First Gaming PC Build in years

[SthrnBatman]

Looking to build another gaming computer that will hopefully last me a while, but still be expandable. I guess you could say sort-of future proof. My old system was built by a friend with me helping pick out the parts. That was 7 years ago and I have lost touch with the computer world. Its funny I went to school for computers and networking and I am working in the construction business, LOL!!!! It has been a while since I have built a computer, so I apologize on the front end if I sound or seem a little green at this.

Build Parts:

Motherboard: ASUS Sabertooth Z97 Mark1
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600MHz
Video Card - 2 (SLI Mode) EVGA GTX 980 Superclocked 4GB
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Z
SSD: Crucial M500 240GB
HDD 1: Seagate Barracuda 2TB
HDD 2/3: (Maybe) Hitachi 500GB @ 7200 SATA (Have 2 from old computer)
Optical Drive: LG 14X BDXL Blu-Ray
Power Supply: 1000w Ultra X3 (Have from old computer)
Case: Cooler Master Stryker

My old computer parts are 7 years old. I am up in the air on the HDDs, but I would like to use the power supply to help save money, unless there is a better way to go.

I will be using this computer mainly for gaming, some streaming, and some light office work. I have about a $3,000.00 budget. It will be setup with duel monitors.

My main questions are on the cooling. Is the Noctua NH-D14 enough for the processor if I am wanting to do a little overclocking. Also is the stock case come with enough fans for proper cooling if I want to overclock components?
Case Fan Specs: Fan Cooling Mounts Front: 120mm x2
Top: 200mm x1, or 140mm x2, or 120mm x2
Rear: 140mm x1, or 120mm x1
Bottom: 120mm x2

Included Cooling Devices Front: 120mm White LED fan x2, 1200 RPM, 17 dBA
Top: 200mm Black fan x1, 1000 RPM, 23 dBA
Rear: 140mm Black fan x1, 1200 RPM, 19 dBA

I am open to suggestions on the build. I would just like a mean gaming machine that I can use for several years and have room for expansion. My old computer lasted 6 years. It crashed on me twice and after the second time I said its time to start over.

Thanks!!!!

 

[chesteracorgi]

I am not a fan of the Sabertooth design because the "shield" defeats the purpose of case cooling. With a well cooled system the heat will be efficiently exhausted from the case and the "shield" hinders the free airflow (and I am skeptical of their use of a small fan to circulate air under the "shield").

I would suggest as alternatives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=Property&N=100007627%2050001944%2050001315%2050001442%2050001314%2050001312%20600438202%20600491547%20600176036%20600272332%20600239779%20600307108%20600176035%20600238949&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280|13-128-595^13-128-595-TS%2C13-157-568^13-157-568-TS%2C13-132-125^13-132-125-TS%2C13-128-707^13-128-707-TS%2C13-130-771^13-130-771-TS&percm=13-157-568%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B13-132-125%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B13-128-707%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B13-130-771%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24

The Noctua NH-D14 CPU cooler is one of the best air coolers, but large air coolers place a constant torque on the motherboard, and can cause cracks. I prefer a good closed loop cooler.

With any of the above motherboards you will have superior on board sound chips which will outperform the Soundblaster. So I would dump the add-in sound card unless you are doing studio music editing, and then you will have to get a better card than the Soundblaster anyway.

I would not use the old Ultra 3 1000 W PSU because of its relative age and quality. You can get bargains on quality Gold and Platinum PSUs from Corsair, Seasonic, Firepower, etc. I recently bought a Seasonic Gold 1250 W PSU for $150.

The case is a solid choice and should serve you well, if you do moderate OC'ing.

 

[SthrnBatman]

Thank you chesteracorgi for your reply. The link did not produce anything. I have went back to the drawing board a little. When I change up the build a little, I will repost it.

 

[chesteracorgi]

The link was to 5 motherboards that I believe would work as well or better than the Sabertooth. They are from ASUS, ASRock, Gigsbyte, MSI and Biostar. All have advances sound chips that make the Soundblaster Z superfluous. BTW I have a Z787 mobo and also have the Soundblaster Z. But the specs on the new line of mobos beat the Soundblaster Z like a rented mule.

 

[Math Geek]

the only thing you don't need is the sound card. what is built in with the mobo is plenty enough unless you do heavy audio creation and such. save yourself that money. the rest is just a high end super pc that will last a long time as is and still produce great results

for the mobo itself i like the asus z97-a or the msi z97 gaming 5 or 7. each is good enough for a solid oc yet not so expensive it is just silly. they can handle the sli and such no problem.

your psu is plenty enough power and actually overkill but you can still use it no problem. it's a little bit older but was quality when you bought it. it won't be running flat out so it should work fine since you only need about 700w for the system or less even.

 

[chesteracorgi]

I still would modernize the PSU if you want longeveity

 

[SthrnBatman]

I appreciate all the answers/responses. I am doing a little more research on certain items. I am ditching the sound card. I will update the build shortly. I am just debating on CPU Cooler (going with a cooler suggested above), mobo, power supply, and graphics card or cards.