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[RGM79]

Thanks a lot for the pointers. I will probably just go with the Haswell build that I had in mind then. If I were to wait for the Z170 / Skylake build, I would definitely get DDR4 memory, since it all points at better performance and support.

Thanks!

In that case, let me recommend a few changes to your build. You'll save some money and get better parts.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H105 73.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus GRYPHON Z97 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($159.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Toshiba 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.56 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 970 4GB STRIX Video Card ($312.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.00 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1240.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-19 17:39 EDT-0400

Changed the Crucial MX100 for the BX100, the WD Green hard drive for the Toshiba, and the Corsair CX power supply for the EVGA model. PCPer considers the BX100 to be a great successor to the MX100. The Toshiba costs about the same price as the WD drive but is a faster 7200RPM model as opposed to the WD Green's 5400RPM speed. Also, WD Green drives have a reputation for "head parking" which is frankly not something you want. Lastly, Corsair's CX line of budget power supplies are only averagely so-so, see this review of the CX750M. The EVGA Supernova B2 is generally of much higher quality.

 

[Mr. Hyde]

I hear you cannot install WIN7 using a usb drive on z170 motherboards. Is that true with WIN10 also? I am trying to decide if I need to install my old dvd drive to get the OS up and running on my computer when I build it tomorrow.

 

[LilJoka]

Thanks! Trying this stuff out now. When I use Aida64, which stress test should I focus on? About how long should I run em?

Also, Aida64 reports 100% CPU utilization and 0% throttling, but RealTemp says my CPU is only at 24% utilization. What's up with that?

EDIT - Windows also states 100% utilization, so I bet RealTemp is just wrong.

Yeah realtemp is a bit old now, might not be updated for skylake. Just use Aida64's measurements. I leave the tests to their default checkboxes.

For initial testing, 10minutes. That will quickly get you into the ball park. After that start longer tests, a few hours to fine tweak settings.

If temps are in control, go for more overclock.

 

[RGM79]

I hear you cannot install WIN7 using a usb drive on z170 motherboards. Is that true with WIN10 also? I am trying to decide if I need to install my old dvd drive to get the OS up and running on my computer when I build it tomorrow.

No, that's only true for Windows 7 because Z170 dropped support for an older USB 2.0 feature set that Windows 7's setup installer requires. See this link for more details.

 

[LQX]

Those looking for a PSU. TigerDirect has the Antec EDGE 650W 80+ Gold Cert. for $60 after rebate. It's also a Seasonic.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...ffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-52ZMxLgYyETnfLo4QPg0yg

I just bought another Antec but really thinking of buying this also. Video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KedgMEAnXAw

 

[anothertech]

I tried 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1 USB ports on my motherboard with no luck.

I'm having a really similar problem actually. Except it actually gets to the installation portion, but quits right around 12% every time. Gives me a "Cannot install windows" error that I haven't seen before.

Have tried CD, USB, Win8, 8.1, and 10. No luck. Same error.

Going to try a new hard drive next. .Could be my Seagate went bad. Going with Hitachi this time.

Couldn't be a power or RAM/MOBO error right?

 

[Mr. Hyde]

No, that's only true for Windows 7 because Z170 dropped support for an older USB 2.0 feature set that Windows 7's setup installer requires. See this link for more details.

Oh that's fine. I just discovered a USB drive of mine with a bootable Win 8 Pro and my cd key on an external hard drive. If this cd key is linked to WIN 10, will it still work? My PC was fried in a lightning storm a few days ago so I am going to have a new motherboard. I had to replace my motherboard once and I remember de-activating it from my old PC and then activating it onto the new one.

