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!