Parts list for Friends' $1500 rig

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Here is the parts list I put together for my friend's $1500 rig. He wanted a monitor 120Hz or better, BluRay reader, Water cooling, no OS (installing Linux aka SteamOS), Keyboard and Mouse.

Let me know if there are any changes that should be made.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120V 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Dual Superclocked ACX Video Card ($254.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1425.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-09 17:43 EDT-0400)

 

[thebluebumblebee]

Is noise a concern for him?

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

not really why?

 

[thebluebumblebee]

It could be much quieter.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

quieter how?

 

[thebluebumblebee]

That PSU is almost twice the size that he needs. 500 watts would be plenty, 650 if SLI is in the future. Those CX's seem to be rather quiet, but can't you get a better PSU at this price range? Seasonic "G"? Or the XFX's that are based on Seasonic's that seem to always be on rebate. (don't get the CX600- they seem to be problematic)
The case: Antec P100, Corsair 330R, Fractal Design Define R4, Nanoxia Deep Silence 2
Frostytech tested that CPU cooler at 54db! The AIO's have all the "sex" appeal today, but they have some big drawbacks. If you put a decently quiet air cooler in a quiet case, you won't hear it. CM TPC-612/812?

BTW, since that is not an unlocked CPU, you could drop to a H97 motherboard. You could downsize to a mATX...

 

[THE_EGG]

Will your friend be overclocking? If so it might be worth getting the 4690k rather than the non-k. Good build otherwise, although as some others said, the PSU is a bit overkill.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I dont think he will plan on OCing. He is having me ship it to him in Japan. He is being stationed there for the USAF. I put in the 650W since I figured the 760 would need it. The 750TI has better power efficiency over the 760 since the 760 is not Maxwell AFAIK.

 

[THE_EGG]

I dont think he will plan on OCing. He is having me ship it to him in Japan. He is being stationed there for the USAF. I put in the 650W since I figured the 760 would need it. The 750TI has better power efficiency over the 760 since the 760 is not Maxwell AFAIK.

650W is probably what I'd get with that build. Some people would say it is overkill but a little overkill I prefer. 750W seems a little excessive for the build (what you have listed in the build).

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

here is the updated list:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($97.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($81.00 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1391.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-10 00:23 EDT-0400)

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Here it is with the Mouse and Keyboard changed to Mechanical KB and Laser Mouse

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($97.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($70.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($81.00 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 350D MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 7260HMWDTX1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire XT Wired Slim Keyboard ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-FORCE M7 THOR Wired Laser Mouse ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1470.40
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-10 00:34 EDT-0400)

 

[THE_EGG]

Looks good! I use a 350D with that same cpu cooler on a 3570 (non-k) at work. It is super quiet and keeps it nice and cool.

 

[thebluebumblebee]

GPU: 170 watts
CPU: 84 watts
Rest of system: 50 watts (way over provisioning)
Total: 304 watts
IMHO, PSU should be rated for 50%-80% load, therefore 604 watts to 380 watts!
I would think that Japan would be a good place to buy a system????
About the PSU, there's the "G" series and then there's the "S12G" series. (I don't get it either) I think the "G" series is a little quieter.

 

[LaytonJnr]

About the PSU, there's the "G" series and then there's the "S12G" series. (I don't get it either) I think the "G" series is a little quieter.

The Seasonic G series has the zero RPM fan at low loads feature as far as I can remember similar to the Corsair RM series. And I imagine the S12G doesn't. So the proper G series is technically quieter, but is it worth it is a question.

Layton

 

[ne6togadno]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100363l
before you send it fix core to 1000mhz

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-video-card-100363l
before you send it fix core to 1000mhz

Well, the reason I selected Nvidia over AMD is that the Linux Nvidia proprietary drivers are leaps and bounds better than AMD's

 

[R00kie]

Well, the reason I selected Nvidia over AMD is that the Linux Nvidia proprietary drivers are leaps and bounds better than AMD's

As far as I remember, Linus Torvalds in his interview was very "happy" with nVidia and their drivers...

 

[Vario]

I have 600 watts and I run a 770 and i7 both overclocked and 3 harddrives, a ton of fans, you can get away with a 500watt for the 760 I think.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I went with the 550 since it was Gold rated. I would have prefered to hook him up with a Platinum or Titanium rated PSU but not enough money and I think the only Titanium rated one is 1500W.

 

[suraswami]

Suggest getting 650W Seasonic 80+ Bronze or similar. Power supply would be pain if your friend is new to PC building and want to do a good neat look job (hiding cables etc). With extra power you have the freedom to upgrade to more power hungry GPU in future.

If your friend is not going to OC, then why bother with that heavy weight Noctua? Just get the CM 212 series. $54 for a wi-fi adapter seems bit more expensive. May be save some money on cooler and wi-fi and upgrade the 760 to 770.

Rest looks good.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Suggest getting 650W Seasonic 80+ Bronze or similar. Power supply would be pain if your friend is new to PC building and want to do a good neat look job (hiding cables etc). With extra power you have the freedom to upgrade to more power hungry GPU in future.

If your friend is not going to OC, then why bother with that heavy weight Noctua? Just get the CM 212 series. $54 for a wi-fi adapter seems bit more expensive. May be save some money on cooler and wi-fi and upgrade the 760 to 770.

Rest looks good.

Well, my experience with the 4770k non-OC is that it will run hot. Mine was hitting close to 70C when my Water block was not working right. Now it is a solid 30C. I went with Noctua since I am positive it will keep that CPU cool. My friend is not the one building it. I am. I will build it and ship it to his duty station in Okinawa, Japan. The $54 wifi is an Intel AC wireless which will assist him on base with Internet connections. There is no guarantee that he will have Ethernet provided to him in his housing. So, having the AC wireless would be a big boost. Granted, if I went with a board that had a mini-PCIexpress slot, I could do it for $35 for the same chipset. If I were to drop the keyboard and mouse I could change the 760 to a 770. The build will not happen until this fall though when he is at his duty station and has accumulated the necessary funds to get the parts, pay me to build it, and ship it. He originally wanted to go AMD for everything but I convinced him to go Intel for this build.

 

[Durvelle27]

Well, my experience with the 4770k non-OC is that it will run hot. Mine was hitting close to 70C when my Water block was not working right. Now it is a solid 30C. I went with Noctua since I am positive it will keep that CPU cool. My friend is not the one building it. I am. I will build it and ship it to his duty station in Okinawa, Japan. The $54 wifi is an Intel AC wireless which will assist him on base with Internet connections. There is no guarantee that he will have Ethernet provided to him in his housing. So, having the AC wireless would be a big boost. Granted, if I went with a board that had a mini-PCIexpress slot, I could do it for $35 for the same chipset. If I were to drop the keyboard and mouse I could change the 760 to a 770. The build will not happen until this fall though when he is at his duty station and has accumulated the necessary funds to get the parts, pay me to build it, and ship it. He originally wanted to go AMD for everything but I convinced him to go Intel for this build.

What's wrong with AMD. It would allow for a much better GPU while still having a very capable CPU

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Are you referring to an AMD GPU or an AMD CPU? Keep in mind we are talking about a Linux Gaming rig. Ready for SteamOS. Nvidia GPU drivers are much better than AMD drivers under Linux at the moment.
Having upgraded the GPU to a GTX 770, I no longer have enough for the PSU. Suraswami says go Bronze Seasonic G, my friend wants Gold rated. That puts a good ~500W PSU at ~$94. Is he really going to be able to notice the difference between a 760 and a 770?

 

[THE_EGG]

Are you referring to an AMD GPU or an AMD CPU? Keep in mind we are talking about a Linux Gaming rig. Ready for SteamOS. Nvidia GPU drivers are much better than AMD drivers under Linux at the moment.
Having upgraded the GPU to a GTX 770, I no longer have enough for the PSU. Suraswami says go Bronze Seasonic G, my friend wants Gold rated. That puts a good ~500W PSU at ~$94. Is he really going to be able to notice the difference between a 760 and a 770?

Depends what your friend is used to tbh. If I was upgrading from a 570 to a 760, I'd be more than happy. If I were upgrading from a 570 to a 770, I'd be more than happy. The performance increase in either would be amazing compared to a 570 (just using a 570 as an example). Comparing the 2 side by side, yes there is a noticeable difference, the 770 is about ~15-20% faster in games. This being said though a 760 is only about 60-70% of the price of a 770 generally so the 760 is probably the better buy. Personally though, I'd try and stretch to a 770.

 

[Durvelle27]

Are you referring to an AMD GPU or an AMD CPU? Keep in mind we are talking about a Linux Gaming rig. Ready for SteamOS. Nvidia GPU drivers are much better than AMD drivers under Linux at the moment.
Having upgraded the GPU to a GTX 770, I no longer have enough for the PSU. Suraswami says go Bronze Seasonic G, my friend wants Gold rated. That puts a good ~500W PSU at ~$94. Is he really going to be able to notice the difference between a 760 and a 770?

I was referring to the CPU