 

[triplestation]

The Dream

CPU Intel Core i7-6700K ($350)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117559

Motherboard EVGA Z170 Stinger ($199.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188179

Ram ADATA XPG Z1 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2800 ($174.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211907

Graphics EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti Hybrid ($749.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487144

SSD Crucial BX100 500GB SATA 6Gbps ($159.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148946

Power Supply Cooler Master V750 80 PLUS Gold ($109.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171094

Case Corsair Carbide Series MicroATX Mid Tower Air 240 ($89.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=corsair_air_240_white-_-11-139-045-_-Product

Heatsink CORSAIR Hydro Series H105 ($109.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181060

Total: ~$1744.94

Since I already have the case, actual total left will be ~$1654.95

My only big concern at the moment is that I probably wont be able to conveniently fit the GTX 980 ti hybrids 120 mm fan/radiator since there really wont be much space left since I'm already going to orient a 240 mm fan/radiator in one side of the mATX case I have. Would i be able to just ziptie the GPUs 120 mm fan/radiator next to something without having any issues? I will not be able to screw it on conventionally because the stuff on the motherboard won't allow it.

To give a better idea, the image above shows a tight amount of space between the 120 mm fan you see at the top left of the case and below the water cooling tube. That entire side where the fan is sitting has a ventilation mesh. So would I be able to get away with just snugging the GPUs fan/radiator in there and just anchor the damn thing with a ziptie?

One final thing I'd like to ask is what are the least number of these parts can I get first to test for DOA parts and just to get started up?

 

[Mystic654]

Anyone know when MSI 980 TI lightning will be released? If it's not until next year or November. I'm thinking of going with MSI 980 Ti 6G.

----

Also whats best AIO cooler to get currently? Other then Corsair since I can't stand their crappy software that usually never works. NZXT, Cooler Master, Swiftech, other Other?

 

[harz-marz]

The Dream

CPU i7 5820K 6C/12T @ 3.3 ($389.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117402

Motherboard ASUS Z170M-PLUS Micro ATX Intel Motherboard ($129.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132133

Ram ADATA XPG Z1 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 2800 ($174.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211907

Graphics EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti Hybrid ($749.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487144

SSD Crucial BX100 500GB SATA 6Gbps ($159.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148946

Power Supply Cooler Master V750 80 PLUS Gold ($109.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171094

Case Corsair Carbide Series MicroATX Mid Tower Air 240 ($89.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...=corsair_air_240_white-_-11-139-045-_-Product

Heatsink CORSAIR Hydro Series H105 ($109.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181060

Total: ~$1914.92

Since I already have the case, actual total left will be ~$1824.93

My only big concern at the moment is that I probably wont be able to conveniently fit the GTX 980 ti hybrids 120 mm fan/radiator since there really wont be much space left since I'm already going to orient a 240 mm fan/radiator in one side of the mATX case I have. Would i be able to just ziptie the GPUs 120 mm fan/radiator next to something without having any issues? I will not be able to screw it on conventionally because the stuff on the motherboard won't allow it.

To give a better idea, the image above shows a tight amount of space between the 120 mm fan you see at the top left of the case and below the water cooling tube. That entire side where the fan is sitting has a ventilation mesh. So would I be able to get away with just snugging the GPUs fan/radiator in there and just anchor the damn thing with a ziptie?

One final thing I'd like to ask is what are the least number of these parts can I get first to test for DOA parts and just to get started up?

AFAIK you need an X99 mobo for the 5820K?

 

[triplestation]

AFAIK you need an X99 mobo for the 5820K?

i am not aware of this.. it doesnt mention anything like this on the specs

can anyone else say if this is true?

 

[opticalmace]

i am not aware of this.. it doesnt mention anything like this on the specs

can anyone else say if this is true?

It is. Z170 is Skylake, X99 and the 5820 are Haswell-E.

edit: your mobo link goes to Z97, your mobo description is Z170. Well in either case you need an X99 board for the 5820.

 

[harz-marz]

i am not aware of this.. it doesnt mention anything like this on the specs

can anyone else say if this is true?

Z170 is a socket 1155 board for Skylake chips only. You will need an i5 6600K or i7 6770K to go with this board.

 

[triplestation]

It is. Z170 is Skylake, X99 and the 5820 are Haswell-E.

edit: your mobo link goes to Z97, your mobo description is Z170. Well in either case you need an X99 board for the 5820.

i guess ill have to switch to the i7 6700k then

thanks for pointing that out, guys

 

[WEGGLES]

Lightning killed my PC and I was long overdue for a upgrade anyhow (i5 750/5850/4GB RAM).

Ordered 6600k, a motherboard for it 16GB RAM and a R9 390.

Everything is in except the CPU. I called and asked about the order and they said the ETA was end of this month if not early next month. I'm dyin here!


(also any way to really tell if a PSU is still good? I looked it over, looks fine but don't wanna fuck up my new.... everything... trying to save $80 or so on a power supply... and can a R9 390 etc. run on a 650W Psu? the GPU box says 750W... but that seems high).

 

[opticalmace]

i guess ill have to switch to the i7 6700k then

thanks for pointing that out, guys

In that case just make sure you get a Z170 board, your link went to a Z97 one when I clicked on it.

 

[An1malhouse365]

My 980ti G1 just came in and not a single word as to the availability of the I7 6700 in the states and I'm growing impatient. All I need to order in my CPU/mobo/ram combo from amazon(as that's where my credit is). Was tinkering with a few ideas.

This build is purely for my gaming so I've been reading that if that's the case, the I5 6600 would be sufficient, which is available now.
Once I'm done with this build I plan on either upgrading the "family" PC, which is ancient. No idea whats in there. Also plans for a media server/htpc for the living room. Want to have this all done before the end of the year. So my options are

1 Wait for the I7 6700

2. Use the I5 6600 for current build and later upgrade to I7 6700, using the I5 for one of the other builds.

3. Going with an I7 4790/ 97 mobo combo and recycling that later in the same fashion.

The family PC wont be used for much more that Browsing and basic school work. Maybe light photo editing and lots of storage for pics/music.

Any advice?

 

[triplestation]

In that case just make sure you get a Z170 board, your link went to a Z97 one when I clicked on it.

whoops, sorry about that

all fixed now

 

[ricki42]

Maybe about 200USD for the graphics card. I didn't even think about the motherboard being mATX, is there any downside to that besides wasted space? I don't really mind about that, if there's any other comparable motherboards at that price level, i'd be willing to switch. I'm not set on cases either, was considering a Phanteks without a window. As for the PSU, you have any recommendations for something that's reliable and cheap?

I meant that you could switch the case to mATX, since you likely won't need anything bigger. As for PSUs, maybe the EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply, it's not much more expensive.
For GPUs in that price range I guess AMD is the best bang for your buck unless you want nvidia features, in which case you could get a GTX 960 4GB.

 

[Ultryx]

Hoping someone can answer my question about HDMI switches.

I'm currently running a dual monitor setup on my PC. I enjoy sitting on my couch from time to play my Steam games with my gamepad. I have an NVIDIA 770 and I only have two HDMI ports. I want to connect my TV also so that I can switch it off and on when I want to throw Steam Big Picture on it. Can I get an HDMI switcher and connect it to the GPU and then just run the two monitors when I want and activate the third (TV) or what ever when I want?

 

[LilJoka]

Hoping someone can answer my question about HDMI switches.

I'm currently running a dual monitor setup on my PC. I enjoy sitting on my couch from time to play my Steam games with my gamepad. I have an NVIDIA 770 and I only have two HDMI ports. I want to connect my TV also so that I can switch it off and on when I want to throw Steam Big Picture on it. Can I get an HDMI switcher and connect it to the GPU and then just run the two monitors when I want and activate the third (TV) or what ever when I want?

Should work fine.

 

[harz-marz]

My 980ti G1 just came in and not a single word as to the availability of the I7 6700 in the states and I'm growing impatient. All I need to order in my CPU/mobo/ram combo from amazon(as that's where my credit is). Was tinkering with a few ideas.

This build is purely for my gaming so I've been reading that if that's the case, the I5 6600 would be sufficient, which is available now.
Once I'm done with this build I plan on either upgrading the "family" PC, which is ancient. No idea whats in there. Also plans for a media server/htpc for the living room. Want to have this all done before the end of the year. So my options are

1 Wait for the I7 6700

2. Use the I5 6600 for current build and later upgrade to I7 6700, using the I5 for one of the other builds.

3. Going with an I7 4790/ 97 mobo combo and recycling that later in the same fashion.

The family PC wont be used for much more that Browsing and basic school work. Maybe light photo editing and lots of storage for pics/music.

Any advice?

