New Gaming Build, CPU doubts

[Remobz]

Thank you for pointing that out! I double-checked and did not realize until then, the side fan had me doubting if that was good placement, but I thank you for the reassurance.


Very very true. Though this is going to be my first (possible due to case) attempt at cable management.


Yes and now thanks to your amazing deal finding skills I am undecided between this one or the capstone. Mostly due to efficiency.

I realize modular is just a luxury, but if in the long run the 11 dollar difference would be better spent on the Capstone vs. the Corsair... the only other issue would be surge protection, which it seems like the Corsair has? Though of course I am planning to plug the power into a surge protector strip.

All things considered right now, I am almost ready to pull the trigger on:

Monitor: Dell S2340L $140
Optical Drive: LG 24X DVD Burner - GH24NS95 $15
PSU: CORSAIR TX650 V2 650W or Rosewill CAPSTONE-650 $57 or $68

I will just have to hold off on Motherboard + CPU for two-ish more days. The 4770K probably proving more useful when it comes to 'future-proofing'.

I would rather plug the psu into a UPS rather than surge strip.

 

[Major Orange]

I think you can end your search right here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148655

Use code EMCXPVR73 and buy two, and you have 16GB of Crucial Ballistix high-performance RAM (DDR3-1600, Cas 8) for $96.

O-ho! I thought I had seen that but could not recall and forgot about it. Mmm that CAS! Thank you.

As between the TX and Capstone, I'd get the Capstone. It's more efficient, just slightly more expensive, and comes with four PCIe power cables, which means Crossfire is an option down the line.

Meh I just noticed as I put the Capstone in a cart it's gone up in price, the promotion changed I guess, I was hoping not to have to deal with another rebate. (Though not the end of the world if there was)

Now I think I will just get the ram and get that over with as it seriously cannot get any better than that at that price, latency, low profile and lower voltage. Go home ripjaws, you're drunk! (edit not the dvd drive as it hilariously changed in price too temporarily. Ah well no rush. I can wait on that and the psu.

I would rather plug the psu into a UPS rather than surge strip.

I have never actually used a UPS, so long as there is a surge protection I do not really care if my computer would just shut down, so long as nothing gets zapped or overloaded I'm fine with it.

 

[mfenn]

Meh I just noticed as I put the Capstone in a cart it's gone up in price, the promotion changed I guess, I was hoping not to have to deal with another rebate. (Though not the end of the world if there was)

The 650TX V2 also lost its promo, so it's not as good of a deal anymore. The current sweet deal is the Rosewill Hive 650W for $50 AR AP

 

[Major Orange]

Hngh! Well hawtdamn mister mfenn! That seems very good. I had done some research on the Hive, but in no way do I have any expertise on this and just go with what the real experts can tell me, I read something worrying stating; "I'd avoid the Rosewill Hive series, its not a particularly well built unit built by a lower end OEM (Sirtec)." - on Hardforum.
Again, I am not sure if that is founded or not, nor do I mean to shoot down your suggestion again, I apologise for that because you are an incredibly helpful individual.

Sidenote; as found in the "$900 Gaming Build Help" thread, posted by DominionSeraph I'm going with this Samsung SH-224DB dvd drive for 15 dorrars again

Edit: Received the case just now, great looking thing! So I've been inspecting it. Two 120mm fans in the front panel behind a dust filter, one 120mm fan at the exhaust and then one 200mm fan on the side panel which is supposed to intake air by the look of it, but not filtered. I'm trying to see / think if I could put that at the top instead as that is filtered but does not have a fan. Or should I go to some hardware store, buy some strip of filter material and slap it in front of the fan on the inside?

 

[Remobz]

Hngh! Well hawtdamn mister mfenn! That seems very good. I had done some research on the Hive, but in no way do I have any expertise on this and just go with what the real experts can tell me, I read something worrying stating; "I'd avoid the Rosewill Hive series, its not a particularly well built unit built by a lower end OEM (Sirtec)." - on Hardforum.
Again, I am not sure if that is founded or not, nor do I mean to shoot down your suggestion again, I apologise for that because you are an incredibly helpful individual.

