$2000 X99 or Z97 Build?

[LucioSantella1]

I have a $2000 Z97 build that I have been working on here it is http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bmBkRB I think it's pretty good but now that X99 has been out I've been hearing a lot of good things about it and I was wondering if I should go for a X99 build or stay with mine. If x99 recommend me one, preferabley on pcpartpicker. But if Z97 is the choice give me advice on my build. Thanks Hope to hear a lot of answers!

 

[g-unit1111]

Depends on what the system is going to be used for. Gaming and every day usage - Z97. Rendering and content creation - X99. The main reason I say this is how expensive DDR4 is at the moment.

As far as your proposed build - it looks good with a few things I would change. One is the motherboard is overkill and the BD-R burner is not necessary. I would also go with a strong air fan like a Noctua D14 or Phanteks TC14PE over a closed liquid loop.

 

[-Lone-]

With just $2,000, I'd say go with x97 than x99.

 

[-Lone-]

This will do nicely if you're going to use it for gaming. I noticed you've only put 1TB of HDD, so I assume it's not for work stuff. I've only increased the RAM frequency to 2400, but it was only a dollar difference, lol. I've also changed the mobo to one with built in wifi ac adapter if you want that, since it was close to the price range, unless you care about looks of it. I think that's about the only things I've changed except for 2TB of WD black instead of blue, they're better overall than the others.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/bCbB7P

Edit: Or you can bump the mobo down to a lesser version of the pro without the wifi ac adapter and drop to 1TB of HDD if you don't use that much space and want to save yourself some money

 

[LucioSantella1]

Oh ok thanks for the help guys! I just have a couple of questions what does a wifi ac adapter do? And a specific question for G-unit1111 what mobo would you reccomend then?

 

[-Lone-]

Oh ok thanks for the help guys! I just have a couple of questions what does a wifi ac adapter do? And a specific question for G-unit1111 what mobo would you reccomend then?

It just scans for any wireless network to connect to if you want if you don't feel like using wired network or if the wire can't reach. AC connection is currently the fastest wireless connection available, but you'll need an AC router for that connection.

 

[MasterDell]

If we can't fit SLI 980s we aren't doing it right 😛
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/j3Z6P6

Just want to make sure that you know 2k can get you SLI 980's.

 

[LucioSantella1]

MasterDell the only thing is the other stuff isn't as great

 

[MasterDell]

MasterDell the only thing is the other stuff isn't as great

Very true. However this would still perform better. I know what you mean though, 8gb less of RAM, has an i5 and not an i7. But currently, you don't need either of those. They will not boost performance more than 3%.

 

[LucioSantella1]

I would disagree the i7 has a 4.0 base and the i5 has a 3.9 boost.

 

[MasterDell]

I would disagree the i7 has a 4.0 base and the i5 has a 3.9 boost.

That is true. But the difference in FPS is minimal. The i7 will usually get no more than 3FPS over the i5.

 

[-Lone-]

Let's not forget this build is not just solely for games, he needs more of others than a little improvement over graphics and they're a bit expensive for a little improvement.

 

[LucioSantella1]

I also have another question is the 980 worth it over the 970? A lot of people say the 980 is amazing but then I heard that it's only 10-20% better. Can someone enlighten me on this topic

 

[-Lone-]

I also have another question is the 980 worth it over the 970? A lot of people say the 980 is amazing but then I heard that it's only 10-20% better. Can someone enlighten me on this topic

What you've heard is correct, if you have a max of $2,500 budget, then I'd say go with the 980

 

[LucioSantella1]

$2,500? Is that with the monitor and stuff or? My budget is around $2000. Also if you don't mind me asking how much was your build and could you share a pcpartpicker list with me?

 

[LucioSantella1]

Edit- Around $2000 for the computer alone not the monitor. $2500 for both

 

[MasterDell]

Edit- Around $2000 for the computer alone not the monitor. $2500 for both

What resolution would you like to play at? SLI 970's would be better for 1440p. But if you plan on upgrading in the future, the single 980 would be best.

 

[-Lone-]

Edit- Around $2000 for the computer alone not the monitor. $2500 for both

I mean for 2x 980, then you might need 2500.

 

[LucioSantella1]

I am going to probably buy a 1080p monitor but a high quality one. Because the good 1440p are like 500. But in the future I might buy a second 980 or just a whole new card. And also maybe a 1440p monitor or another 1080p

 

[-Lone-]

This is my build, except for there's no price for the GPUs because they're out of stock, but just add $3,000 for the GPU and another $2,500 for the TV to the build.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9Trdt6

 

[-Lone-]

I am going to probably buy a 1080p monitor but a high quality one. Because the good 1440p are like 500. But in the future I might buy a second 980 or just a whole new card. And also maybe a 1440p monitor or another 1080p

I'd say get 970 SLI and save the money for a Asus ROG Swift and you'll have the best gaming experience

 

[g-unit1111]

Oh ok thanks for the help guys! I just have a couple of questions what does a wifi ac adapter do? And a specific question for G-unit1111 what mobo would you reccomend then?

The one I'm using now is the MSI Z97-G45 Gaming 5 and it's a very nice motherboard, I highly recommend it.

Here's what I would suggest for $2K assuming you don't need monitor:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($317.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($132.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($80.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($349.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1948.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 00:36 EST-0500

Has a nice black / red color scheme.

 

[LucioSantella1]

Do you think SLI is more worth it then a single 980? What are the pros and cons?

 

[Icaraeus]

SLI can cause a lot of problems with software that doesn't use more than a single GPU, like older games. You could also gain additional heat and stuff. The benefits are a potentially substantial increase in FPS, maybe 70-80% increase, but you can also lose FPS in stuff that don't support it.

 

[g-unit1111]

Do you think SLI is more worth it then a single 980? What are the pros and cons?

That again depends on what your monitor's resolution is or is going to be, and what the system is going to be used for. Gaming always benefits from having stronger graphics as opposed to stronger CPU, especially if you are going to be using a monitor that's 1440P or above.