First Time Building Gaming PC

[8hellanarujen8]

Hi!

I've been using an iMac for the past 7 years, and over those years I've become increasingly interested in playing games on Steam, animating, drawing, etc., so I figured it's time to let it retire and to dive into the world of gaming PC's. =) This will be my first build, so I'm completely open to suggestions and tips.

Approximate Purchase Date: December to next May.

Budget Range: $2800 (less would be nice ;P)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, video editing, animating, rendering, movies, streaming, browsing.

Parts Not Required: Headphones

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: pcpartpicker.com (or any other suggestions you have)

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: No

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: Neither



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

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($88.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($154.85 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Desktop HDD 4TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.75 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 w/Window (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($129.95 @ B&H)
Sound Card: Asus Xonar DX 24-bit 192 KHz Sound Card ($79.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($14.65 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Cougar Vortex PWM 70.5 CFM 120mm Fan ($14.65 @ OutletPC)
Fan Controller: NZXT SENTRY 3 Fan Controller ($28.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 24.0" 144Hz Monitor ($229.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G502 Wired Optical Mouse ($76.97 @ Amazon)
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones ($96.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2236.05

If you know if any of the parts would be cheaper somewhere else or if that there's a part better or as good that's cheaper, please say so!

Thanks in advance!

 

[jtabb1256]

GTX 1070 instead of 980ti

If you're not looking to build until December - May, then wait for AMD Zen.

SLI is Nvidia's way of using more than one graphics card.
Crossfire is AMD's.

I think most people would go with the g502 over the g400s.

You probably don't need more than 16gb RAM.

For storage, you probably should go with a 500gb samsung 850 evo or a samsung 950 pro (IF you do stuff that has long, continuous reads). AND a 1tb 7200rpm hard drive.

That is a quality power supply.

You don't need thermal paste for that CPU Cooler. It comes with its own.

 

[Electonic]

Just a quick note, if possible, use an ethernet cord for internet rather than Wifi. Not only does it inprove the ping(albeit only a little), it also increases reliability and reduces your costs. Its fine if it is not an option, but in my(very) recent experiences with my router and Wifi network, ethernet is faster, more reliable, and just all around better and easier to work with.
Good luck

 

[8hellanarujen8]

GTX 1070 instead of 980ti

If you're not looking to build until December - May, then wait for AMD Zen.

SLI is Nvidia's way of using more than one graphics card.
Crossfire is AMD's.

I think most people would go with the g502 over the g400s.

You probably don't need more than 16gb RAM.

For storage, you probably should go with a 500gb samsung 850 evo or a samsung 950 pro (IF you do stuff that has long, continuous reads). AND a 1tb 7200rpm hard drive.

That is a quality power supply.

You don't need thermal paste for that CPU Cooler. It comes with its own.

Done and done!

I shall do that then. =)

Is one better than the other? Or is it more of a personal preference?

Huh. I'm surprised I didn't notice that one. All right, I changed it to that one.

Haha, you're right. I researched it some more and they said anything over 16GB is overkill, so I'll just get one of the 16GB.

When you say "AND a 1TB 7200rpm hard drive," is that along with the first SSD or the second one? Or either one? Also, what stuff would one do that would have long, continuous reads? I'm sorry. I'm new to this.

Oh. I didn't even notice that that CPU Cooler came with its own. Thank you for letting me know. =)

 

[8hellanarujen8]

Just a quick note, if possible, use an ethernet cord for internet rather than Wifi. Not only does it inprove the ping(albeit only a little), it also increases reliability and reduces your costs. Its fine if it is not an option, but in my(very) recent experiences with my router and Wifi network, ethernet is faster, more reliable, and just all around better and easier to work with.
Good luck

Thank you for the suggestion. =) I would prefer to do that, but unfortunately the router is in the laundry room downstairs while the PC will be in my bedroom, which is upstairs.

 

[jtabb1256]

GTX 1070 instead of 980ti

If you're not looking to build until December - May, then wait for AMD Zen.

SLI is Nvidia's way of using more than one graphics card.
Crossfire is AMD's.

I think most people would go with the g502 over the g400s.

You probably don't need more than 16gb RAM.

For storage, you probably should go with a 500gb samsung 850 evo or a samsung 950 pro (IF you do stuff that has long, continuous reads). AND a 1tb 7200rpm hard drive.

