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Building sub-$1000 desktop

I made changes to my build:

CPU+MOBO: Intel Core i7-4670K CPU + Asus Z87-A Intel Z87 Motherboard
CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-D14
GPU: AMD R9 290 Variants...
PSU: Corsair AX860 860W Modular PSU (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-139-044)
OS: Windows 8.1 Professional 64bit OEM

I decided to go with air-cooled system and buy 290. I really want to get non-referenced cards for heat and noise but not really sure if it will be released soon enough. Regardless, I will come back to GPU selection. Eventually, I will be overclocking both CPU and GPU on this platform. So here are more questions...:

1) Will any of my components have to be replaced with dual 290 crossfire configuration?
2) Do I need third-party aftermarket thermal paste for CPU cooler? It looks like it comes with it but wasn't sure...People often refers to this product as the go-to CPU cooler. I think it's pretty solid and clearance shouldn't be an issue with low profile memory.
3) Is the difference between 860i and 860 just Corsair link capability? Is this worth extra money? Also, are there good alternatives to this PSU?

Thanks!
 
1) I would highly recommend getting an all-in liquid cooling system to free up space in the PC. With the massive Noctua and two AMD R9 290X cards, it's going to be a bit cramped inside that case.
2) Nope
3) Yes. No. A few. There's the Sesonic Platinum 860 or the Seasonic X-850.
 
Last edited:
Dangman said:
1) I would highly recommend getting an all-in liquid cooling system to free up space in the PC. With the massive Noctua and two AMD R9 290X cards, it's going to be a bit cramped inside that case.
2) Nope
3) Yes. No. A few. There's the Sesonic Platinum 860.
Click to expand...

I swear I saw a hardocp review where it mentioned about how critical it is to have the fans running before components fry...I can't find it anymore. This was the reason why I decided to stay away from liquid cooler but here's what I don't get. From what I know, a computer will shut down beyond a critical temperature (whatever this is set at). I am not sure why this test was done in the first place.

Is the Seasonic product this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151111&Tpk=seasonic 860)? There's a promotion for AX860 for ~$150 AR whereas Seasonic is $190+. Unless there's a reason to go after Seasonic, I think $150 AR for AX860 sounds pretty good to me. hardocp review was pretty good for AX860 AFAIK.

[edit] Even the 850 is $175+...I don't think I will find a better deal(?).
 
Enilder said:
I swear I saw a hardocp review where it mentioned about how critical it is to have the fans running before components fry...I can't find it anymore. This was the reason why I decided to stay away from liquid cooler but here's what I don't get. From what I know, a computer will shut down beyond a critical temperature (whatever this is set at). I am not sure why this test was done in the first place.
Click to expand...
HardOCP review of what exactly? Because there are situations where it may take too long for the PC to shut down after hitting a critical temperature. Not to mention that some hardware will run beyond critical temperatures without shutting down instantly due to defects. You would still need fans with the Noctua as well. Unless you choose really crappy fans or have really bad luck, fans don't die all that often in the first place.
Enilder said:
Is the Seasonic product this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151111&Tpk=seasonic 860)? There's a promotion for AX860 for ~$150 AR whereas Seasonic is $190+. Unless there's a reason to go after Seasonic, I think $150 AR for AX860 sounds pretty good to me. hardocp review was pretty good for AX860 AFAIK.
Click to expand...
I don't factor in MIR until I actually get them. So to me, the AX860 is still its $170 Newegg price. With that said, you honestly can't go wrong with any of the listed PSUs.
 
Purchased H100i and AX860. I don't feel like gambling for BF/CM. I am seriously thinking of building this computer without GPU until non-referenced R9 290 comes out. Picking up CPU and MOBO this upcoming weekend from Microcenter!
 
Enilder said:
Purchased H100i and AX860. I don't feel like gambling for BF/CM. I am seriously thinking of building this computer without GPU until non-referenced R9 290 comes out. Picking up CPU and MOBO this upcoming weekend from Microcenter!
Click to expand...

You do know that the 4670K has an integrated GPU right? So you can use the onboard GPU in the meantime.
 
Got 4770k and Z87-A. Picking up from Microcenter tomorrow!!! $199.99 for 4770k!!! After I purchased the MOBO, they ran out of stock. Phew!
 
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