Multi use PC. Components shortlisted, need opinion.

[agarwal29]

I know there is no such thing as a future proof system but I would like to make this system as much future proof as possible. While I would like to make this system somewhat of a high-end, money do matters, so for example: in case of a RAM I would like to buy 8GB for now and when the time is right I would like to buy another 8GB and add to it.

While I would like to play games I would not like to make this system solely for games.

I know absolutely nothing about CPU casing, Graphics Card and PSU's.

I would like to use this system to build applications and Games for Android, web development and play some heavy games which will be released in the future which I can't already play on my i5 laptop with intel hd4000.

Applications I would like to use almost daily:
Eclipse, Android emulator, Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, GTA IV (V if it ever gets released ), Notepad++, Firefox, Chrome, Virtual PC, Visual Studio, Action/RPG games( I haven't played anything other than CS Source but would like to test some heavy games like Skyrim and stuff).

Operating System I am planning to use: Windows 7, Ubuntu, and Mac OS X(haven't decided the version yet) on Multi-Boot.

I would like to buy a 23 inch screen with 1920 x 1080 Pixels and maybe later add a couple more monitors to it or get a 32 inch Television instead.

What I have found online: This is just what I think I should have:

Okay, so here is the final list: (please note this is the price I am getting in India, where I live)
If you find anything wrong with this, please let me know.

G.Skill RipjawsX DDR3 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) 1600 Mhz - $110
Cooler Master Enforcer - $123
Logitech G300 Gaming USB 2.0 Mouse - $25
TVS-e Champ Media Plus - $13
Asus 23 inch VX238H-W LED Backlit LCD Monitor - $250
Creative SBS A520 5.1 Speaker - $55
Western Digital 2tb Hard Diskdrive (wd20ezrx) - $100
Corsair RM650 PSU - $134
ZOTAC GTX 770 - $440
Intel Core i7-4790K Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.40 GHz) - $400
GIGABYTE Z97 - $250-300

Possible future upgrades: Additional RAM, Graphics card.

 

[kbrady1979]

Is there a time frame for this build.......because later on this year manufacturers are going to be releasing new hardware. Nvidia will be releasing their 8xx line of graphics cards.......most of them based on the new Maxwell architecture. Intel will be releasing their new Haswell-E CPU's, which will ALL be at least 6 cores(which you need in my opinion) and the new platform will utilize DDR4 RAM. This should all be happening in the next couple of months. If you want to build a system with real staying power, I'd wait a few months and use the current gen parts.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I would think you should put an SSD in any PC with a high budget. Probably a Crucial MX100 or a Samsung 840 EVO.

It's tough to be specific because we don't know what vendor you will use in India.

I tend to agree with KBrady that you might want to wait a bit unless you have to build immediately.

Offhand, I'd try to look at other brands for the case and power supply--but I don't know what brands your vendor can supply.

 

[agarwal29]

I would think you should put an SSD in any PC with a high budget. Probably a Crucial MX100 or a Samsung 840 EVO.

It's tough to be specific because we don't know what vendor you will use in India.

I tend to agree with KBrady that you might want to wait a bit unless you have to build immediately.

Offhand, I'd try to look at other brands for the case and power supply--but I don't know what brands your vendor can supply.

Oh! I didn't know 'Samsun' make nice SSD too. I will try that.

OK, I will wait by the end of the year then, buying things like computer takes patience and time.

Which company do you prefer for case and power supply, don't you like Cooler master. Is seasonic better?

 

[smarteyeball]

Is there a time frame for this build.......

Most important question.

If you can wait - wait for the new motherboards/CPU's

PRO TIPS: - Build a strong core system and consider the rest of the components as an upgrade path. Upgrades are hard drives, vide cards, RAM, peripherals.

Motherboard

Buy the best motherboard you can afford with the most advanced connections and latest chipset controllers available at the time. Be realistic about need. Plan ahead for external devices, amount of hard drives, GPU's. It doesn't have to be the top of the line in the motherboard range. For example if you will never use more than one or two video cards - no need to buy an expensive 4 slot board. if you don't plan to overclock, no need for the "super special overclock edition".

