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justinj

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Nov 26, 2011
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Had the 1080Ti GOAT and it's day is coming. Windows 11 is not supported by my rig and need to upgrade anyway (for gaming mostly). I looked at the Toms Hardware Best PC Builds (https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-pc-builds-gaming) and want to build something with my son, most likely at the higher end. Appreciate any help or advice.

  • GPU: I am waiting to see how the RTX 9070XT performs and have a RTX 5070Ti already that I might return (unopened) if the 9070XT is the better choice. Will wait to see benchmarks but if what people are saying is right, it sounds like I'm better off with the 9070XT for $150-$200 cheaper and with slightly less good ray tracing. The 5090 seems to be too expensive right now, so I might want to buy one in 2-3 years and replace what I buy now.
  • CPU: I am thinking we definitely get the AMD 9800x3d CPU - read that performance is by far better in games.
  • Mobo: I am not sure what motherboard to get. The $4k build in the article has the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO ICE AM5 but that was a bundle deal that's gone now. Should I still get that one or any other suggestions? Hoping it has at least 3 SSD slots, ideally 4 but maybe that's standard now?
  • RAM: I think 32GB is still enough but feel free to talk me into 64GB (although it's easy to upgrade later I think). I know I need two sticks but otherwise, is there anything to watch out for here? The guide shows G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 (2 x 16GB) DDR5 6400, 2 kits.
  • Storage: I thought it was best to separate the OS on its own drive but the $4k build in the article has it all on one? So maybe a 1TB for the OS and a 4TB for the rest. Is there any high end alternative to the Samsung 990 Pro? Also, don't I need a heatsink? I've never used a heatsink with a SSD before but it seems like they're a good idea these days (for my rig to last at least 3-5 years).
  • PSU: article for $4k build has Corsair RM1000e - that ok or look at other alternatives? I do like the idea of having headroom here and want to potentially upgrade to a 5090 later on.
  • Cooler: article has AIO Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL360 FLUX. I've never used an AIO before but that's normal now I suppose. Is that Cooler Master the right choice?
  • Case: Fractal Design North XL case seems fine but not too concerned if there's something else better/cheaper. I don't want to have too little room to fit anything.
  • Any other fans needed?
 
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justinj said:
Ok I think it got it… except I have to change the direction of the radiator or the case gets in the way of the tubes. Does the direction of the radiator itself matter or is it totally symmetrical? I’m not asking about the fan direction but the radiator itself.
Click to expand...
This should not be an issue. install it tubes coming out of the radiator at the top going into the case. Fans can be on either side, however, you will want them in the front of the radiator to "pull" air into the radiator.
 
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I think the case is just too small unless I'm doing something wrong. Here are a couple pictures. If I install the AIO, it only fits on the inside of the case if I want the tubes facing down (which would be a push config anyway). But then it's only 1-2mm from the GPU (and would not fit at all with a larger GPU I bet). It can't fit on the outside of the case where the fans are normally slotted. Do I just need a bigger case?

https://imgur.com/81fQF3o
View: https://imgur.com/81fQF3o


https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j
View: https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j
 
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justinj said:
I think the case is just too small unless I'm doing something wrong. Here are a couple pictures. If I install the AIO, it only fits on the inside of the case if I want the tubes facing down (which would be a push config anyway). But then it's only 1-2mm from the GPU (and would not fit at all with a larger GPU I bet). It can't fit on the outside of the case where the fans are normally slotted. Do I just need a bigger case?

https://imgur.com/81fQF3o
View: https://imgur.com/81fQF3o


https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j
View: https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j
Click to expand...
So you have three options:

1. Install the AIO as you have it in the second picture by putting the fans in the front for a push configuration. This should be completely fine. You may have to take off one or both of the tube holding brackets to reach to the CPU socket.
2. Get a 280mm AIO and top mount fans in a push config exhausting air. An air cooler like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit will definitely fit.
3. Get a case with larger GPU clearances. That case has clearance for 368mm graphics cards.

Which Zotac 5070 TI were you able to get from this list? That case can accommodate very long graphics cards even with an AIO, that just goes to show how massive that cooler is. you can put most 5090s, 5080s, 9070 XTs, et cetera in there. The 9070 XT I linked has a length of 320mm + 30mm for the radiator and there is still 18mm of clearance for that case. Regardless of the solution you choose, I am sorry you are having a bit of a tough time installing the cooler in the case with the graphics card of which were my recommendation.
 
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I think it’s the first one solid OC 330mm. Option 1 is super tight and I want to upgrade to a bigger GPU later. Option 3 maybe? Can return the case to Amazon. I’d just need to unscrew the mobo and power supply. Any suggestions for a new case (white) that fits the giant AIO?
 
