Description
This is my first completed PC build, thanks to my first engineering job out of college. I'll admit that this isn't the first running build - my first running desktop dates back to December. Back then, I had an MSI GTX 970 GPU, a Corsair SPEC-03 case, an EVGA B2 PSU, a CoolerMaster D92 cooler, and none of the extra accessories (fans, cables, LEDs). I iterated on that build over the past few months until I basically ran out of features to improve.
My original build also had an internal optical drive, but I took that out of the final build to save myself some cable management and aesthetics and bought an external drive instead. The wireless card doesn't get too much use, but it actually complements the look of this build very well, so I don't kick myself too much over that. I also wish I had gone mATX, but at least I had plenty of options for mid-tower cases, including this beautiful case.
I mostly use this build to play games (currently Witcher 3, Dark Souls 3, Overwatch) on my dual QNIX2710 Korean monitors overclocked to 96 Hz, which I picked up for a crazy-low $373 back in November. I also do a small amount of streaming for fun, just to make use of the overpowered hardware I put into this machine.
Yes, I know the PSU is overkill, especially since I'm unlikely to go SLI. However, when this PSU was on sale, it was only about $20 more expensive than the 650W P2, so I went for it. Poor reasoning, I know, but let's face it: if the extra large milkshake is only $0.20 more expensive, it's pretty tempting to get more bang-for-buck by spending just a little bit more.
Part Reviews
CPU
No complaints - very fast processor with very manageable temperatures.
CPU Cooler
I have not been disappointed by the gold standard of AIO CPU coolers. The braided sheaths on the tubes look very good in-person, and I personally like the design of the pump better than most other pump designs, including Corsair's other designs. Like most reviews point out, the stock fans get very loud if they ever ramp up at all, so I replaced them with the obvious choice: SP120 Quiets. The software isn't great either, but I rarely touch it anyways, so I can overlook this fault. I'm also a little disappointed the cooler only comes with pre-applied thermal paste; I feel that a small tube should always be included with a CPU cooler.
Motherboard
Really solid motherboard overall and comes with features (USB 3.1-C, M.2 slots, U.2 slot) that should keep it relevant for some time now. As most reviews will say, the BIOS interface is relatively easy to use, although it can be difficult to find certain specific features if you don't read the manual. I took a star away because I have had intermittent boot issues, but they seem to go away quickly, so I haven't diagnosed a cause for these issues yet. Aesthetically, I don't like how the MOSFET covers look like they're covered in a red sticker instead of the nice metallic finish on the other parts of the motherboard, but otherwise it's a very good-looking motherboard.
Memory
Sleek with a soft metallic finish. I've had no issues, and therefore have no complaints.
Storage
Very compelling mid-range SSD with good warranty and dependability. Samsung software has been pretty impressive so far.
Video Card
Although the price of this GPU would indicate that it's a "lower-tier" 980Ti, don't be fooled - I have mine easily overclocked over 1450 MHz while temperatures never exceed 72 Celcius when pushing the GPU to the fullest on Rise of Tomb Raider and Witcher 3.
Case
In a market and price range currently filled with many compelling options, I ended up with this case simply because I found the least amount to dislike about it. Great features include the HUGE side window, air filters at every entry point, good cable management, basement compartment with PSU and SSD visibility, and great radiator/water cooling support. I dislike the quality of both side panels, but I'm willing to take that hit for a case that is essentially a more affordable version of the Phanteks Evolv ATX case. My only other complaint is that the acrylic window builds up static electricity easily and therefore attracts dust easily, even after careful cleaning.
LEDs fit really well around the sides and bottom of the case and make the insides look spectacular.
Power Supply
Very solid PSU with nearly a perfect score on johnnyguru. Eco mode is actually a really nice feature that I undervalued until I owned the unit. My biggest complaint is that the motherboard pin is a 26-wire cable, which means that my custom cables look a little off with 26 wires awkwardly branching out of a 24-pin connector. I know that's a very subtle detail, but it's something to keep in mind if you plan on using custom cables with this unit.
Wireless Network Adapter
Looks great, performs great, especially with the external antennae. No complaints.
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