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Feedback on this build?

C

ChipMcDonald

n00b
Joined
Apr 23, 2015
Messages
7
Hey all,

I recently put together a build that I plan to use specifically for gaming over the summer via pcpartpicker. I would appreciate some feedback and suggestions in order to make sure I'm getting the most bang for my buck. Thanks in advance.

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler

Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW+ ACX 2.0+ Video Card

Case: NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Case

Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer
 
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Without seeing prices it's hard to say if you're getting the best bang for your buck.

If all you're doing is gaming the I7 isn't needed so you can go with an I5 or other. If you're getting a locked processor than a Z97 board isn't needed.

You could go with a H97, H81, or other. Stock HSF or whatever a cheap aftermarket will do.

An Evo isn't a must. Could go with a TX3 or 212 Plus.

If you're dead set on a 970 get whatever is cheapest sans a PNY or Zotac. MSI, EVGA, Giga, or Asus will do, although Asus has terrible customer service.

Whatever the cheapest optical drive is should be the one you get.
 
Thank you for your feedback, I will keep it in mind as I revise my build.

To answer your comment about not seeing prices, the total price of the build, if I decided to go ahead with all the parts listed in my original post, would come to around $1,135.
 
Get a better psu for future proofing.

Also , like other said, you dont need the z97 mobo if your not getting the unlocked processor. I just built a z97 built with a 4790k and im very pleased.
 
Get the K series cpu. For the small price difference it's going to give you a better resale value and / or you wont have to buy a new $300 cpu if you decide to overclock.
 
Get the K cpu for the best resell value, and clockability if you'd ever like to do so down the road.

Also, don't get the cheapest GTX 970 as kalmado suggested.. that is a terribel idea. People buy 970's to clock them, because you can touch stock GTX 980 performance with the right card. MSI imo is the best mix (the green or red one, don't get the cheaper version). Custom PCB and the cooler is flat out incredible. OC'd I run 65c gaming. Clocks like a banshee too. As far as power supply goes, I'd opt for an eVGA 750w G2 preferred or B2. Don't cheap out on a power supply, you could regret it down the road. Also get two ram sticks to make 8GB instead of one for DDR capability, the two matching sticks run dual data rate and go for 2133Mhz @ 1.5v. G.Skill makes this as well at like a $5 premium over 1600 on certain sticks. Best of luck!
 
The Hyper 212 cooler may have trouble fitting in that case. It really has trouble fitting in a lot of cases due to how big it is. If you have the money you should look at getting an AIO water cooler for the CPU instead, especially if you plan on overclocking.
 
Personally, I would have gotten 16GB of RAM. I think it's a worthwhile investment that will make your life easier. It gives you room to have other stuff running while you're gaming, and you won't have to painstakingly close everything each time you want play a game.

With recent games like GTA V utilizing plenty of RAM, I think we will see more games doing the same in the future.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys! It's really helpful info to keep in mind as I revise the build! I made a few changes to the build with you guys' advice in mind. Let me know how I did with the changes.

Revised Build so Far:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory

Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card

Case: NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Case

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
 
Nah, sounds like a 250GB SSD is a good sweet spot for this build. Maybe see if a WD 1TB Black isn't much more than the Blue drive, in case you decide to put some large installs on it.
 
After incrementally upgrading SSDs over the last few years, I would never buy a 250gb now. It's worth it to spend a few extra bucks to get a larger drive -- 500gb at minimum. Trust me - you won't be sorry.

My only other comment would be that I recently went full tower after being mid tower user, since, well, forever. Mid tower will be fine for your current build, but if you're not going to be taking the case anywhere, or moving frequently, I think you should look at a full tower. I love the increased space. Check out of the Enthoo Pro - it's probably more than you want to spend ($100), but it's a great case. I have the Luxe which is one step up and I highly recommend it.
 
I support getting at least a 500GB SSD if you plan on putting games on it. Right now I only have 7 or 8 games installed on a 512GB 850 Pro and I only have 119GB left, including W8.1 and 10% overprovisioning. You could always use that 1TB HDD for larger installs, however I think in modern games you're going to want the advantage of the speed that SSD offers.
 
Another vote for going with a bigger SSD. You don't even have to get one that's brand new. Literally ANY SSD is going to pack enough speed to make you happy outside of benchmarks or doing video/design work.
500GB is fine, but I'd love to replace (or compliment) mine with a 1TB if I see one on sale. I've seen Crucial 1TB models floating around $325. IMO, that extra $ is worth it if you keep many games (or large program suites) installed. With many games coming in at 40-60GB, they fill up fast.
 
I always go with Corsair or Seasonic power supplies, they are the highest quality. Rest of build looks fine.
 
biggles said:
I always go with Corsair or Seasonic power supplies, they are the highest quality. Rest of build looks fine.
Click to expand...
All Corsairs are not made equally. The HX- and AX-series are good, but I would stay away from the RM- and CM- models. The latter use poor quality regulators and caps to save on costs.
 
I'm generally a big Corsair fan, but it does seem like their lower-end parts are VERY low-end.
On the plus side, their customer support tends to be rather nice.
 
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