$1k mATX rig advice

[jhyeo_]

Hi guys

Looking to build a mATX rig with a budget of $1k.

Had been reading around and came out roughly with:

i5-4460
8GB RAM
128GB SSD
Sapphire R9 280 Dual-X (lazada w/ mastercard promo)
SUPERFLOWER HX 600M GOLD MODULAR
HDD: Reusing 1TB WD
Windows: Have already
Monitor: Reusing Samsung 2233sw

Case: Really like the Fractal Node 804 alot, but regular optical drive not able to fit? If not, alternative could be Fractal arc midi r2.

Mobo: MSI b85m or asrock h81m. Torn between the 2 brands, any main differences? Mostly see msi and asrock recommended, how about gigabyte, asus?

Not planning to Crossfire/SLI, nor overclocking. Will be playing games like WoW, BF4, shadows of mordor, maybe gta5 when out. Able to support high settings? No need maxed out settings.

Any advices appreciated, thanks!

 

[Alternative X]

1) The Node 804 does not have external 5.25'' bays for DVD drives.

2) MSI and Asrock boards are about the same except for the bundled software and the colours on the board. However, the H81 differs fron the B85 chipset as the B85 chipset can support 8 SATA drives and front panel USB 3.0 while the H81 chipset supports 6 SATA drives and have no front panel USB 3.0. (Except for the Asrock H81-HDS with front panel USB 3.0 support.) Asus and Gigabyte boards tends to be more expensive.

3) The R9 280 is good for playing these games at High settings and can play WOW at max settings.

 

[jhyeo_]

1) The Node 804 does not have external 5.25'' bays for DVD drives.

2) MSI and Asrock boards are about the same except for the bundled software and the colours on the board. However, the H81 differs fron the B85 chipset as the B85 chipset can support 8 SATA drives and front panel USB 3.0 while the H81 chipset supports 6 SATA drives and have no front panel USB 3.0. (Except for the Asrock H81-HDS with front panel USB 3.0 support.) Asus and Gigabyte boards tends to be more expensive.

3) The R9 280 is good for playing these games at High settings and can play WOW at max settings.

1) Most likely have to use external dvd drive then?
2) Which one do you recommend?

 

[Alternative X]

1) Most likely have to use external dvd drive then?
2) Which one do you recommend?

1) Yes, you will have to use a external DVD drive.

2) Asrock H81M-HDS if no $$$, MSI B85M-G43 if got $$$.

 

[trickle_on]

The fractal node 804 does have space for a internal drive, albeit a slim slot-in one.

Mounting is on the back of the front panel of the casing.

 

[jhyeo_]

1) Yes, you will have to use a external DVD drive.

2) Asrock H81M-HDS if no $$$, MSI B85M-G43 if got $$$.

Guess I have to go with asrock h81m-hds , but i think still maybe off budget, anything I can shave off?

The fractal node 804 does have space for a internal drive, albeit a slim slot-in one.

Mounting is on the back of the front panel of the casing.

Where is it available? Don't quite see it in some of the price lists.

 

[Jian19]

Why not corsair air 240 ?

 

[jhyeo_]

Why not corsair air 240 ?

Considering too, but still think node 804's overall build quality and looks are better

Also prefer to have a internal optical drive if the slot-in ones doesnt cost too much.

 

[devilwahaha]

Considering too, but still think node 804's overall build quality and looks are better

Also prefer to have a internal optical drive if the slot-in ones doesnt cost too much.

Tray-load DVD drives can be had for about $20 from reputable brands like LG, Samsung but slot load ones are typically much more expensive. For reference Silverstone's slot-load drive from Amazon is about $69.60.

 

[trickle_on]

Where is it available? Don't quite see it in some of the price lists.

There is a space for slim slot drive on the front panel. Google "Linus Tech Tips Fractal Node 804".

The drive however is not included.

 

[jhyeo_]

There is a space for slim slot drive on the front panel. Google "Linus Tech Tips Fractal Node 804".

The drive however is not included.

Oops, sorry what i meant was where to find the slim slot drives in SLS.

