New to PC Gaming

Budget:
[$4000]

Expectations:
[I want this computer to run popular PC games.]

Usage:
[PC Gaming/General Use]


Hello.

I'm new to the world of PC Gaming. I was going to build my own, until I realized that I'm not a technician and have very little knowledge about computers.

However, I want to buy one, but I'm not sure if the parts I have selected are compatible, or would work well together.

I've been eyeballing the Bolt II, and am going to purchase it soon within a few months. However, I'm hesitant because I don't know if the customized options I chose with it are compatible together. Here's a rundown of the specs I chose with the Bolt II.

CPU:Intel Core i7 4790K 4.0 GHz (Will be overclocking to 4.4 GHz)
GPU: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 4GB (Includes PhysX)
Motherboard: ASUS Z97I-PLUS (Intel Z97 Chipset) (Mini-ITX)
RAM: 16GB DDR3 1866MHz Corsair Dominator Platinum DHX
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (1TB Samsung 850 PRO)
Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (3TB Seagate)
Cooling System: 240mm Radiator Liquid CPU Cooler
Power Supply: 700W Digital Storm Bolt II Edition
Chassis Fan: Corsair Air Series SP120 Fans (2x 120mm)

So, would these parts be compatible with each other? Would I need to upgrade or downgrade anything?

Thanks.

Thank you.

Everything else looks good though? The main thing I'm worried about is the power supply, and if it's enough or too much, or even too little. I must sound like a total noob.

I eyeball power supplies based on experience

850 watts gives headroom for overclocking or even adding a second video card if the motherboard supports it

For one video card, you should have plenty of headroom, seeing how I have put two videos cards into a PC and powered them with 800 watts ( roughly.)

Extreme overclocking can really pull a lot of power, but I am talking raising the voltage a lot ( which requires sufficient cooling to compensate)

It's hard to know exactly how much power you will need, which is why too much is not a bad idea if the cost is reasonable

As an idea, with dual GTX 780s (factory OC) and an overclocked i7 3770, I was pulling over 750 watts from the wall according to my Kill A Watt meter.   I do believe this is a worse case than you would see with modern hardware and SLI, at least with GTX 9xx and Haswell, but I could be wrong






Edited by michaeljhuman - 27 Jan 2015 at 11:59pm

Hi Nirvash1994.....  The Bolt 2 was recently modded, re-designed by DS to add  another 2" in height to accommodate the wider cards like the Strix.   The card sits vertical instead of horizontal as in regular size cases, so the added height makes it possible.

The Strix is a quality card with its main draw being Quiet, especially under light loads where the fans remain off until the temps hit 60 C I believe it is.  It also gives you a few fps better gaming over reference.    Up to you if the added cost is worth it.  For quiet and quality build its nice.  The added performance as-is is also nice but not a game changer but every frame helps.

Hope this helps.

Looks great.