Thoughts on this build:

[lukemurtagh1995]

Hello all,

I currently have this build in mind:

CPU & Cooler: Intel i7-8700K overclocled to 4.8GHz & Cooler Master Master Liquid Lite 120 66.7 CFM Liquid Cooler
Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix Z370-F Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Superclocked Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card
RAM: Corsair-Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
SSD: Kingston-UV500 480GB 2.5'' SSD
HD: Seagate-Barracuda 2TB 3.5'' 7200RPM Internal HD
Case: Zalman-Z11 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case

What does everyone think? As its the first time I am doing this I'm just a tad nervous. Is everything compatible? I believe so, as I have checked this build on PC Part Picker and it says everything is compatible so I presume it is, but a second opinion would be nice.

Thanks!

 

[SgtScream]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

 

[SgtScream]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

Yes but first you have to pick out a better case for air flow, because the case size decides what cooler you can fit. The problem with that case is the front drive cage is going to block intake air flow to your graphics card where it's needed most.

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

Yes but first you have to pick out a better case for air flow. The problem with that case is the front drive cage is going to block intake air flow to your graphics card where it's needed most.

Okay. I already have the case, as I upgraded from a HP Envy Phoenix several months ago to a new graphics card (went from 970 to my current 1080), new psu and new case. If I were to get a new case what would you suggest? If I stick with the one I have what liquid coolers would you suggest? I've found this 240mm one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Hydro-Radiator-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B07B68T46Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537790161&sr=8-2&keywords=240mm+radiator

 

[SgtScream]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

Yes but first you have to pick out a better case for air flow. The problem with that case is the front drive cage is going to block intake air flow to your graphics card where it's needed most.

Okay. I already have the case, as I upgraded from a HP Envy Phoenix several months ago to a new graphics card (went from 970 to my current 1080), new psu and new case. If I were to get a new case what would you suggest? If I stick with the one I have what liquid coolers would you suggest? I've found this 240mm one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Hydro-Radiator-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B07B68T46Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537790161&sr=8-2&keywords=240mm+radiator

How much do you want to spend on the case?

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

Yes but first you have to pick out a better case for air flow. The problem with that case is the front drive cage is going to block intake air flow to your graphics card where it's needed most.

Okay. I already have the case, as I upgraded from a HP Envy Phoenix several months ago to a new graphics card (went from 970 to my current 1080), new psu and new case. If I were to get a new case what would you suggest? If I stick with the one I have what liquid coolers would you suggest? I've found this 240mm one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Hydro-Radiator-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B07B68T46Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537790161&sr=8-2&keywords=240mm+radiator

How much do you want to spend on the case?

Probably not much, as I haven't given much thought to the case as I didn't realise mine wasn't sufficient. No more than £100. Is a new case really needed, or would I be in danger of frying my i7 if I don't get a new case?

 

[bmockeg]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: EVGA - CLC 240 74.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $79.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-09-24 08:11 EDT-0400

 

[SgtScream]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

Yes but first you have to pick out a better case for air flow. The problem with that case is the front drive cage is going to block intake air flow to your graphics card where it's needed most.

Okay. I already have the case, as I upgraded from a HP Envy Phoenix several months ago to a new graphics card (went from 970 to my current 1080), new psu and new case. If I were to get a new case what would you suggest? If I stick with the one I have what liquid coolers would you suggest? I've found this 240mm one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Hydro-Radiator-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B07B68T46Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537790161&sr=8-2&keywords=240mm+radiator

How much do you want to spend on the case?

Probably not much, as I haven't given much thought to the case as I didn't realise mine wasn't sufficient. No more than £100. Is a new case really needed, or would I be in danger of frying my i7 if I don't get a new case?

You won't "fry" but you'll have thermal issues if you don't have adequate intake and exhaust to cool the graphics card and better CPU cooler. The graphics card is open air so it will continue to recycle/reheat the air inside your case unless you have good air flow.

 

[bmockeg]

I'm not a fan of that case. For high end builds try to get a minimum of 2 front intake fans. 120mm minimum, preferably 140mm. Are You using a fan,on the bottom for intake?