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justinj said:
I think it’s the first one solid OC 330mm. Option 1 is super tight and I want to upgrade to a bigger GPU later. Option 3 maybe? Can return the case to Amazon. I’d just need to unscrew the mobo and power supply. Any suggestions for a new case (white) that fits the giant AIO?
Click to expand...
That is one of the longest graphics cards one can buy. The longest I have seen is 360mm. What graphics card do you suspect you will upgrade to? For option 3 without getting a gargantuan case this one should do nicely. It has 410mm of GPU clearance and can mount your AIO top or front, tubes up or down, left or right.
 
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I think I’ll get the 5090 eventually but it could be several years and lots of uncertainty there anyway.
helper800 said:
That is one of the longest graphics cards one can buy. The longest I have seen is 360mm. What graphics card do you suspect you will upgrade to? For option 3 without getting a gargantuan case this one should do nicely. It has 410mm of GPU clearance and can mount your AIO top or front, tubes up or down, left or right.
Click to expand...
OK, thanks. I bought that one and will try it when I get it. For now, I can still test my computer outside the case which I probably should’ve done in the first place. Hopefully the AIO comes with enough thermal paste to do it twice? Or if I need to buy a better thermal plate paste, please let me know.
 
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justinj said:
I think I’ll get the 5090 eventually but it could be several years and lots of uncertainty there anyway.

OK, thanks. I bought that one and will try it when I get it. For now, I can still test my computer outside the case which I probably should’ve done in the first place. Hopefully the AIO comes with enough thermal paste to do it twice? Or if I need to buy a better thermal plate paste, please let me know.
Click to expand...
If you have enough paste it should be fine. If you end up wanting/needing more paste get this one. If you want to try a phase change thermal pad that never needs to be maintained and is a little better performance, try this one.
 
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Ok, now I went ahead and plugged it all into the motherboard to test it without a case but it won't post... RGB lighting is on the RAM but nothing else is on (no AIO fans, no GPU, no error code on the motherboard). I reseated everything (24 pins, the two 8 pins, and all the other connectors) and tried with one stick of RAM. From what I've read, the issue is usually the power supply. Is the next step to take the old 750W power supply from my old computer that works fine and see if that gets it to work? I could try pulling out the CPU and repasting as well I guess. Ugh, trying not to let this ruin my day.
 
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justinj said:
Ok, now I went ahead and plugged it all into the motherboard to test it without a case but it won't post... RGB lighting is on the RAM but nothing else is on (no AIO fans, no GPU, no error code on the motherboard). I reseated everything (24 pins, the two 8 pins, and all the other connectors) and tried with one stick of RAM. From what I've read, the issue is usually the power supply. Is the next step to take the old 750W power supply from my old computer that works fine and see if that gets it to work? I could try pulling out the CPU and repasting as well I guess. Ugh, trying not to let this ruin my day.
Click to expand...
Could be the PSU. DOA PSUs do happen rarely. Having a spare PSU to test with is nice. If you are sure everything is plugged in properly with RAM in slots A2 and B2 (2nd and 4th slots from the CPU socket) then testing with the spare PSU can rule out a part. Can you take a top down picture of the motherboard and the cables going to the PSU and post them here? You got this PSU, right? Its one of the best made PSUs out there.
 
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helper800 said:
helper800 said:
Could be the PSU. DOA PSUs do happen rarely. Having a spare PSU to test with is nice. If you are sure everything is plugged in properly with RAM in slots A2 and B2 (2nd and 4th slots from the CPU socket) then testing with the spare PSU can rule out a part. Can you take a top down picture of the motherboard and the cables going to the PSU and post them here? You got this PSU, right? Its one of the best made PSUs out there.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
https://imgur.com/a/dr3LmZF
View: https://imgur.com/a/dr3LmZF
 
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justinj said:
https://imgur.com/a/dr3LmZF
View: https://imgur.com/a/dr3LmZF
Click to expand...
So, a couple things, I would use the 16 pin cable from the PSU to the graphics card, and make sure that the cables that come from the AIO cooler go into the properly labeled fan headers at the top right of the motherboard. It looks like the 24pin PSU cable is not fully seated on the PSU side as well, though this can look that way because of the picture angle.
 
