Rebuilding, Looking for input

[UnitedStatesman]

Used to built lots of rigs for myself and friends over the years, been a while so I'm out of the loop a bit. (Even forgot my old account password).

My current rig went down (just moved, was troubleshooting some audio feedback issues and took the PSU off my UPS for a few minutes and apparently the Air Conditioner at the new place throws insane surges around and fried the PSU and apparently either my MOBO or CPU).

I mainly do graphic design (AI and Photoshop) with occasional video editing for non-profit work and on weekends I do gaming (Battlefield, etc).

Here's what I had from back in 2009. Had it slightly overclocked and it's been running like a dream ever since. (Wasn't planning on upgrading until the True 8 Core and DDR4 tech began dropping.)
CPU - Intel Core i7-920
MOBO - Asus P6T-Deluxe V2
RAM - OCZ PC3 15000 DDR3 (3x 2GB)
GPU - 2x GeForce GTX 285
PSU - ANTEC CP-850W
Case - ANTEC P183
With a bunch of silent Noctua fans and a Noctua NH-U9 if I am remembering correctly

I already bought a new PSU: ANTEC HGC-850M hoping that was the only point of failure.
With the cost of the old cpu and mobo's being a bit expensive due to rarity, I don't really want to buy them just to see which piece(s) are broken. So I am assuming its best for me to take what I can and build a new PC.

Just started digging around reading the forums again to find out what is good these days. New Mobo brands I don't remember like ASRock showing up a lot and a bunch of new sockets and terms flying around (Haswell, Broadwell, Devil's Canyon, etc).

Gonna keep my case, PSU, Fans, HDDs, and graphics cards (for now… was planning on upgrading them soon but with this unexpected failure I'm gonna hold off on them for a few more months).

I'm not benchmarking or overclocking, don't plan on updating for +/- 5 years, but would like high quality components.


For CPUs:
Unfortunately I can't wait for Broadwell (and wouldn't pay launch prices if they were out right now). Looking at socket 1150, because I'd like the extra SATA and PCIe I don't see on the 2011's. Not planning on overclocking since everything stock these days is much improved on my old i7-920.
Thinking the i7-4770, i7-4790.
Since I don't plan on OCing, I think the K versions are out due to price, unless the heat dissipation issues are really that different.
Q1: Thoughts on the CPU's above?

Q2: Thinking of the Z97 Mobo for some future proofing and specs or should I just get a Z87 since by the time I change CPU's they'll be beyond Broadwell? (also, since I'm not OCing, I could do an equivalent H97 if its good and supports SLI?).

Q3: I read somewhere about SATA-E and PCIe overlapping processes or something? Is this something I need to look into or worry about? I'd have the 2 GPU's and 3 HDDs

Q4: Am I correct in assuming I'll need new RAM, since it looks like 4 sticks is the new 6 sticks?


I know its a lot, but any help or suggestions would be appreciated. I'm hoping to buy the new components this week, so that's why I'm looking for faster help than me researching it all myself.

 

[Jakamo123]

Q1: Devil's Canyon are the most recent iteration of intel processors, and are basicallly just a few refresher models of the Haswell CPUs at the same price point without changes to the architecture. Avoid K series if you don't plan on overclocking as the performance gain (without OC) is not worth the extra investment. The i7-4790 is a really solid CPU, will definitely do the job! Like you said, OC isn't a necessity and regardless of what you build it will be a significant step up from your old rig.

Q2: A lot of people go for the Z97 because it's "more powerful", but the performance gains if you aren't OCing are far less significant when compared to an H97. And you are 100% correct, if you find an H97 mobo you like that supports SLI you would be absolutely fine. Really up to you here whether the extra money for a Z97 is something you're willing to invest in.

Q4: You'll definitely want new ram. 6gb isn't very much by current standards, particularly for video editing. Gaming won't be so heavily affected by it, but I would set the bar at a minimum of 8gb with 16gb definitely being more desirable for video editing. A dual channel 2x8gb kit would be something to consider, simply because it leaves room for future upgrades (if for some reason you ever felt the need for 32gb!!) Most mobos support 4 channels of RAM, up to 32 or 64gb.


I would also look at your graphics cards and ensure that everything is compatible. Also, if you were looking to upgrade you could purchase a single $200-300 card for now and a second down the track. It would perform better than your current SLI cards too.

 

[UnitedStatesman]

Thanks Jakamo, Sorry was having trouble posting a reply from my phone. Borrowing a laptop makes things easier!

I feel a little more confident now. I'll post a build spec soon for anyone's last minute suggestions.