Looking for a second opinion on my first build

[Gryph Lionheart]

Hi guys!

I'm looking for a small mid-end system to play some games like DotA 2, CS: GO, etc. Since my monitor is a 1080p panel, I think a this kind of build will suffice to play this gen games at ultra.

My initial build is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI Z97I Gaming AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($70.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($81.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($52.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *Diablotek 600W ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $814.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-29 15:54 EST-0500

Actually I'm doubting between the MSI and an asrock Z97E-ITX/ac, I don't really know which one to pick.

Since my budget is limited to around 800$ I thought starting with these components. With the idea of adding another 8gb of RAM, a 256GB SSD and a better cooling solution for the CPU in the future.
If you have any suggestion to improve the build, please tell me! And thanks for reading me

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Looks alright to me, overall. I mean, it'll work.

Obviously you'll intend to overclock when you get a better HSF?

You could use a micro ATX motherboard in that case, you're not limited to ITX. You might save a few bucks or have more expandability. Options.

I like ITX but I wouldn't limit myself unnecessarily.

RAM will be faster installed in matched pairs, but if you're leaving yourslf room to plan an upgrade after a paycheck or three, that's fine.

 

[Ken g6]

I rejiggered your build within your existing apparent constraints, and I got a better PSU and an R9 290 in there, with money to spare:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Team Dark 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: *Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($246.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($52.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $779.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-29 18:37 EST-0500

 

[mfenn]

I rejiggered your build within your existing apparent constraints, and I got a better PSU and an R9 290 in there, with money to spare:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Team Dark 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: *Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($246.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($52.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $779.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-29 18:37 EST-0500

:thumbsup: Much better.

However, the case is MicroATX, so I'm not really sure what the purpose of sticking with the ITX board is. I suppose they are the least expensive way of getting onboard 802.11ac if Wi-fi is important.

 

[Nhirlathothep]

Are u losing dual channel ram because u plan tu add another 8gb later?

 

[Nhirlathothep]

I would chose a itx case too, but r9 290 cant fit in

 

[lehtv]

I would chose a itx case too, but r9 290 cant fit in

Fractal Node 304 fits up to 310mm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...N82E1681135202
Asus r9 290 is 287mm

 

[lehtv]

Unless space is limited though, I'd get an atx case and board and add a wifi card if that's needed. Much easier to maintain and expand that way

 

[TheGoat Eater]

The MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is the newest version and is worth the upgrade if you will be using wireless much. The Z97I GAMING AC is a great board and likely one of the best available. I decided to go with the Z97M Gaming instead of the Z97I Gaming unfortunately so I don't have as small of a build as I could lol. You will want to do dual channel RAM so if you are dead set on 8GB only at least do yourself a favor and get a 2x4GB kit. You will gain a lot of performance with dual-channel over a single DIMM.

 

[Nhirlathothep]

I asked if he s planning to add another 8gb later

 

[schmuckley]

The MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is the newest version and is worth the upgrade if you will be using wireless much. The Z97I GAMING AC is a great board and likely one of the best available. I decided to go with the Z97M Gaming instead of the Z97I Gaming unfortunately so I don't have as small of a build as I could lol. You will want to do dual channel RAM so if you are dead set on 8GB only at least do yourself a favor and get a 2x4GB kit. You will gain a lot of performance with dual-channel over a single DIMM.

What's wrong with Maximus 7?

..or a less-expensive full-featured ATX board + wifi adapter?

 

[Gryph Lionheart]

Thank you all for the answers!

Obviously you'll intend to overclock when you get a better HSF?

You could use a micro ATX motherboard in that case, you're not limited to ITX. You might save a few bucks or have more expandability. Options.

Yes, the idea is to buy a better cooling option in the future so I can get the max of it.

And the miniITX is because I wanted to keep the build small. since I travel a lot, mobility is a must. Also the WiFi is not optional, I'm not always near the router, so that's why I picked a miniITX build.

