PC for 1440p Gaming

[Marros]

Hello,

I'm looking to purchase a new computer that is capable of 1440p gaming at high/ultra settings on the majority of AAA titles. I've gone with the Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard and 1000W PSU to allow for the option of another 980 Ti in the future. I don't have a set budget, but £1750 or so would be ideal.

I understand that water cooling isn't required for this CPU as it can't be overclocked, but for noise reduction and aesthetics, would this be a worthwhile investment? I'm happy to spend a bit extra if there is a benefit in doing so.

Please can you have a look at the following build and suggest any changes where necessary?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Case: CORSAIR CARBIDE SERIES™ AIR 540 GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU): Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Processor i7-6700 (3.4GHz) 8MB Cache
Motherboard: ASUS® Z170 PRO GAMING: ATX, LG1151, USB 3.1, SATA 6GBs
Memory (RAM): 16GB HyperX FURY DDR4 2133MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card: 6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 980 Ti - DVI, HDMI, 3 DP
1st Hard Disk: 250GB Samsung 850 EVO SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (upto 540MB/sR | 520MB/sW)
2nd Hard Disk: 2TB WD BLACK WD2003FZEX, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64MB CACHE (7200rpm)
Power Supply: CORSAIR 1000W RM SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Processor Cooling: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO (120mm) Fan CPU Cooler

 

[ben001]

It depends how well the game is optimized for SLI, if it's not then it could not worth it. A single 980 Ti will do fine for 1440p gaming.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£209.00 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H170 Performance ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£98.47 @ More Computers)
Total: £307.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-03 10:39 GMT+0000

 

[Marros]

It depends how well the game is optimized for SLI, if it's not then it could not worth it. A single 980 Ti will do fine for 1440p gaming.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£209.00 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty H170 Performance ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£98.47 @ More Computers)
Total: £307.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-03 10:39 GMT+0000

Thanks for the info. Apologies, I should have mentioned that this machine will be prebuilt. I'm able to configure the parts and the company in question offer lots of options in each category, but certain components such as the ASRock motherboard are not available.

My thought process behind 980 Ti SLI is future-proofing this machine as much as possible, but changing the GPU in 2-3 years might make more sense?

Can I ask your opinion on the i7-4790k vs i7-6700k debate please? Is it worth paying a bit more to get the new architecture even though gaming performance is similar? At the moment I have no plans to overclock, but I may go for the K version anyway for the extra speed out of the box.

 

[ben001]

1) Can you send me the link of that website?.

2) Of course it make sense, getting another GPU means you have to include more dollars, similar if you invest that money on a newer GPU after 2-3 years it could be well worth. Since, pascal GPU line up looks interesting, who know there could be a lot better video card than pascal after 3 years. So, hold up the money in your pocket and stick with a single card and GTX 980ti is pretty powerful.

3) Yea, 6700k is definitely better but the question is: Will it be worth price/performance. The answer is no. I don't want involve in some debate but it looks like the concept " Pay more get more ". Anyway's, if there is no huge difference in price range, then it's definitely worth paying a bit more. Overclocking is a good option. You can stretch your performance a little extend from stock.

 

[Marros]

1) Can you send me the link of that website?.

2) Of course it make sense, getting another GPU means you have to include more dollars, similar if you invest that money on a newer GPU after 2-3 years it could be well worth. Since, pascal GPU line up looks interesting, who know there could be a lot better video card than pascal after 3 years. So, hold up the money in your pocket and stick with a single card and GTX 980ti is pretty powerful.

3) Yea, 6700k is definitely better but the question is: Will it be worth price/performance. The answer is no. I don't want involve in some debate but it looks like the concept " Pay more get more ". Anyway's, if there is no huge difference in price range, then it's definitely worth paying a bit more. Overclocking is a good option. You can stretch your performance a little extend from stock.

My rationale behind spending a bit more now is that it would pay off later when the 980 Ti drops in price. They are still going to be fairly powerful cards in a couple of years, but the new generation of GPUs will make them more affordable. However, I hadn't factored in that some games aren't optimised for SLI as you pointed out earlier.

The company is PC Specialist. Based on your advice, the single 980 Ti builds I have in mind are:

Haswell
Skylake

The price difference between the two is £108. Would you say that this makes the upgrade worthwhile? Please can you point out any other areas for improvement?

 

[ben001]

Like i said, The Skylake 6700k is definitely an improvement over previous year Devil Canyon. Performance is about 10% faster and with the new architecture the Skylake looks the clear winner as per benchmark test. So, if you can afford £108 more then it will be worthwhile but price/performance ratio i.e i7 4790k.

I hinted, it depends on games. Not an issue, the reason why i was trying make you understand that how a single 980ti is powerful :
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_geforce_gtx_980_ti_gaming_oc_review,25.html

If you feel you're card is performing slower in future games, then SLI can be the option or a newer card on that date but i'm quit sure a 980 ti will serve you maximum performance for next 2 years.


Other:
A better cooler could be an improvement. :http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/LknkZL and your 540 carbide supports 280mm radiator

 

[logainofhades]

Agree that price/performance, the 4790k build is a better option. GTX 980ti is targeted a bit more towards 4k gaming, so it will excel in 1440p, which is a very good thing, and should last you awhile. Due to what you have to choose from, for PSU, only pick the RM, or AX, series units. The rest of them are not quality PSU's.

 

[Marros]

Thanks to you both for your help!