Advice to Complete my Build (Mobo, GPU, CPU Cooler)

[melodude907]

Hey all! I've been researching components for a first time build but cannot decide which options would be the best for my build. I'm a avid gamer but I would also like to share the system with my wife who enjoys photo editing. Here are the components I've purchased so far:

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: NZXT H440 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

1) My biggest concern is the motherboard. I've been eyeballing the Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD5 TH but I think this would be too much seeing as I am only planning on using a single graphic card (either a GTX 1070 or GTX 1080). And seeing as the UD5 is SLI compatible I didn't feel I needed a feature I didn't plan on using.

2) As I stated above I'm not sure on either a 1070 or a 1080 graphics card. I've tried to understand the specs on them and they seem future proof for 4K 60FPS video playback. I've recently liked the specs on the Gigabyte GeForce 1080 Xtreme Gaming GPU.

3) I was looking into a Cryorig fan cooler for the CPU because I do want to overclock the CPU a little bit. But I'm open to alternative forms or alternative brands for preferred cooling methods to keep the machine running smooth.

I was also trying to stick with a red/black theme for the build. Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Chugalug_]

I can put together a build for you, but I need to know a few things.
Also the Cryorig H7 is a great value cooler, and should get you a modest overclock while keeping temps relatively cool.
Goes for $35 on Newegg at the moment, and is currently out of stock, with another shipment expected within the next week.
1. Will she need a very color accurate monitor for her work? Or is it more a casual thing?
2. Is there a potential for SLI in the future?
3. What is your maximum total budget? (Including monitor, OS, Keyboard, Mouse)
4. What is the budget you would like to stick to?
5. Will you overclock your graphics card?

 

[g-unit1111]

1) My biggest concern is the motherboard. I've been eyeballing the Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD5 TH but I think this would be too much seeing as I am only planning on using a single graphic card (either a GTX 1070 or GTX 1080). And seeing as the UD5 is SLI compatible I didn't feel I needed a feature I didn't plan on using.

Any full size motherboard you buy is going to be dual GPU compatible. That doesn't necessarily mean that you will use that feature. It's nice if you need it but if you don't use it it's no big deal.

2) As I stated above I'm not sure on either a 1070 or a 1080 graphics card. I've tried to understand the specs on them and they seem future proof for 4K 60FPS video playback. I've recently liked the specs on the Gigabyte GeForce 1080 Xtreme Gaming GPU.

4K you should definitely go for a 1080. Better would be to have two in SLI. 4K is an entirely different beast from 1080P and 1440P.

3) I was looking into a Cryorig fan cooler for the CPU because I do want to overclock the CPU a little bit. But I'm open to alternative forms or alternative brands for preferred cooling methods to keep the machine running smooth.

Definitely can't go wrong with Cryorig. I have both an R1 and an H5 and they're very solid coolers. I would recommend them as much as Noctua.

I was also trying to stick with a red/black theme for the build. Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated!

How much do you want to spend?

 

[melodude907]

I can put together a build for you, but I need to know a few things.
Also the Cryorig H7 is a great value cooler, and should get you a modest overclock while keeping temps relatively cool.
Goes for $35 on Newegg at the moment, and is currently out of stock, with another shipment expected within the next week.
1. Will she need a very color accurate monitor for her work? Or is it more a casual thing?
2. Is there a potential for SLI in the future?
3. What is your maximum total budget? (Including monitor, OS, Keyboard, Mouse)
4. What is the budget you would like to stick to?
5. Will you overclock your graphics card?

Hey Chugalug_

I was actually wondering why the price disappeared for the H7 in my partpicker. I was hoping the NZXT partnered cooler would be out sooner but I could always swap that out later for aesthetic purposes.

1) I just purchased a BenQ RL2455HM at the beginning of the summer. The red/black theme was designed for the case and components.

2) I wasn't planning on future SLI. The goal right now is to build a system that will set me up for the next 3-5 years with minimal upgrades. So for this build I would say its safe to stay in the 1080P-1440P range with a single GPU. If possible.

3) This is a great question because once I got these components figured out I was going to ask the community for these recommendations. I'm looking into getting a Corsair Gaming K70 LUX Mechanical Keyboard, Backlit Red LED, Cherry MX Red. I was actually going to test out the new SteelSeries Rival 700 mouse. Back to the question, my budget is below $1800.

4) I was hoping everything would have summer sales but I haven't had much luck. So to stick under $1800 would keep my wallet happy.

5) I haven't read much on overclocking the GPU. But I wouldn't count it out as a possibility.

 

[Chugalug_]

Okay, I would suggest in your case to use the RL2455HM as either a secondary monitor, so you can multi task say gaming and general browsing, or using it in a seperate PC for your wife, which I could also fit into your budget. Great 60Hz monitor though!

In regards to your original concern with GPUs, they both support 4k 60fps playback just fine, and neither can quite achieve 60fps 4k gameplay yet, the 1080ti will likely resolve this issue.

If you want to take full advantage of a 1080/1070, you want a 1440p 144hz monitor, with the good one starting at just over 500, would you be willing to budge on this front?
I'll get a build back to you soon.

You also forgot an answer to a question I asked! 😱
What is the nature of the photo editing mentioned, is it for work or just casual editing?

