF in future, though.


Thanks for the advice. From what I can see, the 290 is a bit of a better performer than the 770, but it's $100 more. Any other reason it might be better?

I'll certainly look into a larger SSD.

Thanks for the PSU recommendation as well!
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June 17, 2014 8:16:47 PM

So your budget is?
June 17, 2014 8:36:13 PM

joker50060 said:
So your budget is?


My budget is pretty much what I've got up there. I can spend a bit more or less, but I really just wanted to confirm I wasn't making any stupid mistakes.
June 17, 2014 8:39:07 PM

XenovaDigital said:
joker50060 said:
So your budget is?


My budget is pretty much what I've got up there. I can spend a bit more or less, but I really just wanted to confirm I wasn't making any stupid mistakes.


Well if you could give me a budget i maybe able to make you a better build
but a budget without the watercooling stuff
June 17, 2014 8:43:50 PM

joker50060 said:
XenovaDigital said:
joker50060 said:
So your budget is?


My budget is pretty much what I've got up there. I can spend a bit more or less, but I really just wanted to confirm I wasn't making any stupid mistakes.


Well if you could give me a budget i maybe able to make you a better build
but a budget without the watercooling stuff


If I were to go for a PC w/o the water cooling, I'd probably put in ~$1250 max.
!