Anything wrong with this PC build?

forever saving on 03/06/2014 - 23:25

Hi guys, I was wondering if this PC build is good/working properly to go ahead and buy, or if there are any recommendations on how to reduce cost.
I basically picked everything I want in the first round and it was over 2 grand. Then I started reducing and got to the minimum standard I could bear.
The plan is to keep this for 5 years if possible, only upgrading sparingly going into the future.

CPU: Intel Haswell Refresh i5 4690 4-Core 3.5GHz
Motherboard: MSI Intel 1150 Z97-GAMING-3
RAM: Corsair 16GB 2x8GB 1600MHz V-Pro Blue C9
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 White Mid Tower
Power Supply: Corsair 650W VS650
Primary Storage Device: Seagate 2TB Barracuda
Second Storage Device: Samsung 128GB SSD 840 PRO
Graphics Card: MSI GTX760 2GB OC Twin Frozr IV
Optical Drive: Samsung Internal DVD-RW Drive
Network Card: TP-LINK 300Mbps Wireless PCIe Adapter
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Liquid Cooler 120mm Seidon 120V
120mm Fan: [1x] Cooler Master 120mm Sickleflow Blue

Total: $1,652

Your thoughts and recommendations please.

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 03/06/2014 - 23:37
    +2

    That looks like an gaming/ overclocking build, judging how you chose a Z97 motherboard. However you can only overclock the 4690 by a few hundred mhz since it's a locked CPU. Buy a "K" unlocked processor if you want to overclock.

    If you don't intend to OC I would look into ditching the liquid cooler and stick with air, and getting a lower end motherboard. The 16Gb of RAM is also pretty much a luxury rather than neccessity — I've struggled to use all 8GB of RAM in my machine on the latest games. They simply don't need that much. Just grab a 2x4GB kit of DDR3 1866mhz ram instead. Add more if required in future.

    Upgrade the GPU to a Sapphire Radeon R9 280 Dual-X OC 3GB ($299).

    • forever saving on 04/06/2014 - 08:18

      Good point about RAM, that can always be added later without too much hassle.
      I'll swap out the liquid cooler for a conventional fan.
      This frees up more money for the gcard.

      I don't actually plan to overclock it regularly. Only for certain high performance games.

      • ProjectZero on 04/06/2014 - 08:49

        If you don't intend to overclock, i would suggest just using the stock heatsink as the stock heatsink would be good enough. - didn't fully read the comment above.

        Also, agree with GPU change to an AMD

        Seeing as your in melbourne, checking out the R9 280X. Cheapest i found is $329.

  • TheSs on 03/06/2014 - 23:41
    +1

    What will you be using it for?
    OC and gaming etc.. or just after decent performance build?
    There's a couple of changes I'd suggest, but first I'd like to know what your aim is for use etc.?

    • forever saving on 04/06/2014 - 08:12

      Gaming mostly, I've had shitty computers for so long, I just want to experience high graphics on a PC.

      • TheSs on 04/06/2014 - 15:29

        I'm currently doing a number of different builds at the moment, if you haven't already bought I'd be happy to PM you a spec list of what I'd recommend?
        (I'm not affiliated with any store, manufacturer or website etc.. I'm just semi retired as a tech, still building on regular basis, happy to advise when/if I can).

  • subywagon on 04/06/2014 - 00:51
    +1

    Yes. It's not an Apple.

  • abbztract on 04/06/2014 - 09:28
    +1

    5 years? I'd suggest a better GPU. Try and get your hands on a GTX780 / 780Ti or a 7990 if you can.

  • rxjb on 04/06/2014 - 10:16

    With such technology, I am a big believer in buying what is adequate for today and upgrading later rather than trying to build a machine that will last x years. If you can get everything for 1k today, save the 500 for upgrades in 2 yrs - grahics, ram, hdd etc.

  • samfisher5986 on 04/06/2014 - 11:32

    If Watch Dogs is anything to go by then I really wouldn't get that CPU.

    The theory is because consoles are 8 cores that is what future games will be designed around.

    So at the least you will need a CPU with 8 threads which is an i7.

    I would consider waiting a little while for Intel's new CPU, the i7-4790K, at the very least it will drop the prices of Intel's other CPU's.

    Its worth the extra and even if you can't afford it, you can easily drop the price on your mobo/case/cooler and that 2TB HDD.

    You don't want to buy a $230 CPU only to want to upgrade it in 2 months time.

  • forever saving on 04/06/2014 - 17:28

    Alright so based on the comments:

    I should either go all in get the best of everything

    or

    Buy moderately now and upgrade later

    • scrimshaw on 04/06/2014 - 17:56
      +2

      Buy moderately now and upgrade later

      What exactly do you want to upgrade later? It's not cost effective to build a moderate build with the intention upgrade afterwards.

      You could buy a Core i5 and later decide to get the Core i7, and sell off your i5. But you'll have to deal with the depreciation of your CPU and also take into account selling fees.

      You could also buy a computer with spare GPU slots and Crossfire it down the road but you'll have to deal with your computer making extra heat, noise, and power usage. Some games don't so well with multiple GPU's .

      The only thing that makes sense is to buy the best that you can afford, and to buy parts that give you the most performance given that limited budget. Go to Whirlpool and have a look at what others are buying, and recommending.

  • mrmarkau67 on 05/06/2014 - 10:24

    ^What he said.

    The only thing worth buying moderately now and upgrading later is the RAM and HD, because you can add to it without needing to dispose of the old version.

    If you are wanting to experience great graphics, don't forget to budget for a decent sized screen. Makes a huge difference.

    I note that board has an M.2 PCI slot. If you go for a non-overclock model, make sure you still get the M.2 slot.

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