Time to Build - Help Me Decide

[TY-1]

So I just finished moving into my new apartment and I've decided to make the little home office area into my office/gaming room. To mark the occasion/decision and celebrate a little I think it is time that I finally built myself a personal computer rig again. I'd like to have a relatively small footprint (the room is only about 8'x10' and already has more stuff in it than I thought I would put there...too much swag from cons) and be able to easily take it to LAN Parties, so I've been considering a Mini-ITX build that will allow me to game but that I can still use for doing some personal research and data crunching at home. With that said I've come up with a build that I think might work well for me, but I'm open to advice and recommendations.

Mini-ITX Build

CPU: Intel i7-4770K - $324.99
Cooler: Corsair H80i - $74.99
Mobo: ASUS Maximus VI Impact - $237.55
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1866Hz - $58.65
SSD : Samsung 840 EVO 250GB - $182.99
GPU: MSI GTX780 - $669.99
Case: Bitfenix Prodigy - $59.99 Purchased
Optical Drive: ASUS Blu-ray Reader - $56.23
PSU: Seasonic 660w Platinum Modular - $133.54
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T - $299.99

Total: $2097.34

Also, the usual questions and answers for build threads:

1. What YOUR PC will be used for? Home Office Computer (Statistical Software that I use is pretty robust), Gaming (Home & LAN Parties), Media (I cut my Cable Cord earlier this year and get most of my Media Content via Internet/Streaming but I have a large Blu-ray & DVD collection)

2. What YOUR budget is? $2200

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from? United States

4. Which vendors do you prefer? Newegg, Amazon, NCIX, etc. The only restriction is that the nearest Microcenter is 6hours away so I can't do any of their in-store deals.

5. If YOU have a brand preference. Intel for the CPU. GPU, I'm actually thinking of holding off on purchasing the GPU until I see what AMD has to say about their Hawaii Cards on 9/23/13. I can get by for a month or so on just the Intel Graphics.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. I have multiple Bluetooth Peripherals (Keyboard, Mouse, Headset) which is why I need Bluetooth capability in this build. I also have a Seagate Momentus XT 750GB Hybrid Drive taht I will be using for storage (allwoing me to use an SSD for Boot and Gaming). I have Logitech 2.1 speakers that I will be using.

7. If YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. Yes, both the CPU and GPU.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using? I'm looking at to get a new monitor. A number of friends have gotten the BenQ 120Hz 1080p monitors and they are pretty nice. However, this is one area that I am very open to advice and recommendations.

9. When do you plan to build it? The next few weeks for the main build, with GPU selection made after AMD does its reveal on 9/23/13.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu-Ray playback software? I already have Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit, Microsoft Office 2010, and Wind DVD Pro for Blu-ray playback.

I'm really hoping for some good feedback and any good recommendations or advice.


Notes:

My statistical software can take advantage of Hyperthreading from the i7-4770K, but since that is the only big thing that would use it I might drop down to an i5-4670K.

I'm not set on the GPU yet because I want to see what AMD has up their sleeve regarding Hawaii. I've included the MSI GTX780 partially to figure out the PSU needs, I like high end cards, and it goes along with the aesthetics of the build.

Some people might disagree with choosing the ASUS Maximus Impact for the Mobo, but it has built in wireless and Blue-tooth. I have a number of Blue-tooth peripherals that I use and don't really want to replace at the moment. I thought about getting a Bluetooth dongle but I haven't found one that I think is decent and the board fills that need while also allowing for good OC'ing as well as pretty decent on-board sound.

 

[lehtv]

I think you're spending needlessly much in a few components.

Cpu 4770K is a bit overkill as 4670K will perform the same in almost every game, but I guess with that budget I can let it slide

Cooler Corsair H90 with a 140mm has better acoustics

Mobo You can also find wifi+bluetooth in the cheaper Asus Z87I Deluxe. Here's are 4770K combo deal for $480, that's $50 off. You can also find wifi+BT in even cheaper boards (MSI Z87I for instance) but the combo discount is much smaller which makes the Asus board more appealing, considering your budget

RAM OK

SSD No need for a Pro drive, you can save $40 here and never notice any difference. I'd buy a Plextor M5S, Corsair Neutron or Samsung 840 EVO: take your pick

GPU Galaxy GTX 780 HOF $690 (beats stock Titan)

Case Bitfenix Prodigy does not really have a small footprint, it's actually larger in external dimensions than many microATX cases. You could go for micro-ATX like Obsidian 350D or try to build in a smaller mini-ITX case, e.g. a Silverstone Sugo series.