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Ok just because I could be doing something dumb, I’m going to list it all out.
  • I left it on for a full couple minutes and I’m just seeing the RAM RGB but nothing else is powered.
  • It’s all fully connected I’m fairly certain.
  • I have the 24 pin cable connected to the 24 pin slot on the motherboard. The cable clearly says which end goes where.
  • I have two 8-pin cables going to the two adjacent 8-pin slots in the motherboard, going to the two 8-pin CPU slots on the PSU.
  • I have the AIO connected via the L-shaped connector to the “peripheral” slot on the PSU.
  • The AIO fan is connected to the FUSB_1 9-pin slot on the motherboard.
  • The GPU came with an 8-pin connector that splits into three 8-pin connectors. I have all three connected to the PSU using the VGA cables via the PCIe connections at the PSU.

Is all that not right? What do you mean about the 16–pin cable?
 
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justinj said:
Ok just because I could be doing something dumb, I’m going to list it all out.
  • I left it on for a full couple minutes and I’m just seeing the RAM RGB but nothing else is powered.
  • It’s all fully connected I’m fairly certain.
  • I have the 24 pin cable connected to the 24 pin slot on the motherboard. The cable clearly says which end goes where.
  • I have two 8-pin cables going to the two adjacent 8-pin slots in the motherboard, going to the two 8-pin CPU slots on the PSU.
  • I have the AIO connected via the L-shaped connector to the “peripheral” slot on the PSU.
  • The AIO fan is connected to the FUSB_1 9-pin slot on the motherboard.
  • The GPU came with an 8-pin connector that splits into three 8-pin connectors. I have all three connected to the PSU using the VGA cables via the PCIe connections at the PSU.

Is all that not right? What do you mean about the 16–pin cable?
Click to expand...
The PSU should have come with a 12v 2x6 cable. It is labeled that way on the PSU side. That cable goes directedly into the graphics card, no adapter required. If the AIO has a 4 pin pump fan connector, connect it to the CPU optional connector at the top right of the motherboard. Make sure the AIO fans cable is inserted into the CPU fan header also in the top right. The 8 pin connectors that go from the PSU into the motherboard on the top left are labeled CPU or EPS, correct? PCIe 8 pin cables DO NOT go into the motherboard on the top left.
 
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helper800 said:
The PSU should have come with a 12v 2x6 cable. It is labeled that way on the PSU side. That cable goes directedly into the graphics card, no adapter required. If the AIO has a 4 pin pump fan connector, connect it to the CPU optional connector at the top right of the motherboard. Make sure the AIO fans cable is inserted into the CPU fan header also in the top right. The 8 pin connectors that go from the PSU into the motherboard on the top left are labeled CPU or EPS, correct? PCIe 8 pin cables DO NOT go into the motherboard on the top left.
Click to expand...
  • Ok I changed the GPU cable and am not using the split three cable it came with. Just fixing that does not post still.
  • For the AIO, it has two cables coming out of it, one is the 4-pin fan cable I have plugged into CPU_fan. I moved the AIO fan to plug into the CPU_opt connection instead but it doesn’t seem to help.
  • The other AIO cable is split into two (see picture, the bigger round white one). One split is 9-pin USB and I have it plugged into the FUSB_1 on the bottom of the motherboard. The other is an L-shape I have connected to the PSU peripheral. Do I need to plug those in somewhere? You can see the two cables in the picture - the USB 9-pin is black plastic on the white cable.
  • For the two 8-pin adjacent slots on the top of the motherboard, don't I need to plug in the two CPU cables that also go to CPU 8-pin connections on the PSU? The cables are labelled "CPU" on both ends and I have them connected to the PSU in the "CPU" area also.
https://imgur.com/a/HI4TJn3
View: https://imgur.com/a/HI4TJn3
 
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justinj said:
  • Ok I changed the GPU cable and am not using the split three cable it came with. Just fixing that does not post still.
  • For the AIO, it has two cables coming out of it, one is the 4-pin fan cable I have plugged into CPU_fan. I moved the AIO fan to plug into the CPU_opt connection instead but it doesn’t seem to help.
  • The other AIO cable is split into two (see picture, the bigger round white one). One split is 9-pin USB and I have it plugged into the FUSB_1 on the bottom of the motherboard. The other is an L-shape I have connected to the PSU peripheral. Do I need to plug those in somewhere? You can see the two cables in the picture - the USB 9-pin is black plastic on the white cable.
  • For the two 8-pin adjacent slots on the top of the motherboard, don't I need to plug in the two CPU cables that also go to CPU 8-pin connections on the PSU? The cables are labelled "CPU" on both ends and I have them connected to the PSU in the "CPU" area also.
Click to expand...
1. Good.
2. There should be two 4 pin connectors that come from the AIO, one from the pump, and one from the fans. The one from the pump goes into the CPU optional header. The AIO fans connector should be plugged into the header labeled CPU fan. You have to have the AIO fans connector plugged into the CPU fan header on the motherboard or it will not boot depending on motherboard brand.
3. That all seems correct. The L shaped connector sounds like a sata power connector. One on the PSU cables should have a sata power connector. Plug them into each other to power the AIO. Make sure the plug the USB connector from the AIO back in.
4. Yes, you need the two 4+4 (8 pins total) EPS CPU connectors plugged in. I was making sure you did not somehow get two 8 pin PCIe cables shoved in there.

