Build Advice New Rig

[cAllen]

Morning folks. It's time for me to build a new system and it's been a while so all help will be appreciated.

Current build for reference:

x3380 @3.16 GHz
GA-EP45-UD3R (rev. 1.1)
GeForce GTX-295
8GB OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2-800 (4x2)
WD1002FBSY
1000W PC
Antec P182 case

It took me months to figure this build out back then because I was hardware stupid. That said, everything has changed since, so I'm right back to hardware stupid. The usage will be the normal everyday crap, games, connecting with work and some CAD...so basically does everything...but must be a solid, reliable 24/7/365 system. Currently running W7 Ult-64, Office 7 Ult, Adobe Master Suite 5.5, and all SOP s/w...but time to update there too.

P.S. I'm a Windows/Intel/NVIDIA guy...no exceptions. So let the beatings begin.

Thank you.

 

[USAFRet]

Well it's good to know I finally learned how to link PCPP.

Yes...This is going to cost me.

Drive sizes of 1T and 4T are just preliminary choices and may change, but what's your take on the 530's?

While the RTX 3090 Ti does not pass "any" cost/value reality checks...it's still the best consumer card right now.

It depends on the overall use of this system.

 

[cAllen]

It depends on the overall use of this system.

Daddy/provider built to do anything rig.

Be advised, my GTX 295 was top dog and overkill 13+ years ago too and so was my 1TB RE3. M.2 storage size decision is still fluid, but I do see throwing a good spinner in for back-ups.

 

[Hellfire13]

So this is where things stand now for the wish list. Make me look stupid now "before" I commit. Still considering the Hero MB...not the purple/green one.

Thanks.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pwMpQ6

This will give you roughly the same performance and longevity without the extra expenditure...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i9-12900K 3.2 GHz 16-Core Processor | $559.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-D15 chromax.black 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler | $109.95 @ Amazon
Motherboard | Asus ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard | $429.99 @ Amazon
Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws S5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5600 CL30 Memory | $499.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $129.99 @ Adorama
Storage | PNY XLR8 CS3040 Heatsink 2 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $194.99 @ B&H
Video Card | Asus GeForce RTX 3090 Ti 24 GB TUF GAMING OC Video Card | $1429.99 @ Amazon
Case | Lian Li Lancool II Mesh C Performance ATX Mid Tower Case | $119.99 @ Newegg Sellers
Power Supply | Corsair HX1200 Platinum 1200 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $244.99 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $3719.87
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-08-01 11:13 EDT-0400 |

 

[Zerk2012]

Daddy/provider built to do anything rig.

Be advised, my GTX 295 was top dog and overkill 13+ years ago too and so was my 1TB RE3. M.2 storage size decision is still fluid, but I do see throwing a good spinner in for back-ups.

That is not saying the use it reads more like just spend all the money I can.

 

[cAllen]

Thank you @Hellfire13. Going to go through each on your list...appreciating your intent.

CPU...I have been bouncing the K and KS for a while. The KS just gives better odds on the Bin lottery.

CPU Cooler...Same page.

Motherboard...APEX was chosen for the SP caps, better power regulation and the 2 slot memory, the later because of the current DDR5 2 stick XMP restrictions on the Z690 MBs. Was also looking at the EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin for that those very reasons, but my case choice does not work "well" with E-ATX MBs. The STRIX drops on the first but excels on two others...built in graphics (just in case) and placement of the M.2 add on card (if I used it) for cooling. On the APEX airflow is blocked to the cpu which is a big deal for me, where on the STRIX it blocks airflow to the gpu. Those 2 reasons alone makes STRIX a viable option. Power reg and caps may be sacrificed for the big picture. We'll see.

Memory...Same brand, low profile, no lights...my choice has better timings. At $40 difference I'll call that a push.

Storage...Still open on this. My initial was 1T and 4T but I may drop the later to 2T. As for brand/model, I was looking for the fastest with higher TBW. That's why I'm leaning toward the Seagate FireCuda 530s. Also I would prefer to keep the boot drive and storage drive the same make and model, though different sizes.

Video Card...The only difference between our choices is price +/- $30 so I'll call that one a push too.

Case...Now that's a big decision for me. The Lian Li Lancool "III" and the 011 versions were in the running, but fell hard to the Torrent on air cooling. I'm set on this one.

Power Supply...Still open on this one too. I did look at the HX1200, but the lot number recall pushed me off a little. That said, with the current and future spike issues with GPUs, I want a clean well regulated PSU. Also, using various psu calculators still put at 1200w and I like head room here.

Money can be saved, I just need to decide if and where.

Your insight is much appreciated...Thanks!