That is a quality power supply.

You don't need thermal paste for that CPU Cooler. It comes with its own.

Done and done!

I shall do that then. =)

Is one better than the other? Or is it more of a personal preference?

Huh. I'm surprised I didn't notice that one. All right, I changed it to that one.

Haha, you're right. I researched it some more and they said anything over 16GB is overkill, so I'll just get one of the 16GB.

When you say "AND a 1TB 7200rpm hard drive," is that along with the first SSD or the second one? Or either one? Also, what stuff would one do that would have long, continuous reads? I'm sorry. I'm new to this.

Oh. I didn't even notice that that CPU Cooler came with its own. Thank you for letting me know. =)

Using crossfire or sli is not normally recommended. A single gpu is great and more stable / has more support.

For the SSD, I meant you should probably use a traditional SATA SSD. The 850 evo has both versions. If the m.2 is cheaper or if you just don't want extra wires going to a drive, then I guess you could go for it over the SATA version.

A typical storage setup is using a SSD for your OS + common applications + common games and a HDD for backups, pictures, other files, etc. Personally, 500gb is enough for me, but if you have a lot of data or games, having that extra storage is nice. And it's an easy way of backing up data from your main drive.

I took another look at your monitor. If you really want 1440p @ 144fps, you'll need a gtx 1080.
I would suggest looking into IPS vs. TN and see if you think you'd care.
Freesync is for AMD cards. GSync is for Nvidia cards (GTX 1070 and 1080). It's up to you if you think Gsync is worth it.

For what it's worth, I think I'm going to use a 60hz 1440p ips + gtx 1070, but if you're doing a ton of first person shooters, then maybe a 144hz 1440p tn (Or ips if you can afford it) + gtx 1080 would be better for you.

If you want to save money and you're not going to be crazy overclocking, you could get a cheaper motherboard. Up to you if want the extra features and stuff that the Hero offers.

You could also save money with the case. A phanteks enthoo pro or a fractal design define r5 are both good cases that are cheaper. You probably wouldn't need additional fans for any case you get.

Back to the GPU, it does matter which version of the gtx 1070 or 1080 you get. I'm looking at the MSI gaming x. It depends how much it costs over other versions though.

 

[8hellanarujen8]

GTX 1070 instead of 980ti

If you're not looking to build until December - May, then wait for AMD Zen.

SLI is Nvidia's way of using more than one graphics card.
Crossfire is AMD's.

I think most people would go with the g502 over the g400s.

You probably don't need more than 16gb RAM.

For storage, you probably should go with a 500gb samsung 850 evo or a samsung 950 pro (IF you do stuff that has long, continuous reads). AND a 1tb 7200rpm hard drive.

That is a quality power supply.

You don't need thermal paste for that CPU Cooler. It comes with its own.

Done and done!

I shall do that then. =)

Is one better than the other? Or is it more of a personal preference?

Huh. I'm surprised I didn't notice that one. All right, I changed it to that one.

Haha, you're right. I researched it some more and they said anything over 16GB is overkill, so I'll just get one of the 16GB.

When you say "AND a 1TB 7200rpm hard drive," is that along with the first SSD or the second one? Or either one? Also, what stuff would one do that would have long, continuous reads? I'm sorry. I'm new to this.

Oh. I didn't even notice that that CPU Cooler came with its own. Thank you for letting me know. =)

Using crossfire or sli is not normally recommended. A single gpu is great and more stable / has more support.

For the SSD, I meant you should probably use a traditional SATA SSD. The 850 evo has both versions. If the m.2 is cheaper or if you just don't want extra wires going to a drive, then I guess you could go for it over the SATA version.

A typical storage setup is using a SSD for your OS + common applications + common games and a HDD for backups, pictures, other files, etc. Personally, 500gb is enough for me, but if you have a lot of data or games, having that extra storage is nice. And it's an easy way of backing up data from your main drive.

I took another look at your monitor. If you really want 1440p @ 144fps, you'll need a gtx 1080.
I would suggest looking into IPS vs. TN and see if you think you'd care.
Freesync is for AMD cards. GSync is for Nvidia cards (GTX 1070 and 1080). It's up to you if you think Gsync is worth it.