If it's just for gaming, go for the i5 6600K. I have this (along with a 980 ti also) and it's more than enough. Overclocked mine and running at 4.5 Mhz

 

[Oogedei]

The wait for the I7 6700k is killing me. Everything else was delivered last week so it's just the CPU which is missing. There is not even an estimated delivery time...for the additional charge of 55$ there's the possibility to get it immediately. I don't really have the money for that now but I just don't want to wait till mid sep either...I just want to start my build!

 

[CreepingFear]

Hoping someone can answer my question about HDMI switches.

I'm currently running a dual monitor setup on my PC. I enjoy sitting on my couch from time to play my Steam games with my gamepad. I have an NVIDIA 770 and I only have two HDMI ports. I want to connect my TV also so that I can switch it off and on when I want to throw Steam Big Picture on it. Can I get an HDMI switcher and connect it to the GPU and then just run the two monitors when I want and activate the third (TV) or what ever when I want?

Yep. I use an HDMI switcher for one of my monitors. I don't have two hdmi ports on my GPU, the other ports are two display port and and a dvi. I have an hdmi switch that I got from monoprice that does the job. Sometimes I'll watch sports or something on my cable box using my third monitor.

 

[RGM79]

Oh that's fine. I just discovered a USB drive of mine with a bootable Win 8 Pro and my cd key on an external hard drive. If this cd key is linked to WIN 10, will it still work? My PC was fried in a lightning storm a few days ago so I am going to have a new motherboard. I had to replace my motherboard once and I remember de-activating it from my old PC and then activating it onto the new one.

No, upgrading the Windows 8 license to Windows 10 doesn't give you separate licenses of Windows 8 and 10 you can run at the same time.

 

[paskowitz]

The Dream

...

Total: ~$1874.93

Since I already have the case, actual total left will be ~$1784.94

My only big concern at the moment is that I probably wont be able to conveniently fit the GTX 980 ti hybrids 120 mm fan/radiator since there really wont be much space left since I'm already going to orient a 240 mm fan/radiator in one side of the mATX case I have. Would i be able to just ziptie the GPUs 120 mm fan/radiator next to something without having any issues? I will not be able to screw it on conventionally because the stuff on the motherboard won't allow it.

To give a better idea, the image above shows a tight amount of space between the 120 mm fan you see at the top left of the case and below the water cooling tube. That entire side where the fan is sitting has a ventilation mesh. So would I be able to get away with just snugging the GPUs fan/radiator in there and just anchor the damn thing with a ziptie?

One final thing I'd like to ask is what are the least number of these parts can I get first to test for DOA parts and just to get started up?

In regards to doing two radiators, I am pretty sure it is "doable" but yeah, it is going to be tight doing a 240mm and a 120mm. If you want to be safe do a single 120mm radiator for the CPU (GPU is also 120mm) and mount them both on the front. The H80GT I selected has two fans and will help offset the radiator spacing. Other than you can "hope it fits"...

Another option and it would be totally awesome (but a lot more work and cost), would be to do a custom loop with a Swiftech H220-X. Basically this, https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/2r57jd/build_complete_the_supercell_matx_high_res/, except a custom water block on the GPU would connect to the cooling loop (RAD>CPU>GPU>RAD). But that is just me dreaming.

IMO I would go this route:

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fV3xMp) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fV3xMp/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80662i76700k) | $388.78 @ NCIX US
**CPU Cooler** | [Corsair H80i GT 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-cpu-cooler-cw9060017ww) | $96.12 @ Amazon
**Motherboard** | [Asus MAXIMUS VIII GENE Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximusviiigene) | $241.90 @ SuperBiiz
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws 4 Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f43000c15d16grk) | $145.78 @ Newegg
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz75e500bam) | $187.15 @ OutletPC
**Video Card** | [EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB HYBRID Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-06gp41996kr) | $750.00
**Case** | [Corsair Air 240 MicroATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-cc9011070ww) | Purchased For $0.00
**Power Supply** | [EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-120g10750xr) | $92.32 @ NCIX US
| *Prices include shipping, taxes ($87), rebates, and discounts* |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1922.05
| Mail-in rebates | -$20.00
| **Total** | **$1902.05**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2015-08-19 20:38 EDT-0400 |

