Mobo+GPU+Case

[Aymanhero]

A few days ago i posted a thread requesting for help to change my build from the initial to the final one we have now. However im looking for alternatives to the motherboard and case for the final build (In case the board is no longer available) and for the case (I want a windowed one that's cheap and look good) the spec 02/03 looks decent but not great.

For the GPU, GTX 970, which card looks the best with a side window? Whether there's a light up logo or the card looks good generally? I don't mind aesthetics over minimal performance improvement

Initial build:

Case:Corsair Spec 03 Mid Tower - $89
Motherboard+Processor:Asus Z87 Pro + i5 4960k -$538
Ram:Corsair Pro Vengeance 1866Mhz - $135
SSD:SAMSUNG 250GB 850 EVO - $199
CPU cooler:Cooler Master Hyper 212X - $69
Graphic card- Sapphire R9 280X 3GB Tri-X Vapor-X STD- $385
Power Supply-Seasonic M12II-520W Modular 80+ - $99




Final build:

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-4460 + ASRock Fatal1ty B85 Killer @ $342
RAM: G.Skill RipJaws-X DDR3-1600 CL9 8GB Dual Channel Kit [Red] @ $114
GPU: MSI GTX 970 4GB GAMING OC @ $565
SSD: Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB @ $175
HDD: Western Digital Blue 1TB @ $70
PSU: Super Flower Leadex Gold 550W [80 Plus Gold] @ $129
CASE: Corsair Carbide SPEC-02 @ $84

 

[MoneyFace =p]

In case Fatal1ty B85 Killer went OOS, consider ASUS H81 GAMER @ $349 with Core i5-4460.

 

[Aymanhero]

In case Fatal1ty B85 Killer went OOS, consider ASUS H81 GAMER @ $349 with Core i5-4460.

Thanks both of the look similar but the h81 looks too black HAHAHA. But it looks like it got better features o_o will consider it as an option

 

[wiwi]

you can get a zotac 970 for 41X at lazada. spend 100+ more for a few fps? its among the quietest, cant beat msi frozr edition though.

 

[royfrosty]

In case Fatal1ty B85 Killer went OOS, consider ASUS H81 GAMER @ $349 with Core i5-4460.

Killer should have. But h81 gamer sure no stocks.

 

[royfrosty]

you can get a zotac 970 for 41X at lazada. spend 100+ more for a few fps? its among the quietest, cant beat msi frozr edition though.

[YOUTUBE-HD]wmiVf9cmA9I[/YOUTUB E-HD]

Its not about spending more on major brands.

Its more on the cooler implemented. A zotac will never be cooling efficient. Whereby major brands will have it at below 70deg and fans spins slowly for far much quieter noise level.

Apart from that your overclocking headroom should be more as you are not limited by heat.

Zotac operating temps should be a mere 75deg-78deg. And with a slight higher fan rpm noise. By then if overclocked, you should be hitting 80deg and up. Which probably by then the max temp.

So it really depends on the users. If he is willing to venture out a higher performance level, he can always tweak for higher performance.

If he just wanna be a total average joe and do not venture out to overclocking gpus, then he is fine with any 970.

 

[idjekyll]

as for casing, you want to look at the new fractal design define s? $129 though but it's superb for airflow with a big ass window.

 

[Aymanhero]

Its not about spending more on major brands.

Its more on the cooler implemented. A zotac will never be cooling efficient. Whereby major brands will have it at below 70deg and fans spins slowly for far much quieter noise level.

Apart from that your overclocking headroom should be more as you are not limited by heat.

Zotac operating temps should be a mere 75deg-78deg. And with a slight higher fan rpm noise. By then if overclocked, you should be hitting 80deg and up. Which probably by then the max temp.

So it really depends on the users. If he is willing to venture out a higher performance level, he can always tweak for higher performance.

If he just wanna be a total average joe and do not venture out to overclocking gpus, then he is fine with any 970.

Noob question can i oc the card if i dont oc my processor?

 

[monikernemo]

Noob question can i oc the card if i dont oc my processor?

Yes

Sent from Voyager using GAGT

 

[Aymanhero]

as for casing, you want to look at the new fractal design define s? $129 though but it's superb for airflow with a big ass window.

Thanks! might get this instead of the spec case i planned as i need good airflow as my room have no ventilation

 

[Aymanhero]

Yes

Sent from Voyager using GAGT

Ooh then I'm definitely going to oc my card probably getting the MSI since it has the dragon that lights up

 

[idjekyll]

Thanks! might get this instead of the spec case i planned as i need good airflow as my room have no ventilation

its got good airflow due to no hdd/sdd cages but it's also a water cooling case so just in case you get the WC bug in the future than no need to change case. using it now and loving this well thought out case so far. bought from mynextcomonline.com so free delivery.

 

[monikernemo]

Ooh then I'm definitely going to oc my card probably getting the MSI since it has the dragon that lights up

Haha just need a good PSU and download MSI afterburner

Sent from Voyager using GAGT

 

[royfrosty]

Noob question can i oc the card if i dont oc my processor?

Yes u may.

 

[Aymanhero]

Bump for more opinion

 

[idjekyll]

how about gigabyte's windforce card? nice 'Windforce' in blue and it comes factory overclocked. My 980 did so im assuming the 970 does as well. it's a long card at 300mm but it has a badass looking backplate so help with any sagging.

i realised i recommend you all the components im currently using