CPU: i7 4790K 4C/8T @4.0.
This is definitive, as it appears to be the best option for my interests.
HEATSINK: CM Hyper 212 EVO
Definitely open to suggestions. Bear in mind I'm not too interested in overclocking, perhaps just some very light modification that should not compromise durability in any way.
MOTHERBOARD: Gigabyte Z97X-UD5H Black Edition.
Subject to change, but I've had unpleasant experiences with ASUS motherboards in the past and I'd like to try Gigabyte Mobos, especially for their dual BIOS capabilities. Still, I'm very open to alternative sets and I would like something durable, efficient, silent, also with good resistance to unfortunate situations such as sudden changes of tension / voltage, and so on.
GPU: AMD R9 280X Sapphire Vapor-X 3GB TRI-X OC with BOOST
I really like this card. It's the new variant with three fans and supposedly a much better noise ratio. Lots of people I have inquired with have attested its sheer tranquility, even when under serious load.
This could be pretty much set in stone, but I'm absolutely open to any suggestion that might be quieter and more efficient.
RAM: DDR3 16GB
Now, here's one aspect where I feel swayed by the sheer amount of options. I'm really asking for some advice here. I need fast RAM for multimedia applications, but I'd rather avoid something that leans too much on the overclocked side. 16GB quantity is set in stone.
STORAGE:
- Samsung 840 Pro 512GB (System Drive)
- Samsung 840 EVO 1TB (for certain applications, audio libraries and video editing folders)
- Western Digital Red 4TB (for media storage)
This is one of the most important aspects in this configuration and the one I'm the most inclined to invest on.
My workflow would immensely benefit from this triad of drives: the Samsung 840 Pro is needed as it provides a quantifiable excellency in video / audio production; the other 840 EVO is important to have as a support for audio libraries and other folders pertaining to multimedia work, so I need another SSD for this. The Western Digital Red is preferred to other WD models, since its server-oriented nature supposedly makes it more durable, less prone to sudden failures or unwanted energy-saving functions.
SOUNDCARD: Asus Xonar Essence STX
What a wonderful soundcard. I already had the ST model, which will be given to my brother, and I can't spend enough words of praise. Coupled with a few Op-amp modifications it can really shine for its price, so I'm looking to implement it again within my new build. A new model was released recently (the Xonar Essence II), but many users have reported it is not really worth the additional cost.
Besides, its incompatibility with the custom UniXonar drivers makes me opt for the first version once again.
OPTICAL DRIVE: Pioneer Blu-ray Drive
I have not chosen the exact model yet, so any suggestion in this regard is very much appreciated.
CASE: Fractal Design R2 XL
This is more or less definitive. I need something spacious and with soundproof capabilities, so this much-lauded model seems an ideal candidate.
CAPTURE CARD: Micomsoft SC-512N1-L/DVI
Now, this is a special interest of mine: this card allows to record footage from 240p retro consoles up to 1080p/60 content. The Micomsoft name speaks for itself and is generally a reference as far as recording quality and lagless playback ability is concerned.
POWER SUPPLY: Maybe CoolerMaster V750?
I wonder what PSU could adequately sustain my build, since the storage disks, the capture card and the Blu-ray drive supposedly will add up to the whole electrical demand. I need some suggestions on this.