The CPU mobo combo you had (as others pointed out) was not compatible, so that price is going to change. You could go for a cheaper motherboard but ASUS boards are quality. You could also save money buy getting slower RAM but I thought this was a decent middle ground. The Samsung SSD has better write speeds than the Crucial and is overall very good (otherwise stick with the Crucial). The PSU I selected is cheaper and well regarded (also more watts, even though you won't need them. As I mentioned, the CPU cooler has two fans which will offset the CPU rad with the GPU rad. This should ensure the fit. Also, going outside of Newegg will save you a good deal (also some parts are not even available there. Finally, the 980 ti Hyrbird and 6700K are very hard to find in stock, so don't plan on completing this build in the immediate future.

Going with the 5820K would actually be cheaper... but... unless you are doing tasks that require 6 cores (video editing, heavy computational stuff, etc) then you might as well stick with 6700K. I'll leave a link for you to consider: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tHxzcf

 

[Grassy]

I hear you cannot install WIN7 using a usb drive on z170 motherboards. Is that true with WIN10 also? I am trying to decide if I need to install my old dvd drive to get the OS up and running on my computer when I build it tomorrow.

I installed Windows 10 from USB with Skylake/Z170, went smooth as butter. You might want the dvd drive for the motherboard drivers and programs though.
I'm not sure what brand motherboard you have but I know Asus lists every program/driver separately on their support site, which might be painful for a first-time install.

 

[chaosblade]

Might have my next case picked out.

Fractal Design Core 500

Similar to other cases I've liked, but according to the specs I shouldn't need to replace my PSU (Seasonic X750). Plus I could throw a 280mm AIO in there.

Looking forward to getting away from gigantic cases. Just not sure when I'll upgrade, since it will come along with my CPU upgrade. And my 2500k is still trucking fine at 4.5GHz. Don't feel like it's worth sidegrading to an ITX motherboard unless I can get a good one really cheap.

 

[comrade]

Anyone know when MSI 980 TI lightning will be released? If it's not until next year or November. I'm thinking of going with MSI 980 Ti 6G.

----

Also whats best AIO cooler to get currently? Other then Corsair since I can't stand their crappy software that usually never works. NZXT, Cooler Master, Swiftech, other Other?

I really like my Swiftech H240-X but EK also has one coming out. Not sure of the release date but I'm sure it'll be quality.

 

[Swig_]

Does digital art (Photoshop, Painter, etc) and photography editing (Lightroom) use multi-threading? I use those programs, but I'm not sure if I should spend the money on an i5 or i7.

I also am a gamer and am planning on getting a VR headset eventually, if that matters.

Build will be a GTX 980, Skylake proc/mobo, 16GB DDR4

 

[kennah]

Does digital art (Photoshop, Painter, etc) and photography editing (Lightroom) use multi-threading? I use those programs, but I'm not sure if I should spend the money on an i5 or i7.

It will, but honestly disk speed is more important. If you're just doing this amateurly there is nothing wrong with an i5.

 

[Ultryx]

Should work fine.

Yep. I use an HDMI switcher for one of my monitors. I don't have two hdmi ports on my GPU, the other ports are two display port and and a dvi. I have an hdmi switch that I got from monoprice that does the job. Sometimes I'll watch sports or something on my cable box using my third monitor.

Thanks for the responses. I'll check Monoprice and Amazon.

 

[paskowitz]

Does digital art (Photoshop, Painter, etc) and photography editing (Lightroom) use multi-threading? I use those programs, but I'm not sure if I should spend the money on an i5 or i7.

I also am a gamer and am planning on getting a VR headset eventually, if that matters.

Build will be a GTX 980, Skylake proc/mobo, 16GB DDR4

It will, but honestly disk speed is more important. If you're just doing this amateurly there is nothing wrong with an i5.

Yeah, I would invest more in a good SSD vs an i7 (for Ps and Lr). I noticed no difference when I went from a 4670k (4cores/4threads) to a 4790k (4cores/8threads), even with 20MP+ images and lots of layers. I would recommend at least 16GB of fast ram though (DDR4 will cover you). Pr and Ae are a different story though.

