Thoughts on this config

Looking to build a new gaming rig, and would like some input. I like MMOs (SWTOR) and FPS like FarCry and Call of Duty.
Currently using a Q9550 and GTX660 on Vista. I used the Slade for the configuration:

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Lian Li PC-P80NB (Workstation Class)
Processor: Intel Core i5 4690K 3.50 GHz (Codename Devils Canyon) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO (Intel Z97 Chipset) (The Ultimate Power Platform)
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1866MHz Corsair Dominator Platinum DHX (Extreme-Performance)
Power Supply: 850W EVGA SuperNOVA
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (128GB Samsung 850 PRO)
Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Western Digital - Black Edition)
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port
Graphics Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB (EVGA ACX Cooler Edition)
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster Z
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 Extreme Performance
Chassis Fans: Upgrade All Fans to Corsair Airflow Performance Edition (Up to 6 Fans)
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Blue)
CPU Boost: Stage 1: Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Professional (64-Bit Edition)


I would like any input on the following:

* The SSD is for the operating system, but would you recommend another SSD instead of the black edition for storing games - I have never gone over 200GB on a hard drive.

* Would you recommend a blow hole modification on the side of the case near the graphics card? Liquid cooling seems daunting and do not want to perform maintenance on it. Also read that the Slade case isn't the best for air cooling which is why I went with Lian Li.

* Having never used Windows 8 (currently on Vista), would you choose Windows 8 vs 7 for gaming? I use 7 at work and I like it, but also realize future gaming would be geared toward 8.

* Last, I love EVGA for video cards, but unsure of their PSUs. Would you recommend the Silverstone 1000W instead? Currently have a Silverstone in my rig that was build in '08 by ---------.


Thanks!!

EDIT: Competitor name removed - Alex

Edited by Alex - 17 Nov 2014 at 7:46am

Hi Drakennc, welcome to the Forum.

You need to give us a budget. That will influence the system configuration.

Here is an Air System built on the Velox case. The Velox is a super case for air and I think a better choice than the Lian Li, especially for a gaming rig. The Velox doesn't have HDD cages that block air flow. The Velox inverts the mother board so the GPU is on the top for easy exhausting of the GPU heat. There are two side fans that can blow directly onto the GPUs. Take a look at the gallery for the Velox and see what you think.

There is one problem with the Velox case. It won't be available for two weeks.

Frank


Configuration Code: 1096190, Cost: $2794

Specifications:

Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Digital Storm Velox
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 4790K 4.0 GHz (Codename Devils Canyon) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS MAXIMUS VII HERO (Intel Z97 Chipset) (The Ultimate Power Platform)
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1866MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 850W EVGA SuperNOVA
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (128GB Samsung 850 PRO)
Storage Set 2: 1x Storage (1TB Western Digital - Black Edition)
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 4GB (Includes PhysX)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 Extreme Performance
Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 1: Overclock CPU 4.0GHz to 4.4GHz
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty (3 Year Labor & 1 Year Part Replacement)

I am not sure what the standard fans with the Velox are and you might have to add a fan upgrade to get the side fans.

If this is too much money and you know you will never want SLI, we can save money on the mother board and power supply. You can save some money with the Apollo system but it doesn't have the air flow of the Velox.

Frank


Edited by FrankW - 17 Nov 2014 at 8:49am