I rejiggered your build within your existing apparent constraints, and I got a better PSU and an R9 290 in there, with money to spare:

So you recommend me to go for budget RAM and HDD so I can afford better GPU? I thought about it, but since I'm playing at 1080p, I thought 290 would be overkill.

However, the case is MicroATX, so I'm not really sure what the purpose of sticking with the ITX board is. I suppose they are the least expensive way of getting onboard 802.11ac if Wi-fi is important.

You are right. I'm reconsidering the case, maybe I'll go for a Fractal Node 304 as lehtv says.

Are u losing dual channel ram because u plan tu add another 8gb later?

Yes, the idea is to do this build as an initial build, and maybe in a couple of months add another 8gb stick, a SSD for the OS and a better cooling solution for the CPU. Do you think 16 GB would be too much? Maybe 8 GB will suffice.

Unless space is limited though, I'd get an atx case and board and add a wifi card if that's needed. Much easier to maintain and expand that way

Well, space is not limited, but I use to move between homes a lot, so smaller is better in this case.

The MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is the newest version and is worth the upgrade if you will be using wireless much. The Z97I GAMING AC is a great board and likely one of the best available. I decided to go with the Z97M Gaming instead of the Z97I Gaming unfortunately so I don't have as small of a build as I could lol.

I tried to look for that mobo, but I can't find it in any shop that ships to Spain. Thought of upgrading the mobo to an Asus Maximus VII Impact, but I don't know if it really deserves the extra bucks. Would you choose the MSI Z97i Gaming AC, the ASRock Z97E-ITX/AC or the ASUS VII Impact?

 

[Ken g6]

I tried to look for that mobo, but I can't find it in any shop that ships to Spain.

Why didn't you set your PCPartPicker to Spain? What's your budget in Euros?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

And the miniITX is because I wanted to keep the build small. since I travel a lot, mobility is a must. Also the WiFi is not optional, I'm not always near the router, so that's why I picked a miniITX build.

Then why are you purchasing a micro-ATX case? Those are big. Or at least bigger than mini-ITX would be.

And maybe you should get a laptop.

 

[Gryph Lionheart]

Why didn't you set your PCPartPicker to Spain? What's your budget in Euros?

Didn't knew that was a possibility. My budget in euros is in between 700 and 900 euros. The first build I posted is about 800 euros in a local retailer.

 

[Gryph Lionheart]

Then why are you purchasing a micro-ATX case? Those are big. Or at least bigger than mini-ITX would be.

And maybe you should get a laptop.

You are right, I'll go for a fractal node 304, which is miniITX.

Right now I use a macbook pro for gaming, but I wanted something more powerful.

Why didn't you set your PCPartPicker to Spain? What's your budget in Euros?

Didn't knew that could be done. My budget is in between 700 and 900 euros. My initial build was about 800 euros in a local retailer.

 

[mfenn]

Why didn't you set your PCPartPicker to Spain? What's your budget in Euros?

Agree. The build you linked is decent, but the PSU is pretty aggressive on wattage and expensive. It seems like PCPP only searches Amazon.es right now and they have a pretty limited selection.

OP, what stores do you use and can you link us to them?

 

[Gryph Lionheart]

Agree. The build you linked is decent, but the PSU is pretty aggressive on wattage and expensive. It seems like PCPP only searches Amazon.es right now and they have a pretty limited selection.

OP, what stores do you use and can you link us to them?

A 500W PSU would be a better fit?

Almost all the parts I'm picking from PcComponentes (this one is usually the cheapest one) and Amazon.es. I'm also comparing prices with another retailers as: Alternate, CoolMod and PcBox. These last ones are usually more exponesive, and the catalogue is smaller.

Unfortunately, all these sites are in spanish. Nevertheless, for practical purposes, prices are almost equal to the ones PcPartPicker suggests for the US, but assuming a 1€ = 1$ rate. For example, the initial build priced at 814$ in PCPartPicker costs about 804€ in PcComponentes.
As my budget is flexible (700-900€), something around 800$ will probably fit the budget.

