Advice/Guidance: Sub $3000 1440p Gaming PC

Budget - Under $3,000 and to be honestly I hate to spend this much, but I would rather spend more now to have a better experience and greater ease of use in the future. I will be purchasing a new monitor for gaming (2nd monitor later for basic usage). Current laptop: Acer V3771G with Nvidia GT 650M – so it’s all uphill from here.

I had been on here a few years ago about to purchase, but then I ended up buying a house and, well, excess money stopped being a phrase I could utter. Be my luck something will come up and take my excess funds again, but I have been very diligent to prevent it this time.

I will primarily be using this to play games in addition to typical computer/internet usage, light adobe work, and a little photo processing (not major editing, just digitizing for longevity). I play a little of this and that - big fan of Battlefield (main focus) not Hardline, other FPS, some Civilization and other strategy, and lower demand games that fill my steam library (BroForce, etc).

My current internet provider requires use of their provided modem/router for their DSL and due to limitations on home layout I am unable to use a hardwired connection for the time being. I did still want to prepare for 802.11ac. I would not be against utilizing a wireless card if the Mobo Integrated would be less beneficial due to current limitation and no ETA on a hardwired connection or Cable installation.

I am about to get into some light Adobe work and why I left the memory at 16.

Would this setup be able to function smoothly with the 750W PSU. I don’t mind paying more for the extra headroom, just wanted to make sure it wasn't overkill.

I went with the PRO SSD and my only concern is should I go larger - BF4 alone took up around 70G if I'm not mistaken, and it’s not like games are getting smaller or less demanding. I understand more is always better, but prices do come down eventually and better technology is always around the corner and I could add another larger one later just to boot games from and leave the OS on this original part.

Went with WD - Black as everyone always suggests for a secondary - Will be adding in my own drives for extra storage from my previous desktop and have several external drives for space.

I went with SLI 970 to allow for optimal settings at 1440p gaming. The build/shipping time should afford time to earn the extra required purchase a new monitor (currently over budget).
I may get two monitors, but not for dual monitor gaming. May play movies on one while web browsing or working on projects for work on the other - hence the blu-ray player.

I intend to have a different case ordered. I am a huge fan of the CM Haf-X case that used to be an option here and have already spoken to Customer Service about those fees and from my former build know that I will have the additional fans installed to aid in air cooling.

Should I get the newer Noctua or would this one on clearance (D14) be sufficient?

Should I have the video cards OC'd so they function closer to 980 as I have read in many reviews/articles or does putting them in SLI make that redundant?

I selected the Windows OS boost to disable everything, but is that something I should leave along and/or just do myself from an online guide?

Would 8.1 Pro be worth it or will all current versions of Windows update to the same base version of 10 when that is an available, thus negating any differences in previous product installed? Or will each version upgrade to their corresponding versions (i.e. Standard to Standard and Pro to Pro). The only benefit I saw that I may use is the encryption ability, which can be obtained free elsewhere.

Is there anything I am overlooking or completely off base about? Where did the free shirt go?

Thanks in advance, sorry for the long write-up, but I like to attempt to be thorough and prepared. Will respond and provide more details as necessary.

Configuration Code: 1187815
Total Price: $2,871.00
Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=1187815

Specifications:

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Digital Storm Apollo (To Be Changed to Haf-X)

Processor: Intel Core i7 4790K 4.0 GHz (Codename Devils Canyon) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)

Motherboard: ASUS Z97-PRO (Intel Z97 Chipset) (Features 802.11ac Wi-Fi Connectivity) (Overkill?)

System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)

Power Supply: 850W EVGA SuperNOVA (Overkill?)

Optical Drive: ASUS Blu-Ray Player/DVD Writer (Play Blu-Ray and Burn DVDs) (Model: BC-12B1ST)

Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (256GB Samsung 850 PRO) (Large enough?)

Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Western Digital - Black Edition)

Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)

Graphics Card(s): 2x SLI Dual (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB (Includes PhysX)

Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio

Extreme Cooling: !CLEARANCE: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 Extreme Performance (14 or 15?)

Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans (Extra to be added to special order case)

Boost Processor: Stage 1: Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz

Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thank (Should I get this?)

Boost OS: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on the operating system (Is this necessary?)

Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit Edition) (Is Pro better for my needs?)

Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)

Hi BiohazardX-87,

I think you have a good build just like it is. I will try to answer some of you questions.

1. The HaF-X case is a good case if you tweak it a bit. I would remove the drive cages that block the front 230mm fan if you don't need them. I know they have the extra fan for cooling the GPUs but a clear front fan and a side fan will probably do it better. With the two top fans I would have the rear top fan blowing out and the front top fan blowing in. That works great with the Noctua coolers. You gain a few degrees of cooling with the D15 but I don't know if it is worth the price. Especially since the D14 is on sale at DS.

2. If it was me I would not get the motherboard with the WiFi included. My preference would be to get a PCI card like the Asus PCI-AC68. It has an antenna that can sit on top of the Computer or on the desk. It has three antennas that you can adjust to peak the performance at the particular place you have the computer.

PCE-AC68 Picture:   


3. The 850 PS is more than you need with this system but the 850 PS gives you a bit of margin. We never know what is down the road and might need more power. The 850 will still be operating efficiently.

4. As you say, the SDD is never big enough. A 256 Pro is a very good choice. You could move up to the 512 Pro SSD. It might be a better idea to get the 256 Pro and if you feel you want more in the future, you can add a second 256 Pro. If you don't load all of your games into a 256 Pro it is a good size. Just move the currant game you are playing into the SSD. This has to be your decision based on how you use the SSD.

