Setting up my FIRST build! - how does this look?

[Ponkass]

Hah, so here it it, my first post! Won't be the last I fear/hope.

After a couple of days of reserach I've decided to jump on the Hackintosh train and build a computer. I've been a Macer since 1992 and I'd say I know a fair bit about computers, but as a Mac person this means knowing things theoretically, and not practically, if you know what I mean. I have never built a computer from scratch before.

After looking through some guides I came up with the following list of components. The reason why I picked these, and what I hope they will bring me, is as follows:

• I want a fairly cheap build initially (this one comes to aprox 740EUR, and I don't want it to pass 900)
• I want a nice case and motherboard that I can grow with, and at this point not spend too much on the other components. I'm bying this to learn how to build it first and foremost, and want to later be able to add a better processor, a high-end dedicated graphics card, more RAM, etc.
• I want a build that is as bug and hassle free as possible. The less tinkering to set it up, the better, even if that means spending a few extra bucks.
• I want it to be QUIET.
• I want to be able to run both OSX and Windows (on separate drives/partitions)
• When the time comes to buy a dedicated graphics card I will most likely go with a GeForce card, because I want the CUDA support.

Here are the parts that I'm planning on ordering (I've used the BuyersGuide for March 2014):

Processor: Intel Core i5 4570 3,2Ghz
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/Intel-Prozessor-Sockel-LGA1150-Cache/dp/B00CV3E3WK/[/AMAZON-de]

Motherboard: Gigabyte Z87X-UD5H
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00CUYOSP2/[/AMAZON-de]

RAM: Crucial Ballistix 2x4GB
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/dp/B006Z1RHC2/[/AMAZON-de]

W-LAN: TP-Link
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/dp/B006PMX964/[/AMAZON-de]

System Drive: Samsung 840 Pro 128GB
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/dp/B009LI7CKI/[/AMAZON-de]

Power Supply: Corsair RM Series 650Watt
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00F4UYYGM/[/AMAZON-de]

Case: Fractal Design Define R4
[AMAZON-de]http://www.amazon.de/dp/B008NFWNFO/[/AMAZON-de]


What is your opinion on this build? Should I replace any of the parts, and if so, why?

Thanks a lot for your time!

 

[WonkeyDonkey]

Your parts certainly look fine, and should all be compatible.

One small observation; do you absolutely need a full size ATX board ? There are plenty of m-atx fully featured boards out there, a little cheaper and work just as well. You can still upgrade the CPU and graphics for it in future and still retain 4 memory slots.

Those big atx cases I just find a bit cumbersome these days and unless you plan to fill every slot, then m-atx might be a good option for you.

Also, take a look at the buyers guide which will give you a good starting point for lots of compatible hardware. You can find the latest one here, with lots of compatible goodies listed.

 

[Ponkass]

Your parts certainly look fine, and should all be compatible.

One small observation; do you absolutely need a full size ATX board ? There are plenty of m-atx fully featured boards out there, a little cheaper and work just as well. You can still upgrade the CPU and graphics for it in future and still retain 4 memory slots.

Those big atx cases I just find a bit cumbersome these days and unless you plan to fill every slot, then m-atx might be a good option for you.

Also, take a look at the buyers guide which will give you a good starting point for lots of compatible hardware. You can find the latest one here, with lots of compatible goodies listed.

Hey, thanks for the fast reply. I actually used the Buyers Guide to create the list. I'll make sure to use the links ones I order too.

About your mATX comment, that is definitely a valid point. Especially since I'm not planning on putting any PCI cards in it apart from the W-LAN. I'll have another look. Thanks!

 

[Ponkass]

Your parts certainly look fine, and should all be compatible.

One small observation; do you absolutely need a full size ATX board ? There are plenty of m-atx fully featured boards out there, a little cheaper and work just as well. You can still upgrade the CPU and graphics for it in future and still retain 4 memory slots.

Those big atx cases I just find a bit cumbersome these days and unless you plan to fill every slot, then m-atx might be a good option for you.

Also, take a look at the buyers guide which will give you a good starting point for lots of compatible hardware. You can find the latest one here, with lots of compatible goodies listed.

A thought, would this not affect my possibilities to put in a more potent cooling system?

 

[WonkeyDonkey]

A thought, would this not affect my possibilities to put in a more potent cooling system?

Not with a decent cooler. Thats one thing you should not skimp on. There are some very quiet coolers out there indeed. Noctua are one of the best in their field, not cheap, but superb quality.

 

[Ponkass]

Ok, cool. Would you advice me to get a cooler straight away with this built? Even before I buy the graphics card?

 

[sebgreen]

A thought, would this not affect my possibilities to put in a more potent cooling system?

Choosing ATX or mATX board should not effect the cooling options. The amount of fan headers may differ, but realistically as long as you don't have 5+ case fans you will be ok. As you want a quiet machine I don't think this will be the case.

You don't seem to plan on overclocking the processor so you wont need any major cooling setups.

 

[WonkeyDonkey]

Ok, cool. Would you advice me to get a cooler straight away with this built? Even before I buy the graphics card?

You should pick your board first, then work around its size & dimensions. Also see what other people are using it by searching the forums.

 

[Ponkass]

Found a great thread. Really like this case.

http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...a-z87mx-d3h-16gb-ram-gtx-650ti-boost-1gb.html

Thanks again!

 

[Koalaman]

Found a great thread. Really like this case. http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...a-z87mx-d3h-16gb-ram-gtx-650ti-boost-1gb.html Thanks again!

As an owner of a Prodigy M (working towards a G5 mod), I can tell you that cooling solutions/fans/everything becomes an issue when working with a case so small. I have a Corsair h80 water block with 2 noctua fans as my only source of "cooling" even though there's room for more fans. I also have 2 ssds, an r9 290x, and a modular power supply, but everything is still a tight fit so I would advise you to carefully plan each part out to ensure they will all fit.