 

[Ken g6]

Yeah, I went overboard with the PSU. :$ I wanted that particular 750W one for the 290 in the USA, and didn't lower the bar when I switched to Spain.

Here's a 900€ Spanish build. The one "custom" component is from PcComponentes.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (€220.00 @ Amazon Espana)
Motherboard: *MSI Z97I AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard (€117.20 @ Amazon Espana)
Storage: *Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (€49.79 @ Amazon Espana)
Video Card: *XFX Radeon R9 290 4GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card (€294.93 @ Amazon Espana)
Case: *Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case (€75.83 @ Amazon Espana)
Power Supply: *be quiet! 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (€69.12 @ Amazon Espana)
Other: G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR3 1600 PC3-12800 8GB CL10 (€67.95)
Total: €894.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-01 22:07 CET+0100

600W might be a little low with heavy overclocking, but it'll probably be OK. I'm not entirely sure how the MSI board will OC, but its VRM heat sink looks OK to me.

 

[mfenn]

Unfortunately, all these sites are in spanish. Nevertheless, for practical purposes, prices are almost equal to the ones PcPartPicker suggests for the US, but assuming a 1€ = 1$ rate. For example, the initial build priced at 814$ in PCPartPicker costs about 804€ in PcComponentes.
As my budget is flexible (700-900€), something around 800$ will probably fit the budget.

Spanish is fine, we are a resourceful bunch. The issue with using US prices is not really the general cost equivalence, but the availability of products and any special deals.

Here's a non-overclocking build because I am leery of the ability of any Mini-ITX case to cool a heavily overclocked machine:

i5 4460 EUR 175
Gigabyte H97N-WIFI EUR 107
G.Skill DDR3 1600 8GB EUR 68
XFX R9 290 EUR 295
Crucial MX100 256GB EUR 95
Seasonic S12II 620W EUR 77
Fractal Design Node 304 EUR 76
Total: EUR 893

Ken's build is good if you want to try overclocking. The main difference is that this build is not overclockable but includes an SSD.

 

[Gryph Lionheart]

Thank you both for the help!

I think I'll go with a modified mfenn's build. Something like:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor (€167.00 @ Amazon Espana)
Memory: *Kingston Savage 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (€75.83 @ Amazon Espana)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case (€75.74 @ Amazon Espana)
Other: WD Caviar Black 1TB SATA3 7200rpm (€73.95)
Other: Sapphire R9 280 Dual-X OC 3GB GDDR5 (€189.00)
Other: Corsair CS550M 550W 80 Plus Gold Modular (€72.00)
Other: Gigabyte H97N-WIFI (€107.00)
Total: €760.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-03 03:58 CET+0100

I'll finally go for 2x4 gb RAM, and a WD black caviar (the crucial was too small, and if the hdd isn't responsive enough I can always buy a secondary drive for the OS).

I also changed the GPU for a 280 (it's 100 euros cheaper, and it seems to handle almost all games at 1080p maxed, so is the 290 really worth it?), I upgraded the PSU to a 80+ Gold (as the 3 euros difference in price will soon be recouped by the higher efficiency).What do you think about this last build? Any suggestion?

 

[mfenn]

The R9 280 is fine if you're OK with lowering some details in high-end games; it certainly cannot max out every game out there and still maintain 60 FPS. It's totally fine for Dota 2 and CSGO though.

The 1x8GB was in there in ase you want to upgrade memory later on, ITX boards only have 2 DIMM slots. I would recommend sticking with 1x8GB, otherwise you're going to have to pay double the price when you want to upgrade.

Finally, I do not agree with dropping the SSD. It's the single biggest upgrade that a new system brings over an old system. You can easily afford it with the lower-cost GPU.

If you simply cannot afford both an SSD and an HDD, get the SSD first. Then once you fill it up, add a secondary HDD for storage. It's much easier to add a storage drive than it is to reinstall your OS onto an SSD.