Sidenote; as found in the "$900 Gaming Build Help" thread, posted by DominionSeraph I'm going with this Samsung SH-224DB dvd drive for 15 dorrars again

Edit: Received the case just now, great looking thing! So I've been inspecting it. Two 120mm fans in the front panel behind a dust filter, one 120mm fan at the exhaust and then one 200mm fan on the side panel which is supposed to intake air by the look of it, but not filtered. I'm trying to see / think if I could put that at the top instead as that is filtered but does not have a fan. Or should I go to some hardware store, buy some strip of filter material and slap it in front of the fan on the inside?

For piece of mind I would get the seasonic x series psus.

However, if on a budget then get what u can afford.

 

[Major Orange]

What are the thoughts on this Cooler Master Silent Pro M2 720W I'm reading some pretty good things about it and it'd come in at $70 AP AR.

Plus it's a little more wattage, because after consulting multiple wattage calculators I think closer to 700 might be a little more comfortable. Newegg's tells me I should at least have 600-610 min. Extreme's telling me around 645 but if I were to later on add stuff / change up I'd have to get a different psu. And pcpartpicker tells me I just need 415w! Now I might be, like the calculators way off the mark and please do correct me if I am (most likely) wrong here.

Would I otherwise be best served to give it some time until the seasonic x series goes on sale again like Termie mentioned a while ago in this thread?

p.s. Small sidenote; as I thought the 200mm sidevent fan can not go anywhere else.

 

[Termie]

You do not need more wattage, and you definitely don't need 700 low-quality Watts, which is what you'd get from Cooler Master.

A quality 550W would be sufficient. Unfortunately, PCPartPicker is just plain wrong with its 415W recommendation. Not with a 7970 and some overclocking...

 

[mfenn]

Hngh! Well hawtdamn mister mfenn! That seems very good. I had done some research on the Hive, but in no way do I have any expertise on this and just go with what the real experts can tell me, I read something worrying stating; "I'd avoid the Rosewill Hive series, its not a particularly well built unit built by a lower end OEM (Sirtec)." - on Hardforum.
Again, I am not sure if that is founded or not, nor do I mean to shoot down your suggestion again, I apologise for that because you are an incredibly helpful individual.

The Hive is certainly no Seasonic X series, but at $50, it's not supposed to be. What it does do is provide its rated power with reasonable efficiency at a good price, leaving you free to spend your money on parts that directly impact performance.

Some professional reviews:

Anandtech
HW Secrets

 

[Major Orange]

Thank you very much for finding those reviews for me mfenn, although at once they kind of make me lean toward it (that and the price as you say), but the comments (it seems cherry picked etc.) and as you say "it's no seasonic" does have me worry a little bit.

My next question would be, what would you do?

See my build so far comes in at just under $1050 and all I need is a PSU to complete it. I'm actually happy to be closer to 1000 even though I aimed at around 1500 since I wanted good specs.. but if I have learned one thing from reading these forums (Much love to you guys and your expansive knowledge) it's that you should not skimp on your psu.

Though I can not deny that having to smack down 80-100 dollars for a psu would make me twitch especially because I recall a couple of weeks ago that white PC Power&Cooling down to 70 or so and now up to 110.

In short; I really like how I have gotten some damn good quality stuff for great bargains. Thanks to all of you guys that have helped I have saved over 300 dollars! So I guess I waited too long with the PSU's (definitely regretting not jumping on that Capstone! I saw the gold plus rating too late) and I am now wondering if I should wait for new deals on PSUs as my MB + CPU won't be here until July 1st.

p.s. Apologies for the ramblings!

 

[Termie]

...

In short; I really like how I have gotten some damn good quality stuff for great bargains. Thanks to all of you guys that have helped I have saved over 300 dollars! So I guess I waited too long with the PSU's (definitely regretting not jumping on that Capstone! I saw the gold plus rating too late) and I am now wondering if I should wait for new deals on PSUs as my MB + CPU won't be here until July 1st.

p.s. Apologies for the ramblings!

Glad we could help. If you really liked that Capstone, take a look at the new sale price on it - $72 after coupon EMCXPVN34: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182071

I'd just jump on that now so can finish your build.

