Second (or a hundred) extra pairs of eyes on this build?

[bshoop117]

Greetings!

I recently got the go ahead from my wife to build a new computer. Prices don't seem to be too horrible right now either. I've put this (pc parts picker link below) together for around a $1200 budget. I could use a couple extra eyes on this to make sure that I didn't miss something.

PC Parts Pick link:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/PJhJpg

Extra notes:

• 
  ■ I've already purchased the Case, PSU, SSD, and 2x 120mm case fans.
  ■ I do not need an OS (yet)
  ■ I am going to reuse an optical drive I have from a slightly older build (If I need it).
  ■ I saw that the case does not have front USB 3.0 ports but the MOBO has a 3.0 header (I am okay with that, for now. As an aside, can I plug the USB 2 front panel jack into the 3.0 header?)

Thanks for your help!

 

[jerryvaberry]

Good luck with that power supply.

 

[nicowp]

The motherboard have a USB 2.0 header for the case front ports
Also I'd change the CPU to an I5 4670 since the i7's is a little bit overpriced.
Hope this helped

 

[RazerZ]

What's this build for? Gaming only, or any other purposes?

 

[bshoop117]

What's this build for? Gaming only, or any other purposes?

The motherboard have a USB 2.0 header for the case front ports
Also I'd change the CPU to an I5 4670 since the i7's is a little bit overpriced.
Hope this helped

The build is for a couple of things. Mostly gaming but I also spin up VMs for different development projects and to test new linux distros. I was looking at the i7 because I was thinking it would stay relevant longer than the i5. The last two personal systems I built lasted for 8 and 5 years. I use the term "lasted" loosely as I was exclusively playing DAoC and EQ1/2 with the first one and WoW/D3/MWO beta with the second.

I am a little concerned about the PSU now because of jerryvaberry's comment. I've built 5 custom rigs and 4 of them had Antec PSUs. I figured it was time to give another brand a chance.

I was planning to play EQ Next when it comes out but I have been less than impressed with the Landmark Beta (my wife is playing it.) For the most part, this build will be "for the sake of building a new computer"

 

[Beezy]

Good luck with that power supply.

IF youre going to go with Corsair stick with an AX unit (they are all great) or a sub 750W HX unit (the units that are less than 750W are Seasonic made, the 750W and higher are CWT). Most Antecs are Seasonics rebranded, thats why they treated you well in the past.

 

[RazerZ]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($247.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($87.43 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($51.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 290 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1012.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-21 17:21 EDT-0400

I see that you have already purchased your PSU. I would try to return it if possible and replace it with the XFX 650W PSU I listed. Corsair also makes good PSUs, but their lower end of the line includes the CX,CS, and RM series. The OEM for those units are CWT ( Channel Well Tech) and use cheap Chinese Samxon capacitors compared to their higher end ( TX, HX, AX, etc.) whose OEM is Seasonic and uses good, quality parts.

The Xeon is like an i7 without the integrated graphics. It's a gem not many people know about.

 

[bshoop117]

Thanks for the discussion! I am leaning towards this now and plan to return the other PSU. I prefer to stick to Amazon and Newegg for my vendors (amazon prime member and we get video credits when I order from them.) I couldn't justify the small gains between the 290 and the 280x for the +$100 price tag.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($252.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($87.43 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.92 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($303.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1012.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-21 18:39 EDT-0400


As an aside, how do you feel about the Antec HCG-620M ?

 

[RazerZ]

It's a great PSU. Here's one that should be of similar build quality, but it has a Gold+ Energy certification and comes with a $20 MIR.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-power-supply-capstone650

Or if you wanted semi modular ( still cheaper):

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-power-supply-capstone650m


I usually recommend the Antec HCG 620W when it comes with a $20-$30 MIR which brings the price down to around $60.

 

[bshoop117]

Awesome, thanks RazerZ. Now I wish I had made this a question instead of a discussion do I could mark your answer as a "best answer".

 

[RazerZ]

No problem. I don't really care much for the best answer anyways