For what it's worth, I think I'm going to use a 60hz 1440p ips + gtx 1070, but if you're doing a ton of first person shooters, then maybe a 144hz 1440p tn (Or ips if you can afford it) + gtx 1080 would be better for you.

If you want to save money and you're not going to be crazy overclocking, you could get a cheaper motherboard. Up to you if want the extra features and stuff that the Hero offers.

You could also save money with the case. A phanteks enthoo pro or a fractal design define r5 are both good cases that are cheaper. You probably wouldn't need additional fans for any case you get.

Back to the GPU, it does matter which version of the gtx 1070 or 1080 you get. I'm looking at the MSI gaming x. It depends how much it costs over other versions though.

Ah, OK. Makes sense.

Thank you for explaining that to me. My current computer has 1TB of storage, and that's just about enough for me, so I think I’ll get the 1TB SSD.

Thank you for the suggestion. I looked into IPS vs. TN and I would definitely prefer TN for right now. Despite being into photography, animating, etc. I’d rather wait to get an IPS monitor down the road. Not to mention I don’t play a ton of first person shooters. What do you think of the Asus VG248QE 24.0" 144Hz Monitor?

I’m actually not planning on overclocking at all, but even so, I think I’ll stick with the Motherboard I chose. Mainly because I wouldn’t be saving that much money. If it were $200 or more then it'd be a different story.

I looked at both of those prior to choosing the NZXT Phantom, and pretty much the main reason why I chose it is because the way it looks. I mean, I could go with a Fractal Design Define, but then a few months later when I have the extra money to spend I would get the NZXT Phantom, and to go through taking all of the parts out of the other case and putting them in it would be too much of a hassle. You wouldn’t get any case fans? I guess the CPU Cooler and the fan that comes with the case would be enough, but I just wanted to be safe. I won’t get those two case fans if you think it’s highly likely that I won’t need them.

After doing more research, I decided that I'll get the MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card. I figured that whenever I upgrade my monitor to 1440 then I’ll get the 1070. 😛

 

[jtabb1256]

Okay.

The nzxt case's fans seem to be adequate, but loud: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phantom-820-computer-case-review,3330-5.html

I don't recommend a 1tb SSD because of price. I'd recommend a 500GB SSD + 1TB HDD.

If you're not going to be doing FPS, then why get 144hz tn? I'd get a 60hz ips if that's the case.

 

[8hellanarujen8]

Okay.

The nzxt case's fans seem to be adequate, but loud: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phantom-820-computer-case-review,3330-5.html

I don't recommend a 1tb SSD because of price. I'd recommend a 500GB SSD + 1TB HDD.

If you're not going to be doing FPS, then why get 144hz tn? I'd get a 60hz ips if that's the case.

Oh, OK. Thank you for letting me know. I changed it to a Fractal Design Define R5.

Done and done.

Because I am going to be playing FPS's. Just not as much as someone who REALLY loves FPS's.

 

[jtabb1256]

Okay. Any more questions?

 

[g-unit1111]

Okay.

The nzxt case's fans seem to be adequate, but loud: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phantom-820-computer-case-review,3330-5.html

I don't recommend a 1tb SSD because of price. I'd recommend a 500GB SSD + 1TB HDD.

If you're not going to be doing FPS, then why get 144hz tn? I'd get a 60hz ips if that's the case.

I own NZXT cases (specifically the H440), I think complaints about noise levels are just nit picking. What's noisy to one person is quiet to someone else. I'd for an H440 or Phanteks Enthoo Pro before I would go with a Define R5.

Actually I would not get a 500GB SSD, on that budget you should be going M2 or bust. And things like case fans, fan controllers, thermal compound, headphones, sound cards, and so on are not necessary purchases. Here's a build I might suggest for your budget:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($429.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG A80 128.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($124.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty X99X Killer ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card ($649.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($115.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $2045.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-27 15:01 EDT-0400

Has the new i7-6800K, a GTX 1080, an M2 drive and costs less than the proposed build.

 

[8hellanarujen8]

Okay. Any more questions?

Nope! That pretty much does it. Thank you for all of your help! =)

 

[8hellanarujen8]

Okay.

The nzxt case's fans seem to be adequate, but loud: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phantom-820-computer-case-review,3330-5.html

I don't recommend a 1tb SSD because of price. I'd recommend a 500GB SSD + 1TB HDD.