Buuut, if you are doing VR... you will likely want/need more than a 980 (Even though Oculus recommends a 970... which I think is ridiculous). I had a 980 before I got a 980 ti (Classified) and my 980 ti is noticeably better than my 980 with games like pCARS and Assetto Corsa in VR. Unfortunately, I did not to try too many other taxing games (Elite Dangerous) with my 980, but VR is VERY demanding if you want to run graphically intensive games with high-max settings and stable high framerates. Sure, if you are mostly in "indie" or smaller scale VR games then a 980 is plenty. Even for games like AC or pCARS it is "acceptable", just don't expect high settings. Obviously, if Creative Suite is your main goal, focus on that, you can always upgrade your GPU later.

 

[Luke_Wal]

Hey there NeoGAF friends!

I've never played PC games before; always been a console and handheld guy, and my family has always either had Apple computers or PCs not powerful enough to seriously game on. I'm leaving for college next week, and I'm kind of interested in building a gaming PC, both to experience the wide breadth of indie experiences that only hit PC (or hit it way before they come to PS4), and to try to play the best versions of some of these games. What would I need to spend to play today's games at at least 30fps or maybe 60 (with graphical settings at or exceeding PS4 versions) in 1080p? What about to play late last-gen games (Saint's Row 4, DmC, Deus Ex) at 60? Keep in mind I would be starting COMPLETELY from scratch; I would basically be buying everything except a monitor and an HDMI chord.

 

[Bloodember]

I will ask this here as I do not want to create a thread just for this question.

I have two routers in my home. There is the main router to which the modem is connected, and there's another one in my room on the second floor, which is wirelessly connected to the main router. I need that second router in my room so that my tower computer can have internet, as it does not have wifi. Everything works.

My question is: if my main router does not support the 5GHz frequency while my second router does, does it mean that I won't be able to use that 5GHz frequency of my second router to connect to other devices, say, my Macbook? Or does it not matter?

I'm asking because my Macbook is not seeing the 5GHz frequency of my second router when searching for networks. The 5GHz frequency has its own SSID, distinct from the 2.4 one.

If you are connected to the main router wirelessly, how are you doing that?

 

[Swig_]

Yeah, I would invest more in a good SSD vs an i7 (for Ps and Lr). I noticed no difference when I went from a 4670k (4cores/4threads) to a 4790k (4cores/8threads), even with 20MP+ images and lots of layers. I would recommend at least 16GB of fast ram though (DDR4 will cover you). Pr and Ae are a different story though.

Buuut, if you are doing VR... you will likely want/need more than a 980 (Even though Oculus recommends a 970... which I think is ridiculous). I had a 980 before I got a 980 ti (Classified) and my 980 ti is noticeably better than my 980 with games like pCARS and Assetto Corsa in VR. Unfortunately, I did not to try too many other taxing games (Elite Dangerous) with my 980, but VR is VERY demanding if you want to run graphically intensive games with high-max settings and stable high framerates. Sure, if you are mostly in "indie" or smaller scale VR games then a 980 is plenty. Even for games like AC or pCARS it is "acceptable", just don't expect high settings. Obviously, if Creative Suite is your main goal, focus on that, you can always upgrade your GPU later.

Thanks for the response, both of you.

Would the i7 be a good choice if I want to do VR gaming, or is it mostly the video card that will be the weak link? I'm surprised, I thought a 980 would be plenty. I was looking at a 970, but got a good deal on the 980, so I went with that. A 980 Ti was more than I really wanted to spend. Would buying a second and running it in SLI do much good?

I have a good SSD (Samsung EVO), so I think that should be fine. I may buy a newer, bigger SSD eventually, anyway.

 

[paskowitz]

Thanks for the response, both of you.

Would the i7 be a good choice if I want to do VR gaming, or is it mostly the video card that will be the weak link? I'm surprised, I thought a 980 would be plenty. I was looking at a 970, but got a good deal on the 980, so I went with that. A 980 Ti was more than I really wanted to spend. Would buying a second and running it in SLI do much good?

I have a good SSD (Samsung EVO), so I think that should be fine. I may buy a newer, bigger SSD eventually, anyway.