Is there anything shorting out the board underneath it? A rouge screw or metal tool? Try booting without the graphics card by using the CPUs onboard iGPU.
 
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For #2, the AIO only has one one fan 4-pin connector I think. Here is the page from the manual - you can see the connections on the bottom. If I remove the white plastic L-bracket covering the tubes, there are two cables for the fans that connect to each other I think. They're each only around 3-4 inches long. So I don't think those are what you are referring to. If there's nothing else I've got wrong, maybe I try to connect to my old computer PSU that definitely works? Forgot to check without the GPU. Will do that tomorrow.
https://imgur.com/a/uJAAtHx
View: https://imgur.com/a/uJAAtHx
 
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justinj said:
For #2, the AIO only has one one fan 4-pin connector I think. Here is the page from the manual - you can see the connections on the bottom. If I remove the white plastic L-bracket covering the tubes, there are two cables for the fans that connect to each other I think. They're each only around 3-4 inches long. So I don't think those are what you are referring to. If there's nothing else I've got wrong, maybe I try to connect to my old computer PSU that definitely works? Forgot to check without the GPU. Will do that tomorrow.
https://imgur.com/a/uJAAtHx
View: https://imgur.com/a/uJAAtHx
Click to expand...
Make sure the fan connector is attached to the CPU fan header on the motherboard. I thought that AIO had a 4pin pump connector as well. Make sure the the other connectors are plugged in as well. Sata power for the AIO is likely what powers the pump and fans. USB connector is what would allow you to control everything, but may also be required for function.
 
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justinj said:
For #2, the AIO only has one one fan 4-pin connector I think. Here is the page from the manual - you can see the connections on the bottom. If I remove the white plastic L-bracket covering the tubes, there are two cables for the fans that connect to each other I think. They're each only around 3-4 inches long. So I don't think those are what you are referring to. If there's nothing else I've got wrong, maybe I try to connect to my old computer PSU that definitely works? Forgot to check without the GPU. Will do that tomorrow.
https://imgur.com/a/uJAAtHx
View: https://imgur.com/a/uJAAtHx
Click to expand...
The 4 pin Pwm connector is to go onto the cpu header on the motherboard. This is mainly due to some motherboards requiring this to be plugged it to allow the system to boot (ensuring a cpu fan is connected as a safety procedure)

The split usb 9 pin/ sata connector are for the control of the fans via software and for power to the AIO. These will need to be plugged into a usb header on the motherboard and into a sata peripheral cable from the psu. No other connection will be required due to the type of fans that you have on the AIO.

As you are having boot issues however I would remove the graphics card entirely and boot from the on board graphics from the processor to rule this out of the equation. Plug either a hdmi or display port cable into the motherboard outputs to see if you get any video out.

In the motherboard photo above you didn't have any power cable plugged into the 8pin (4+4) sockets located above the cpu socket. These will also be required to boot.
 
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My old computer has only one 8-pin for the motherboard and the connection to the 1080Ti is using two cables instead of one. I could look in the box in the basement to see if there's another 8-pin but not sure about the graphics card cable. I was thinking this is kind of a pain anyway.

So maybe I just buy a new PSU and see what happens? If everything works with the new PSU, then I can just return the old one (to Amazon). I looked on Amazon and that same PSU is out of stock. Can you recommend a different 1000W+ Platinum PSU that's on Amazon? I can get it in a day or two that way and still be comfortably within my 30 day return policies.
 
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justinj said:
My old computer has only one 8-pin for the motherboard and the connection to the 1080Ti is using two cables instead of one. I could look in the box in the basement to see if there's another 8-pin but not sure about the graphics card cable. I was thinking this is kind of a pain anyway.

So maybe I just buy a new PSU and see what happens? If everything works with the new PSU, then I can just return the old one (to Amazon). I looked on Amazon and that same PSU is out of stock. Can you recommend a different 1000W+ Platinum PSU that's on Amazon? I can get it in a day or two that way and still be comfortably within my 30 day return policies.
Click to expand...
Here is another 1kw PSU. There are only a handful of issues this could be assuming everything is put together properly.
 
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