Optical OK

PSU Seasonic G650 does the same job $35 less, and you could get by just fine with a G550 for $80

Monitor Asus VG248QE is better and less expensive (144hz with support for zero motion blur 2D)

 

[Termie]

Agreed on lehtv's points above. But with this budget and number-crunching, I'd definitely stick with the 4770K.

If you want a small system, avoid the Prodigy. It's a bit of a ruse, you see - super-popular, looks great, but not in any way a mini-ITX case except in name and in the ways it limits you. You get none of the benefits of mini-ITX.

The brand-new Maximus VI Impact is cool, but unless you're REALLY into overclocking, it's totally unnecessary. The suggestion above is good.

And yes, the "Hoff" is pretty cool: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/08/14/galaxy_geforce_gtx_780_hof_edition_review



But if you're willing to use onboard video until Sept. 23rd, when Hawaii will be demoed, then you can hold off on that purchase. Keep in mind that it won't ship until early October.

 

[TY-1]

I think you're spending needlessly much in a few components.

Cpu 4770K is a bit overkill as 4670K will perform the same in almost every game, but I guess with that budget I can let it slide

I have been considering dropping down to an i5-4670K since the only thing that the Hyperthreading of the 4770K would help with is running my Statistical Software. I know that it really doesn't help with gaming, but this is also to be a Home Office computer as well as a Media Center Computer. IT is with those points in mind that I was considering the 4770K, since it could run the Stat Software (which is a bit of a memory and CPU hog) while still allowing me to do other things without any real slow down.

Cooler Corsair H90 with a 140mm has better acoustics

Does it? I was not aware of that. However, I have heard that mounting the back plate on it tends to run into some difficulties when it comes to Mini-ITX boards. Something to do with the Asetek designed mounting. (See Tom's for example)

Mobo You can also find wifi+bluetooth in the cheaper Asus Z87I Deluxe. Here's are 4770K combo deal for $480, that's $50 off. You can also find wifi+BT in even cheaper boards (MSI Z87I for instance) but the combo discount is much smaller which makes the Asus board more appealing, considering your budget

I missed that ASUS board. Do you know how well it overclocks?

SSD No need for a Pro drive, you can save $40 here and never notice any difference. I'd buy a Plextor M5S, Corsair Neutron or Samsung 840 EVO: take your pick

Yes, those three are good alternatives. I had read recently about the Samsung EVO and how it was an improvement on the Samsung 840(which was a great SSD itself). I don't actually know much about Plextor's SSD offerings though.

GPU Galaxy GTX 780 HOF $690 (beats stock Titan)

Why this instead of the MSI GTX780, which is currently cheaper? Also, as I mentioned I am content with waiting on GPU until AMD demos Hawaii in September, even if they don't ship until the first week of October. I may have used Nvidia for a long time, but I am hardly a fan boy (I prefer quality and value over brand loyalty).

Case Bitfenix Prodigy does not really have a small footprint, it's actually larger in external dimensions than many microATX cases. You could go for micro-ATX like Obsidian 350D or try to build in a smaller mini-ITX case, e.g. a Silverstone Sugo series.

Yes, I know the Prodigy is a bit big for an Mini-ITX build, but it would fit well in my home office and it looks to be very easy to carry to LAN Parties. I had looked at Lian-Li cases, but cable management in them seems poor and they don't look easy to carry despite their smaller size.

I had considered an MATX build with the Corsair 350D, but I couldn't find a Mobo that fit my requirements for onboard Bluetooth.

PSU Seasonic G650 does the same job $35 less, and you could get by just fine with a G550 for $80

Hmm, I kind of was looking for a Fully Modular design as I have always been picky about cables, but those prices are somewhat convincing. I was thinking of a minimum of 650-660w considering that I would be overclocking the CPU and GPU. Wouldn't 550w be cutting close?

