Help with mitx build

[Beckett]

Hello all, I would like to build a new rig. Looking at mitx/matx because the cases take up a lot less space. I need some suggestions and recommendations.

Usage wise: Would like to play games like dark souls, skyrim, bioshock infinite on best settings. Usually leave my com on 24/7 so stability is really important. Occasional video editing. Oc wise, I normally use auto oc. Not garang enough to try manual.

Appearance: Thinking of white/black/gold or white/black/red colour theme

CPU: I7-4790k
Mobo: Not sure which to pick
GPU: Gtx970
PSU: Seasonic x-850 (enough power?)
Ram: Any 2 x 8gig
Cooler: Corsair h100i
hdd: Seagate 3tb x 2
ssd: plextor or samsung 240gb~256gb

Case: node 304 / corsair 250d / nzxt 440 all look very enticing

monitor: I do a lot of document work. Not sure if 2 x u2414h better or 1 27~28 monitor better. I don't play fps games competitively so I'm not sure if high refresh tn panels are better for my use or ips types like the dell 2414h. I do watch quite a number of films on the com though.

Budget wise 2.5k to 3.5k (including monitor)

Thanks in advance

 

[Yureak]

X859 is too much power. You only realistically need 550w. Get a gtx980 instead

 

[GeForce]

mobo Maximus VII Impact
Case Corsair 250D or BitFenix Prodigy

 

[Alternative X]

CPU+ Mobo: ASROCK Z97E-ITX AC + i5 4670K (540)
RAM:G.SKILL RIPJAWS-X 1600MHZ ( 4GBx2pcs ) CL9 (115)
GPU: ZOTAC GTX 970 4GB TWIN FAN (509)
SSD: SAMSUNG EVO 250GB (179)
HDD: 2X WESTERN DIGITAL 3 TB RED (320)
DVD-RW: LG 24X DVD-RW SATA OEM (25)
PSU: SF LEADEX 650w (139)
Case: CORSAIR 250D ITX (139)
OS: WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM (120)
CPU Cooler: CORSAIR H60 (93)
Monitor: 2X DELL U2414H (718)

Total cost: $2898

Buy at PC Themes, #04-15, and ask for discounts. DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, go to PC Care & Solution at #02-32 and ask Nigel to help you assemble for a fee.

Notes:

1) The GTX 970 is good enough to play your games at >60 FPS.

2) As automated OC options tend to give very conservative OC settings, you do not need a H100i. A H60 is included as it is cheaper.

3) The Seagate 3TB HDDs are noted by Backblaze to have a relatively high failure rate. WD Reds are included instead.

4) Games generally do not make use of hyperthreading. An i5 is included into the build as it is cheaper and are just as effective.

5) A Samsung Evo is included in the build as it is the cheapest of all Samsung 250GB SSDs.

6) Unless doing photo/video editing, you do not need 16GB RAM. 8GB RAM is good enough.

7) The Asrock Z97E-ITX AC is used as it is the cheapest of all ITX Z-motherboards and since automated OC settings tend to be conservative, you should be fine with this botherboard.

8) Ever consider going M-ATX instead of ITX? M-ATX builds are cheaper than ITX builds and you get a wider parts selection to choose from.

 

[Beckett]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Thanks alternative, that's really comprehensive

Hmm... I didn't really consider matx because I'm afraid it might take up too much desk space. But if it can yield a more cost effective solution, I would definitely look into it.

 

[Beckett]

How about the monitor set up though? Does anyone have any feedback on those?

 

[Alternative X]

How about the monitor set up though? Does anyone have any feedback on those?

Dual 24" 1080p monitors are included in the build. Some people in this forum have nentioned that when going 1080p, better to get 23-24" as 27" 1080p ones do not look so nice due to pixel spacing.

 

[Beckett]

Hmm... Yeah, I'll probably go for the u2414h. Alternative, could you please give me your suggestions if I were to go matx?

 

[Alternative X]

CPU+ Mobo: GIGABYTE Z87M-D3H + i5 4670K (502)
RAM:G.SKILL RIPJAWS-X 1600MHZ ( 4GBx2pcs ) CL9 (115)
GPU: ZOTAC GTX 970 4GB TWIN FAN (509)
SSD: SAMSUNG EVO 250GB (179)
HDD: 2X WESTERN DIGITAL 3 TB RED (320)
DVD-RW: LG 24X DVD-RW SATA OEM (25)
PSU: SF LEADEX 650w (139)
Case: AEROCOOL DS CUBE (125)
OS: WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM (120)
CPU Cooler: CM HYPER 212X PWM COOLER (57)
Monitor: 2X DELL U2414H (718)

Total cost: $2809

Buy at PC Themes, #04-15, and ask for discounts. DIY yourself. If you can't into DIY, go to PC Care & Solution at #02-32 and ask Nigel to help you assemble for a fee.

Notes:

1) There are actually M-ATX cases that are a lot cheaper than the Aerocool DS (usually for budget builds), but since you are already spending so much $$$ on other parts, I am not sure if you would want to skimp on casing.

2) Due to the wider clearances on the casing, a more conventional heatsink-based cooler is used instead to cut costs further. More reliable too, since a piece of metal simply cannot fail.