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

Don't go anything lower than a 240mm rad with the 8700k otherwise you'll cook it (Mount it in the front). There are air coolers that do better at a reasonable price. Also purchase a case with better air flow and don't go any lower than a 650w power supply. Just incase you want to upgrade that beast of a system to a graphics card that sports a lot of power.

Thanks for the quick reply. You mentioned air coolers that would be better for cooling my i7. Are there any in particular that you have in mind? I wouldn't really be able to tell a good one apart from a bad one.

Yes but first you have to pick out a better case for air flow. The problem with that case is the front drive cage is going to block intake air flow to your graphics card where it's needed most.

Okay. I already have the case, as I upgraded from a HP Envy Phoenix several months ago to a new graphics card (went from 970 to my current 1080), new psu and new case. If I were to get a new case what would you suggest? If I stick with the one I have what liquid coolers would you suggest? I've found this 240mm one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Hydro-Radiator-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B07B68T46Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537790161&sr=8-2&keywords=240mm+radiator

How much do you want to spend on the case?

Probably not much, as I haven't given much thought to the case as I didn't realise mine wasn't sufficient. No more than £100. Is a new case really needed, or would I be in danger of frying my i7 if I don't get a new case?

You won't "fry" but you'll have thermal issues if you don't have adequate intake and exhaust to cool the graphics card and better CPU cooler. The graphics card is open air so it will continue to recycle/reheat the air inside your case unless you have good air flow.

I'm also thinking about upgrading two of my 120mm fans to 140mm, and adding two extra 140mm fans. I'm not sure how much help they will be in recycling the air flow. If I keep the case would it be better to get an non-overclocked i7?

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

I'm not a fan of that case. For high end builds try to get a minimum of 2 front intake fans. 120mm minimum, preferably 140mm. Are You using a fan,on the bottom for intake?

I have two 80mm fans, one on each side, one 120mm fan on the front which I'm upgrading to a 140mm, one 120mm fan on the top, which I'm also upgrading to a 140mm and adding a second 140mm, a 120mm fan on the rear, and I'm adding a 140mm fan on the bottom.

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

If the case is an issue what ones would you suggest? Ideally around the £100 mark.

 

[bmockeg]

I would try what you have with the upgraded fans. It won't damage anything. Worst case is you have higher temps than you want and get a new case. Don't be fooled by cases with lots of fans, doesn't mean they are actually good for airflow.

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

I would try what you have with the upgraded fans. It won't damage anything. Worst case is you have higher temps than you want and get a new case. Don't be fooled by cases with lots of fans, doesn't mean they are actually good for airflow.

What do you make of this case:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CC-9011049-WW-Obsidian-Mid-Tower-Performance/dp/B00I6BJ8MQ?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAIPHVZTVH6LZ5BFZA&tag=hawk-future-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00I6BJ8MQ&ascsubtag=pcg-1093944936026446847-21
It has two fans at the front.

 

[bmockeg]

Keep your case bro and see how it does. Its not a big priority unless you just want to skip trying and don't mind buying one.

Recommended cases:
Fractal Design Focus G
Fractal Design Meshify C Dark TG
NZXT S340
Phanteks Enthoo Pro M

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

Keep your case bro and see how it does. Its not a big priority unless you just want to skip trying and don't mind buying one.

Recommended cases:
Fractal Design Focus G
Fractal Design Meshify C Dark TG
NZXT S340
Phanteks Enthoo Pro M

Thanks for your help. I don't mind the Fractal Design Focus G, as it looks a nice case and I'm surprised at how cheap it is. What do you think about it?

 

[SgtScream]

That's a great case and max CPU cooler height is 165mm which will sport a good sized cooler. Just make sure you at least install an exhaust fan in the back.

 

[bmockeg]

It's a very good mainstream case that will handle everything you need.

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

How many fans does the Fractal Focus G come with? I think its just two 120mm fans at the front, but I want to double check.

 

[bmockeg]

Should be front 2 only

 

[lukemurtagh1995]

Should be front 2 only

Ah okay, thought it did. I'm planning to get those changed to 140mm fans, get two 140mm fans for the top, one 120mm for the rear and one 120mm for the bottom. Finally, what CPU cooler would you recommend?

 

[bmockeg]

If you really want to get a watercooling setup. EVGA has some of the best temps.

If you want air cooling, get this.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15S 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $79.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-09-24 09:35 EDT-0400