Up to $5,000 Gaming PC Build

[Grayvax]

I am in a unique position that I have up to $5,000 USD to spend on a new system. It is one of those deals where I have to use it or lose it. I know that I could build a super awesome system for $2,500 that would demolish games at 1440p and if that is truly the best way to go, then that is what I would build.

Ideal for me would also be a system that I would not have to upgrade internal components for at least 2 years. I am currently wanting to purchase a single monitor now and possibly adding more down the road.

I have done some general research, but I am really not sure on which way to go, which is why I am turning to you all.

I am also in the market for a new chair if anyone has any recommendations.


Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: Up to $5,000 USD

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, VR Gaming, General usage

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, probably Win 10 because DX12, unless there is a very good reason not to.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, amazon.com

Location: Las Vegas, NV.

Parts Preferences: Intel / Nvidia, but I am not set on this if AMD is the better way to go.

Overclocking: Maybe, I have never really done any type of Overclocking, but I am ok with doing a small amount. I am not looking to OC in order to push the system to its limits, but I would be comfortable with some small Overclocking.

SLI or Crossfire: Yes / Maybe, I have never had a system with multiple GPUs, but I am not opposed to it

Your Monitor Resolution: I will be purchasing a new monitor, at a minimum would like 1440p and 144hz. I am not opposed to 4k gaming but it is not a requirement at all.

Other Peripherals: I would also like any recommendations for desktop speakers as well as a gaming headset.

Additional Comments: I would like to stay with a single monitor for now. I do plan on using this machine for VR gaming once the headsets are released.

I also have never built a water cooled system and I really do not think I need a custom loop as I am not going to be doing any heavy Overclocking, but if using a closed loop CPU cooler or a hybrid GPU / GPUs is recommend that would not be an issue.

In terms of case size I am open to any. From the research that I have done it, appears that currently many people really like the quality of the Phantek cases but I am open to any recommendations.

Thank you all for any help / recommendations that you are able to offer. I really do appreciate your time!

 

[g-unit1111]

Well if you must:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($479.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110i GTX 104.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($128.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 OC Formula/3.1 EATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($339.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($338.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($116.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($706.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($706.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case ($142.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($186.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.88 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $3445.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-14 17:13 EST-0500

Use the rest for monitor(s) and peripherals of your choosing.

 

[BennCon]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($698.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-WS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($349.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Savage 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($510.37 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($194.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.50 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2 1300W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($89.88 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 34UM94-P 60Hz 34.0" Monitor ($659.40 @ Amazon)
Total: $4987.05
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-14 17:17 EST-0500

Well, that was fun, what can I say? I tried to get quad SLI but would you believe it I couldn't get it under budget, the CPU is the best you get, the motherboard is massive to fit all the GPUs on. Yo have plenty of SSD storage, three 980TIs, in terms of CPU cooler, it's nothing special, but I couldn't quite get a water cooler under budget, certainly worth considering if your budget is flexible, the case I picked because I like it, not much more to it, the PSU is sufficient, and the monitor is, as far as I know, great. I'm not the best with monitors though so someone else might have something better.

 

[g-unit1111]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($698.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-WS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($349.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Savage 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($510.37 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($194.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.50 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2 1300W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($89.88 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 34UM94-P 60Hz 34.0" Monitor ($659.40 @ Amazon)
Total: $4987.05
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-14 17:17 EST-0500

If you have an M2, what's the second SSD for? And why a workstation board?

 

[BennCon]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($698.89 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-WS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($349.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Savage 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($510.37 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($77.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($194.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Hitachi Deskstar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.50 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (3-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 750D ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300 G2 1300W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($89.88 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 34UM94-P 60Hz 34.0" Monitor ($659.40 @ Amazon)
Total: $4987.05
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-14 17:17 EST-0500

If you have an M2, what's the second SSD for? And why a workstation board?

Second SSD because the money was there. In a use it or lose it situation, you may as well. And the board was just the cheapest EATX board I could get on the 1151 socket.

 

[g-unit1111]

Second SSD because the money was there. In a use it or lose it situation, you may as well. And the board was just the cheapest EATX board I could get on the 1151 socket.

That's not always the best idea. You don't want to spend money on something that you won't get any use out of "just because". That is usually never beneficial to the OP having extra items you don't need, no matter what the budget is. Having 3-way SLI on that kind of a system is definitely a good option, or at least have it open for that kind of expansion. But the thing is there's a huge difference between "optimal" and "ideal". I would personally go more for the ideal in this case. There's that one moronic vendor charging double the price for the 6700K (who should seriously not get a single sale out of it for that price until more become available), so that would not be ideal, but the slightly less expensive 5930K would be more optimal because for one thing it's better for multi GPU SLI and can support up to 4 way. Plus with the 5930K you also get a much wider range of EATX board options. Like the Asrock OC Formula or the MSI X99 MPOWER.

