Graphics cards or Motherboard/CPU Upgrade

[Kirchnerbrn]

Here is a link to my build
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/ZYFpbj
Looking at upgrading now,
Debating between 2 Evga Gtx 980 KINGPIN cards
or Maximus VI Extreme Motherboard with a I5 or I7 chip.
What do you think?

 

[Rapajez]

You could do a little of both.

A few things:

1. First, get a 6th gen i7-6700k, and matching mobo, not a i7-4790. It's only $20 for 2 jumps in generations, and a latest-gen mobo with the latest connections, and DDR4 memory. You can also save like $300 on a cheaper ASUS MAXIUM VIII HERO, which still has 99% of the features.

2. Don't do a 980 SLI. A single GTX 1080 should match that easily, avoids the headache that is SLI (not all games even support SLI), is quieter, newer, more efficient, and even leaves room for a 2nd card down the road. I've had experience with SLI, and when you're building a new rig, it's almost always better to go with 1 fast card vs 2 older/slower cards in SLI.

3. Instead of your SSD, consider an M.2 Drive. It's faster than a 850 EVO (SATA) drive, and supported by your 6th gen CPU. The 850 EVO is still a great choice though. http://pcpartpicker.com/product/3F8H99/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mzv5p512bw

4. For your HDDs, I'd just get a big 2-4GB drive, unless you're buying 2 1-GB drives for a RAID 1. (If it's for RAID 0, get a bigger SSD and HDD instead. You don't need your storage array to be slightly faster at the cost of reliability).

5. Not sure if you actually need the 32GB of RAM, I'd start with a 2x8GB (16GB) kit, as nothing I throw at my system approaches 10GB yet. That's up to you though.

6. I don't know much about that particular PSU, I'd check out the Guide here on Tom's HW. Case you choose is nice to work in.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($348.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($72.25 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($199.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($65.95 @ B&H)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Founders Edition Video Card ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1472.16
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-29 17:01 EDT-0400

 

[Tradesman1]

What all do you plan to do with the Rig?

 

[Rapajez]

What all do you plan to do with the Rig?

Yeah, should have opened with that. I was in a typing mood?

What games/applications will you use? What type of display are you hooking this monster to (4k, VR)?

 

[Kirchnerbrn]

What all do you plan to do with the Rig?

Well my rig is really only used for two things, CAD design and Simulators.
But I am a big overkill person and want the biggest and the best. I just picked up a 900D case in perfect condition from a friend and now its time to fill it. Just debating if I should sell this rig and start over or just keep the same mini ATX in the largest case available.
Thoughts?

 

[Tradesman1]

I'm a bit confused now, you mention mini ATX and keeping it??? What do you currently have? Are parts of what you have in your partpicker list? or is that a completely new build?

 

[Kirchnerbrn]

here is the link to my build.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/m4XxYr
Im debating on starting from scratch or upgrading piece by piece.

 

[Tradesman1]

With the budget in your original list could go Skylake (6700K) or even X99 (depending on what CAD software could benefit from a 6core CPU on X99, on GPUs instead of initial SLI from the getgo I'd look at a GTX 1080 and can SLI down the road if needed. 32GB of DRAM should be good, but again depending on the CAD work could even think 64 GB on either X99 or Z170

 

[Kirchnerbrn]

I am thinking about doing a Maximus VI Extreme Motherboard with 32GB of ram, then transferring my 290 over and running a custom water loop. How does that sound for starters? Then add another 290 and GPU water cooling loop later this year.

 

[Tradesman1]

That would work, though if thinking adding another 290, why not go direct to a 1080?

 

[Kirchnerbrn]

Because I can pickup a second hand 290 for around $200 where a 1080 will run me $800

 

[Kirchnerbrn]

Here is what I think I am going to do,
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/zQj3Fd
How does everything look?

 

[Tradesman1]

Looks good, will want good air flow in there, the 290s get hot 😉

 

[Kirchnerbrn]

Well now im having second thoughts, is there better options out there for MOBO's, like the x99 or X97. looking to stay righ around that $600 price point for MOBO and chip combo.