No problemo. GPU is going to be the primary weak link. SLI 980s should be pretty solid (>~10% better performance than 980 ti). Again, this is for "max everything" and intensive games (and that bar is going to move higher as time goes on). Obviously, things may change in the future, but I can't imagine a current i5 hurting VR performance in the majority of games.

 

[knitoe]

If you are connected to the main router wirelessly, how are you doing that?

His 2nd router is configure to be a wifi range extender. This allows him to reach places that he can normally can't reach with just the main router.

 

[triplestation]

In regards to doing two radiators, I am pretty sure it is "doable" but yeah, it is going to be tight doing a 240mm and a 120mm. If you want to be safe do a single 120mm radiator for the CPU (GPU is also 120mm) and mount them both on the front. The H80GT I selected has two fans and will help offset the radiator spacing. Other than you can "hope it fits"...

Another option and it would be totally awesome (but a lot more work and cost), would be to do a custom loop with a Swiftech H220-X. Basically this, https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/2r57jd/build_complete_the_supercell_matx_high_res/, except a custom water block on the GPU would connect to the cooling loop (RAD>CPU>GPU>RAD). But that is just me dreaming.

IMO I would go this route:



The CPU mobo combo you had (as others pointed out) was not compatible, so that price is going to change. You could go for a cheaper motherboard but ASUS boards are quality. You could also save money buy getting slower RAM but I thought this was a decent middle ground. The Samsung SSD has better write speeds than the Crucial and is overall very good (otherwise stick with the Crucial). The PSU I selected is cheaper and well regarded (also more watts, even though you won't need them. As I mentioned, the CPU cooler has two fans which will offset the CPU rad with the GPU rad. This should ensure the fit. Also, going outside of Newegg will save you a good deal (also some parts are not even available there. Finally, the 980 ti Hyrbird and 6700K are very hard to find in stock, so don't plan on completing this build in the immediate future.

Going with the 5820K would actually be cheaper... but... unless you are doing tasks that require 6 cores (video editing, heavy computational stuff, etc) then you might as well stick with 6700K. I'll leave a link for you to consider: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/tHxzcf

Thanks so much for this!

I'm going to make changes and based on your help, feeling really grateful right now

I love the idea of two 120 mm radiators next to each other but I'm wondering how much less the H80i GT would be performance wise compared to the H105..

 

[zebwinz]

i guess ill have to switch to the i7 6700k then

thanks for pointing that out, guys

I'm gearing up for my new build so I've been trying to keep up with all the Skylake info and I thought I read that you should get DDR4-3000 or up: like these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231878&cm_re=ddr4_3000-_-20-231-878-_-Product

Your build had DDR4-2800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211907)

Can one of the PC ninjas here confirm this? Also, I've read that a 4x4 config for 16GB of ram is better that 2x8, is that true also?

 

[triplestation]

I'm gearing up for my new build so I've been trying to keep up with all the Skylake info and I thought I read that you should get DDR4-3000 or up: like these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231878&cm_re=ddr4_3000-_-20-231-878-_-Product

Your build had DDR4-2800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211907)

Can one of the PC ninjas here confirm this? Also, I've read that a 4x4 config for 16GB of ram is better that 2x8, is that true also?

Oh wow, thank you for this.. >.>

im also interested in your 4x4 question so im just gonna camp here with you

but then im also thinking that after 2 8gb sticks now, another set of 8 gb sticks could be added in the future to fuel our blood lust

 

[Ancient]

Thoughts and opinions

CPU - Intel Core i5 6600K ($369)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32843

Motherboard - ASUS Z170-AR Motherboard ($279)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32864

RAM - Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK16GX4M2A2133C13 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 Black ($209)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=32848

GPU - EVGA GeForce GTX 970 ACX 2.0 4GB ($489)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=29995

PSU - EVGA SuperNOVA 750W G2 Gold Power Supply ($159)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=27992

All Prices are in AUD. Want to future proof, but cant justify spending so much on 980.

 

[JimPanzer]

guys, I thinking about buying a new GPU for MGSV and some other games in the future.
I'm currently running an PZ77-V with an i5-3570k@4.2k.
I'm thinking of adding the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G to this system.