Monitor Asus VG248QE is better and less expensive (144hz with support for zero motion blur 2D)

This is one area I am actually really glad to see recommendations for. I'm not as knowledgeable about monitors as I would like, especially with how a number of new innovations have come out in the last year or so.

Is it really better than the BenQ? All the comparisons I've seen between the two have favored the BenQ with the chief complaint about the ASUS being that the colors aren't as good. Also, wouldn't I need more than just GTX780 to fully utilize the 144Hz refresh?

The brand-new Maximus VI Impact is cool, but unless you're REALLY into overclocking, it's totally unnecessary. The suggestion above is good.

I do overclock systems that I build for people;just finished an ATX build back in June that got the i5-4670K to 4.5GHz on a Gigabyte board using a Kraken X40.

Personally, I really like ASUS for their build quality and extra features they put on their boards. I like how the Impact has two daughter boards for both the VRM and the onboard Sound. I also like how they are using Wireless 802.11ac now.

And yes, the "Hoff" is pretty cool: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/08/14/galaxy_geforce_gtx_780_hof_edition_review



But if you're willing to use onboard video until Sept. 23rd, when Hawaii will be demoed, then you can hold off on that purchase. Keep in mind that it won't ship until early October.

I'm aware that it probably won't ship until first week of October at the earliest and I'm okay with that. However, as I said to lehtv, is the HOF really better than the MSI when the MSI is less expensive but also easily overclockable?

 

[Termie]

As to the HOF, HardOCP did find that it was absolutely exceptional in its overclocking ability, and even its stock clocks are out of this world. Yes, it's probably worth it over the MSI, even if they had a golden sample, just for the crazy-high stock clocks and amazing cooler.

If you've got the budget for it, the Maximus VI Impact is probably the way to go. It has the other features you're looking for (BT, 802.11ac), and there's no way any other ITX board can beat it in OC'ing. Whether it's that much better than ASRock's Z87 ITX board, well, I really don't know. But the ROG boards do generally have a little special sauce thrown in that makes them OC a bit better. My Gene board has been a dream to work with.

BTW, now that you mentioned that you go to LAN parties, the Prodigy makes a lot more sense. Stick with it, not for its space-efficiency so much as for its portability and style. Plus it's cheap right now at Newegg.

 

[Sleepingforest]

You might want to stretch your budget so you can get an overclockable 1440p IPS monitor--the extra resolution, color accuracy, and yet still excellent refresh rate make it generally superior to a 120Hz TN monitor. Check out the sticky in VC&G about it.

The other thing I would mention is that you probably don't need to go that crazy with the power supply and the motherboard. Unless you're going for the mITX overclocking record, any Z87 mITX motherboard (with the features you want) and the PSU Lehtv recommends should suffice. It's not like the boost from 4.5GHz to 4.7 or 4.8GHz makes a huge difference.

 

[TY-1]

You might want to stretch your budget so you can get an overclockable 1440p IPS monitor--the extra resolution, color accuracy, and yet still excellent refresh rate make it generally superior to a 120Hz TN monitor. Check out the sticky in VC&G about it.

I was able to find the:

X-Star DP2710 LED 2560x1440 Samsung - $309.00
QNIX QX2710 Evolution II - $309.40

However, I'm hesitant to go for either. First, I would have to pay an import duty on them. Second, I need an outlet adapter for plugging it in, as it may or may not come with one. Third, if something is wrong with it then customer service is going to be a real pain. Fourth, I really don't know enough about monitors as I like and know even less about these two.

The other thing I would mention is that you probably don't need to go that crazy with the power supply and the motherboard. Unless you're going for the mITX overclocking record, any Z87 mITX motherboard (with the features you want) and the PSU Lehtv recommends should suffice. It's not like the boost from 4.5GHz to 4.7 or 4.8GHz makes a huge difference.

Another reason I was aiming for a 650w-660w PSU was to try and hedge against what the power requirements for Hawaii might be. However, both you and lehtv make good points. I just don't want to be replacing a power supply a month and a half if I choose to go with Hawaii...or Maxwell if the Q1 2014 rumors are true.

 

[Torn Mind]

Die shrinks usually result in less power consumption, not more, if everything else is kept equal. The architecture or transistor count might counterbalance those gains, but I seriously doubt Hawaii will be MUCH more power-hungry than GCN.

 

[TY-1]

I've updated my Parts List. I purchased the Bitfenix Prodigy; the $59.99 deal ran out at midnight 8/21 and it was too good a deal to let pass.

I have also changed the SSD to the Samsung 840 EVO 250GB - $182.99. I've read up more about it and it would fit my need, but is cheaper than the Samsung 840 Pro 256GB. Does anyone have a different suggestion? I know lehtv also suggested the Plextor M5s and the Corsair Neutron, but does anyone else have different suggestions? I've never used a Plextor SSD before so I don't know much about them and I only know a little about the Corsair Neutrons. In the past I have used either Samsung or Mushkins.

 

[Essence_of_War]

The Crucial m500's might be worth a look. They're priced comparably to the 840/840 EVO, perform well, and unlike most SSDs on the market, include power-loss protection.

Here's a Tom's Review head-to-head w/ the EVO:
http://www.tomshardware.com/print/crucial-m500-1tb-ssd,reviews-3551.html

 

[lehtv]

Does it? I was not aware of that. However, I have heard that mounting the back plate on it tends to run into some difficulties when it comes to Mini-ITX boards. Something to do with the Asetek designed mounting. (See Tom's for example)

I don't know about that, but if you built in mATX, this would be a non-issue. Also, mATX would more easily allow you to choose a less expensive and similarly performing air cooler. Integrated wireless would be tough but you could use an add-in card.

I missed that ASUS board. Do you know how well it overclocks?

It has 8 CPU power phases with digital control, it's excellent for OC'ing. It will certainly handle any overclock you may want to do. Since you're using number crunching software, you don't really want to compromise stability.

Yes, those three are good alternatives. I had read recently about the Samsung EVO and how it was an improvement on the Samsung 840(which was a great SSD itself). I don't actually know much about Plextor's SSD offerings though.

Plextor uses Micron's controller which is well proven as a reliable controller, although not the fastest available.

Why this instead of the MSI GTX780, which is currently cheaper? Also, as I mentioned I am content with waiting on GPU until AMD demos Hawaii in September, even if they don't ship until the first week of October. I may have used Nvidia for a long time, but I am hardly a fan boy (I prefer quality and value over brand loyalty).

It is a cherry picked card with super good stock OC and excellent overclockability beyond that

I had considered an MATX build with the Corsair 350D, but I couldn't find a Mobo that fit my requirements for onboard Bluetooth.

You could just get a USB bluetooth dongle. Costs $10

Hmm, I kind of was looking for a Fully Modular design as I have always been picky about cables, but those prices are somewhat convincing. I was thinking of a minimum of 650-660w considering that I would be overclocking the CPU and GPU.

I've never understood the utility of full modularity. With semi modular units you're already using pretty much every fixed cable there is, so the benefit with going full modular is literally zero.

Wouldn't 550w be cutting close?

Maybe, depends on how much you OC. These readings are from the wall so efficiency not adjusted for (multiply by 0.9)

Is it really better than the BenQ? All the comparisons I've seen between the two have favored the BenQ with the chief complaint about the ASUS being that the colors aren't as good. Also, wouldn't I need more than just GTX780 to fully utilize the 144Hz refresh?

You really do want 144hz because of the ability to do zero motion blur @ 120hz. Excellent for fast paced shooters where you can maintain 120fps.

I have a BenQ XL2411T which uses the same panel as the Asus monitor, I found no fault in it.

As far as GPU power is concerned, 120hz vs 144hz doesn't matter. You need the same amount of GPU power to fully utilize either, and a GTX 780 is certainly up to the task. The benefits are seen easily at any FPS higher than 60. I'm playing BF3 on my 7950. Medium settings, framerate 80-120 and it's smooth as butter.

 

[TY-1]

I don't know about that, but if you built in mATX, this would be a non-issue. Also, mATX would more easily allow you to choose a less expensive and similarly performing air cooler. Integrated wireless would be tough but you could use an add-in card.

Well I already jumped on the Bitfenix Prodigy case due to it fitting my needs and being on sale for $59.99.

However, I was looking into the Corsair H90, as well as the other Asetek designed coolers, and it seems that the back plate issue was limited to the Asus P8Z77 Mini-ITX lineup. I've both looked at the pictures of the backs of Asus' Z87 Mini-ITX boards and contacted Asus with my concern and it seems that it isn't an issue with the new Z87 Mini-ITX boards.

Do you know where there might be articles showing testing of the Corsair H90 vs other 140mm AIO coolers?

It is a cherry picked card with super good stock OC and excellent overclockability beyond that.

Hmm, it is nice. Though the aesthetics aren't exactly to my taste I can't argue with the results it puts out. I'll consider it and might jump on it if AMD doesn't deliver with Hawaii.

You could just get a USB bluetooth dongle. Costs $10

The few Bluetooth Dongles I've tried using in the past have always end up being quirky; dropping signal randomly and/or taking a few minutes to connect when the peripheral is turned on. I've never had those issues with onboard Bluetooth modules.

I've never understood the utility of full modularity. With semi modular units you're already using pretty much every fixed cable there is, so the benefit with going full modular is literally zero.

I've used both full modular and semi-modular PSU models in the past and you are right, the only fixed cable is usually the main24-pin power connector which you're going to always use regardless. The nice addition to the model I have listed, however, is that it has Seasonic's Hybrid Fan Mode.

You really do want 144hz because of the ability to do zero motion blur @ 120hz. Excellent for fast paced shooters where you can maintain 120fps.

I have a BenQ XL2411T which uses the same panel as the Asus monitor, I found no fault in it.

As far as GPU power is concerned, 120hz vs 144hz doesn't matter. You need the same amount of GPU power to fully utilize either, and a GTX 780 is certainly up to the task. The benefits are seen easily at any FPS higher than 60. I'm playing BF3 on my 7950. Medium settings, framerate 80-120 and it's smooth as butter.

Hmm, that gives me something to think about. I had picked the BenQ XL24020T out because I had seen a few friends use it and it looked good, but if there are other/better options available....

I can't find the BenQXL2411T listed for sale anywhere. The only 144Hz monitors that I am finding on reputable retailer sites are the ASUS VG248QE and the ASUS VG278HE.

Also, will the Lightboost Hack work with an AMD card if I go with a Hawaii based card? I thought it was limited to Nvidia cards only?

 

[lehtv]

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/06/13/nzxt_kraken_x40_x60_sealed_liquid_cpu_cooler_review/4

Hybrid fan mode is definitely not something you want to utilize in a mini-ITX case, much less a Prodigy where the PSU sits directly below the motherboard. You'll want the PSU to be well ventilated at all times.

The lightboost hack will work on AMD cards as well using software called Strobelight by ToastyX. I am currently using it, actually, and reports by other users indicate it works with VG248QE as well.

 

[mfenn]

Some people might disagree with choosing the ASUS Maximus Impact for the Mobo, but it has built in wireless and Blue-tooth. I have a number of Blue-tooth peripherals that I use and don't really want to replace at the moment. I thought about getting a Bluetooth dongle but I haven't found one that I think is decent and the board fills that need while also allowing for good OC'ing as well as pretty decent on-board sound.

You want to know a dirty little secret about integrated Bluetooth on motherboards? It's just an internally-connected USB dongle.

I definitely agree with lehtv overall. You have a decent budget, but the mobo and PSU you've chosen are to the point of spending money just to spend it.

 

[Essence_of_War]

You want to know a dirty little secret about integrated Bluetooth on motherboards? It's just an internally-connected USB dongle.

I feel filthy just hearing it.

 

[TY-1]

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/06/13/nzxt_kraken_x40_x60_sealed_liquid_cpu_cooler_review/4

The one complaint I keep seeing in reviews of the Kraken X40 is that it is noisy, but it seems to be mostly the fans. I can replace the fans later if it really annoys me. The fan control software also looks to be decent. I had used it previously on a system build, but preferred Corsair Link at the time. Hmm, I really need to consider this. The Kraken X40 seems better than the H90 and the H90 does use Corsair Link.

I was planning to run the H80i as an intake through the front 120mm mount and move the Bitfenix 120mm fan there to the roof of the case to blow down onto the motherboard. The Kraken X40 would fit there too using the 140mm fan mount and might direct airflow better.

Hybrid fan mode is definitely not something you want to utilize in a mini-ITX case, much less a Prodigy where the PSU sits directly below the motherboard. You'll want the PSU to be well ventilated at all times.

Can you explain that a bit? I don't see how it would be affected seeing as how there is a bottom, dust screened vent so the PSU can pull in fresh air from under the case and then cycle it out the back.

The lightboost hack will work on AMD cards as well using software called Strobelight by ToastyX. I am currently using it, actually, and reports by other users indicate it works with VG248QE as well.

Good to know. The Asus VG248QE looks good and is on sale until 8/28/13. The only complaint I see most people making about it is that the colors need to be calibrated manually. Have you found this to be an issue with yours?

Now the BenQ just dropped in price on Amazon to $269.99, though the ASUS VG248QE is still cheaper at $250.52.

You want to know a dirty little secret about integrated Bluetooth on motherboards? It's just an internally-connected USB dongle.

No! That's not true! That's impossible! :'(

I definitely agree with lehtv overall. You have a decent budget, but the mobo and PSU you've chosen are to the point of spending money just to spend it.

So besides the modular issue, how much wattage overall do you think I need then? I thought 650w-660w would be enough to run everything and give ample overclocking room while 500w-550w would be pushing it close.

As for the mobo...well I really like all the extras that the Impact brings to the table.

 

[TY-1]

Jeez, so many parts are starting to go on sale that deciding between them is getting difficult.

I had been set on using the G.Skill Ripjaws X 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1866Hz - $58.65 for my RAM, but now the G.Skill Ripjaws X 8GB (2x$GB) DDR3-2133Hz just went on sale and is barely a dollar more using the same promo code. The timings are different and the voltage is 1.5v vs 1.65v.

Jeez, I had thought that I had my parts all picked out but then the universe decides to throw me a curveball or three.

Trying to pick out a monitor, so many good SSD choices, and now the RAM.

 

[Sleepingforest]

So besides the modular issue, how much wattage overall do you think I need then? I thought 650w-660w would be enough to run everything and give ample overclocking room while 500w-550w would be pushing it close.

EXAMPLE MAN TO THE RESCUE!

Observe Anandtech's testing methodology. He uses an OC'd LGA2011 CPU, an older, less efficient PSU, and a 7970 GHz Edition-which is then further overclocked. What's the power draw at load? Around 485W. I doubt Hawaii has a higher power draw since it'll be on a smaller processor node. 600W is definitely safe.

Furthermore, it is essentially impossible to make back the additional cost of going Gold/Platinum over Bronze in PSU efficiency. It almost always takes longer than the warranty--and you shouldn't be running a PSU past the warranty, typically speaking. If you are worried about quality, pretty much any Seasonic PSU is of good quality, and the Corsair CX and TX series are (while not quite as good) still pretty solid.

RAM speed has virtually no impact on Intel CPU performance. However, the increased voltage is bad for the chipset and for the RAM itself. Go with the lower voltage stuff.

 

[TY-1]

EXAMPLE MAN TO THE RESCUE!

Observe Anandtech's testing methodology. He uses an OC'd LGA2011 CPU, an older, less efficient PSU, and a 7970 GHz Edition-which is then further overclocked. What's the power draw at load? Around 485W. I doubt Hawaii has a higher power draw since it'll be on a smaller processor node. 600W is definitely safe.

Furthermore, it is essentially impossible to make back the additional cost of going Gold/Platinum over Bronze in PSU efficiency. It almost always takes longer than the warranty--and you shouldn't be running a PSU past the warranty, typically speaking. If you are worried about quality, pretty much any Seasonic PSU is of good quality, and the Corsair CX and TX series are (while not quite as good) still pretty solid.

So would you say that one of these would be the better choice?

Silverstone Strider 600w
Antec High Current Gamer 620W
Rosewill Tachyon 550W
Seasonic G 550W

RAM speed has virtually no impact on Intel CPU performance. However, the increased voltage is bad for the chipset and for the RAM itself. Go with the lower voltage stuff.

