[Purchased] Buying Computer from Cyberpowerpc.com - A few questions?

[QuackyNC]

I have been checking out the NCIX wesbite and I dont see the option you guys mentioned about them building a pc for you out of parts you select. I can seem to find that on the site, seems like a great idea but I am not seeing that option available anywhere.

[Crazyeyesreaper]

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=7842

if you still want a proper custom system i will do a part list. Also I need a budget to work with.

do you need a monitor? keyboard? Mouse? etc

Depending on budget and whats needed will make a huge difference

At around $1400 you can get a
Intel i5 4670K
8 gb of memory
256gb SSD
1 TB storage
R9 290 GPU
Corsair H90 AIO liquid cooler
Phanteks Enthoo PRO (best case on the market period for features to price ration
EVGA SuperNova NEX 650w 80+ Gold rated PSU fully modular
DVD drive
WIn 8.1 64 bit

Dropping the SSD drops price down to around $1260-1300
changing the motherboard and cooler can drop another $100-110 if needed.

but again I need to know if a monitor / keyboard / mouse are necessary.

My overall recommendation for price to performance is below. I will provide links once the OP gets back to me. While this is not exactly what I would recommend it gives the best performance for gaming your money will get you while using far higher quality parts and a MUCH faster graphics card.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($429.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($61.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.62 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1261.53

Add in http://www.ncixus.com/products/index.php?sku=7842

for a total cost of $1312. if more changes need to be made I can do that

[QuackyNC]

Depending on budget and whats needed will make a huge difference

At around $1400 you can get a
Intel i5 4670K
8 gb of memory
256gb SSD
1 TB storage
R9 290 GPU
Corsair H90 AIO liquid cooler
Phanteks Enthoo PRO (best case on the market period for features to price ration
EVGA SuperNova NEX 650w 80+ Gold rated PSU fully modular
DVD drive
WIn 8.1 64 bit

Dropping the SSD drops price down to around $1260-1300
changing the motherboard and cooler can drop another $100-110 if needed.

but again I need to know if a monitor / keyboard / mouse are necessary.

My overall recommendation for price to performance is below. I will provide links once the OP gets back to me. While this is not exactly what I would recommend it gives the best performance for gaming your money will get you while using far higher quality parts and a MUCH faster graphics card.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($227.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 290 4GB DirectCU II Video Card ($429.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($61.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($16.62 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1261.53

Add in http://www.ncixus.com/products/index.php?sku=7842

for a total cost of $1312. if more changes need to be made I can do that

Thanks a lot sounds like a good machine. I do need a keyboard and mouse but I can easily purchase them separate, and I already have a decent monitor. I will have to do a more in depth look when I get home from work today but looks like a good machine.

One question I dont know much about SSD, what is the advantage/purpose of having one and what would be the cons of not having one?

[Ishan]

One question I dont know much about SSD, what is the advantage/purpose of having one and what would be the cons of not having one?

It will give you an easily noticeable difference in PC responsiveness if your windows is installed on that. Boot time will decrease, all softwares will respond more quickly. You can even index some location on other drives and get lighting fast search results of your entire PC in just 2-3 seconds.

Any games installed on that will load faster. PC will wake in few seconds when put in hibernation when all the data of the last session is written on the drive and it's continued from there once the power is cut etc.

Overall it will be great for you and you must choose this considering you're getting into this after a long gap. And the crucial SSD that crazy shows works great. He recommended me as well and i just bought this new one some weeks back. Won't find anything more awesome for that price.

[QuackyNC]

Ive had a chance to check everything out, seems like a good machine at a reasonable price, and seems like NCIX is a good company, I think i can save a little more money using NCIX price match feature as well. One question I had is about the case, I understand its considered a mid tower? I am not 100% sure on the difference between mid and full towers. Only thing I am worried about is if the case is adequate enough in size and not too cramped, and wont make it a pain to install anything myself, or cause overheating issues. would it hurt to add a few extra fans to the case or is it unnecessary?

I thought about spending a little more than I originally planned in order to get the I7-4790k processor. If i decided to do that is everything else still going to be ok? Cpu cooler and power supply still adequate?

My main concern is having a machine that will at least be able to play about every game on normal settings comfortably for the next 3-4 years. Unless games get ridiculous in that time frame do you guys think I can achieve that with this set up?