If you're not going to be doing FPS, then why get 144hz tn? I'd get a 60hz ips if that's the case.

I own NZXT cases (specifically the H440), I think complaints about noise levels are just nit picking. What's noisy to one person is quiet to someone else. I'd for an H440 or Phanteks Enthoo Pro before I would go with a Define R5.

Actually I would not get a 500GB SSD, on that budget you should be going M2 or bust. And things like case fans, fan controllers, thermal compound, headphones, sound cards, and so on are not necessary purchases. Here's a build I might suggest for your budget:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($429.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG A80 128.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($124.50 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty X99X Killer ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card ($649.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($97.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($115.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $2045.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-27 15:01 EDT-0400

Has the new i7-6800K, a GTX 1080, an M2 drive and costs less than the proposed build.

Thank you for the build suggestion. =) I like it, though I have a question. I understand that those items you mentioned are not necessary, but do they have benefits? Like the sound card and the case fans. From what I've read a sound card can make the audio sound better, and when it comes to case fans they help to keep things extra cool. If there are benefits then I would definitely be willing to shell out the extra money for them. Oh, and what is M2? I haven't heard of that. Is it a next generation SSD?

 

[g-unit1111]

Thank you for the build suggestion. =) I like it, though I have a question. I understand that those items you mentioned are not necessary, but do they have benefits? Like the sound card and the case fans. From what I've read a sound card can make the audio sound better, and when it comes to case fans they help to keep things extra cool. If there are benefits then I would definitely be willing to shell out the extra money for them. Oh, and what is M2? I haven't heard of that. Is it a next generation SSD?

They really don't. Sound cards only sound better on multi-channel audio systems but even then the onboard sound on the motherboard handles everything you need. Sound cards are becoming a thing of the past.

As far as case fans go I wouldn't worry about buying more because I would just wait until you get your PC setup and then you can determine how your air flows once you get your cooler installed. Then you can figure out how many fans and what size you need based on that. Depending on what kind of cooler you get, if you get a standard single or dual tower heat sink, you have to set up your air flow so that it moves air out of the tower (any other setup will cause air to recirculate and that's a bad thing), and if you get a radiator you have to setup your air in what's called a "push / pull" configuration. So don't worry about case fans until you actually have your system setup and you can determine what you need based off that.

M2 is a next generation SSD that is faster, smaller, and uses less power than the current generation SSDs do. It's still new technology so it's not as proven as standard SSDs are but if you want to try that form factor, they have the fastest read - write times of just about anything on the market, maybe save for those ridiculous Intel PCI-e SSD drives that retail for $1K+.

 

[jtabb1256]

Thank you for the build suggestion. =) I like it, though I have a question. I understand that those items you mentioned are not necessary, but do they have benefits? Like the sound card and the case fans. From what I've read a sound card can make the audio sound better, and when it comes to case fans they help to keep things extra cool. If there are benefits then I would definitely be willing to shell out the extra money for them. Oh, and what is M2? I haven't heard of that. Is it a next generation SSD?

They really don't. Sound cards only sound better on multi-channel audio systems but even then the onboard sound on the motherboard handles everything you need. Sound cards are becoming a thing of the past.

As far as case fans go I wouldn't worry about buying more because I would just wait until you get your PC setup and then you can determine how your air flows once you get your cooler installed. Then you can figure out how many fans and what size you need based on that. Depending on what kind of cooler you get, if you get a standard single or dual tower heat sink, you have to set up your air flow so that it moves air out of the tower (any other setup will cause air to recirculate and that's a bad thing), and if you get a radiator you have to setup your air in what's called a "push / pull" configuration. So don't worry about case fans until you actually have your system setup and you can determine what you need based off that.

M2 is a next generation SSD that is faster, smaller, and uses less power than the current generation SSDs do. It's still new technology so it's not as proven as standard SSDs are but if you want to try that form factor, they have the fastest read - write times of just about anything on the market, maybe save for those ridiculous Intel PCI-e SSD drives that retail for $1K+.

M.2 is just a form factor. The samsung 850 evo m.2 has the same performance as the samsung 850 evo SATA SSD.

NVME drives such as the samsung 950 pro are what make a difference. The m.2 port on a z97 board doesn't support these newer speeds, but most m.2 ports on newer motherboards do, so I can see how just saying m.2 is faster can simplify things, but it's not necessarily true. U.2 also supports the NVME speeds.