 

[cAllen]

That is not saying the use it reads more like just spend all the money I can.

No...this is about making a high performance do everything PC for the household...just like my old build and the Laptop I sent my Son to College with. I call it a Daddy thing...you call it whatever you want.

 

[Hellfire13]

CPU...I have been bouncing the K and KS for a while. The KS just gives better odds on the Bin lottery.

At those price gaps, the odds are relatively negligible. For your day to day tasks you wont even feel any difference.

Motherboard...APEX was chosen for the SP caps, better power regulation and the 2 slot memory, the later because of the current DDR5 2 stick XMP restrictions on the Z690 MBs. Was also looking at the EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin for that those very reasons, but my case choice does not work "well" with E-ATX MBs. The STRIX drops on the first but excels on two others...built in graphics (just in case) and placement of the M.2 add on card (if I used it) for cooling. On the APEX airflow is blocked to the cpu which is a big deal for me, where on the STRIX it blocks airflow to the gpu. Those 2 reasons alone makes STRIX a viable option. Power reg and caps may be sacrificed for the big picture. We'll see.

The E Gaming has been historically a good quality popular board for some 5-6 odd generations now, having all the premium quality features at a decent price. The APEX is more overclocking centric and preferred mostly by extreme overclockers.

Memory...Same brand, low profile, no lights...my choice has better timings. At $40 difference I'll call that a push.

64gb is way overkill for your usage, but 7 years later, who knows.

Storage...Still open on this. My initial was 1T and 4T but I may drop the later to 2T. As for brand/model, I was looking for the fastest with higher TBW. That's why I'm leaning toward the Seagate FireCuda 530s. Also I would prefer to keep the boot drive and storage drive the same make and model, though different sizes.

The significant factor in SSD is DRAM cache. As far as speed is concerned they are all plenty fast. You will hardly see any difference even when side by side...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DKLA7w9eeA

Video Card...The only difference between our choices is price +/- $30 so I'll call that one a push too.

The ASUS card has a higher boost clock for the extra 30 bucks.

Case...Now that's a big decision for me. The Lian Li Lancool "III" and the 011 versions were in the running, but fell hard to the Torrent on air cooling. I'm set on this one.

Both Torrent and Lancool are fine cases. I will leave that on you.

Power Supply...Still open on this one too. I did look at the HX1200, but the lot number recall pushed me off a little. That said, with the current and future spike issues with GPUs, I want a clean well regulated PSU. Also, using various psu calculators still put at 1200w and I like head room here.

That's a outlier, otherwise its a great PSU. You can checkout for the lot number...
https://www.pcgamer.com/boot-failures-prompt-corsair-to-issue-a-partial-recall-for-some-high-wattage-psus/#:~:text=Corsair is recalling certain batches,test, otherwise known as POST.

 

[cAllen]

Thanks.

So which M.2s excel with DRAM cache considering my other preferences? General search engine is less friendly with this task. Any opinions on current spinners for back ups. Rather stay with Seagate for consistency and software if I stay with their M.2s, but I'm still open. Thinking +/- 10TB, but it must be rock solid.

P.S. I previously viewed below during my initial qualifications a couple of weeks ago on the M.2s.

https://ssdsphere.com/seagate-firecuda-530-vs-samsung-980-pro/

 

[cAllen]

Latest update, but still working it.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LcKNY9

 

[Hellfire13]

Thanks.

So which M.2s excel with DRAM cache considering my other preferences? General search engine is less friendly with this task. Any opinions on current spinners for back ups. Rather stay with Seagate for consistency and software if I stay with their M.2s, but I'm still open. Thinking +/- 10TB, but it must be rock solid.

P.S. I previously viewed below during my initial qualifications a couple of weeks ago on the M.2s.

https://ssdsphere.com/seagate-firecuda-530-vs-samsung-980-pro/

AFAIK, DRAM cache is a standard memory module integrated into the SSD for better performance. You either have it or don't.

WD Black drives are pretty resilient if you are looking for longevity.

 

[cAllen]

I've spent over two months, way to many hours and talked to many people working this build plan over and over. I'm days from pulling the trigger now and thought I'd throw it out there one more time for luck.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7CXhv3

That said, last chance to call me out, tweak or otherwise redirect me. I'm a tough old bird that can and will appreciate any guidance...whether I approve it or not.

Thank you all very much.

 

[Hellfire13]

I've spent over two months, way to many hours and talked to many people working this build plan over and over. I'm days from pulling the trigger now and thought I'd throw it out there one more time for luck.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LcKNY9

That said, last chance to call me out, tweak or otherwise redirect me. I'm a tough old bird that can and will appreciate any guidance...whether I approve it or not.

Thank you all very much.

Its a good quality build overall, and since you have the budget you should go for it.

 

[cAllen]

Just in case anyone was curious why I am replacing "Old Faithful" after +13 years.

https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/54467519

 

[Why_Me]

I've spent over two months, way to many hours and talked to many people working this build plan over and over. I'm days from pulling the trigger now and thought I'd throw it out there one more time for luck.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LcKNY9

That said, last chance to call me out, tweak or otherwise redirect me. I'm a tough old bird that can and will appreciate any guidance...whether I approve it or not.

Thank you all very much.

Any particular reason for the $800+ motherboard?

 

[cAllen]

The SP caps and 2 slots RAM...the later since Z690's still have issues running XMP or higher with 4 sticks. Unfortunately there are only 2 consumer Z690s that have the first...the APEX which is essential a no stock for the right "lot number" and the Kingpin which is E-ATX with turned socket that will not work with my case/cooling choice. Would like to add that while not a hard core OC'er, I want the best available to do what ever I can and/or want. So...I'm still bouncing MBs right now. Unfortunately this delay already cost me buying the GPU for $1,199 as I wasn't going to order anything until all decisions were final. Working that problem as we speak.

 

[cAllen]

FWIW

After much more research I found the APEX MB is essentially out of stock in the US. Newegg and Amazon both show a few, but both their suppliers link to "questionable unauthorized 3rd party distributors". That said, I contacted ASUS and they confirmed NIS with no date for availability. My inquiry was escalated up stairs and all they would confirm is the APEX has not been discontinued, but also could not give me a date on restock availability. As it stands now I will only accept p/n 90MB18I0-"M0UAY1" or later. So now I have to decide whether to wait or reconsider my MB priority options.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LcKNY9

 

[cAllen]

No turning back now. Just came home from Micro Center Dallas with my NIB i9-12900KS.

Update: My NH-D15 black arrived via Bezos the next day.

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/frodoz737/saved/zYJZcf

 

[helper800]

No turning back now. Just came home from Micro Center Dallas with my NIB i9-12900KS.

Have fun with the build!

 

[cAllen]

Just ordered my GPU through EVGA direct. The Ultra is back to $1199.99 with a $36 discount for PCPP. It was $1257.11 after tax...with free shipping. I missed this price last time. Wasn't happening again.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Y8TCMb

 

[cAllen]

FWIW

GPU was just delivered with a free 2x8 to 16 "harness" thrown in the shipping carton. They must be just trying to get rid of stock because you need 3x8 to 16 to power this card. That "pigtail" is already packaged with the card though.

Anyway...still trying to figure out what to do about a MB since the z690 APEX isn't available anymore.

 

[helper800]

FWIW

GPU was just delivered with a free 2x8 to 16 "harness" thrown in the shipping carton. They must be just trying to get rid of stock because you need 3x8 to 16 to power this card. That "pigtail" is already packaged with the card though.

Anyway...still trying to figure out what to do about a MB since the z690 APEX isn't available anymore.

You should just get any other mid-high level motherboard from a brand you prefer.

 

[Why_Me]

FWIW

GPU was just delivered with a free 2x8 to 16 "harness" thrown in the shipping carton. They must be just trying to get rid of stock because you need 3x8 to 16 to power this card. That "pigtail" is already packaged with the card though.

Anyway...still trying to figure out what to do about a MB since the z690 APEX isn't available anymore.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GLD72QH
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 $259.99

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z690-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-DDR4

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GLCGV9K
MSI MPG Z690 EDGE WIFI DDR4 $259.99

https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z690-EDGE-WIFI-DDR4

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PX5WHMB
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR5 $274.99

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z690-TOMAHAWK-WIFI

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1668938-REG/msi_mpg_z690_edge_wifi_mpg_z690_edge_lga.html
MSI MPG Z690 EDGE WIFI DDR5 $279.99

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-Z690-EDGE-WIFI

https://www.newegg.com/corsair-32gb-288-pin-ddr5-sdram/p/N82E16820236828
CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5 5600 32GB (2x16GB) CL36 $169.99 + $3 off w/ promo code W7BBV3Z257, limited offer - Sale Ends in 6 Hours

 

[cAllen]

Just ordered PSU and the Box. Getting close now. Still trying to decide about the MB. PCPP updated.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LxpP78

 

[cAllen]

This is where my head is now.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...0,13-119-504,13-119-512,13-144-502,13-144-506

 

[cAllen]

FWIW...Narrowed it down to MSI MEG Z690 Unify-X and ASUS Maximus Z690 Hero...for now. The boxes are staking up and I so want to get this build going.