Power Supply

If you know you will never use more than one video card, 650W is fine - as long as it's a quality brand power supply. If you think "one day" you might add another card - go for 850W.

CPU

One of the higher end CPU's - it does not always have to be the "best CPU" but it should at least have the same levels of L1/L2 caches as the top line ones. For speed, you can always buy an aftermarket cooler and overclock. For "future proof" a True six core should be minimum.


Monitor

A 32' TV is the same resolution as a 23-24' one. For productivity, dual or triple monitors are better than "one big screen". if you have to have a single "big screen" aim for one with a higher resolution than 1080/1200P.

OS DRIVE

It has to be a minimum of 128gb SSD. Mechanical drives are for storage only these days. Having a SSD for OS and main apps makes a HUGE difference in productivity.


You need to consider your potential upgrade path. GPU's, memory, sound etc are easy to upgrade as you go along. But without a strong foundation of a good motherboard, CPU and powersupply - you will be be limited in years to come.

Which company do you prefer for case and power supply, don't you like Cooler master. Is seasonic better?

Cases aren't really a big deal. As long as you've got adeqaute airflow and the fastest connections, like more USB 3.0 than USB 2.0 etc - it's all good. Mid tower is a minimum.

Seasonic, Silverstone, Corsair are quality power supplies.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Which company do you prefer for case and power supply, don't you like Cooler master. Is seasonic better?

Cases: Some of Coolermaster cases are pretty good, but I would look at these brands if you can find them:

Antec
Fractal Design
Corsair
NZXT


Seasonic makes power supplies. As far as I know, Coolermaster does not. Coolermaster contracts with other companies to make power supplies and puts the Coolermaster name on them.

Look here:

PSU Makers: C-D - Who's Who In Power Supplies, 2013: Brands Vs. Manufacturers

The brand name you see in the store is in the left column. The actual manufacturer is shown under the "OEM" column. You will note that Coolermaster power supplies are made by several different companies, such as Enhance and Channelwell.

Seasonic does make power supplies for some brands and they are generally good--some Corsairs, some XFX, etc. Look through all the pages at the link above.

Seasonic is a premier brand. If you can afford it, I'd get a Seasonic brand power supply to be sure you are getting something actually made by Seasonic. They come in many power ratings and certification levels (Bronze, Gold, etc).

 

[agarwal29]

Is there a time frame for this build.......

Most important question.

If you can wait - wait for the new motherboards/CPU's

PRO TIPS: - Build a strong core system and consider the rest of the components as an upgrade path. Upgrades are hard drives, vide cards, RAM, peripherals.

Motherboard

Buy the best motherboard you can afford with the most advanced connections and latest chipset controllers available at the time. Be realistic about need. Plan ahead for external devices, amount of hard drives, GPU's. It doesn't have to be the top of the line in the motherboard range. For example if you will never use more than one or two video cards - no need to buy an expensive 4 slot board. if you don't plan to overclock, no need for the "super special overclock edition".

Power Supply

If you know you will never use more than one video card, 650W is fine - as long as it's a quality brand power supply. If you think "one day" you might add another card - go for 850W.

CPU

One of the higher end CPU's - it does not always have to be the "best CPU" but it should at least have the same levels of L1/L2 caches as the top line ones. For speed, you can always buy an aftermarket cooler and overclock. For "future proof" a True six core should be minimum.


Monitor

A 32' TV is the same resolution as a 23-24' one. For productivity, dual or triple monitors are better than "one big screen". if you have to have a single "big screen" aim for one with a higher resolution than 1080/1200P.

OS DRIVE

It has to be a minimum of 128gb SSD. Mechanical drives are for storage only these days. Having a SSD for OS and main apps makes a HUGE difference in productivity.


You need to consider your potential upgrade path. GPU's, memory, sound etc are easy to upgrade as you go along. But without a strong foundation of a good motherboard, CPU and powersupply - you will be be limited in years to come.

Which company do you prefer for case and power supply, don't you like Cooler master. Is seasonic better?

