i7-4790k GIGABYTE GA-Z87MX-D3H First Build

[dfinkdesign]

Hello all,

I am going to attempt my first build after much deliberation over the past few years. I have been a loyal mac fan for 10 years but I'm finding I need something in between an iMac and a mac pro but without a monitor.

Here is my proposed build. I have only built one PC before but I have some experienced friends to help. Any advice at all is appreciated.



Case: SILVERSTONE Fortress Series FT03T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163184

Motherboard: GA-Z87MX-D3H
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128601


Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117369


Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148657


Power Supply: CORSAIR RM Series RM650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=%20N82E16817139054

Cooling: ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev. 2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134


I chose this motherboard because I have a 27 inch cinema display so I needed a display port. I will be waiting on a video card to see if the onboard graphics are enough which is why I went with the 650w PSU. I will mainly be using this machine for graphic/web design using Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop along with general everyday use. I hope to have a quiet machine so any recommendations on case fan upgrades would be great.

Also, If I am forgetting anything obvious, please let me know.

Thank you all and I hope I didn't post this in the wrong section or title it wrong.

-Dave

 

[DrEskimo]

Looks good mate.

Only problem you might run into is using the Haswell Refresh CPU on the Z87 Board. The board will require an update to the latest BIOS in order to run this CPU. The issue is that to update it, you will need a compatible CPU, ie a Haswell CPU like the 4770.

 

[dfinkdesign]

So you mean I'd need to basically build it with an older haswell just to update it and then reinstall the new processor? It's listed on the 4790k compatible motherboard list. Can you explain further what I'm in for? I was sticking to the Z87 instead of the Z97 per the buyers guide saying for beginners use a tested board.

This is literally the only mATX gigabyte board with displayport which I need for my cinema display.

I am open to using another board and getting a video card with DP but that bumps my cost up. Any recommendations would be great.

Thanks!

 

[trs96]

So you mean I'd need to basically build it with an older haswell just to update it and then reinstall the new processor? It's listed on the 4790k compatible motherboard list. Can you explain further what I'm in for? I was sticking to the Z87 instead of the Z97 per the buyers guide saying for beginners use a tested board.

This is literally the only mATX gigabyte board with displayport which I need for my cinema display.

I am open to using another board and getting a video card with DP but that bumps my cost up. Any recommendations would be great.

Thanks!

It's very easy to update the bios on the Z87MX. If it doesn't come with the bios version that
supports Haswell Refresh cpus just take to a local PC shop and they can update it for a small
amount of money. You don't have to buy a second cpu just to do that. BTW where are you
able to find one of those they are quite scarce nowadays?

 

[dfinkdesign]

That's a good idea. Maybe I'll call some places to find out. They pop up on ebay all the time. There is one for 170 with a best offer right now. If you look at sold listings there are a lot.

Thanks for the input!

 

[trs96]

That's a good idea. Maybe I'll call some places to find out. They pop up on ebay all the time. There is one for 170 with a best offer right now. If you look at sold listings there are a lot.

Thanks for the input!

If you can't find one or lose out on bidding, the Asus Z97 Gryphon is a good alternative
with onboard displayport. There are a few guides in User builds you can follow too.

Amazon US

 

[dfinkdesign]

Yeah, I saw that but I value stability and compatibility more than anything. The 97 boards seem to have issues with sound and random things not working. This is my very first hackintosh and I'd like it to be as plug and play as possible.

 

[dfinkdesign]

Turns out a local shop only charges 15 bucks for a bios flash. They recommend it to anyone purchasing a motherboard from them so I bet they can do it no problem. Thanks for the tip!

Also, does anyone know how the stock cooler on the 4790k is? I am hoping for a quiet machine so I am between that and the one listed above.

I have a power supply question. No one has mentioned the silverstone strider power supplies on the buyer's guides. Would they work? I like the idea of getting the short cable kit since my case will be so small. Any tips or advice on keeping the case neat? Do they sell shorter cables for the corsair Rm series? I searched but found nothing.

Thanks!

 

[trs96]

For your I7-4790K the Intel stock cooler isn't even worth installing. The
Noctua NH-U12S costs a bit but is a necessary investment for a 4790K. IMO.

The Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo is also effective for use with an I7. Just
make sure it fits in your case. The Arctic Freezer R7 is quiet but not good
enough for any serious overclocking. The Silverstone Strider PSU would
probably be the best choice for that case.

 

[dfinkdesign]

I will not be overclocking which is why I'm going with the 4ghz stock i7. I don't really want to get into all that stuff for a marginal increase. At that point, ill just upgrade the processor and/or the motherboard. I don't think those will fit in the small case either.