New PC build

[FullMetal]

It's time again. I'm selling my current 2+ years old PC to a good friend of mine (nothing wrong with the PC actually... it still can run 'new' games pretty damn well). But I'm just interested in building a new rig that can last again for some time/can run the 'monster games' (ARMAIII/DayZ being really demanding...) and upcoming releases.

 

I have put together a couple of options but I'm not really sure about them. I was curious what you real 'tech guru's' would come up with and suggest. I have a more than OKAY budget tho. (2000 ish euros this time around. If cheaper it's ok. If it's 100/200 more I can also live with it).

 

 

[yoječ]

What country will you buy the stuff in? Are you going to overclock the CPU?

[FullMetal]

Belgium (where I'm from) and I'd like to but I never did overclocking myself.

[yoječ]

€ 324,00 Intel® Core™ i7-4790K, 4,0 GHz (4,4 GHz Turbo Boost), 1150 processor(FC-LGA4, "Haswell-R", boxed)

http://www.alternate.be/Intel®/Core-i7-4790K-4-0-GHz-(4-4-GHz-Turbo-Boost)-1150-processor/html/product/1143720?event=search

 

€ 619,00 MSI GTX 980 Gaming 4G, grafische kaart(DVI, HDMI, 3x DisplayPort, SLI, Retail)

http://www.alternate.be/MSI/GTX-980-Gaming-4G-grafische-kaart/html/product/1158970?tk=7&lk=6040

 

€ 139,90 ASRock Z97 Extreme4, socket 1150 moederbord(RAID, Gb-LAN, Sound, ATX)

http://www.alternate.be/ASRock/Z97-Extreme4-socket-1150-moederbord/html/product/1139176?tk=7&lk=6155

 

€ 52,90 Seagate Barracuda 7200.14, 1 TB harde schijf(SATA 600, ST1000DM003, AF, Bulk)

http://www.alternate.be/Seagate/Barracuda-7200-14-1-TB-harde-schijf/html/product/963366?event=search

 

€ 74,90 Crucial 8 GB DDR3-1600 Kit, geheugen(BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00CEU, Lite Retail)

http://www.alternate.be/Crucial/8-GB-DDR3-1600-Kit-geheugen/html/product/1008044?tk=7&lk=5999

 

€ 99,90 Antec EDG550, 550 Watt voeding(Zwart/Rood)

http://www.alternate.be/Antec/EDG550-550-Watt-voeding/html/product/1143825?tk=7&lk=6222

 

€ 17,99 LG GH-24NS, DVD-brander(Zwart)

http://www.alternate.be/LG/GH-24NS-DVD-brander/html/product/1091982?tk=7&lk=5935

 

€ 89,90 Cooler Master CM 690 III, behuizing(Zwart, USB 3.0)

http://www.alternate.be/Cooler-Master/CM-690-III-behuizing/html/product/1088876?tk=7&lk=5894

 

€ 64,90 Cryorig R1 Ultimate, Actieve CPU koeler

http://www.alternate.be/Cryorig/R1-Ultimate-Actieve-CPU-koeler/html/product/1120919?tk=7&lk=6098

 

€ 99,90 Crucial MX100 CT256MX100SSD1, 256 GB SSD(Zilver, SATA 600, MLC, Trim)

http://www.alternate.be/Crucial/MX100-CT256MX100SSD1-256-GB-SSD/html/product/1142839?tk=7&lk=7953

 

= € 1 583,29

 

Something like that for example. If you'd want to keep the cost lower, I'd go for i5-4690k + GTX970 + ASRock Z97 Pro4 - not much difference, huge saving.

Alternatively it might be a good idea to swap GTX980 for a pair of GTX970.

Edited September 23, 2014 by yojo2

[FullMetal]

Thanks alot for the help bro. I'm currently checkin' out my (trusted and fairly cheap and provides extremely great service) PC shop that ships directly at my door without any extra charges. I was thinking about getting only 1 SSD (I have a 120GB SSD lying around and another 1TB hard drive).
So I only need one more SSD HD (so I can enjoy two extremely fast hard drives and one 'bulk' drive). Also am I thinking of getting DDR4 ram (or is the cost/performance difference not worth it?).

 

Also is water cooling worth the price? A friend of mine invested in water cooled PC (costed quite alot he said).

 

ATM makin' a build myself based on your parts.

EDIT:

Please supply some feedback tech guru's. This is somewhat in my budget (tho I still need to think about getting Windows since I haven't got a proper 'recent' version + check for WiFi receiver!... That will bump up the price a bit more .

 

Edited September 23, 2014 by FullMetal

[sivispacem]

I'd probably go with an ASUS Z97 Deluxe rather than the Maximus, which is a board specifically designed for high-end overclocking using custm water loops, phase change cooling and the like. That'll save you a fair bit and give you nigh-on identical performance. I'd also buy a non-reference GTX980 as they tend to be ~8-10% faster out of the box for almost exactly the same price and swap the H60 for an H100i which will give you more overclocking headroom should you decide to experiment in the future.