Cases aren't really a big deal. As long as you've got adeqaute airflow and the fastest connections, like more USB 3.0 than USB 2.0 etc - it's all good. Mid tower is a minimum.

Seasonic, Silverstone, Corsair are quality power supplies.

I'll wait then, but wouldn't a new PC be released soon after that too?

Thanks for all the tips, this might be the most helpful answer I got all over the internet.

Do you think I should get a unclocked CPU for overclocking? I don't have any experience with overclocking and am not sure if I will be able to do it. Does it make lots of difference and might be useful to take care of heavier future apps?

 

[agarwal29]

Which company do you prefer for case and power supply, don't you like Cooler master. Is seasonic better?

Cases: Some of Coolermaster cases are pretty good, but I would look at these brands if you can find them:

Antec
Fractal Design
Corsair
NZXT


Seasonic makes power supplies. As far as I know, Coolermaster does not. Coolermaster contracts with other companies to make power supplies and puts the Coolermaster name on them.

Look here:

PSU Makers: C-D - Who's Who In Power Supplies, 2013: Brands Vs. Manufacturers

The brand name you see in the store is in the left column. The actual manufacturer is shown under the "OEM" column. You will note that Coolermaster power supplies are made by several different companies, such as Enhance and Channelwell.

Seasonic does make power supplies for some brands and they are generally good--some Corsairs, some XFX, etc. Look through all the pages at the link above.

Seasonic is a premier brand. If you can afford it, I'd get a Seasonic brand power supply to be sure you are getting something actually made by Seasonic. They come in many power ratings and certification levels (Bronze, Gold, etc).

Cool, thanks.

I liked Nzxt Phantom 410 from the very beginning but as I never heard of them before I chose Cooler Master.

Then Seasonic it will be.

*Mods may close this thread now as I will be buying the computer in future

 

[kbrady1979]

I had a good reply typed up, but mistakes were made, things were lost, and I'm not typing it all over again. Here is the short, dirty version:

Wait until Intel Haswell-E and the X99 chipset comes out in a couple of months, and also when Nvidia releases their 8XX line of graphics cards.

DDR4 RAM will be out then, get either 16 or 32GB of it(you'll need it for what you are wanting to do).

The case is subjective.....some like great airflow, some like quiet cases. Take a look at the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe.....should be coming out very soon and is a phenomenal case.

SSD's.......I would actually get 2 if I were you, one for your OS/Programs, and one to do your work from. You can transfer RAW images/Video to the 2nd SSD and do your editing from there, which will be SO much faster than working from a regular spinner. Get a Seagate or Western Digital bulk drive for long term storage of videos/pictures/music/etc......they have 6TB drives out now, so capacity isn't an issue.

For the power supply, I always recommend SeaSonic........either the X-Gold series, or better.

That's a very general list to start off with. You have a couple of months to research everything, and if you need any further advice just jump back to this post and ask!

 

[Layback Bear]

You have got some great suggestions so I will just give some general thoughts.

1. Always get more quality power supply than you need.
It will allow you to upgrade later without replacing it. It will also run quieter cooler and longer. I prefer Corsair and Seasonic.

2. Always get larger case than needed. Gives you room for upgrading later.
It will also give you more options for cooling. You will also enjoy the extra room for assembling and harness routing.

3. CPU cooling is very important. I would never use a stock cooler.
Their are many AIO options. One of my computers I use a H80i on a
i7-960 which are known to run hot and it works quiet well. Except the damn fans are to noisy. Got 2 Noctua fans coming to solve that problem.

4. Now lets talk fans.
Their are two brands that I use and recommend.
Noctua and Phanteks. They cool great and they are quiet.
If a fan can't run quiet at a full 12V I don't want it.

Example: The system in my specs has 7 140 mm Phanteks case fans and 6 XSPC radiator fans (push/pull) all at 12V. Also 2 water pumps.
It runs quiet and cool.
The two stock fans for my other computer with the H80i make 10 times the noise of the computer with all the fans and pumps. I can't use it much until my new Noctua come in. Just too noisy.