If I were to spend a little more extra, besides the processor, anything else you guys recommend to make it a better machine?

[Crazyeyesreaper]

if you want to spend more money get a Phanteks Enthoo PRO case first, then Intel i7 4790k. In games the 4670 to 4790 = 0 difference 90% of the time.

Otherwise the 230T is fine you wont have issues.

[QuackyNC]

if you want to spend more money get a Phanteks Enthoo PRO case first, then Intel i7 4790k. In games the 4670 to 4790 = 0 difference 90% of the time.

Otherwise the 230T is fine you wont have issues.

So I am not going to be seeing much of a difference in gaming if I upgrade to the 4790k? What about everyday computer use, will it be noticeably faster, more responsive?

So your saying either case is fine, but if I wanted to spend a little more the Phanteks Enhtoo PRO would be a good investment?

[Crazyeyesreaper]

Enthoo pro is the best feature / price ratio case on the market by far.

As for thge 4790 / 4770 vs 4670 4690 the only difference is Hyper Threading.

all of those CPUs are actually just quadcores. Hyper Threading allows a core to process two threads however its not the same as having 8 cores either. most games don't really scale past four cores on Intel

regardless for gaming etc take a look here.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...pu,3918-6.html

I dislike Toms hardware but there the only really up to date right now on Haswell e and Haswell for gaming etc where it shows 4 cores 8 threads vs 6 cores 12 threads and 8 cores 16 threads.

5820k = 6 core 12 thread Haswell - E (new CPU)
4960x = 6 core 12 thread Ivy Bridge- E (replaced by haswell-E)
5930k = 8 core 12 thread Haswell - E
4790k = 4 core 8 thread Haswell


Located here is direct comparison of the 4670 / 4690 4 core 4 thread vs 4770 / 4790 4 core 8 thread

as you can see in 80-90% of situation the difference is not worth the higher cost.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1260?vs=1261

http://www.dsogaming.com/editorial/r...n-4-cpu-cores/

There are situations where the i7 is a better option don't get me wrong but for normal use gaming and work the i7 doesnt usually pay off the only real difference is extreme multi-tasking and overclocking which a Hyper 212+ wont allow anyway so at stock for what you do the i7 doesnt really make sense. The only time I consider an i7 is when doing multi GPU systems.

[QuackyNC]

Enthoo pro is the best feature / price ratio case on the market by far.

As for thge 4790 / 4770 vs 4670 4690 the only difference is Hyper Threading.

all of those CPUs are actually just quadcores. Hyper Threading allows a core to process two threads however its not the same as having 8 cores either. most games don't really scale past four cores on Intel

regardless for gaming etc take a look here.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...pu,3918-6.html

I dislike Toms hardware but there the only really up to date right now on Haswell e and Haswell for gaming etc where it shows 4 cores 8 threads vs 6 cores 12 threads and 8 cores 16 threads.

5820k = 6 core 12 thread Haswell - E (new CPU)
4960x = 6 core 12 thread Ivy Bridge- E (replaced by haswell-E)
5930k = 8 core 12 thread Haswell - E
4790k = 4 core 8 thread Haswell


Located here is direct comparison of the 4670 / 4690 4 core 4 thread vs 4770 / 4790 4 core 8 thread

as you can see in 80-90% of situation the difference is not worth the higher cost.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1260?vs=1261

http://www.dsogaming.com/editorial/r...n-4-cpu-cores/

There are situations where the i7 is a better option don't get me wrong but for normal use gaming and work the i7 doesnt usually pay off the only real difference is extreme multi-tasking and overclocking which a Hyper 212+ wont allow anyway so at stock for what you do the i7 doesnt really make sense. The only time I consider an i7 is when doing multi GPU systems.

Ok thank you for the information, some good comparisons there, really makes you think if it is worth the difference in price. I am just wondering if it will show a major difference in processor intensive games like the Total War games?

You mentioned the Hyper 212 isnt suitable for overclocking? Do you have a good cooler lets say under $80 that you would recommend for overclocking? I saw this product do you know anything on its performance or if is suitable for oc? http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=...e=COOLERMASTER

Thanks for all your help and patience with my questions btw. I am hoping to make my final set up and purchase tomorrow.

