Thinking about a new Desktop PC Build

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  1. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
       #1

    Thinking about a new Desktop PC Build


    Any concerns;

    Case: Antec 302.
    Mobo: Asus Z97-A USB 3.1, LGA 1150
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813132510

    CPU: Intel Core i5-4690, 3.5Ghz Quad Core
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116989

    Memory: 16GB G.Skill Ripjaw DDR3, 1600Mhz
    Looking at about $1100 for the parts, give or take. Will purchase Windows 10 for it when it becomes available.

    It will be a desktop for my son (8 in July) and myself to build and play games and such on. Will run a single 24" monitor at 1920x1080.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 9,652
    W10 Pro, W10 Home
       #2

    Looks like a good build. The only thing I would do differently is go with a full tower, rather than a mid tower. I know they take up a lot more space and you may not like that. But there is lots of room for all my hardware as well as 4 large case fans, which help to keep the internal temps down.
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  3. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    My current bod is in a full tower and I don't want anything nearly that big. My hardware doesnt need much room. Just a single video card, 1-2 SSDs, and that is about it. The Antec 302 can handle a 12.5" video card, and it can hold 6 HDD, plus 2 additional SSDs. It has mounts for 4 case fans, and it has 2 removable dust shields. I have a dedicated file server at home so I wont ever have much data on this box at all, hence reason I only plan to use SSD's.

    I currently have 4 of the Antec 300 cases at work. They have been fabulous for me. Thats why I want to do one at home, its smaller and much less costly than the bigger towers. I have no desire for case windows, or LED lighting , etc

    Thanks for the feedback.
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  4. Posts : 5,286
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #4

    @pparks1 , I got the same motherboard. Lots of future-proof features.




    Something just don't quite add up with your parts selection. Z97 boards are for overclocking enthusiasts. So why get a CPU with locked clock multiplier? You should spend a little bit more and get the fully unlocked version i5-4690K.




    Also, get a higher frequency RAM like 2133 or 2400Mhz to put the motherboard of your choice to a better use. And don't settle on stock CPU cooler. A good performing system deserves a good performing cpu cooler.





    Just a thought. Otherwise, it will be a great build as it is.







    Here's the parts list of the build I just completed a few weeks back. The GPUs were pre-owned (someone sold the two 270s to me for only $200). I just included them in the list. Will probably change it to a 980 later.







    Intel Core i7-4790K, MSI Radeon R9 270 (2-Way CrossFire), Cooler Master HAF XB EVO - Ganies Saved Part List - PCPartPicker Canada









    Have fun building!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #5

    It's unlikely i will really spend any time overclocking. I've futzed around with it from time to time, but just very minor changes. At present time, I have my Core 2 Quad Q9550 (2.83Ghz stock) running at 3.2Ghz.

    I was picking the Z97 board as it was priced reasonably, it has USB 3.1 (which could prove usable with external SSD's down the road), and I generally like ASUS. Wasn't really considering it's overclocking potential.

    As far as RAM goes, I've done a lot of reading between DDR3-1600 and DDR3-2400 and the general rule seems to be that the difference is almost unmeasurable. So, I was just focusing on RAM with lower CAS timings and staying on very solid and reliable RAM. It's something that I can revisit, but I don't want to spend more $$'s to gain a 1% increase in performance.

    The price on the 4790K isn't much more at all, it's like $15, so maybe something worth taking a look at.

    As far as the CPU Cooling goes, my rule of thumb is to keep it simple. Since I'm not overclocking the crap out of my stuff, or maybe not even overclocking at all, I don't need massive amounts of additional cooling. I'm running my current Q9550 with the small overclock from 2.83Ghz to 3.2Ghz on the stock cooler and it's been rock solid stable for 6 years. I overclock a couple of i7's here at work, just a pinch, and they too are on the stock cool and they run 24x7 and are solid as a rock. I don't want the complexity or need the cooling potential from a liquid cooler. If I try out the stock cooler and it proves inadequate, I'll most likely pick up a CoolerMaster Hyper 212+ and toss it into the box. I'd much prefer fewer fans with less noise, and run the CPU a bit hotter..as long it's within specs. I try to keep my case fans spinning as slow as possible to move the air, but not raise the noise.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 5,286
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #6

    OCing on Z97 board was made really simple. So, the time to spend OCing will be minimal. Although we have the exact same reason of getting this motherboard. I am thinking of future upgrades and this motherboard has plenty to offer. And that's also the main reason I upgraded every piece of the component I got to at least 1 level up to future-proof my build.

    I am not a hardcore pc gamer myself. I don't build a pc a lot so I just made it something to last me longer. :)

    You were looking for opinions so I gave you my 2 cents. :) But it's your build not mine. Please post some update later. Have fun!

    Edit.
    You'll love the FanXpert feature of the motherboard. I have 3x120mm fans + 2x140mm cpu fans... it's so quiet!
    Last edited by badrobot; 15 Jun 2015 at 20:38.
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  7. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #7

    badrobot said:
    OCing on Z97 board was made really simple. So, the time to spend OCing will be minimal.
    That's good to know. I don't like taking the time jumping through hoops and risking stability and running burn-ins for hours on end to determine if something is likely going to work or not.

    badrobot said:
    Although we have the exact same reason of getting this motherboard. I am thinking of future upgrades and this motherboard has plenty to offer. And that's also the main reason I upgraded every piece of the component I got to at least 1 level up to future-proof my build.
    I've never been one to really "upgrade" a machine. I always pretty much build a completely new machine and then keep the existing machine around as a hand-me down to another family member, or let it serve another purpose in the house. I might change a hard drive, or put in more RAM, and rarely a new video card...but other than that...I never upgrade things like the mobo, CPU, or case after a box is built.

    badrobot said:
    You were looking for opinions so I gave you my 2 cents. :) But it's your build not mine. Please post some update later. Have fun!
    I was asking for opinions and am very glad that you chimed in. Hopefully you didn't think I was being rude with any of my responses, just explaining my positioning and thoughts on the matter. Was not discounting anything you said. Hopefully you didn't take any of my response that way. And I most likely will just go with the K version of my CPU to ensure that I can play with it later on if I choose to do so. It's only $15.

    badrobot said:
    Edit.
    You'll love the FanXpert feature of the motherboard. I have 3x120mm fans + 2x140mm cpu fans... it's so quiet!
    Awesome, I love quiet.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 5,286
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #8

    pparks1 said:
    I never upgrade things like the mobo, CPU, or case after a box is built.
    No. I just simply add hardware, too. I also never upgrade just a mobo or a CPU. But I had to transfer one of my machines to a bigger case to be able to accommodate the hardware add-on I need. I am interested with "Thunderbolt" speeds. Something that this mobo is capable of. I might get the hardware later.

    I have a 4-year old i5 machine that I upgraded a lot by adding add-ons to suit my purpose. I have another 2 year old AMD machine which I use mostly as an HTPC. And a Intel Bay-Trail 10" windows tablet. I thought it was time to work on another one. I don't really have a purpose with my new build. I just wanted something new and fast and something to tinker with.


    pparks1 said:
    I was asking for opinions and am very glad that you chimed in. Hopefully you didn't think I was being rude with any of my responses, just explaining my positioning and thoughts on the matter. Was not discounting anything you said. Hopefully you didn't take any of my response that way. And I most likely will just go with the K version of my CPU to ensure that I can play with it later on if I choose to do so. It's only $15.
    That's the thing I was talking about. A little something that you might not think about now but you may wanna play with later on.
    Yeah, the K version is the way to go. You have the motherboard that has the feature to go with it, why not.
    Don't worry, I took no offense. Nothing about what you said is rude or anything. :)

    Cheers!
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  9. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Well, this thought has been put on the back burner for awhile. We just got back from vacation (which was expected), but when we got home our washing machine died...so I had to purchase a new washer and dryer which just ate up all of my new computer money. Bummer.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 9,652
    W10 Pro, W10 Home
       #10

    Sorry to hear about that. It is indeed a real bummer!
      My Computer


 

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