- Sep 15, 2016
- 2
- 0
- 1,510
Please read in its entirety before responding - cheers.
Introduction:
Hello there! I have been working on this concept for a few weeks now and as I get closer to pulling the trigger I was hoping to get some feedback from the community. My main goal with this build is to merge my needs for both Windows and Mac into a single powerhouse unit. I love the process and take pride in the computer building process/finished product, so I am aiming for a higher end build.
Basics of Computer Usage:
The windows side of things would be used for gaming and a Windows based business program that I use (Agtek 4D). On the other side, the Mac OS would be used for music production/video rendering and CAD design. I do a lot of Visualization work. So this thing really needs some power.
Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
notes: In my opinion this is a pretty clear choice.
CPU & GPU Cooler:
- NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
- NZXT Kraken X41 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler w/ NZXT G10
or
- Custom EKWB Loop
notes: I like the ease of the Kraken setup and the aesthetics of the custom loop. I feel that either will work.
Motherboard:
- Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
or
- Asus Z170-PREMIUM ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
notes: GA-z170 has dual M.2 ports which I draws me towards it. However, with a primarily white build I like the Asus z170, even if it only has 1xM.2. I need all the additional features of the Asus model (bluetooth, thunderbolt, integrated wireless is nice, ect) or I would just go with the -A model.
Memory:
- G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
or
- G.Skill TridentZ Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3466 Memory (Newegg only - No PCpartPicker)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (x2)
Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (x2)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FTW Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card
notes: I eventually would like to SLIx2
Case: NZXT H440 (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Concept
I like the idea of running both operating systems on separate M.2 SSD's. On start up it would basically pick between one or the other. Partitioning a single M.2 would work the same, but if the MOBO has dual M.2 why not let each have their respected port? The 2x 850's would be for storage along with maybe a 2TB HDD. Hopefully both sides of the secondary storage could be accessed from either OS system.
Aesthetics is something that is taken into consideration. As of now I like the White theme with multiple RGB led's to light the case. May do some custom cutting in the top/front of the case itself and line it with LED's. I do a lot of video mixing as well (Resolume) and I am trying to find a way to integrate the case LED's to the software, maybe with an Arduino? I think it would be pretty cool to custom map all the LED's in the case and be able to control them individually, like a video wall.
Community Response
I am pretty open to discussion and responses. I am looking for input on what direction to take this thing. I am by no means a computer expert, so I am looking for responses on both the hardware, aesthetics, as well as the conceptual idea of what I am trying to accomplish. I am looking to purchase and build within the next 2-5 weeks.
Thank You
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this and maybe even ponder some ideas. Everything helps. I will keep this updated as much as I can depending on the responses that arise.
Introduction:
Hello there! I have been working on this concept for a few weeks now and as I get closer to pulling the trigger I was hoping to get some feedback from the community. My main goal with this build is to merge my needs for both Windows and Mac into a single powerhouse unit. I love the process and take pride in the computer building process/finished product, so I am aiming for a higher end build.
Basics of Computer Usage:
The windows side of things would be used for gaming and a Windows based business program that I use (Agtek 4D). On the other side, the Mac OS would be used for music production/video rendering and CAD design. I do a lot of Visualization work. So this thing really needs some power.
Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
notes: In my opinion this is a pretty clear choice.
CPU & GPU Cooler:
- NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
- NZXT Kraken X41 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler w/ NZXT G10
or
- Custom EKWB Loop
notes: I like the ease of the Kraken setup and the aesthetics of the custom loop. I feel that either will work.
Motherboard:
- Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
or
- Asus Z170-PREMIUM ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
notes: GA-z170 has dual M.2 ports which I draws me towards it. However, with a primarily white build I like the Asus z170, even if it only has 1xM.2. I need all the additional features of the Asus model (bluetooth, thunderbolt, integrated wireless is nice, ect) or I would just go with the -A model.
Memory:
- G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
or
- G.Skill TridentZ Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 3466 Memory (Newegg only - No PCpartPicker)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (x2)
Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive (x2)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FTW Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card
notes: I eventually would like to SLIx2
Case: NZXT H440 (White/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Concept
I like the idea of running both operating systems on separate M.2 SSD's. On start up it would basically pick between one or the other. Partitioning a single M.2 would work the same, but if the MOBO has dual M.2 why not let each have their respected port? The 2x 850's would be for storage along with maybe a 2TB HDD. Hopefully both sides of the secondary storage could be accessed from either OS system.
Aesthetics is something that is taken into consideration. As of now I like the White theme with multiple RGB led's to light the case. May do some custom cutting in the top/front of the case itself and line it with LED's. I do a lot of video mixing as well (Resolume) and I am trying to find a way to integrate the case LED's to the software, maybe with an Arduino? I think it would be pretty cool to custom map all the LED's in the case and be able to control them individually, like a video wall.
Community Response
I am pretty open to discussion and responses. I am looking for input on what direction to take this thing. I am by no means a computer expert, so I am looking for responses on both the hardware, aesthetics, as well as the conceptual idea of what I am trying to accomplish. I am looking to purchase and build within the next 2-5 weeks.
Thank You
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this and maybe even ponder some ideas. Everything helps. I will keep this updated as much as I can depending on the responses that arise.
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