Advice for a New Long Term Project

R

retouQ

New Member
Hey guys,

Well, I've decided to put aside some funds to start a larger computer build. It's going to be a primary gaming computer that's going to be dual-booted with Windows and Linux. I've set up a beginning preview with PC Part Picker.

The link is here. Hopefully it still works when you see it.

If not then here is a text form of the build preview:
Code: 
CPU: Intel Core i5-2550K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($247.99 @ Mac Mall) 
CPU Cooler: Corsair H55 57.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($54.99 @ TigerDirect) 
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard  ($115.98 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 12GB (3 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 500GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($309.00 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card  ($509.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Case: Cooler Master Storm Stryker (White) ATX Full Tower Case  ($158.86 @ NCIX US) 
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.98 @ Amazon) 
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer  ($59.99 @ Microcenter) 
Monitor: Asus VG278HE 144Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($372.99 @ Amazon)

Total coming to just under $2100.

I was looking for any advice you guys had in this build. Especially if you catch any flaws in compatibility or other areas. One of my concerns is the case not being big enough even though it is a full tower.

Any criticism is welcome. Like I said it's going to be a while before all the parts come together so there is some time to get some second opinions from you guys.

Thanks a lot!

-John (retouQ)
 
OK,

The i5 2500K came out 3 years ago (I think the 2550K is 2 years old, but the CPU which it is based on is 3 years old). Whilst it's a great CPU, and I love mine, I wouldn't recommend one for a new build. The i5 4670K is the latest i5, look at that.

You won't be able to use that Z77 board for your 4670K, you'll need a Z87 board. Look at the Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H or the UD4H, great boards.

Your 12GB of RAM won't be running in dual-channel, so it won't be as fast as 2x4GB sticks to make 8GB or 2x8GB sticks to make 16GB (or 4x4GB to make 16GB). You want to have either 2 or 4 sticks for dual-channel. You could have 2x2GB and 2x4GB to make 12GB and that would be running in dual-channel, but it's just easier to go with 8GB or 16GB.

The case is quite expensive. Buy it if you really like it, but the NZXT Phantom and Fractal Design Define XL are cheaper options which are just as good. Look at some of Corsair's and BitFenix's cases too.

Might also be worth grabbing a 1TB or 2TB hard drive to store files on - look at the Seagate Barracuda drives. 7200 RPM, so nice and fast.

Make those changes (especially CPU, board and RAM) and you should be good to go.
 
spirit said:
OK,

The i5 2500K came out 3 years ago (I think the 2550K is 2 years old, but the CPU which it is based on is 3 years old). Whilst it's a great CPU, and I love mine, I wouldn't recommend one for a new build. The i5 4670K is the latest i5, look at that.

You won't be able to use that Z77 board for your 4670K, you'll need a Z87 board. Look at the Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD3H or the UD4H, great boards.

Your 12GB of RAM won't be running in dual-channel, so it won't be as fast as 2x4GB sticks to make 8GB or 2x8GB sticks to make 16GB (or 4x4GB to make 16GB). You want to have either 2 or 4 sticks for dual-channel. You could have 2x2GB and 2x4GB to make 12GB and that would be running in dual-channel, but it's just easier to go with 8GB or 16GB.

The case is quite expensive. Buy it if you really like it, but the NZXT Phantom and Fractal Design Define XL are cheaper options which are just as good. Look at some of Corsair's and BitFenix's cases too.

Might also be worth grabbing a 1TB or 2TB hard drive to store files on - look at the Seagate Barracuda drives. 7200 RPM, so nice and fast.

Make those changes (especially CPU, board and RAM) and you should be good to go.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. I took your advice and changed out the parts to make a new list here.

- Added upgraded RAM (2x8)
- Put the motherboard you suggested
- Same with CPU
- Went with a 2tb Seagate Barracuda
- Changed to an Ultra Rogue case

With the Ultra Rogue case I've seen some good reviews but some problems with larger water cooling systems. Should be fine though. $30 drop.

Couldn't beat the HDD you mentioned. Plus it's a $200 decrease from the SSD in price so I just bumped it up to 2TB instead of 500MB.

Price is now lowered to $1870. Thanks man.
 
I think you'd be better off with an NZXT Phantom. Likely it's better built than the Rogue and the same price - looks nicer too in my opinion.

Looking good though.
 
The case does look nicer, but I like the accessibility of not having a cover to access my drives. I was looking at a RAIDMAX Agusta ATX-605BT. You have recommended NXZT Phantom which looks good in Gunmetal and I could settle with it. Especially since it is more modular than others I've seen.
 
Yeah the Phantom in gunmetal is a 'mean looking machine'. ;)

I don't think you really need to worry about the door - it only gets annoying if you use your optical drive a lot. I have the NZXT Lexa S and the power button is placed behind the door, so I leave the door open. On the Phantom, the power button is not placed behind the door (I think it's placed on the top of the case), so I don't think you need to worry about that.
 
Probably get 120GB SSD as primary drive, and 2TB HDD for data

RAM - worth getting faster RAM like DDR3 2133 if the price is not massive different

Case - do yo really need full tower case?

PSU - Personally would get Seasonic SSR-650RM
 
daisymtc said:
Probably get 120GB SSD as primary drive, and 2TB HDD for data

RAM - worth getting faster RAM like DDR3 2133 if the price is not massive different

Case - do yo really need full tower case?

PSU - Personally would get Seasonic SSR-650RM
Click to expand...

SSDs are expensive and then to tack on another 2TB HDD would be costly.

DDR3-2133 is doable but necessary? I'll look into it.

Full tower looks nicer imho. Also provides room for expansion later.

$10 cheaper PSU. Seems to look fit for the build. I had some trouble in deciding on a good PSU. I may go with this one.

Thanks mate.
 
SSDs are actually quite cheap. In the UK you can get 120GB for less than £100 these days, and 256GB for just over £100. I don't know where you live though.

And DDR3-1866 is all you need and more. Even 1600MHz is plenty fast enough. No need for anything faster than 1866 at this point in time because it's a bit of a waste of money.

Edit: Assuming you're in the US, you can get a Samsung 840 EVO 120GB for just $115 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147247 that's a great deal and well worth it.
 
Took some time to look over my options. My new list is here.

daisymtc said:
Probably get 120GB SSD as primary drive, and 2TB HDD for data
Click to expand...
spirit said:
And DDR3-1866 is all you need and more. Even 1600MHz is plenty fast enough. No need for anything faster than 1866 at this point in time because it's a bit of a waste of money.
Click to expand...

I took your advice. (Thanks spirit and daisymtc)
- Upgraded RAM to DDR3-1866
- Internal Storage converted to SSD 120GB
- External 2TB HDD added (Stayed with 7200MHz
 
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