Parts list for Friends' $1500 rig

[thebluebumblebee]

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.

Since you have some time, you could keep a look out for some MIR's. Seems like Seasonic runs then fairly regularly. The other one is XFX. (which are rebadged Seasonic's)

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Erocker helped me tune this. We went with 8.1 until SteamOS proves itself.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case ($95.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse Wired Laser Mouse ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1353.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-11 23:35 EDT-0400)

 

[Durvelle27]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7TjWBm

 

[LaytonJnr]

Since you have some time, you could keep a look out for some MIR's. Seems like Seasonic runs then fairly regularly. The other one is XFX. (which are rebadged Seasonic's)

Erocker helped me tune this. We went with 8.1 until SteamOS proves itself.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case ($95.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse Wired Laser Mouse ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1353.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-11 23:35 EDT-0400)

I think all of that build looks fine, however I would be inclined to buy a different PSU as @thebluebumblebee suggested - a good 80+ Bronze or Gold PSU made by XFX, Seasonic or Corsair (not CX series) is likely to survive a number of builds, and better PSUs IMO.

Layton

 

[suraswami]

If you have a MC near by check them out, Intel or AMD they have good price on the CPUs and mobo combo discount too. I believe they have $10 discount of Samsung EVO SSD and $10 discount on Crucial Ballistix 8GB ram stick too.

I still would stick with 80+ Bronze.

 

[M0rt]

For the love of little baby Jesus, lose the Corsair CX.

Find the extra $25 for this or this.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

For the love of little baby Jesus, lose the Corsair CX.

Find the extra $25 for this or this.

what is so wrong about the Corsair CX builder? I have had no issues with them. And really prey tell, what PSU exactly is so much better for the money?

 

[LaytonJnr]

what is so wrong about the Corsair CX builder? I have had no issues with them. And really prey tell, what PSU exactly is so much better for the money?

Because CWT (Channel Well Technology), the Corsair CX PSU line manufacturer, have used cheap, less reliable components, such as Chinese capacitors. Also, the components that make up the power supply have a lower temperature rating than other, better power supplies, so could break at lower temperatures if you're system is pushed to far. Its a budget PSU. And therefore is less efficient and less reliable, and will probably result in paying more for your electricity bills.

Layton

 

[Hilux SSRG]

I agree toss the CX PSU and go back to your previous choice: Power Supply: SeaSonic S12G 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I was going to jump to the Antec Trupower 650 Gold (JonnyGuru Recommends the 750W version) since the GPU is now the 280X which is essentially a 7970 which is what I have. My rig has a 750W to handle my hardware so i figured 650W would be fine.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case ($95.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec TruePower Classic 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse Wired Laser Mouse ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1405.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-12 11:45 EDT-0400)

 

[LaytonJnr]

I was going to jump to the Antec Trupower 650 Gold (JonnyGuru Recommends the 750W version) since the GPU is now the 280X which is essentially a 7970 which is what I have. My rig has a 750W to handle my hardware so i figured 650W would be fine.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($122.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team Xtreem Dark Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($87.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 250D Mini ITX Tower Case ($95.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec TruePower Classic 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse Wired Laser Mouse ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1405.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-06-12 11:45 EDT-0400)

You could even be fine with a 550W PSU. But that Antec PSU is miles better than the Corsair CX series, although you could go for a Seasonic G-series 550W modular PSU, with 80+ Gold certification which would be cheaper, and IMO just as good. But I have nothing against that Antec choice. One thing, if you've not got an overclockable CPU, you may be better with a H97 mobo that has pretty much all the features of a Z97 motherboard, but is designed for non-overclockers.

Layton

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

While I agree with you on the Chipset, this is a Mini ITX board and finding an H97 with these specs in Mini-ITX is neigh impossible. After all, this board has a mini-PCIe Wifi AC/BT 4.0 card on it as well as the other specs. That saves $54 from adding a wifi dongle or card. He doesnt plan on adding any other cards so Mini-ITX is fine. If he does want a special sound card for mixing or something, he can use an external just fine.