[yoječ]

DDR4 memory is only compatible with LGA2011-3 platform, which is expensive, and there's virtually no reason to buy it for gaming.

H60 is a weak cooler, its only upside is that it doesn't take up much space (and it doesn't collide with high radiators on memory sticks). Top-end air coolers will perform much better.

Also that memory... well, I'll just say it's ridiculously expensive. Waste of money. Not to mention that 8GB is more than fine for a gaming rig. And, as I said before, it's not compatible with the CPU and mobo.

 

That Corsair PSU is a downgrade compared to Antec (non-japanese caps, etc.), but that's nitpicking.

Edited September 24, 2014 by yojo2

[FullMetal]

I also had to make do with what I had at our local shop (hence some differences of brands). Also that's the only one I have choice from concerning GTX980 (and yeah I want to buy everything from the same shop which is easier).

 

 

So, this is much more worth it? Also anyone suggest best possible network acces? (PCI or maybe get USB? I'd like to have it internally tho but I have no clue what's best).

[sivispacem]

If you need WiFi, I'd get a PCI card. I've got a cheap TP Link N600 in my system that's served me very well for several years now. 300MB/s at 2.4GHz or 5HGz should be fine.

 

Also, if the Maximus VII is cheaper than the Z97 Deluxe, go for that. I was under the mistaken belief that the Deluxe sat below the ROG stuff in the ASUS linuep but apparently not.

[FullMetal]

There are like four different Maximus VII MoBo's. Which one to take? http://www.tones.be/producten/moederbord (yeah it's in dutch I know but it's not like the MoBo names are that different.

Edit: and yeah maybe suggest one of these concerning network card: http://www.tones.be/producten/netwerk

Edited September 24, 2014 by FullMetal

[sivispacem]

The Ranger is better value for money, given that it's basically the same and slightly cheaper.

I'd go for this WiFi adapter: http://www.tones.be/product/wireless-n-pci-e-300-300mbps-pce-n53

[FullMetal]

So I ordered it... although the ASUS graphics card isn't in stock. They're suggesting to get the same graphics card but from GIGABYTE. I want to wait for ASUS (considering I actually have good experience with it and is in my opinion a more trusted brand).

 

Or would you guys say that it actually ain't a big deal and just take the other one? It's 10 eurodollars cheaper... and I'll get it faster.

 

Suggestion?

[yoječ]

Doesn't matter at all, so far every GTX980 is based on a reference design and is virtually the same.

[FullMetal]

So I got everything today and eventhough I checked quite a few guides how to 'assemble' everything I'm afraid to do something wrong/a bit intimidated by all the parts.

 

So: any of you got some tips/hints? Or maybe even 'the best' helpfull guide to see when building this PC (I can use my ipad to check it out when I start assembling everything).

 

Cheers, thanks for all the help thus far!

[yoječ]

Check out the pinned topic, there are a few videos: http://gtaforums.com/topic/446714-how-to-build-your-own-desktop-pc/

[killerbee25]

Check out the pinned topic, there are a few videos: http://gtaforums.com/topic/446714-how-to-build-your-own-desktop-pc/

Also, those Newegg videos have been updated recently, check their channel.

 

BTW, there's a youtuber called Carey Holzman who makes really cool (but long) videos, mostly unedited. Worth checking out in my opinion.

Edited October 7, 2014 by killerbee25

[FullMetal]

So yeah the Newegg video(s) are alot more elaborate and actually gives more confidence on starting the build. But I have a couple of questions (from you people who actually build their computers themselves).

 

1) The electrostatic wristband: is it a must? I'm planning on doing my 'assembly' on a big wooden table and such. And yeah, just touchin' the case when I'm working 'just to be grounded' or something.

 

2) Should I just put everything instantly in the case itself or do a 'outside case test build'? I'm afraid I might damage things when doing the outside case build and instanlty want to put it in place. It also seemed better to put it instantly in case just to be sure. (and not to mention: to have it up quicker, test boot it AND be able to instantly manage the cables properly.

 

3) Liquid Cooling: I'm pretty much fearing that step. Installing the water cooler for CPU. Seems... difficult and risky.

 

Ah well... I'll just better start it tomorrow. If I take it easy and do step by step it shouldn't go wrong? (I hope!!!)

[Flachbau]

You don't necessarily need that wrist band. Just don't build your PC while you're on a carpet or something. Avoid gaining static electricity.

 

Sure, you could do either or. My advice is that you build inside the case, since you're afraid of breaking a part. You'll definitely do better in the case, imo.

 

Liquid cooling.. can't help you there. Search up tutorials and what not.

[yoječ]

Since you went for an AiO cooler, installing it shouldn't be that much of a hassle. Just check the instruction manual.

[FullMetal]

Yeah, after 4/5 hours of 'installing' everything it 'lives'! Feel like I've accomplished a huge task (but on the other hand was also amazed how alot of things are really self explanatory and really easy to do).

 

Water cooler installation was easier than I thought. Everything seems to work in order. Tho for some reason I cannot get my fans from the case itself to work (there are like three fans but none of them work eventhough everything is connected. All the other case related things that should be powered/work... do work aswel.

 

And also when booting it seems to boot... shut down again and then instantaneously boot properly again. Not sure if it's a real problem but it's just a little wierd.

[FullMetal]

Aaand I found out how to get the fans running... for some wierd reason I double checked the wires (maybe there was a fault with them) and I noticed that pretty much nothing was connected to any power source (the main hub, everything was connected and the powering to the ' hub' for the fans were all connected/receiving power. Just the fans themselves weren't connected.

 

Feels really great using a computer you assembled from start to finish by yourself. I'll have alot of fun playing the games I love on this rig.

 

Again, big thanks for the help guys!

[Flachbau]

Glad you are enjoying your new build

[Rebel]

Glad you enjoyed building it. I know I'm late to the party, but I never build straight into the case. I always do a quick assembly line outside of the box, just on the motherboard box really. Its a great way to just double check all of the components aren't giving any errors/not working before you put everything in. There's nothing more annoying than sticking everything together only for you to realise something doesn't quite work when you hit the power button.

[FullMetal]

Glad you enjoyed building it. I know I'm late to the party, but I never build straight into the case. I always do a quick assembly line outside of the box, just on the motherboard box really. Its a great way to just double check all of the components aren't giving any errors/not working before you put everything in. There's nothing more annoying than sticking everything together only for you to realise something doesn't quite work when you hit the power button.

Yeah I figured that. But I was afraid to f*ck more sh*t up outside the case then I would be inside the case. (I'm really REALLY clumsy).

 

Anyways here's hoping the rig will last 'long' (I still fear for having made minor mistakes that might f*ck things up). But I don't know. That's probably just me being inexperienced with things I guess (I hope).

 

And yes. It gives so much satisfaction playing and using a computer one assembled themselves. Again thanks for the help!

[FullMetal]

Double Post: My biggest fear came out. I have installed quite a few games now and I already played an hour of so of Alien Isolation and an hour or so of Payday 2. Both no problems at all.

 

Yesterday after work I wanted to play some battlefield 4. I didn't change anything from the video settings and just played. After a minute or so the computer freezes. (can't CTRL/ALT/DEL and had to do a hard reset).

 

Shorty after I play some Chivalry... no problems aswell (altho I hear the fans spinning big time). After that I play some Payday again... now this time around it starts to freeze too!

 

Is there something wrong with the cooling of my system then? Or could anyone have any idea?

[Rebel]

Try installing Real Temp. It might just be overheating and freezing for whatever reason. Just install it, open it up and let it sit on your computer for about 5/10 minutes while you do something other than playing games. Like watching Youtube/browsing the net. Take a record of the temperatures and see what its like when idle. Then, I'd try hitting up different games as you mentioned before and see how the temperature goes while playing for 10 minutes.

 

The only thing I can personally think of, is that it might be a dud motherboard, or PSU (it might be that getting noisy) since I remember my motherboard went and died on me, but it would always just freeze up my PC after playing games, or even just after turning it on.

[FullMetal]

Real Temp... is it only MoBo or only CPU specific that it's reading the temperatures from? I installed it, browsed around on the internet with the app running and put an 'alarm' for when it reaches 50 degrees. Within 2 minutes of doing menial tasks that shouldn't be 'overheating' my system in any way it had the alarm.

 

I really don't understand this now... I've been looking on google what could be wrong and what I read the most is that my CPU cooling system (liquid cooling) is not working properly. Specifically that the thermal paste provided on the base of the cooler isn't worth using out of the box and that one should clean everything off and re-apply proper thermal paste.

 

edit:

 

 

This from browsing the internet, checking some youtube vids and whatnot. Launching STEAM, launching Alien Isolation (the last minutes or so) and not even running it. And when I was merely launching it I was constantly getting the alarm of temperature going over 50°.

 

Really, I don't dare run any games at the moment. I really need to fix this but I have no clue how.

Edited October 13, 2014 by FullMetal

[yoječ]

Check how high are the temps under load. 50C isn't that high to be worried.

[FullMetal]

Is there some better and more effective way to record the CPU temperature and such when playing? I put the alarm at 75 degrees now and when I'm playing and new parts start/needs to render alot it sounds the alarm a damn lot (so I guess it comes at really high temperatures alot).

 

So I don't know... this is what I got at certain points (last one when I started up Chrome and the game was still running in the background. Other two were when the game was running in the background and 'alt tabbed' out to take screenshot of RealTemp when playing.

 

 

So, what does it mean? What does it say? Any better methods to check it out/figure it out?

Edited October 14, 2014 by FullMetal

[yoječ]

The temps seem acceptable, albeit a tad high for this type of cooler. Are you sure it's properly mounted?