< $2.5k gaming/work build

[adambean]

Hi all,

A bit rusty in the hardware world, open to any suggestions/criticisms. Only thing I'll be pulling from existing rig is a 2tb hdd (game installs).

My biggest questions/concerns are on the choice of mobo, case and gpu.

I 'think' everything else is good yeah? I've always bought full tower, but question If it's really needed. I never use more than 2-3 HDD's, to date have never done dual GPU's ... so I question if I shouldn't go with a mid?

Thanks!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2sXHHx

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($369.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110i GT 113.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($329.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($206.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($189.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($57.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $2470.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-23 08:28 EDT-0400

 

[Bossyfins]

What work do you do? Seems like this is more of a gaming rig other than work, but there are changes you could make..

1. You don't need a water cooler, I believe you went fo rthis for looks. A simple air cooler, can still look good and keep a good temp with an OC.

2. THat motherboard is a waste of money, really. You could easily get away with a Z170x Gaming 5 from gigabyte.

3. Ram, holy cow... Do you need 32 gigs? I would go 16 gig kit and get the same one again if need be.

4. Storage.. Just get 1 512 gig SSD. YOu did say you hav e a 2 tb with games.

5.PSU is over kill since you arn't planning on SLI. So just get a 750 watt,

6. Case is something up to preference. If you don't SLI, or use more than 4 hdds, look into the Define r4 Blackout, or the NZXT phantom 420.

EXample

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($319.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($154.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($103.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($162.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Blackout with Window ATX Mid Tower Case ($95.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($57.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1685.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-23 08:37 EDT-0400

 

[sadams04]

Pretty good. My thoughts are below...

CPU COOLER - Fine and all, but it won't do a better job of cooling over a good air cooler.
MB - Again a fine selection, but overkill for what you are after. Without considering SLI / CF there isn't much reason to go wtih an ATX board unless you know you will have a lot of discrete cards (WiFi, video capture, etc).
MEM - 32GB is a lot. Consider 16GB for now with the option to add more later.
CASE - Changed to a mid tower.
PSU - Way too large for a single GTX 980Ti. Properly sized if you were to add a second in SLI though...


Overclock as you please. Two memory slots open and you can add two more SATA drives. With the M.2 slot populated the SATA express port on the back will be disabled (they share bandwidth).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($369.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($93.48 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($153.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1720.30

 

[adambean]

Hi Boss, thanks for the reply!

1. Yeah, I don't think I need the water cooler either, this was a suggestion. I've never used one and know very little about them. Typically I don't OC either.

2. Ok good to know, typically I stick with Asus, no particular reason except my last 4 builds have all been Asus.

3. Yes, actually I wish I could do more. I do a lot with VM's/SQL for work.

4. The 1tb is just for work - VM's; whereas the 256gb will be for the o/s and apps and the other 2tb is for games.

5. Well, down the line I might? Doesn't save that much by scaling back a tad on the PSU does it?

6. For the case, I'm really going for look more than anything. That 820 is pretty slick. That Phantom looks pretty cool too.

 

[sadams04]

...or you could go with an X99 setup.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($378.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($64.75 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 Extreme4 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($154.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (Purchased For $0.00)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX TS 650W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1721.56

 

[adambean]

Thanks sadams,

So for sure it looks like I need to work on the CPU Cooler, Mobo and Case. I'm thinking keep the PSU as is for future expansion to dual GPU's (unsure If I will, but ... rather safe than sorry?).

So the Asus mobo you recommended, it saves ... ~$70, would I really be giving up anything I'd ever need/use?

 

[gondo]

Looks like you did your homework. I have a few comments.

What about a monitor, keyboard, mouse? Those can make all the difference in user pleasure and experience. If you don't already have, I'd get a 27" monitor and a nice keyboard/mouse such as something from Steelseries.

- If you do change your mind and decide you want the peripherals, things to downgrade to make up the cash are definitely the memory. 16GB is plenty.

- The 1TB SSD is optional since you already have a 2TB drive for storage. The 250GB SSD is plenty for windows and program installs and a couple of games. Other games could go on the 2TB and it won't affect performance, just load times basically. But the games being played could go on the 250GB.