 

[THE_EGG]

yup the Truepower PSUs are great. I've had 3 550W TruePower New PSUs (previous model to the classic I think) and they are amazing. Super quiet, super reliable hell I've still got a 550W TP New powering my HTPC and that thing's oooooollllllddd I think coming up to 5 years ( I should probably get around to replacing that just to be safe actually) ! It looks like the 650W rating on the PSU is really modest. On the spec sheet it has 648W alone on the 12V rails. Not bad.

Good build man.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I had/have a Antec Earthwatts 750W PSU since 2010. It is out of warranty now but still running strong.

 

[suraswami]

I have 2 Earthwatts 380W, made by CW, powering a server 24/7 and media center after powering the same server for 3 yrs 24/7, no issues with either of them. Also have Antec Trio 430W, I believe made by seasonic powering other servers with no issues. I guess Antec will also be a good choice.

For case - can you check with Sneakypeet, I think he had one of those Thermaltake mITX case for sale, he can give you a good deal. Also on CPU coolers. I bought my Aerocool XPredator case from him and he has helped me out in another occasion too. He might even have Keyboards and mice too!! You can save money as well as cut down on taxes lol!

 

[erocker]

Nothing wrong with that PSU and its cheap. I have several installed in some pretty lousy environmental conditions and they are fine.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I guess the big thing is, how much Wattage is necessary for the 280X?

 

[M0rt]

I guess the big thing is, how much Wattage is necessary for the 280X?

With no overclock on either the CPU or GPU, I'd bet roughly 350w max for the whole system.

The Antec is definitely better than the CX, but why not get the fully modular XFX for the same price? Or, the EVGA for $5 less, if you anticipate adding another 280X.

If full modularity has no appeal, save some cash on the Seasonic G 550. They're quality units and 550w is more than enough.

Thanks for saving me the typing on the CX, Layton.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

M0rt, you must not have looked at the parts list since it is a MINI-ITX board. Plus, I trust the Antec PSU over the XFX PSU especially since JonnyGuru was singing its praises.

 

[M0rt]

M0rt, you must not have looked at the parts list since it is a MINI-ITX board.

Read it, just slipped my mind when I wrote about adding the second card. Good catch.

Plus, I trust the Antec PSU over the XFX PSU especially since JonnyGuru was singing its praises.

You trust Seasonic more than you trust Seasonic?

 

[Lopez0101]

You trust Seasonic more than you trust Seasonic?

Hahaha.

@Killer_Rubber_Ducky I was stationed on Okinawa on Camp Hansen. If I, a Marine, had a wired connection in my room, there should be absolutely no reason in hell the AF barracks can't get it either. The way internet works there is you go to the local ISP, Mediati or whatever the other one is (only two choices, Hansen only had one) and you get a modem and hook it up to the cable in your room. If he has a roommate (Airmen have a roommate, is that a thing?) you just get a router and run a cable, or Wifi if you really want to have a Wifi when half the barracks has wifi too. I picked up at least 20-30 wifi signals in my room and I was on the top floor. Wired is the way to go.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

Alright, thanks Ill let him know. @M0rt I know that Antec used Seasonic for their True Power classic series. I just have better experiences with Antec. I used to have an XFX PSU and Mobo........not a good experience that one. Then again that was a couple years ago so things may have changed.
@Lopez0101 You wouldnt happen to know the Army bases in korea? I was supposed to get stationed for 8 years in Seol back in 2006 but got injured and medboarded. My friend just got back from Korea and wanted to know which base. He was at Yongson.

 

[Lopez0101]

Which base what? Actually, I happen to be in Korea right now, lol.

 

[Killer_Rubber_Ducky]

I was supposed to be stationed in Seol at an Army base. I used to be in the Army. I just cant remember which base it was.

 

[Lopez0101]

Yongsan for sure, it's in Seoul. Haven't been to any of the other bases.