My New Comp?

[Snidely Whiplash]

Hey everybody, I am getting some help from friends to make a computer that can handle what I want to do.

Basically I use protools a lot, and play a lot of TF2; I need something to serve as a solid workstation for audio/visual projects.

I'll probably be ordering the parts in the next day or two so any feedback would be appreciated!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3pFpmG

+ Firewire PCI card for my Mackie 820i (I think this is basically my interface/soundcard?)

[The Domer]

http://reddit.com/r/buildapc

[Gizanked]

I feel like I've heard several times that xorvious builds computers for people. He might have advice.

[Soltan]

http://www.logicalincrements.com/

[Plinko]

This is pretty similar to what I just ordered from Xorvious (shipping soon!).

I got the 4670K processor, a 250GB SSD and a full ATX Z87 Pro Mobo (though that was a boo boo on my part, probably don't "need" the Pro mobo).

I am not a fan of Micro cases, though if you're not planning to overclock, it's probably OK. I worry a lot about heat and noise so we're running extra case fans in mine so we can keep air moving well without cranking them up to max speed.

[Scorch]

One suggestion is to go for a bigger SSD. Once you start using the SSD, you won't want any heavily used games/applications on anything but it. I was able to get (2) 128 GB SSDs and used a mount point to bring them together. A single 128 GB drive was pretty full with the OS/Applications/Games (data is stored elsewhere).

[Perfect Villain]

Doesn't look too bad but i would suggest a amd card instead my 7950 i got for $200 like year or 2 ago is still maxing everything and im not even overclocking it

[Boss Llama]

That CPU outclasses everything being put with it. I'd suggest upgrading the video card and the PSU in particular.

If you're building a W/S for audio-visual work, a small form factor seems especially prone to having heat issues, even with the liquid cooler on the CPU - the RAM and GPU will be pumping out a lot of warmth.

[Plinko]

Before downgrading processor to upgrade GPU, I would consider what it is you want out of your new rig.

For certain A/V apps, streaming and TF2, you will see a big jump in performance with the i5 vs. an AMD processor. TF2 is such a big sloppy mess that most of us are CPU bottlenecked, not GPU. The i5 will make a noticeable difference vs. an similar clock speed AMD processor.

If you want to run newer games as pretty as possible, the GPU upgrade with the AMD is likely to yield better peformance for the dollar.

Because I want to stream and get good performance out of TF2, I chose to invest in the CPU, but you might want something else.

[Soltan]

If you're building a W/S for audio-visual work, a small form factor seems especially prone to having heat issues, even with the liquid cooler on the CPU - the RAM and GPU will be pumping out a lot of warmth.

From my own experience it's definitely worth buying a decent case as the right design can improve airflow/acoustical performance considerably. I have a Silverstone FT02 and barely hear the thing despite an SLI setup w/ my video cards and an over-clocked CPU. It draws in cool air from the bottom and blows it out the top (natural flow of heat). The panels are also lined w/ acoustic foam.

[belak]

I personally don't trust water cooling... had a few too many start leaking on me.

Anyway, my random list of changes:

• Drop the water cooling for the stock fan (as long as you don't plan on OCing), maybe think of upgrading CPU cooling when you want to OC?
• Switch case and motherboard sizes to probably mid-atx
• Maybe an extra case fan or two - look for quiet ones. I personally like these even though they look kinda tacky.
• Thermal paste - the ones that come on the CPUs are crap. Easiest way to clean is with q-tips and rubbing alcohol. Arctic silver has some good stuff.
• Maybe switch out the cpu. It's worth noting that with Intel, anything with a K on the end can be overclocked... anything that doesn't have that K, you should generally avoid OCing.
• My last note - that's a good GPU for a good price. AMDs are generally more cost effective, but I've had slightly worse luck with them driver wise. If you're doing a lot of video work, GPU upgrades are very useful. Though, audio is more CPU bound.

[Plinko]

I got my new rig that Xorv built on Monday, it's pretty awesome. Getting a steady 290-300 fps at 1920x1280 compared to 20-60 previously at 1152x984 in TF2.

With three fans and an aftermarket CPU heatsink/fan, it's extremely quiet even overclocked.

[xorvious]

Awesome Plinko! Glad to hear it's working good Thats a massive fps upgrade, not that its all the new system, but what kind of overclocked potato were you playing on before?

[belak]

It may be worth noting that the unlocked version of the processor you chose is only about $25 more... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819117372