Motherboard Choice for Intel CPU

Mitchell Tuckness

Honorable
Oct 16, 2013
15
0
10,510
Hi all. I really need some help. I haven't kept on on the current Chipsets or Sockets on the CPU's and while I see a lot, I am not sure which ones are nearing end of life and which ones are the best for speed. So, I have decided on the:

Intel Core i7-4930K Ivy Bridge-E 3.4GHz LGA 2011 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor BX80633i74930K

It's has six cores, perfect for what I am going to be using it for (I do GIS for the county). It is a Socket 2011, but I haven't a clue what a good Motherboard / Chipset would be good.

I also read that I shouldn't get memory that is faster than the CPU is rated, because it can cause issues because the memory controller is on the CPU now and that can burn them out, so I assume I have to, or I should, use only memory that runs at 1600 speeds?

I was thinking this:

G.SKILL Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10Q2-64GBZL

Can I get some suggestions on Motherboards and their chipsets? I need at least three PCIe slots. two x16 for the videocards and one x4 for the OCZ RevoDrive 2 X3 SSD HDD I use for my boot drive. It also needs to support 64Gb RAM.

I get these errors a lot when I use the parts selector "Some Intel X79 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Ivy Bridge-E CPUs.) which tells me this is an old chipset, but it is so common and if I get a board that doesn't have the BIOS updated, I am pretty much screwed because I have no other Socket 2011 CPU's.

Some Intel X79 chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Ivy Bridge-E CPUs.

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/metuckness/saved/3ISS

Thanks for the help, especially picking up a MB that has a newer Chipset and is more compatible with the processor.

Mitch
 
Solution


What is your budget here?
 
Alright. I have come up with 3 options: 1 about $1200 more than your current build, but will do really any rendering you need, and anything else you could possibly need. The second one is $200 more than your current idea. It is not quite as good as the first idea, but still great. The third choice is yours with a new motherboard. I honestly do not think that you will need that $1000 SSD. This SSD that I chose is pretty much the same speed the last I checked, and much less pricey.

OPTION 1: (altered beast)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($577.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($209.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($86.48 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX Titan 6GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($1018.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX Titan 6GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($1018.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Lian-Li PC-A79B ATX Full Tower Case ($319.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $4522.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 11:49 EST-0500)

OPTION 2: (altered beast 2, not quite as good)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($577.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($209.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($86.48 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX Titan 6GB Video Card ($1018.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Lian-Li PC-A79B ATX Full Tower Case ($319.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $3503.38
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 11:52 EST-0500)

OPTION 3: (your build, but with the better motherboard)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Black Edition EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($479.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ RevoDrive 3 X2 series 480GB PCI-E Solid State Disk ($977.27 @ TigerDirect)
Case: Lian-Li PC-A79B ATX Full Tower Case ($319.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair 1200W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($289.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $3373.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 11:57 EST-0500)

Probably won't need a BIOS flash, but if it does, it is easy to flash.
 
I already have the SSD drive, I am building a system around it basically. I will check these builds out. budget is perspective. The lower the better, just because my boss likes to see lower prices than higher prices, but if I can justify the purchase and we can budget for it, it all works out. Since I do most of my work in ESRI ArcMAP anything that helps speed it up the better.

As for waiting for a new Chip, not sure how long that would be and or how much longer this PC I have will continue to work (Locks up at night or when I leave it for lengthy periods of time. Almost like it goes to sleep but the USB stop working so I can't get it to wake up (the Monitor pulses brown instead of the blue when it is on and the lights on the keyboard mouse go out).



 


High $3000's low $4000's

I already have the SSD drive and a SATA Large Storage drive. Just need:

Case
DVD
Video Cards (looking for something in the Nvidea line, 770-780 GTX or so. Need 2x
Motherboard
Memory
CPU
Corsair H110 Water cooler
 


Alright. I have 2 options that I have come up with. These will be just as good as the dual Titan setup except this has 6 GB (9 for setup 2) of VRAM versus the 12 GB of the dual Titan setup. The 3x 780 build is better than the Titan in power and almost everything else. Also, is this going to be a server or client?

SETUP 1:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($525.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($525.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 1050W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($200.98 @ Best Buy)
Optical Drive: LG BH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($84.78 @ NCIX US)
Total: $3238.51
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 13:00 EST-0500)

SETUP 2:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($525.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($525.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($525.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair 1200W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($319.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: LG BH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($84.78 @ NCIX US)
Total: $3883.43
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 12:59 EST-0500)
 
Solution


This build does not have all of his required components and the dual Titan is not a price/performance as the triple 780/dual 780 for what he is doing. It is as much as 4x SLI 780s. You also need a cooler, a compatible motherboard, and 64 GB of RAM is needed. My build has a better price for the performance that you are getting.
 


The Quadro 6000 is more for servers and 3D modeling. The triple 780s can outperform the Quadro for a much less price. The FIREPROS are also very expensive.
 


But seeing as he is doing GIS, wouldn't that be exactly what a Quadro or a Firepro is designed to do?
 


Yes, but the 780 3-way SLI is the better choice in this instance, due to the fact that it is 3x as fast as the Quadro 6000 with 3 GB more of VRAM, and it is only $1500 versus $2000. That $500 can go a long way for what he is doing and $3800 will sound more appealing than this build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PNY Quadro 6000 6GB Video Card ($1904.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($149.99 @ TigerDirect)
Optical Drive: LG BH16NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($84.78 @ NCIX US)
Total: $4040.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 13:18 EST-0500)

The point is, with the Quadro 6000, you are paying more for less.
 
I have this all from Newegg: $3,601.74

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2RpAc
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2RpAc/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2RpAc/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.75 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($424.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($545.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($545.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Lian-Li PC-A79B ATX Full Tower Case ($334.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 1200W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $3477.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 13:20 EST-0500)
 


This will be my workstation. I do GIS, Addressing, 911 and Emergency services plus IT Tech Support, mostly remotely or on switches / servers.
 


Some options:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ Newegg) - instead, you should use a 3930K for better compatibility and no need for flashing and updating the BIOS. Same CPU, but one generation back. Does not really make too big of a difference, but the 3930K will be an option that will be easier to install.
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg) - This is good. It is too compatible with the 3930K.
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.75 @ Newegg) - Almost forgot. Good catch.
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($424.99 @ Newegg) - This is good.
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg) - Good.
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($545.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($545.91 @ Newegg) - These are good.
Case: Lian-Li PC-A79B ATX Full Tower Case ($334.98 @ Newegg) - There are less expensive cases that are just as good, like the Corsair 750D. http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-750d
Power Supply: Corsair 1200W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($319.99 @ Newegg) - http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220p21000xr is better. You don't really need 1200W for this setup, and this is also a 80+ Platinum Certified PSU. I don't see it failing you any time soon.
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg) - You should get the http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas Much better ratings and only $2 more. Also a very good Optical Drive.
Total: $3477.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 13:20 EST-0500)

My recommendation is this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($509.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($509.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $3142.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 13:33 EST-0500)

Yours is solid and it is great, but this can save money and even let you afford another 780. If you want to go that way:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($564.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110 94.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($650.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($509.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($509.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($509.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold 1200W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $3682.62
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-11 13:35 EST-0500)

Good luck with building the PC!
 
Thanks! I will not be running the video cards in SLI because I need to push multiple large monitors (2x34) and to do that I need multiple video cards running independently because of the amount of pixels they push and a third video card wouldn't be much use, just create more heat.

So I am going to scoure over these suggestions and see what I can get. Thank all for the help in the different options and the information about the chipsets vs CPU's et cetera!

 


No problem!