5. I normally don't like to boost Graphics cards but the currant series of Nvidia cards OC very well. Especially the 970. The OC that DS does is usually moderate and should be OK. Again, your choice.

6. I don't recommend having DS tweak the OS. That is something you can do after you have used the computer for a while and determined what you don't need. I am always afraid that DS might change something I want to use.

Frank

Edited by FrankW - 01 May 2015 at 5:37am

Motherboards have so many features its tough recommending which one. If you don't want a WiFi board, even though you don't have to use that feature, the Hero and Sabertooth are excellent. If you don't need the m.2 storage or SonicRadar,etc. of the Hero, the Sabertooth has the best warranty, 5 years vs 3 years for most others.

I suggest checking their specs, either googling or 'more info' under each board in the config.

Lots of features to consider.

Hope this helps.

Update Configuration Code: 1189150
Price: $2,741.00

Downsized PS
Switched to Sabertooth MoBo
Dropped OC Windows
Left out OC Graphics - will put in a comment to see if they recommend

According to all info I had found it appears that the case comes with all fans installed, but will double check when I special order that and set it up as FrankW suggested. And will inquire about removing the cage to remove obstruction to airflow in the front.

Never thought to ask - Would the fan management board be beneficial?

Will be getting wireless card as suggested.

Direct Load URL: https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=1189150

Specifications:
Chassis - Special order Haf-X
Processor: Intel Core i7 4790K 4.0 GHz (Codename Devils Canyon) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS SABERTOOTH Z97 MARK2 (Intel Z97 Chipset) (Military-Grade TUF Components) <br><strong></strong>
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 750W Corsair CX750M <br><strong></strong>
Optical Drive: ASUS Blu-Ray Player/DVD Writer (Play Blu-Ray and Burn DVDs) (Model: BC-12B1ST)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (256GB Samsung 850 PRO)
Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Western Digital - Black Edition)
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 2x SLI Dual (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB (Includes PhysX)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: !CLEARANCE: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 Extreme Performance

Airflow Control: - No Thanks

Boost Processor: Stage 1: Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz
Boost Graphics Card(s): - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system <br><strong></strong>
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)

The Sabortooth is a good choice for a motherboard. If you want the 750 PSU go with the 750W EVGA SuperNOVA. I think it also has the 10 year warranty.

Going to be a nice system at a good price.

Frank

Updated PSU and added a keyboard because its actually cheaper on here and then it'll be included shipping.

Configuration Code: 1189408
Total Price with Instant Savings: $2,930.00

Hi bprat22,

I noticed that after your post. We can't see the side of the DS 750 SuperNova that shows the gold or bronze.

EVGA offers 4 750 SuperNova Power Supplies, G1,G2,B1,B2. The 850 SuperNova from DS is the G2 that has a 10 warranty. The G1,G2 are 10 years and the B1,B2 are 5year warranties. I assumed that since the DS 850 SuperNova is 10 years then the 750 SuperNova was also 10 years. Maybe someone with a 750 SuperNova can tell is if it is a G or B series.

Frank

Edited by FrankW - 30 Apr 2015 at 1:36pm

Send an email to John ([email protected]) and he can check with the team.

Just emailed John, will post answer when I receive it.

Thanks for the continued help.

Nice and good to know.   Thanks for the info.

Double checking components and data, still have not pulled the trigger yet. Waiting on a few bills to clear payment then will be ready.

The Sabertooth image for the Mark 2 shows the Armor, but when researching the part itself it appears the Mark 2 does not come with that. Need to figure that out - not an issue just curious.

Also talking to a friend who has a computer shop and determining what parts I will get from him - monitor, wireless card (since not an option here anyway), etc.

Will continue to update.

Hi BiohazardX-87,

You are right that warm/hot air rises. But, with a computer case you have fans moving air in different directions. Most cases are designed so the front fan/fans blow forward into the case. The rear fan is there to exhause any air at the top of the case. In your case you are using the D-14 CPU cooler. This cooler has a front fan that blows into the radiator/pipes and a second fan that exhausts air to the rear case exhaust fan. Fans in a case creates air currants that flow through the case pressurizing the case and cooling components as the air passes over. So assuming that some warm air from the GPUs is going to rise up to the top of the case. That means that the air being used to cool the CPU is going to be warmer air than what is outside of the case. My suggestion was to install the top front fan blowing into the case. The purpose was to mix with any warm air in the case with fresh cool air from outside of the case. Thus reducing the air temperature that the D-14 draws into the cooler. In fact, I think the top fan is close enough to the D-14 that you will be using almost room temperature air from that top front fan and you will get better cooling for the CPU. The top rear fan is set to aid exhausting any air from the D-14.

A while back when the HAF cases were popular on DS, it was not un-common to use the top Front fan-in, top back fan-out setup. I suggest you use what ever setup that DS recommendations.

You have a nice system.

Frank   

Edited by FrankW - 06 May 2015 at 7:44am

Ordered

Bet you're gonna love it!



Grats and welcome to the family.

5/11/15 - Stage 2
          Stage 3

You'll have it in no time. The wait is tough, however.

If possible, hardwire is the way to go.

My guess would be they're waiting for parts, but a call to DS would answer it for sure.   Could be the special order parts.  Could be the updates are off.