Yeah, that is pretty much my read on it as I usually try to keep to lower RAM voltages. 1.5v is my preferred but I have seen a few 1.35v kits used in the past that intrigued me. I was more just expressing my surprise that so many parts are going on sale at the same time. I'm still trying to figure out which monitor I prefer.

 

[Torn Mind]

Electronic malfunctions are due to either the circuit being broken, i.e cold solder joints, component "dying", or the circuit performing improperly, i.e capacitor ESR is through the roof. The CX series, while definitely a great buy compared to the some of the garbage in its price range, is still flawed if you're going to push them hard as it has CapXon capactiors. $50 is the most I'd spend on any CX series PSU, and if the rig doesn't consume much power and can deal with short cables, I'd sacrifice the wattage for a Seasonic 300-350 W unit. It's not that every unit is bad; the good ones should last a long time. It is just that there's more duds floating around carrying some manufacturing defect.

 

[Sleepingforest]

I'd say that the ideal choice is the Strider because of its' form factor. The Prodigy is known for PSU difficulties (only 160mm and below, and if you have modular cables, you need it to be shorter or you'll have significant difficulties.)

 

[lehtv]

Can you explain that a bit? I don't see how it would be affected seeing as how there is a bottom, dust screened vent so the PSU can pull in fresh air from under the case and then cycle it out the back.

Hybrid fan mode means the fan doesn't spin at all at low loads (which could actually be several hundreds of watts). It's a hybrid between active cooling and lack thereof.

Since your PSU is directly below the motherboard in a tight space, you don't want the PSU to build up heat due to the fan not spinning. The crux of the matter is that the PCB of the PSU (the board with all the heat-generating components on it) is located on the same side as the motherboard, separated only by something like 1-2cm of space. It will just pose a risk to motherboard temperatures to cool the PSU passively.

Hybrid fan mode will go entirely unused in a high performance Prodigy build - which means the only differences between G650 and X-650 are full modularity and a percent of efficiency, neither of which are worth paying for.

 

[mfenn]

As for the mobo...well I really like all the extras that the Impact brings to the table.

You don't need to link me to the marketing copy, I am immune. :awe:

But seriously, what features do you want in the MVII that the Z87I Deluxe doesn't have? Keep in mind that the Deluxe is effectively $90 less expensive and that Bluetooth is easily replaced for $10.

 

[supermag24]

Prodigy FTW.
And Seasonic S12 seems to be a good series, they even have a 620 watt. Remember that you are building using the PRODIGY, you probably do not have room for a fully modular PSU. Anandtech did a full review on the Bitfenix Prodigy and they stated that in the review.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5867/bitfenix-prodigy-review-the-affordable-performable-miniitx

Seasonic PSU, it might not be modular, but it will get the job done.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

 

[TY-1]

I'd say that the ideal choice is the Strider because of its' form factor. The Prodigy is known for PSU difficulties (only 160mm and below, and if you have modular cables, you need it to be shorter or you'll have significant difficulties.)

There is also a Gold rated version of the Silverstone Strider, but neither it or the Silver rated version seem to be considered too favorably. There are very few user reviews, with quite a number for each being pretty negative. Now usually I take user reviews with a grain (or boulder in some cases) of salt, but the professional reviews that I have seen about these PSU models seem to be split with similar negatives cropping up (mostly about rail stability, efficiency not being as good as similar units, and some failures of the units).

You don't need to link me to the marketing copy, I am immune. :awe:

But seriously, what features do you want in the MVII that the Z87I Deluxe doesn't have? Keep in mind that the Deluxe is effectively $90 less expensive and that Bluetooth is easily replaced for $10.

Well for one I really don't like the Black and Gold color scheme.

There is the SupremeFX sound design, better OC tweaking capabilities, SSD Secure Erase through the BIOS, Music PnP allowing me to stream audio directly from a device through the mic jack to my speakers without turning on the system, superior noise reduction for VoIP (and I do a lot of VoIp even when at home), 802.11ac wireless to go with my 802.11ac wireless router, and better power design and parts.

There is also the fact that I will be taking this build to LAN Parties. I go to two major ones (and a dozen minor local ones) and if you've ever been to one then you know that people always want to know what you are using in your build. ROG is respected and it is something to brag about when showing off your system. There is a certain "Rule of Cool" to be had at such events.