BTW, I almost got a 950 pro over an 850 evo and decided it isn't worth it. The boot time is longer (loading the special drivers) and the real-world performance (random read / write) is allegedly not that noticeable. In benchmarks and real-world continuous read/write, it is much better and noticeable, but I don't do that many tasks that require that kind of operation from a drive.

Last I checked, a 250 GB samsung 950 pro was the same cost as a 500GB samsung 850 evo. Personally, 250GB isn't enough for a boot drive + common programs, but I do run multiple operating systems.

 

[g-unit1111]

M.2 is just a form factor. The samsung 850 evo m.2 has the same performance as the samsung 850 evo SATA SSD.

NVME drives such as the samsung 950 pro are what make a difference. The m.2 port on a z97 board doesn't support these newer speeds, but most m.2 ports on newer motherboards do, so I can see how just saying m.2 is faster can simplify things, but it's not necessarily true. U.2 also supports the NVME speeds..

I run a 950 Pro on a Z97 and I have been able to achieve the advertised speeds. Most boards will support these drives with the latest driver updates.

 

[8hellanarujen8]

Thank you for the build suggestion. =) I like it, though I have a question. I understand that those items you mentioned are not necessary, but do they have benefits? Like the sound card and the case fans. From what I've read a sound card can make the audio sound better, and when it comes to case fans they help to keep things extra cool. If there are benefits then I would definitely be willing to shell out the extra money for them. Oh, and what is M2? I haven't heard of that. Is it a next generation SSD?

They really don't. Sound cards only sound better on multi-channel audio systems but even then the onboard sound on the motherboard handles everything you need. Sound cards are becoming a thing of the past.

As far as case fans go I wouldn't worry about buying more because I would just wait until you get your PC setup and then you can determine how your air flows once you get your cooler installed. Then you can figure out how many fans and what size you need based on that. Depending on what kind of cooler you get, if you get a standard single or dual tower heat sink, you have to set up your air flow so that it moves air out of the tower (any other setup will cause air to recirculate and that's a bad thing), and if you get a radiator you have to setup your air in what's called a "push / pull" configuration. So don't worry about case fans until you actually have your system setup and you can determine what you need based off that.

M2 is a next generation SSD that is faster, smaller, and uses less power than the current generation SSDs do. It's still new technology so it's not as proven as standard SSDs are but if you want to try that form factor, they have the fastest read - write times of just about anything on the market, maybe save for those ridiculous Intel PCI-e SSD drives that retail for $1K+.

Oh, OK. Gotta love technology. 😛

That makes sense. Thank you for explaining that. =) For the build that you recommended, does it move air out of the tower or is it setup where it's in a "push/pull" configuration?

That's what I thought. Thank you for recommending it, because I wouldn't have known about it if you hadn't.

 

[g-unit1111]

That makes sense. Thank you for explaining that. =) For the build that you recommended, does it move air out of the tower or is it setup where it's in a "push/pull" configuration?

That's what I thought. Thank you for recommending it, because I wouldn't have known about it if you hadn't.

Push / Pull configurations mainly apply when there's a liquid cooling radiator being used. Normally your fans and CPU cooling configuration would be setup in a way that it moves air in one direction going left - right or right - left, and top - bottom, so that air moves out your case and does not recirculate. You can set it up in an air cooled configuration, but you would also have to setup air flow so it does not recirculate. In a push / pull configuration, air would move in two different directions to move air in one direction and out the other.

 

[8hellanarujen8]

That makes sense. Thank you for explaining that. =) For the build that you recommended, does it move air out of the tower or is it setup where it's in a "push/pull" configuration?

That's what I thought. Thank you for recommending it, because I wouldn't have known about it if you hadn't.

Push / Pull configurations mainly apply when there's a liquid cooling radiator being used. Normally your fans and CPU cooling configuration would be setup in a way that it moves air in one direction going left - right or right - left, and top - bottom, so that air moves out your case and does not recirculate. You can set it up in an air cooled configuration, but you would also have to setup air flow so it does not recirculate. In a push / pull configuration, air would move in two different directions to move air in one direction and out the other.

All right. Thank you for explaining that and thank you for all of your help. I really appreciate it. =)