- I'd definitely go full tower case. With todays design of the power supply being on the bottom and the motherboard being way up top sometimes with a mid tower the top of the motherboard is scraping the top of the case. The power supply connection sometimes is hard to connect next to the top of the case as well as the CPU fan. Unless full tower is physically too big for your space I'd go for it. A good case will last 20 years and many builds. Also I'm not a big NZXT fan. I like Antec and lately I really like Corsair's cases and have used them myself. Silverstone and LianLi make a good case.

- If your not gaming at 4k resolution then your video card is overkill. The 970 would be great and almost half the price of the 980.

- Also today's video cards are very energy efficient. So are the CPUs and the SSD hard drives. Not too long ago when SLI started with video cards people had 2 big video cards each drawing 300W, plus big CPUs, etc.... 1000W+ was required on the PSU. Things have changed and today a good 700W PSU will work and save you lots of money. Look at Antec for a good reliable power supply. Silverstone, Enermax and others also make good ones. And a nice 700W can be had for around $120 or less.

- Liquid cooling has it's problems as well. But it's quiet. And definitely a full tower if you want the liquid cooler. The corsair isn't bad but consider a matching corsair case designed for their coolers. Also with a good cooler consider overclocking and saving on the CPU. No need to go all out on the CPU and waste money.

- Also sound. Do you need speakers or headphones? What about a soundcard? Asus makes a nice soundcard. Are you using an external DAC for your sound? Anyways point being if you need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, or stuff for sound then I gave some tips on saving the cash required for those and still have a top end gaming rig. Don't forget $100 for windows 10.

 

[adambean]

Hi gondo,

- In time I want to replace them, but I have dual monitors now ... a bit dated and different brand sizes (27' Sammy, 24' Lg - looks weird).
- 32gb of memory is definitely a must have with what I do for work
- Yeah, I could probably get by for now with less storage, but would be nice to have it
- I've always had Corsair as well ... but seems like everyone is a big fan of these NZXT's lately. Really I'm just looking for something flashy and fun with LED's
- Won't be able to 4k ... yet, not until I get new monitors, but again buy it now vs. upgrade later yah? Hate having to swap GPU's later so figured go all in now.
- On the PSU, what If I ended up going dual (doubtful), but wouldn't I need something bigger?
- Never done liquid cooling, it makes me nervous, but again seems to be the fan favorite
- Nah, I'm good with the onboard sound cards ... Still rocking my Logitech 6 speaker setup from like a decade ago that is still pretty awesome
- Have an msdn subscription

Now you're making me think ... maybe I should downgrade a few areas so I can snag one solid monitor for 4k gaming ... You guys have already shown some areas where to scale back that may open enough up for a solid monitor. Any recommendations here?

 

[Bossyfins]

IF you do VMs and things like that, you will also want more cores. X99 is a much more preferable setup.

 

[logainofhades]

Leaving the option open for dual GPU.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($378.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI X99A Raider ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($217.59 @ Amazon)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000G2 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($160.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($52.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1915.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-23 11:37 EDT-0400

 

[gondo]

So 32GB it is. Consider the 1TB SSD and skip the 120GB. You can always create a partition for Windows. When do you plan on upgrading your monitors and gaming at 4k. If it's over a year away why not drop the video card now. In a year or 2 you could add a second at a good deal or just upgrade and get a new video card that is current. Buying a $700 video card now to use in 2 years is a waste of cash. In 2 years a $200 video card will do the same performance as a 980.

If you want to try liquid cooling consider matching the case to the unit. Liquid cooling is safe and quiet, and it does work. Read the reviews. match the corsair system with the corsair system, or the NZXT kraken coolers with their cases. NZXT reminds me of Zalman back in the day doing innovative coolers. I never used one so have no hands on experience with them. The phantom is a beautiful case.

The reason I have no experience with the NZXT is because once you buy a good case it'll last for 20 years. I have an Antec twelve hundred that must be 10 years old now. Do not cheap out on the case. Get what you want and use it through the years. I'd definitely look at NZXT as they have gotten tons of awards.