 

[Grayvax]

Thank you all for taking the time to help me. I really appreciate it. I do have a question though. Is there a benefit of going with the i7 1151 and the z170 board over the i7 2011-v3 and the x99?

I understand that the 2011-v3 is the newer socket type but not really sure as to what the Pro's / Con's are when it comes to choosing between the 2 other than the quad channel memory with the 2011-v3 vs the dual channel with the 1151.

Thank you all again for any help you are able to provide.

 

[BennCon]

Second SSD because the money was there. In a use it or lose it situation, you may as well. And the board was just the cheapest EATX board I could get on the 1151 socket.

That's not always the best idea. You don't want to spend money on something that you won't get any use out of "just because". That is usually never beneficial to the OP having extra items you don't need, no matter what the budget is. Having 3-way SLI on that kind of a system is definitely a good option, or at least have it open for that kind of expansion. But the thing is there's a huge difference between "optimal" and "ideal". I would personally go more for the ideal in this case. There's that one moronic vendor charging double the price for the 6700K (who should seriously not get a single sale out of it for that price until more become available), so that would not be ideal, but the slightly less expensive 5930K would be more optimal because for one thing it's better for multi GPU SLI and can support up to 4 way. Plus with the 5930K you also get a much wider range of EATX board options. Like the Asrock OC Formula or the MSI X99 MPOWER.

I know spending so much on 6700k sucks, but when you're spending this much on a build, you've got to get the most recent hardware you can. Although admittedly saving money isn't my forte. I also tend not to think about money for peripherals as I game happily on a membrane keyboard with no intention of upgrading, I just don't get it. So I appreciate your point, but I think it's worth paying extra for Skylake.

 

[g-unit1111]

I know spending so much on 6700k sucks, but when you're spending this much on a build, you've got to get the most recent hardware you can. Although admittedly saving money isn't my forte. I also tend not to think about money for peripherals as I game happily on a membrane keyboard with no intention of upgrading, I just don't get it. So I appreciate your point, but I think it's worth paying extra for Skylake.

I'll agree with that, but considering that most of the major motherboard manufacturers have updated their X99 products to support new tech you can honestly go either way. Most X99 motherboards now and I particularly like the Asrock OC Formula, have everything supported that Z170 does (M2 support, DDR4, etc etc). We probably won't see a new enthusiast line until next year. But until then as long as it supports the latest tech I'm in.

 

[Grayvax]

Thank you all for your recommendations!
After looking at the suggestions and doing some more research myself I put together the build below.

I am still not sure on the dual GPUs. My only hesitation is that they are giants and I am not really sure if heat will become an issue.

Speaking of heat, should I also add some fans? Currently the case has 1 x 200mm fan in front, 1 x 140mm fan up top, and 1 x 140mm fan in the rear.

Any feedback or other recommendations is super appreciated!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($479.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H110i GTX 104.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.49 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 OC Formula/3.1 EATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($303.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($190.54 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($433.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Extreme Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($678.89 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 1000 P2 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($192.35 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($97.97 @ Amazon)
Total: $3523.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-12-15 19:26 EST-0500

-edit to add parts list

 

[g-unit1111]

Thank you all for taking the time to help me. I really appreciate it. I do have a question though. Is there a benefit of going with the i7 1151 and the z170 board over the i7 2011-v3 and the x99?

I understand that the 2011-v3 is the newer socket type but not really sure as to what the Pro's / Con's are when it comes to choosing between the 2 other than the quad channel memory with the 2011-v3 vs the dual channel with the 1151.

Thank you all again for any help you are able to provide.

The biggest difference between X99 and Z170 is the ability to use more than 2 way SLI. The limitations of the processors on Z170 only allow you to use 2 graphics cards at a time, where the X99 platform gives you more PCI-E lanes which means that you can add more than two graphics cards - up to 4 in some cases.

I am still not sure on the dual GPUs. My only hesitation is that they are giants and I am not really sure if heat will become an issue.

If you set up your cooling properly heat won't be an issue. With the money saved you can do a full custom CPU - GPU - radiator - pump loop and then cool the graphics cards using liquid cooling. Most of the high end GPUs will allow you to remove the water block and install a liquid cooled one yourself.

That build looks good but the 1TB SSD is a waste of money if you've got an M2 drive. Instead go with a 3 or 4TB mechanical drive - that will be a better compliment to an M2 drive. And you don't need the thermal compound - that's a waste of money too.