 

[melodude907]

1) My biggest concern is the motherboard. I've been eyeballing the Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD5 TH but I think this would be too much seeing as I am only planning on using a single graphic card (either a GTX 1070 or GTX 1080). And seeing as the UD5 is SLI compatible I didn't feel I needed a feature I didn't plan on using.

Any full size motherboard you buy is going to be dual GPU compatible. That doesn't necessarily mean that you will use that feature. It's nice if you need it but if you don't use it it's no big deal.

2) As I stated above I'm not sure on either a 1070 or a 1080 graphics card. I've tried to understand the specs on them and they seem future proof for 4K 60FPS video playback. I've recently liked the specs on the Gigabyte GeForce 1080 Xtreme Gaming GPU.

4K you should definitely go for a 1080. Better would be to have two in SLI. 4K is an entirely different beast from 1080P and 1440P.

3) I was looking into a Cryorig fan cooler for the CPU because I do want to overclock the CPU a little bit. But I'm open to alternative forms or alternative brands for preferred cooling methods to keep the machine running smooth.

Definitely can't go wrong with Cryorig. I have both an R1 and an H5 and they're very solid coolers. I would recommend them as much as Noctua.

I was also trying to stick with a red/black theme for the build. Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated!

How much do you want to spend?

I am hoping to spend less than $1800 on the entire build.

 

[melodude907]

Okay, I would suggest in your case to use the RL2455HM as either a secondary monitor, so you can multi task say gaming and general browsing, or using it in a seperate PC for your wife, which I could also fit into your budget.
In regards to your original concern with GPUs, they both support 4k 60fps playback just fine, and neither can quite achieve 60fps 4k gameplay yet, the 1080ti will likely resolve this issue.

If you want to take full advantage of a 1080/1070, you want a 1440p 144hz monitor, with the good one starting at just over 500, would you be willing to budge on this front?
I'll get a build back to you soon.

You also forgot an answer to a question I asked! 😱
What is the nature of the photo editing mentioned, is it for work or just casual editing?

Whoops! She does casual editing for friends and family. But IMO I would consider her work semiprofessional.

Edit: I wouldn't shut down a monitor upgrade if my system could output more. .

 

[Chugalug_]

This is what I have for you.
It goes over budget by 112 bucks, but includes a 1440p 144hz G-Sync monitor, a great deal on a power supply I found,
a mech keyboard and mouse, 6700k, Z170 board and a red and black theme.
I can bring it under budget, but only if you compromise a little on either the color theme, or overclocking.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/GfNy4C
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/GfNy4C/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($332.79 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A GAMING M5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($132.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk SSD PLUS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card ($429.00 @ B&H)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Rosewill 550W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 144Hz Monitor ($522.12 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Corsair STRAFE Wired Gaming Keyboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Chroma Wired Optical Mouse ($59.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1912.70
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-11 22:15 EDT-0400

 

[g-unit1111]

If you want to take full advantage of a 1080/1070, you want a 1440p 144hz monitor, with the good one starting at just over 500, would you be willing to budge on this front?

144hz is not needed for photo editing. Now for gaming it is, but for photo editing you don't need the extra hertz. I think 144hz is kind of overrated personally but that's just me.

I am hoping to spend less than $1800 on the entire build.

Now is gaming the primary use or is photo editing? If it's photo editing then gaming I might suggest going with a Xeon-based rig over an i7. Either way you could do this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($332.79 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A GAMING M5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($132.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.39 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card ($629.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks ECLIPSE P400S ATX Mid Tower Case ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1555.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-11 22:18 EDT-0400

Or:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1275 V5 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X150-PLUS WS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.41 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.39 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card ($629.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks ECLIPSE P400S ATX Mid Tower Case ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1529.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-11 22:19 EDT-0400

Or:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($409.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC12DX_BK 68.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI X99A GAMING 7 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($235.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.39 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card ($629.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks ECLIPSE P400S ATX Mid Tower Case ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1750.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-11 22:21 EDT-0400

 

[Chugalug_]

He just stated that it is semi professional for family and friends, meaning a photography monitor would not be required, making it much easier to include a monitor for gaming that doubles up!
He can use the BenQ RL2455HM for his wife if the S2716DG doesn't suit, or use it in dual monitor setup.

 

[melodude907]

@Chugalug_ @g-unit1111

These builds look awesome! I really appreciate the time you both have spent building systems that fit my budget, but I was mainly looking for input on motherboards and graphics processors. I already have my case, PSU, memory, and storage bought, but I was looking for feedback on components that would best have them communicate.

 

[Chugalug_]

@Chugalug_ @g-unit1111

These builds look awesome! I really appreciate the time you both have spent building systems that fit my budget, but I was mainly looking for input on motherboards and graphics processors. I already have my case, PSU, memory, and storage bought, but I was looking for feedback on components that would best have them communicate.

So would it still be an under 1800 budget for just those, the monitor and peripherals?
Or something different? 😵

 

[g-unit1111]

@Chugalug_ @g-unit1111

These builds look awesome! I really appreciate the time you both have spent building systems that fit my budget, but I was mainly looking for input on motherboards and graphics processors. I already have my case, PSU, memory, and storage bought, but I was looking for feedback on components that would best have them communicate.

So what have you bought already? I would be curious to know.

 

[Chugalug_]

Its in the original post.