new desktop

I put up the parts to my new build, hopefully the link below works. I was hoping people with more experience can give me any suggestions to improve or save on my build? Any good sound card/DAC options (preferably <$100-150) or just stick with integrated audio?

I will be doing remote desktop with some moderate CPU intensive tasks. I will try to undervolt and probably won't overclock but I am not sure if the non K CPUs allow any modding. I picked Crucial for memory as they are low profile (30mm height). The Silverstone case has a 58mm CPU cooler clearance and only takes SFX FF PSUs. I will play some RTS games including Starcraft 2. I already have speakers, Klipsch ProMedia 2.1; mouse/mousepad, Razer DeathAdder Chroma and Steel Series QcK; webcam, Logitech Pro 9000; as well as thermal grease, IC Diamond 7 Carat.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/sgogeta4/saved/r2zqqs

I appreciate any input!

 

That's some moderate Intensive CPU work there you got going. For that price you could get a already good pre-configured system ready to go. Did you look into that as well?

CPU Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor $239.95

CPU Cooler Silverstone AR06 40.2 CFM CPU Cooler $39.99

Motherboard Asus MAXIMUS VIII IMPACT Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard $238.99

Memory Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory $69.99

Storage Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive $217.97
Seagate Momentus SpinPoint 2TB 2.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive $94.99

Asus GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card $204.99

Case Silverstone RVZ02B HTPC Case $64.99

Silverstone 500W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply $94.99

Dell U2415 60Hz 24.1" Monitor $239.99

Keyboard Logitech G710 Plus Wired Gaming Keyboard $119.00

All good but why get a Gaming Keyboard if your not gaming I would consider basic Keyboard/Mouse combo. And get the Motherboard and CPU bundle that will lessen the price as well here. And HDD I get a 4-8tb that will do more for your long term storage. I got a 8tb Seagate and moving my data from my 14 WD 3tb HDD. And see if you can't get a CoolerMaster cooler - I like those better they been around longer to give me more confidence in them but that is my opinion. For the price of your Monitor I would go 27" and 2560x1440 at 144 if you can find them. But that is me.

 

I only tried a configured desktop from Puget from SPCR reviews and it was a bit more expensive than my current build. Are there any other system vendors that do good work and can cherry pick components? What benefits, other than it being built for me, are there?

I want a good mechanical keyboard with Cherry Browns that will outlast the system. The Logitech had good reviews in terms of fair build quality, convenient media controls, built-in O rings and standard/easily replaceable keycaps. If there are other mechanical keyboards that are good, I'd check them out. A close contender that I've consider is the Corsair K70.

The HDD is limited to the size of my ITX build, 2x 2.5" HDDs is the standard. I'm considering a 3-4TB 2.5" external HDD for storage (for travel) that can also give me more space if I need it. I think there is a way for 3.5" but I have to check the layout to see if it's doable given the GPU, etc. Same with the CPU cooler, the height clearance is limiting factor.

I don't mind going up on the monitor size but prefer to be 1080 resolution (or even better 1920x1200). Some of my applications on remote desktop scale poorly above that, same with Windows (occasionally). Any particular models? I prefer IPS panel.

 

27" at 1920x1080 isn't good. I have such a Dell and at 27" at that max resolution makes the icon big. I got a Asus 2540x1440 at 27" and the resolution are much better to the eyes. For complete Slim Desktop you can always check Asus or Dell or HP that makes the higher grade version Computers to see if those fits your needs as well.

 

I'll take a look in store with bigger monitors and their resolutions. Hopefully will still be able to get IPS for that price. Haven't found any of the slim desktops that can house a GTX 960 level GPU from the big companies, but I'll look again.

 

I think they have them you just have to say that is what your looking and if they want your money I know they will do that. IPS are good but remember they come at a cost a bit more then TN screens but I think if you find the right IPS it will be worth the money.