 

[adambean]

Ok, added a monitor (actually got that Samsung for $486.59 via Amazon warehouse deal) and scaled back on other components ... any additional suggestions here?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($369.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($151.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($186.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($86.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($341.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB STRIX Video Card ($654.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($47.00 @ Adorama)
Monitor: Samsung U28D590D 60Hz 28.0" Monitor ($599.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $2639.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-07 11:09 EST-0500

 

[adambean]

Latest revision ... went the wrong direction a bit.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($374.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($219.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($274.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($341.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB STRIX Video Card ($654.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG WH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($47.00 @ Adorama)
Other: Samsung U28D590D 60Hz 28.0" Monitor ($486.59)
Total: $2770.39
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-11 17:18 EST-0500

 

[adambean]

Also, just saw a warning on my build:

"The NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case supports video cards up to 305mm long, but video cards over 230mm may block drive bays. Since the Asus GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB STRIX Video Card is 305mm long, some drive bays may not be usable."

Should I be concerned?

 

[adambean]

So went to Micro Center today because they were the only ones that had the 6700k at a sale price ... I ended up leaving with the following, which is WAY off my original build. They all sold me on going with X99 + Haswell, which I have a hard time saying was smart going with the older gen. I don't know.

They had some great prices, but I'm not yet sure if the memory/case was a good buy. Do I really need anything better than 2400?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($459.99 @ Newegg) Got for $399.99 @ Microcenter
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i GT 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH X99 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($293.99 @ SuperBiiz) Got for $279.99 @ Microcenter
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($211.98 @ Directron) Got for $179.99 @ Microcenter
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.99 @ Amazon) Got for $59.99 @ Microcenter
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 960GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ Amazon) Got for $199.99 @ Microcenter
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB HYBRID Video Card ($699.99 @ Amazon) Got for $699.99 @ Microcenter
Case: Corsair 760T White ATX Full Tower Case ($134.99 @ Micro Center) + have $20 mail in rebate
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($181.99 @ SuperBiiz) Got for $156 @ Amazon
Total: $2340.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-30 16:27 EST-0500

 

[adambean]

Actually, newegg has this for Cyber Monday which I picked up and will return the Crucial unless someone says otherwise. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231824&ignorebbr=1

 

[adambean]

Not sure If I'm having buyers remorse or simply unsure. Spending this amount of money is never fun or easy when you're unsure if you spent it wisely.

I feel like everything is pretty solid, but would love some feedback on the skylake vs. haswell. The more I read, the more I'm seeing that the 5930k ... appears to be the better choice? I'm struggling with the mobo, thinking I want built in WiFi and BT from the Deluxe, but worth another $100? Probably not.

That, and the case. I really want to do something cool with lighting. I think that 760t will do me well; however the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe is crazy cool with the built-in track lighting. Are there others out there like this that I should be looking at?

 

[logainofhades]

The 6700k isn't worth what it is going for right now. A 5820k, is a better choice, than a 6700k, right now. 5930k is nice, if you need the extra PCI-E lanes. I doubt you would notice much difference in performance, ram wise. The 2400 is fine. . Skylake vs haswell performance wise is very minor, also.

 

[adambean]

The 6700k isn't worth what it is going for right now. A 5820k, is a better choice, than a 6700k, right now. 5930k is nice, if you need the extra PCI-E lanes. I doubt you would notice much difference in performance, ram wise. The 2400 is fine. . Skylake vs haswell performance wise is very minor, also.

Thanks! The 5930 was $80 more than the 5820...worth it or return?

Also, if I'm sticking with haswell... The Asus Saber tooth the best bet? I'm debating the deluxe...

 

[logainofhades]

I see little value in spending more on motherboard, than is necessary. You will have to read reviews and compare features, to see if they have what you really want. The 5930k is only worth it if you will make use of the extra pci-e lanes.

 

[adambean]

Yeah, I don't want to spend more on the Deluxe, but I do like the additional USB slots, WiFi and Bluetooth. Debating if perhaps there isn't a different brand to look at with similar features at a better price.

In said extra pci-e lanes ... meaning ... dual GPU's or other devices? Does the 5820 only support a limited amount of devices?

Thanks

 

[logainofhades]

For 3x and 4x SLI/CF setups, the 5930k is the better option. PCI-E SSD's can use up those lanes also.

 

[adambean]

Gotcha ... so in a typical 2x SLI without PCI-E SSD's ... I really don't need the 5930 then eh? Sounds like, save the $80?

 

[logainofhades]

I would. That $80 could always be used, for something else.

 

[Bossyfins]

If you plan on adding expansion cards like 3.1, more usb ports, or more GPUs, ssds, anything like that, i'd take the 5930k. But for 399.99 I'd keep it.