New build questions...

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 13:23

Putting together a build for a friend, who wants a capable system for Photoshop work, video editing and gaming. I've come up with the following... any suggestions? Budget is around the £400-500 mark for mbd/cpu/ram, but less is better, so if no particular benefit in going for the newer tech, then happy to look at older. I've read there isn't much benefit in the newer chips anyway.

I was attracted to the Gigabyte because of the 2 for 1 promotion at the moment... seems a great deal. I'm less certain about the CPU/RAM though, as it's been a while since I've looked in to this. I'm still running a 2500k Sandy Bridge myself lol!

- GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK
- Intel Core i5-4690K 3.50GHz
- Avexir Core White Series 16GB

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 13:25

Ah OK, that makes sense actually. Any particular brand? I'm bewildered by the RAM options these days lol!

Ah, see your suggestion. That's some funky looking RAM lol. Cooler will probably be going with a 240 AIO, not sure yet.

stulid said:
Is the i7 4790K and board bundle too much money?

Which bundle is that?

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 13:32

stulid said:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-012-GI&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=2858

And get this RAM - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-129-KS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=2426

Faster=better.

OK, looking good, that's upper limits of budget but I hadn't thought of i7 before, makes more sense for sure. Does the Gigabyte 2 for 1 offer still apply if you buy the bundle?

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 13:35

Excellent. I'm guessing that Kingston HyperX ram is better than the Avexir, looking at the specs? Seems faster.

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 13:47

Probably going with a 240 AIO... waiting on the release of the Nepton 240M which going by reviews is a great all round performer and quiet. No urgent rush, but I think it's due very shortly anyway. This is personal preference... I know the air coolers are fine and would do a good job.

Case is another conundrum tbh! He wants white (hates black boxes), and nothing too loud. Also will be putting a 970 in this... with option for SLI in future.

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 13:50

What about the Phanteks? They seem to get rave reviews. No need for optical bay by the way. I quite like the H440 myself, but seems to have cooling issues.

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 21:39

Would a 650W PSU be enough for this, or less even? Bearing in mind SLI (x2 970's) is a possibility in the not to distant future. I hear the SuperFlowers are the go-to PSUs right now.

Legend · 28 Oct 2014 at 22:08

Not bad, but only saving £20 over previous bundle (factoring in cost of buying PSU separately), and not getting the 2 for 1 offer on the Gigabyte mbd as that one isn't part of it.

Legend · 29 Oct 2014 at 00:11

Thanks. How do the Corsair RM Series compare? I seem to be seeing these all over the place.

Legend · 29 Oct 2014 at 00:49

Thanks, I've heard nothing but good things about Superflower and EVGA, but I did wonder why Corsairs were so common when they're not exactly cheap. They have a strong brand I suppose.