 

[trickle_on]

Oops, sorry what i meant was where to find the slim slot drives in SLS.

I think Amazon's your best bet. I just got this casing and am considering ordering the Silverstone. The only thing holding me back is that I very rarely use discs so the drive might end up a white elephant. Plus, $70USD is quite a chunk of change.

 

[jhyeo_]

Tray-load DVD drives can be had for about $20 from reputable brands like LG, Samsung but slot load ones are typically much more expensive. For reference Silverstone's slot-load drive from Amazon is about $69.60.

I think Amazon's your best bet. I just got this casing and am considering ordering the Silverstone. The only thing holding me back is that I very rarely use discs so the drive might end up a white elephant. Plus, $70USD is quite a chunk of change.

Thats pretty steep, guess I have to compromise without one for the time being since I rarely use it too.

 

[E_G_G_S]

try to google how to install Windows from a thumb drive, you need 1 with at least 4gb of space. after you install your optical drive you most likely will use maybe once in a year or something...

nowadays people dont really use optical drive much anymore. everything needed such as drivers can be downloaded. so you can still go ahead with the fractal design node 804 if you want, just don't use a optical drive.

 

[E_G_G_S]

MB + CPU: MSI B85M-G45 + I5-4460 - $336
RAM: CRUCIAL BALLISTIX SPORT 8GB - $105
GPU: SAPPHIRE DUAL-X R9 280 3GB GDDR5 OC WITH BOOST (Buy from Lazada) - $285
SSD: CRUCIAL MX100 128 GB - $105
HDD: Re-use
PSU: Superflower HX 600M GOLD - $108
CASE: Fractal Design Node 804 - ???
OS: Have already

Buy from Tradepac, DIY yourself. If cannot DIY, go to gs shop @ #02-32, ask him to help you assemble for a fee.

 

[jhyeo_]

try to google how to install Windows from a thumb drive, you need 1 with at least 4gb of space. after you install your optical drive you most likely will use maybe once in a year or something...

nowadays people dont really use optical drive much anymore. everything needed such as drivers can be downloaded. so you can still go ahead with the fractal design node 804 if you want, just don't use a optical drive.

Ok i will go read that up and ya i have seldom use for optical drive.

MB + CPU: MSI B85M-G45 + I5-4460 - $336
RAM: CRUCIAL BALLISTIX SPORT 8GB - $105
GPU: SAPPHIRE DUAL-X R9 280 3GB GDDR5 OC WITH BOOST (Buy from Lazada) - $285
SSD: CRUCIAL MX100 128 GB - $105
HDD: Re-use
PSU: Superflower HX 600M GOLD - $108
CASE: Fractal Design Node 804 - ???
OS: Have already

Buy from Tradepac, DIY yourself. If cannot DIY, go to gs shop @ #02-32, ask him to help you assemble for a fee.

I was planning to get the asrock h81m-hds, about $30+ cheaper, whats your opinion?

 

[E_G_G_S]

Ok i will go read that up and ya i have seldom use for optical drive.



I was planning to get the asrock h81m-hds, about $30+ cheaper, whats your opinion?

My opinion is... the h81m-hds is only $30 cheaper, i rather be able to connect the front usb 3.0 ports to the motherboard. or else ur casing so nice but everytime u wanna connect sth u must reach behind. haha

 

[Alternative X]

My opinion is... the h81m-hds is only $30 cheaper, i rather be able to connect the front usb 3.0 ports to the motherboard. or else ur casing so nice but everytime u wanna connect sth u must reach behind. haha

Erm....
The H81M-HDS differs from other H81 mobos in that Asrock have added an extra chip that actually allows the mobo to have front panel USB 3.0 support. Can take a look at the product page on Asrock's website if you do not believe me.

 

[Peach Tea]

My opinion is... the h81m-hds is only $30 cheaper, i rather be able to connect the front usb 3.0 ports to the motherboard. or else ur casing so nice but everytime u wanna connect sth u must reach behind. haha

I'm using h81m-hds and confirmed have front usb 3.0

 

[E_G_G_S]

Oh ok never notice.

Then should just go ahead with the Asrock H81M-HDS instead.