[Crazyeyesreaper]

http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=...r&promoid=1303

or spend the extra money for the Corsair H105,

NCIX wont be handling the overclocking either so unless you know what your doing just stick with the setup I provided it will do everything you need it to'

as for Total War since it seems your under a rock more threads does not mean better. All total war games use two threads and it bottlenecks on one meaning no matter how many cores you throw it at it only clock speed and IPC performance matters thus Intel i5 = best processor overall for Total War games.

[Totalheadache]

Nice build he listed you there op!

Just a question crazy that hyper still the best in it's price range?

If it were me op i'd spend a bit more on your cpu cooler...but does depend on how much you want to push your cpu. (hence why he listed you the h105).

p.s new gpus out soon...some gpus might drop in price but 290 is very good bang for your buck.

[Crazyeyesreaper]

im gonna guess new GPU launch = same as always 980 will launch first followed by 970 then a month later 960 etc as for AMD only 285 is coming and its slower so no real options available yet.

as for the Hyper 212 its not the best for its price anymore but NCIX has limited selection so its the best option for a good quiet cooler for a stock running system

[Totalheadache]

im gonna guess new GPU launch = same as always 980 will launch first followed by 970 then a month later 960 etc as for AMD only 285 is coming and its slower so no real options available yet.

as for the Hyper 212 its not the best for its price anymore but NCIX has limited selection so its the best option for a good quiet cooler for a stock running system

sure was just wondering if you had found another alternative in your travels as it were...always interested to see good quality products like the hyper212 released...

if i were to do a build for my bro (a media center build with some gaming capabilites) the hyper would be up there on the list.

could be time to retire the 580..if i do i'll post a few screenies of the 980..although will prob be a few weeks after release due to lack of blocks.

[QuackyNC]

Well finally got my computer. Wanted to say thanks again for all the help. Got it pretty much the way Crazyeyes suggested, went with the Phanteks Enthoo Pro case as well, also went with a 750 watt Corsair 80 Plus GOLD power supply.

I decided to wait on the GPU to see what the GTX 980 and 970 were going to be like. Glad I did, ordered me a 970 today seems like a great card at a great price. Probably get me a second one next year sometime.

Thanks again for all the help, cant wait to get my GPU and finally enjoy Shogun and Rome 2.

[Ishan]

Marking this thread as concluded. Congrats Quacky.

Also do you mind benchmarking the latest GTX 970 and then sharing your results here with us? (In a separate thread of course) It's a latest card and this will be a very good contribution towards TWC as plenty of people will search for it in the upcoming few weeks and later on.

[Totalheadache]

Well finally got my computer. Wanted to say thanks again for all the help. Got it pretty much the way Crazyeyes suggested, went with the Phanteks Enthoo Pro case as well, also went with a 750 watt Corsair 80 Plus GOLD power supply.

I decided to wait on the GPU to see what the GTX 980 and 970 were going to be like. Glad I did, ordered me a 970 today seems like a great card at a great price. Probably get me a second one next year sometime.

Thanks again for all the help, cant wait to get my GPU and finally enjoy Shogun and Rome 2.

good that you waited join the 970 club over here...

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=393069

i'll do some 970 tests as well...

[QuackyNC]

Marking this thread as concluded. Congrats Quacky.

Also do you mind benchmarking the latest GTX 970 and then sharing your results here with us? (In a separate thread of course) It's a latest card and this will be a very good contribution towards TWC as plenty of people will search for it in the upcoming few weeks and later on.

Yes certainly will. Right now plan on starting out with Shogun 2, Far Cry 3, and Skyrim. Will benchmark with those games as soon as I get everything set up and going. From what I read so far it pretty much performs on par or above 290X at a much lower price. Nvidia really socked it to AMD with this one.

[Ishan]

From what I read so far it pretty much performs on par or above 290X at a much lower price. Nvidia really socked it to AMD with this one.

This is an interesting never ending chicken and egg game between the two. 200 series were in competition with the 700 ones and they did well until their prices got absurd because of the bitcoin BS. Their drawback was TDP and because of that more heat = more noise but that doesn't bother everyone. Considering they are last year flagship GTX 980 is 15% faster than R9 290X & GTX 970 is 10% faster than R9 290. It's a good upgrade for old timers from say 400-500-600 series.

Now AMD will respond to this with 300 series and the cycle goes on...Ultimately good for us since competition is good.