Now because you are waiting for a while before you buy I recommend doing some research on fans and cpu coolers. That is a good reason to choose a full tower because you have more room and therefor more options on quiet cooling.

P/S the XSPC fans on my radiator also run very quiet. I have never looked to see if they make case fans.

 

[agarwal29]

I had a good reply typed up, but mistakes were made, things were lost, and I'm not typing it all over again. Here is the short, dirty version:

Wait until Intel Haswell-E and the X99 chipset comes out in a couple of months, and also when Nvidia releases their 8XX line of graphics cards.

DDR4 RAM will be out then, get either 16 or 32GB of it(you'll need it for what you are wanting to do).

The case is subjective.....some like great airflow, some like quiet cases. Take a look at the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe.....should be coming out very soon and is a phenomenal case.

SSD's.......I would actually get 2 if I were you, one for your OS/Programs, and one to do your work from. You can transfer RAW images/Video to the 2nd SSD and do your editing from there, which will be SO much faster than working from a regular spinner. Get a Seagate or Western Digital bulk drive for long term storage of videos/pictures/music/etc......they have 6TB drives out now, so capacity isn't an issue.

For the power supply, I always recommend SeaSonic........either the X-Gold series, or better.

That's a very general list to start off with. You have a couple of months to research everything, and if you need any further advice just jump back to this post and ask!

Okay, so I will be waiting for new processor, mobo, graphics card and RAM.

Initially I think I will get 1 SSD and will add 1 more in the future, if needed.

SeaSonic OK, I was going to ask about the watts, but that would depend on the new processor, GPU and stuff.

I will do more research thanks.

 

[agarwal29]

You have got some great suggestions so I will just give some general thoughts.

1. Always get more quality power supply than you need.
It will allow you to upgrade later without replacing it. It will also run quieter cooler and longer. I prefer Corsair and Seasonic.

2. Always get larger case than needed. Gives you room for upgrading later.
It will also give you more options for cooling. You will also enjoy the extra room for assembling and harness routing.

3. CPU cooling is very important. I would never use a stock cooler.
Their are many AIO options. One of my computers I use a H80i on a
i7-960 which are known to run hot and it works quiet well. Except the damn fans are to noisy. Got 2 Noctua fans coming to solve that problem.

4. Now lets talk fans.
Their are two brands that I use and recommend.
Noctua and Phanteks. They cool great and they are quiet.
If a fan can't run quiet at a full 12V I don't want it.

Example: The system in my specs has 7 140 mm Phanteks case fans and 6 XSPC radiator fans (push/pull) all at 12V. Also 2 water pumps.
It runs quiet and cool.
The two stock fans for my other computer with the H80i make 10 times the noise of the computer with all the fans and pumps. I can't use it much until my new Noctua come in. Just too noisy.

Now because you are waiting for a while before you buy I recommend doing some research on fans and cpu coolers. That is a good reason to choose a full tower because you have more room and therefor more options on quiet cooling.

P/S the XSPC fans on my radiator also run very quiet. I have never looked to see if they make case fans.

OK, thanks.

1. I will decide that after the new stuff gets released. Point taken to buy a PSU with overhead.

2. OK.

3. I think I won't get liquid cooling, I am scared of something bad happening.

I will take a note of that while purchasing, thanks for your help.

 

[kbrady1979]

Unless you go with several graphics cards, the SeaSonic X750 Gold is a very high end PSU with power to spare.....and you can usually find it on sale for a killer price.

As far as how you cool your CPU, All In One water coolers are as safe as anything else(unless you damage it during installation) and I will not build a high end system without one. There are pro's and con's to air/water coolers, but for my money all in one liquid coolers are where it's at.

 

[agarwal29]

Unless you go with several graphics cards, the SeaSonic X750 Gold is a very high end PSU with power to spare.....and you can usually find it on sale for a killer price.

As far as how you cool your CPU, All In One water coolers are as safe as anything else(unless you damage it during installation) and I will not build a high end system without one. There are pro's and con's to air/water coolers, but for my money all in one liquid coolers are where it's at.

Okay, I will keep that in mind.

Thanks to everybody for their help.