Before I do so I have sime questions:

Should I go for a different card?
Will I be able to run MGS:TPP at 60 fps and max settings?
Will I get the Steam code for TPP if I buy the card from amazon germany?

 

[BolognaOni]

Can one of the PC ninjas here confirm this? Also, I've read that a 4x4 config for 16GB of ram is better that 2x8, is that true also?

I gave up waiting for skylake and went x99, so not totally sure about memory clock speeds. I stuck with 2666 because I have bad memories of messing with BCLK for overlocking, and wanted to leave it at 100. My understanding is skylake clocks them up high without too many other issues, so higher will be slightly better. Emphasis slightly. I'd maybe wait to get some reports on how things over clock to that specific speed with the MB you want to run.

Dual channel is what you want for skylake, so 2x dimms. Haswell-e runs slightly faster quad channel, so that's what the 4x kits are aimed at. Again, emphasis slightly.

 

[zebwinz]

I gave up waiting for skylake and went x99, so not totally sure about memory clock speeds. I stuck with 2666 because I have bad memories of messing with BCLK for overlocking, and wanted to leave it at 100. My understanding is skylake clocks them up high without too many other issues, so higher will be slightly better. Emphasis slightly. I'd maybe wait to get some reports on how things over clock to that specific speed with the MB you want to run.

Dual channel is what you want for skylake, so 2x dimms. Haswell-e runs slightly faster quad channel, so that's what the 4x kits are aimed at. Again, emphasis slightly.

I appreciate the info. I'm not going to be doing any overclocking myself - just want to get the most out of the system I build without potentially compromising stability. I know I could just go for a Haswell but prices are pretty similar (unless you are picking up a 6700K from a price gauger) and I'd like to build a system that lasts 5-7years with only minor updates.

 

[eBay Huckster]

just making sure: if I have a 4790K there's literally no point in even considering a Skylake upgrade unless my computer gets fried, right

 

[jfoul]

Might have my next case picked out.

Fractal Design Core 500

Similar to other cases I've liked, but according to the specs I shouldn't need to replace my PSU (Seasonic X750). Plus I could throw a 280mm AIO in there.

Looking forward to getting away from gigantic cases. Just not sure when I'll upgrade, since it will come along with my CPU upgrade. And my 2500k is still trucking fine at 4.5GHz. Don't feel like it's worth sidegrading to an ITX motherboard unless I can get a good one really cheap.

This case would be great if it wasn't ruined by the ugly 5.25 drive slot. I really wish these type of cases would just get rid of these slots, or just use a slim or slot load.

 

[Evo X]

just making sure: if I have a 4790K there's literally no point in even considering a Skylake upgrade unless my computer gets fried, right

Yeah. Skylake will be a minor improvement for you. Only switch to the new platform if you will be taking advantage of the new chipset features such as M.2 drives, etc.

 

[plasmawave]

Hey guys, I need some serious help with my PC.

So I accidentally spilt coffee on my PC (its one of those PC cases with vent holes on the ceiling).
I quickly turned off my PC to clean (thankfully there weren't much inside the case) however my PC doesn't want to turn on anymore.
First I thought my PSU had gone bad, but then whenever I tried to turn on my PC I could hear this fizzy sound coming from my mobo.
So my question is... is my mobo bad now? Or is there a way to still salvage it?

I'm using GIGABYTE GA-Z87X-D3H.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128591&cm_re=z87x-d3h-_-13-128-591-_-Product

Can you guys recommend me a replacement?

Thanks!

 

[BolognaOni]

I appreciate the info. I'm not going to be doing any overclocking myself - just want to get the most out of the system I build without potentially compromising stability. I know I could just go for a Haswell but prices are pretty similar (unless you are picking up a 6700K from a price gauger) and I'd like to build a system that lasts 5-7years with only minor updates.

Well, if you want it to last 5+ years, and you're buying an unlocked -k CPU, you're probably going to overclock at some point. It's really easy these days, so just think of it as a little extra free performance waiting for you when you want it.

On of the advantages of skylake is that it handles higher ram frequencies better. Above 2666 things can get finicky on x99, and if you look at user reviews for higher frequency ram you'll usually see a fair number of complaints as a result.

Go with the best 2x8 you can get at an acceptable price when you're ready to buy.