EDIT: I take that back - buy this Seasonic right now! - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151118

650W Gold Modular ($60AR) - ends today.

 

[Major Orange]

EDIT: I take that back - buy this Seasonic right now! - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151118

650W Gold Modular ($60AR) - ends today.

Termie, I [expletive] love you right now! Boom! I jumped so hard on that deal and never looked back!
Patience pays off after all. Gold rating and modular and a seasonic!

Just received my gpu today as well (which calls for a 500w or greater psu on the box /w 150w 8 pin and 75w 6 pin - I think we'll be good!) and so within a week I should definitely be good to go and will follow up with some build pictures!

 

[Termie]

Congrats! Definitely post some pics when you have them.

 

[DSF]

Wow, fantastic deal on the Seasonic.

 

[Termie]

Wow, fantastic deal on the Seasonic.

Yup, it sold out fast.

 

[mfenn]

Wow, fantastic deal on the Seasonic.

Seconded, awesome deal!

 

[Major Orange]

^_^!
Absolutely! I can't thank Termie enough, but also mfenn since his saying "it's no seasonic" still made me think I should just wait for a good seasonic sale. Lo and behold! What's even better, I had to go out on an errand and thought to check on a computer first instead of after. I order it, confirmation and everything. I come back.. and it's out of stock!

Looks like the 1st of July will be the day it all comes together and I should have everything.

My one single point of discussion is what to do about the side panel of the 500R as that giant 200mm intake fan is unfiltered.
Right now I'm thinking I will just see if it gets really dusty because of that, if so I might give in and go for a single DEMCI filter there (30 or 50 dollars for that). Alternatively I might try the nylon stocking trick on it.

Anyone have any ideas/other suggestions? That whole vent is oddly shaped to find/buy a filter for otherwise unfortunately.

 

[mfenn]

Used dryer sheets also work as fan filters in a pinch.

 

[Major Orange]

Used dryer sheets also work as fan filters in a pinch.

Hey thanks for that tip, I'll try that! Dumb question, but just to make sure; Should I put it between the fan and vent on the inside (span it tight) or if it might get caught in the fan else on the outside to be safe?

An entirely different matter that is not really pressing, but I would rather not clog up the forum with new threads for a relatively simple thing.

I don't have a mouse to go with my setup; I bought a keyboard that I really wanted (the K310, no grimey/rattly keyboard anymore plus the black/white theme!). Not an emergency - I can use a 'backup' wireless mouse for the time being, but I dislike wireless mice (batteries and the hassle/worry of that) - so I would prefer a wired one that is my own.

So now here's the deal. I've only ever used standard plain mice: my last mouse was the "Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical" and I have no idea how that holds up for techy/gaming people.
Now I'm considering what mouse to buy as I do like to play things such as BF3 as well as Guild Wars 2 and never really thought at all about using a different mouse until now and considering news from a good friend who plays the same and got a Razer Naga Hex (with the little circle of buttons).

Except I'm not some e-sports player nor crazy enough to spend over 50 dollars on a mouse (not right now anyway, plus where I'm coming from I can settle for "Oohh! Shiny buttons on the side too!?") With some browsing and researching I have looked at a few different mice, not much known about brands but I was surprised to read that A4Tech is a bit of an underdog, but good quality brand.

So I'm considering/doubting between the: Cooler Master Storm Recon especially because of the promo right now! Then there's the A4Tech Bloody series which I read was really decent and then there's a Utechsmart which I stumbled upon and found some good word about that.
Honestly I just want one that is comfortable, has an extra button or two, three that might help with gaming along with some heightened precision. But with all the crap and high prices to wade through I wonder if in the end I should just after all get a random cheapy mouse.

Can anyone weigh in on this or have any suggestions?

 

[mfenn]

Hey thanks for that tip, I'll try that! Dumb question, but just to make sure; Should I put it between the fan and vent on the inside (span it tight) or if it might get caught in the fan else on the outside to be safe?

Between the fan and the case is going to look nicer, but will be harder to change out. If the fan spokes that support the central hub are facing the interior of the case, you can also attach it there.

Really, any configuration that forces all air through the filter but doesn't obstruct the blades is equally functional. It comes down to what you like better in terms of looks and serviceability.

An entirely different matter that is not really pressing, but I would rather not clog up the forum with new threads for a relatively simple thing.

I don't have a mouse to go with my setup; I bought a keyboard that I really wanted (the K310, no grimey/rattly keyboard anymore plus the black/white theme!). Not an emergency - I can use a 'backup' wireless mouse for the time being, but I dislike wireless mice (batteries and the hassle/worry of that) - so I would prefer a wired one that is my own.

So now here's the deal. I've only ever used standard plain mice: my last mouse was the "Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical" and I have no idea how that holds up for techy/gaming people.
Now I'm considering what mouse to buy as I do like to play things such as BF3 as well as Guild Wars 2 and never really thought at all about using a different mouse until now and considering news from a good friend who plays the same and got a Razer Naga Hex (with the little circle of buttons).

Except I'm not some e-sports player nor crazy enough to spend over 50 dollars on a mouse (not right now anyway, plus where I'm coming from I can settle for "Oohh! Shiny buttons on the side too!?") With some browsing and researching I have looked at a few different mice, not much known about brands but I was surprised to read that A4Tech is a bit of an underdog, but good quality brand.

So I'm considering/doubting between the: Cooler Master Storm Recon especially because of the promo right now! Then there's the A4Tech Bloody series which I read was really decent and then there's a Utechsmart which I stumbled upon and found some good word about that.
Honestly I just want one that is comfortable, has an extra button or two, three that might help with gaming along with some heightened precision. But with all the crap and high prices to wade through I wonder if in the end I should just after all get a random cheapy mouse.

Can anyone weigh in on this or have any suggestions?

I don't have any personal experience with those mice, but I will say that I don't think I would buy a mouse without holding it in person. Everybody's hand and grip style are different, so what is comfortable for somebody else might not be comfortable for you.

 

[Major Orange]

All right then! I've already had this rig built a handful of days ago, but still had to set up an old router as a second access point to get internet access here. Did that! So now without further ado:

The big monster highlight! So blindingly awesome it even blinds the emaciated woman on the box:

Just wondering on what to do with the four free game codes that came with it and or how to go about selling those.

Then here's the hawt lookin' board with 4770K just mounted on it:

All put together in the 500R - mind you this was my very first attempt at trying some cable management! (yes the cpu cable was too short to wire behind it unfortunately)

It's working great, no issues either - to me and with the room ambiance it doesn't make a sound and temperature wise it seems to be doing good, cpu rocks around 32-35c, gpu does about the same thing 34 up to 40 under load (still have to try a more 'heavy' game), system temps at 27-29c. The i7 is actually getting up to 3.9 ghz without any prompting on my end, I suppose it's the board helping along pushing. Works out for me!


Once more I would really like to go out of my way here and explicitly mention and give great thanks to Cerb for once again proving to have been a very helpful individual, you were quick to respond just as you were with my previous build and I appreciate it; toning down the wattage needs, pointing out the cpu+mb combo. Termie for being very helpful in weighing in and helping me to quickly pull the trigger on time sensitive deals - (the case, gpu and ram, but seriously that Seasonic psu was a legendary find (quite like that Corsair you found in the other thread/older build I did!) mfenn is one of the other big names I really owe thanks to; I can't tell you how amazed and glad I am with this Dell S2340L here - you helped me change my mind on it and boy was that a good deal too. You run the builds thread for a reason!

Thank you guys so much for all your input, time and patience spent. You have definitely been one of the reasons for wanting to stick around these forums.

 

[Cerb]

The i7 is actually getting up to 3.9 ghz without any prompting on my end, I suppose it's the board helping along pushing.

3.9GHz is the stock Turbo speed. That just means only a single core has any load on it. If the others get loaded up, it will max out at 3.5GHz, at stock settings.

 

[mfenn]

Thank you guys so much for all your input, time and patience spent. You have definitely been one of the reasons for wanting to stick around these forums.

Glad everything turned out well and that you're happy with your build!

By the way, 40C on a 7970 means that the GPU is basically taking a nap. Push it harder! :twisted: