Well guys the case that I've been eye balling to create a new build ended up being on newegg's shell shocker deal today. Needless to say I sprung for it as soon as I noticed the price went down in my shopping cart . So I might as well get the build thread started so I have a place to start putting the ideas down.
During this purchase I grabbed:
Fractal Design ARC XL
Gelid 140mm fans X5. I choose these fans due to there relatively high static pressure for 140mm fans. They were also on sale at the time of purchase.
NZXT Sentry Mix2 fan controlelr
and a copy of windows 8.1 pro 64 bit. I have windows 7 on my current machine and figured I would give it a shot... Another deciding factor was the fact that I'm currently a computer/network security analyst so I figured I might as well get exposed to it.
Components that are final but not purchased yet:
Intel i7-4770k
Samsung 840 EVO
Components that are tentative:
ASRock Z87 OC Formula The color scheme fits and specs are nice. Price could be better, with regards to that, its competitor for my aesthetics needs is an MSI mpower board... Right now the ASRock is my choice due to some features it has over the MSI mpower.
SeaSonic X-1050 This is tentative due to size requirements. Once I have my case on hand I will measure out if this is going to be small enough length wise for my needs.
Corsair Vengeance 16Gb for now, will be getting another set to make 32Gb next year (if needed). This is also tentative due to the speed. I can get G.skill sniper 2400 for less than the corsair sticks but I don't know if the heatsink will fit due to my plans for this case. Also I don't know if the speed difference will be noticeable?
I am holding off on purchasing the rest of the hardware due to blackFriday/cyberMonday being right around the corner.
I currently have a Sapphire 7970 dual-x(non reference ) that will be utilized for the GPU. I will be replacing it early next year though as I want the GPU under water. I'm currently waiting for the release of the 780ti classified HC. The sticker price might shock me enough to go for a 290x + waterblock though. I've been with AMD for a while now, 4890 - 2 X 6870's - 7970, and I was hoping to give nvidia a shot this time around.
Speaking of water blocks, I will be getting back into water cooling with this build as well. With the front HD cages removed there is room in the ARC XL for a 2X140mm rad. I am going to be putting a Alphacool NexXxos Monsta in this spot. I am also hoping of being able to put another Alphacool NexXxos monsta up top. I got to do some measurements before I can know for certain if I can fit this beast up there. This is also the reason why I'm looking at the Corsair low profile ram as a 80mm thick rad will be hanging right next to the ram and I don't want a heat sink that is just for show preventing me from placing this monster where I want it. There is also another spot that I can put a 120mm Monsta built into the case at the bottom. This placement is the reason why I'm looking for a PSU that is relatively short in length as it will be going right next to this rad position. I will know for sure if it will work out once I receive my case. I currently own an EK supreme HF water block from my last endeavor in water cooling and I will be reusing this block. The res/pump is tentative at the moment, I'm leaning towards a Monsoon series two with a mcp35X pump. I might go with a tube res though... I am currently eye balling some 3/8 X 5/8 Yellow tubing along with assorted black compression fittings to tie everything together.
I will be ordering some MDPC sleeving, black and some yellow, as well to sleeve every cable.
During this purchase I grabbed:
Fractal Design ARC XL
Gelid 140mm fans X5. I choose these fans due to there relatively high static pressure for 140mm fans. They were also on sale at the time of purchase.
NZXT Sentry Mix2 fan controlelr
and a copy of windows 8.1 pro 64 bit. I have windows 7 on my current machine and figured I would give it a shot... Another deciding factor was the fact that I'm currently a computer/network security analyst so I figured I might as well get exposed to it.
Components that are final but not purchased yet:
Intel i7-4770k
Samsung 840 EVO
Components that are tentative:
ASRock Z87 OC Formula The color scheme fits and specs are nice. Price could be better, with regards to that, its competitor for my aesthetics needs is an MSI mpower board... Right now the ASRock is my choice due to some features it has over the MSI mpower.
SeaSonic X-1050 This is tentative due to size requirements. Once I have my case on hand I will measure out if this is going to be small enough length wise for my needs.
Corsair Vengeance 16Gb for now, will be getting another set to make 32Gb next year (if needed). This is also tentative due to the speed. I can get G.skill sniper 2400 for less than the corsair sticks but I don't know if the heatsink will fit due to my plans for this case. Also I don't know if the speed difference will be noticeable?
I am holding off on purchasing the rest of the hardware due to blackFriday/cyberMonday being right around the corner.
I currently have a Sapphire 7970 dual-x(non reference ) that will be utilized for the GPU. I will be replacing it early next year though as I want the GPU under water. I'm currently waiting for the release of the 780ti classified HC. The sticker price might shock me enough to go for a 290x + waterblock though. I've been with AMD for a while now, 4890 - 2 X 6870's - 7970, and I was hoping to give nvidia a shot this time around.
Speaking of water blocks, I will be getting back into water cooling with this build as well. With the front HD cages removed there is room in the ARC XL for a 2X140mm rad. I am going to be putting a Alphacool NexXxos Monsta in this spot. I am also hoping of being able to put another Alphacool NexXxos monsta up top. I got to do some measurements before I can know for certain if I can fit this beast up there. This is also the reason why I'm looking at the Corsair low profile ram as a 80mm thick rad will be hanging right next to the ram and I don't want a heat sink that is just for show preventing me from placing this monster where I want it. There is also another spot that I can put a 120mm Monsta built into the case at the bottom. This placement is the reason why I'm looking for a PSU that is relatively short in length as it will be going right next to this rad position. I will know for sure if it will work out once I receive my case. I currently own an EK supreme HF water block from my last endeavor in water cooling and I will be reusing this block. The res/pump is tentative at the moment, I'm leaning towards a Monsoon series two with a mcp35X pump. I might go with a tube res though... I am currently eye balling some 3/8 X 5/8 Yellow tubing along with assorted black compression fittings to tie everything together.
I will be ordering some MDPC sleeving, black and some yellow, as well to sleeve every cable.
Last edited: