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[mulac]

What's an easy way to add some in-case illumination? I have a couple of tempered glass side panels looking to use to showoff the sexyness inside.

Nothing complicated; i'm not using any LED fans so been checking out LED sticky strips:

https://www.mwave.com.au/product/thermaltake-lumi-colour-12-led-strip-white-ab57596

Such as that - just want something simple that isnt garish and clean show off.

Edit: in Australia so choices are limited...

 

[Dave_6]

Not sure what is going on with my PC; I come home from work and I can hear my CPU fan running higher than it should considering the PC has been idling for ~20 hours. Opened task manager and there is a process running called explorer.exe that is using 65% CPU usage (I'm still fairly new to working out stuff like this) so I took a screenshot:

This can't be normal, right? It did something like this last week and had the CPU so loaded that task manager wouldn't even open. A restart didn't fix it then but a push of the reset button did. It's not as bad this time but all the months I've had this thing together the fan never runs this high at idle.

 

[Hands of Stone]

So it seems like the EVGA series have got a hotspot, which reaches over 100 °C around the VRAM/VRM area (micron vram only allows up to~95°C). This leads to either the weird black screen bug or to combustion of certain modules around the area.

The problem is: this also affects the 1080 sc, 1070 ftw and 1070 sc. Every EVGA card has shown a hotspot which reaches over 90°C easily....

I just got my EVGA 1070 today too..

 

[ginger ninja]

Looking to build a cheap Oclus rift ready PC that I can make upgrades to in the future as money comes in. But the Google doc links in OP is broken. Halp.

 

[FLAguy954]

Look at what I just picked up:

The best part is that it still came with a free Gears of War 4 code (I already have the game on PC so if someone wants to make an offer PM me).

 

[Megabat]

Looking to build a cheap Oclus rift ready PC that I can make upgrades to in the future as money comes in. But the Google doc links in OP is broken. Halp.

I would go with something along these lines: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/r9pqd6

The CPU is more than good enough, but won't last forever. 8GB RAM is enough. 16GB is only $30 more. Pick any graphics card over $200. That's the main (realistically, only) thing you'll want to upgrade in the future. It'll take a while to fill a 240GB SSD. Get a nice power supply, but don't spend more than $65.

You should end up around $650 without an OS.

Also, uh, are you sure about an Oculus?

 

[Xux]

So it seems like the EVGA series have got a hotspot, which reaches over 100 °C around the VRAM/VRM area (micron vram only allows up to~95°C). This leads to either the weird black screen bug or to combustion of certain modules around the area.

The problem is: this also affects the 1080 sc, 1070 ftw and 1070 sc. Every EVGA card has shown a hotspot which reaches over 90°C easily....

I just got my EVGA 1070 today too..

Well shoot, I was totally gonna buy one very soon but I guess not.

 

[ginger ninja]

Also, uh, are you sure about an Oculus?

Funny enough, Yes I am, because I already have one. It wouldn't have been my first choice but my brother brought the rift while I was away, thinking it works as a plug and play for PS4/XBOXONE lol.

I am gonna wait until black friday to get them deep discounts but I am looking for a cheap base model(<$600), one which I can upgrade later on few months down the road. Thanks for the link !

 

[Celcius]

My living room ITX build.

Clean cable management + Noctua fans = A+

 

[Dio]

I don't want to use a Hue+ crazy super LED mod, but I do want to illuminate the inside of my case.

https://youtu.be/XBHRDuUHe4s?t=1250

Can any of you guys tell what white LED strip this guy put in the top of his S340 Elite? I'm thinking just a low key strip on top like this would be all I need, nothing ricer or constantly flashing and changing colors or anything.

I didn't get a response on this, and after looking online I found this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014J8L6LU/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Do you guys think it's this? Or does it look like a different kind of LED strip?

 

[Megabat]

Funny enough, Yes I am, because I already have one. It wouldn't have been my first choice but my brother brought the rift while I was away, thinking it works as a plug and play for PS4/XBOXONE lol.

I am gonna wait until black friday to get them deep discounts but I am looking for a cheap base model(<$600), one which I can upgrade later on few months down the road. Thanks for the link !

That's a pretty wild mistake! I thought maybe you didn't know of or care about the founder's terrible views.

You might want try a refurbished business workstation. For $3-400, you could get a pretty fast Dell or Lenovo system with Windows and 8-16GB of RAM. The stock Quadro/Firepro cards can be sold for a non-insignificant amount.

 

[Aikidoka]

I just put in an MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X and am having a couple of issues.
First, I just got a black screen - starting the PC with no USB keyboards/mice plugged in fixed that. I used DDU to clean out all previous drivers and freshly installed GeForce Experience and the latest drivers to make sure.

But I have a bit of an audio problem. My Dell Monitor now uses NVIDIA High Def Audio instead of Realtek. Realtek Digital Output shows up in the device along with Dell(NVIDIA High Definition Audio) but choosing Realtek Digital Output results in no sound.

How can I fix this? Is there a way to make my monitor use the Realtek drivers instead?

 

[nikos]

Now that the new rig is built, I'm wondering how much I can get for the old one.

Antec 900
Gigabyte GA&#8209;Z68X&#8209;UD3H&#8209;B3
i5 2500k
8gb memory
HD5850

No HDD or PSU, though I could possibly purchase a PSU and include an old HDD if it's worth it. Looking to get rid of it ASAP, as I could use the funds.

Any ideas how much I should list it for?

 

[Burgess_101]

If that's just a PSU exhaust, then add another. A proper exhaust flow is key to keeping temps under control. A case like this should be setup for negative pressure (more exhaust flow than intake). That will keep the internals colder and keep fresh air being drawn in without hot air having a chance to be regurgitated.

I have a gentle typhoon as my exhaust. I currently have positive pressure so I will switch it around and give it a go at the weekend.

Could you post specs please ?

i7 5820k
R9 Nano
2 x 8GB 3200mhz RAM

Also today I will be setting up a RAID 1 in my server. To hand I have a WD Red 4TB and a WD Blue 4TB, would it be okay to mix these two? I know it isn't ideal and they should match but will I run into any problems?

 

[Thorgal]

Guys I need an answer fast.


Whats your opinion on these?

Mouse: Razer Mamba Tournament edition.


Headphones: Sennheiser Urbanite Xl stand.


EDIT : Links added .

Anyone?

 

[paperspace]

Just installed a 1080. Is 50° in idle (fan @ 0%) fine?

How are your temperatures (1070/1080)?

 

[Dio]

Quick question.

Monoprice is selling new 6600K stock for 209.99 (40 dollars off) on eBay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/232067995637

It lists on most sites that the 6600K is 3.5ghz.

Why is it that Amazon lists it as 3.9? Is it because it TURBO BOOSTS to 3.9?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012M8M7TY/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I realize in the actual page description it says 3.5 instead but I was curious why it'd be labeled that. Simple mistake, then?

 

[paperspace]

I just put in an MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X and am having a couple of issues.
First, I just got a black screen - starting the PC with no USB keyboards/mice plugged in fixed that. I used DDU to clean out all previous drivers and freshly installed GeForce Experience and the latest drivers to make sure.

But I have a bit of an audio problem. My Dell Monitor now uses NVIDIA High Def Audio instead of Realtek. Realtek Digital Output shows up in the device along with Dell(NVIDIA High Definition Audio) but choosing Realtek Digital Output results in no sound.

How can I fix this? Is there a way to make my monitor use the Realtek drivers instead?

Can't you set Realtek as default in audio options?

 

[Dio]

All right, so my parts are all ordered now and some are already here.

Total damages:

S340 Elite case: 109.99
Intel 6600K CPU: 209.99
Cryorig H7 cooler: 34.99
Samsung 960 evo 250gb: 129.99
Samsung 850 evo 500gb: 157.05
2x NF-P14s redux-900 fans: 14.95 each
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD3: 119.99
PNY GTX 1060: 249.99
EVGA Supernova 850 G2 80+ gold: 119.99 (I know, I know. I don't really need 850, I've built towers before. It was on sale, though.)
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16gb DDR4 3000: $84.99

subtotal: 1231.92

Discounts:
-25 dollars for 200+ dollar Newegg orders promotion
-22 dollars for my card's 'points reward system'

1184.92 total.

I ended up just spending a little more on an 850 Evo instead of an MX300 and about double what you 'really' only need to pay for a PSU. Otherwise I like to think I squeezed in things nicely.

If I had bought an MX300 500gb instead, waited to pay MSRP for an S340 elite at 99.99 and a smaller PSU (a 650w Supernova) I would have spent 77.06 less, so the build would have come in at a mere 1107.86.

Making the build simply the one SSD, instead of an M.2 (which not everyone really can take advantage of unless you're doing certain things) saves another 129.99, meaning this build can make it 977.87, 999.87 if you remove my card benefit thingy and just leave the Newegg discount.

A nice sub-1000 build in theory, in that case. You'll have to forgive my weird decisions, my purchasing was sort of scattered and by the seat of my pants this time.

 

[vector824]

I would love to see some pics of fellow gaffers PC's.

My S340 with Hue+

 

[Leeroy605]

Guys can anyone help me a RAM upgrade? I'm having some issues.

Upgraded my computer as you might have seen here and its been having trouble, so decided to reinstall windows. Did that and then went about switching my RAM to the new 16GB set I bought.

Booted fine into windows using this RAM;

Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C9 8GB DDR3 1600Mhz

Switched off the computer and installed my new RAM which is:

Corsair Vengeance CMZ16GX3M2A1866C10 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1866Mhz

Only to be met with a blank screen on reboot, not even the motherboard logo with options to go into Bios etc screen appears.

Shut it down, put my old RAM back in case this new set was faulty and its the same. Blank screen, no motherboard logo.

My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-Z97N Gaming 5, specs below:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4999#sp

Please help, I really want to play BF1! Thank you

 

[Baleoce]

Which one of these is more on the nose in terms of value for money? Or should I be looking elsewhere?

http://www.awd-it.co.uk/intel-i7-67...z170-pro-gaming-ddr4-hdmi-4k-bundle.html#null

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Z170-SKYL...752395?hash=item5b264f420b:g:f4YAAOSwc1FXYmmR

The latter looks tempting to me, but I don't know much about how good the PSU is, and then of course it's eBay.

 

[ColdDeckEd]

Now that the new rig is built, I'm wondering how much I can get for the old one.

Antec 900
Gigabyte GA&#8209;Z68X&#8209;UD3H&#8209;B3
i5 2500k
8gb memory
HD5850

No HDD or PSU, though I could possibly purchase a PSU and include an old HDD if it's worth it. Looking to get rid of it ASAP, as I could use the funds.

Any ideas how much I should list it for?

IMO maybe you could get 250-300 if you want to sell quick. 150-200 for the cpu, mobo, ram. 50 for the case, 50 for gpu. I wouldn't purchase a psu just for that since you'll just lose money on that.

Guys can anyone help me a RAM upgrade? I'm having some issues.

Upgraded my computer as you might have seen here and its been having trouble, so decided to reinstall windows. Did that and then went about switching my RAM to the new 16GB set I bought.

Booted fine into windows using this RAM;

Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C9 8GB DDR3 1600Mhz

Switched off the computer and installed my new RAM which is:

Corsair Vengeance CMZ16GX3M2A1866C10 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1866Mhz

Only to be met with a blank screen on reboot, not even the motherboard logo with options to go into Bios etc screen appears.

Shut it down, put my old RAM back in case this new set was faulty and its the same. Blank screen, no motherboard logo.

My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-Z97N Gaming 5, specs below:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4999#sp

Please help, I really want to play BF1! Thank you

Did you try resetting your bios? Install the new ram again, reset the bios, and see if it boots up. Make sure everything is inserted all the way. If no luck try different slots. If that doesn't work try the same with the old sticks (reset bios and install old ram).

 

[jon bones]

thanks again for all your help!

the new build is running like a dream, and i absolutely love that i made the switch to PC.

i have been keeping an eye on CPU, mobo & GPU temps and they all look fine after a few hours of gaming. my friend suggested i run these to ensure nothing is wrong - what do yall think?

CPU tests:
-aida64
-prime95

RAM test:
memtest86

 

[LuffyZoro]

So one of my monitors has started to fail, and I'm thinking about replacing it with one of those 27" 1440p ones. I would want one of the multi-input ones, so that I can connect either my computer or wii up to it.

Would this be a good one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/QNIX-QX2710...x1440-Monitor-/131131920531?&autorefresh=true

Looking around online I've seen some mixed reviews, but I don't know how relevant those concerns are to me. I'm not looking to play fighting games or anything, so I don't know if the input lag is too bad. This is certainly the best price I've seen around, and I'm not looking to spend too much more.

 

[Leeroy605]

[/QUOTE=Did you try resetting your bios? Install the new ram again, reset the bios, and see if it boots up. Make sure everything is inserted all the way. If no luck try different slots. If that doesn't work try the same with the old sticks (reset bios and install old ram[/QUOTE]

That did it! Thank you! Had to go into the BIOS settings and change the memory frequency manually but appears to be working

On another note, is there much difference in performance in games for higher MHz RAM? Saw much higher frequency ones whilst shopping but was not sure if it was worth the higher price.

How about DDR4? Do you need a newer motherboard for that? Thanks again.

 

[BolognaOni]

On another note, is there much difference in performance in games for higher MHz RAM? Saw much higher frequency ones whilst shopping but was not sure if it was worth the higher price.

How about DDR4? Do you need a newer motherboard for that? Thanks again.

It depends on the game, some make a difference, but it's usually not that large. For the most part just buy the fastest that's reasonably priced.

Yes, you would need a new motherboard for DDR4.

 

[Atraveller]

thanks again for all your help!

the new build is running like a dream, and i absolutely love that i made the switch to PC.

i have been keeping an eye on CPU, mobo & GPU temps and they all look fine after a few hours of gaming. my friend suggested i run these to ensure nothing is wrong - what do yall think?

Did you start oveclocking your hardware? If not, don't bother.

 

[LordAlu]

Which one of these is more on the nose in terms of value for money? Or should I be looking elsewhere?

http://www.awd-it.co.uk/intel-i7-67...z170-pro-gaming-ddr4-hdmi-4k-bundle.html#null

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Z170-SKYL...752395?hash=item5b264f420b:g:f4YAAOSwc1FXYmmR

The latter looks tempting to me, but I don't know much about how good the PSU is, and then of course it's eBay.

The cooler on the top one is pretty poor, but money wise it's not too bad.

Avoid eBay machines like the plague - they're all built to look as powerful as possible for the least amount of money as possible. For example, without a power supply all those parts would be about £610

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£299.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3P ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£107.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (£82.99 @ Novatech)
Storage: OCZ TRION 150 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£59.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: DIYPC Gamemax-BK ATX Full Tower Case (£45.00)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer (£13.11 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £609.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-21 17:40 BST+0100

Yet they want £640 - the power supply is likely to be truly poor (probably a generic FSP or CiT one). If you're wanting a built system, send an e-mail out to the main sellers in the UK (Overclockers, Scan, Novatech, CCL, Yoyotech, PC Specialist etc) with the specs you want and see what they can offer you.

 

[jon bones]

Did you start oveclocking your hardware? If not, don't bother.

ok sweet, i have no immediate plans to OC anything, and everything runs smooth, fast, quiet & cool so i think i'm good.

thanks for your posts & encouragment dude i appreciate it!

 

[Atraveller]

ok sweet, i have no immediate plans to OC anything, and everything runs smooth, fast, quiet & cool so i think i'm good.

thanks for your posts & encouragment dude i appreciate it!

You're welcome! Those programs are for testing overclock stability, which you have nothing to fear if you're on stock speed.

 

[cyborg009]

I know this isn't really a troubleshooting thread but the PC I built(over a year ago) is having a issue with it turning off because of random power surges while playing Overwatch. I'm not sure if I should flip my power supply around since it's currently facing down because my case has vent underneath but it never really fitted as well as being face up.

 

[Baleoce]

The cooler on the top one is pretty poor, but money wise it's not too bad.

Avoid eBay machines like the plague - they're all built to look as powerful as possible for the least amount of money as possible. For example, without a power supply all those parts would be about £610

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£299.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3P ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£107.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory (£82.99 @ Novatech)
Storage: OCZ TRION 150 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£59.99 @ Amazon UK)
Case: DIYPC Gamemax-BK ATX Full Tower Case (£45.00)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer (£13.11 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £609.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-21 17:40 BST+0100

Yet they want £640 - the power supply is likely to be truly poor (probably a generic FSP or CiT one). If you're wanting a built system, send an e-mail out to the main sellers in the UK (Overclockers, Scan, Novatech, CCL, Yoyotech, PC Specialist etc) with the specs you want and see what they can offer you.

That's great info, thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.

 

[jon bones]

You're welcome! Those programs are for testing overclock stability, which you have nothing to fear if you're on stock speed.

my buddy ran them to test if any of the individual parts were faulty (particularly the RAM) - as everything seems to be running in good order, i think i am fine

 

[Locke Lamora]

As far as I can see, the plastic clip for the fan is the problem.
Just get regular metal clips for mounting fans: https://www.frozencpu.com/products/...rchon_Shaman_.html?tl=g40c14s1400&id=pZDPHnhb (not sure if these are compatible with your model)

Take of the unnecessarily large clip that came with the CPU cooler: http://www.thermalright.com/images/cooler/true_spirit_120m_bw_reva/700/fan.jpg
and attach the existing fan with the metal clips.

Took the vendor 2 weeks to send me the clips. And in the end they didn't fit despite me bringing a blood sacrifice (thanks to a close-fitting screw).

Maybe I'll just get a 90 mm cooler instead or (most likely) I'll just live with the 'problem' instead.

 

[Erebus]

I've finally upgraded to an SSD and love it. Even on my aging Windows 7 install, the boot times are super fast and the overall responsiveness of the OS noticeable better when opening up programs etc.

Now I'm planning to upgrade my graphics card next (my GTX 460 died and I use an archaic GTX 280 for the past year) and I lean towards the GTX 1060 3GB, which is close to 230€ where I live. I know that going with the 6GB edition is better for future-proofing but the prices go up to 300€ with that RAM configuration and frankly, looking at some benchmarks I can't quite justify the price difference for a few frames more. Am I being unreasonable?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVM0Nb5crMM

Note that I game on 1080p and I have an i7 3570K OCed.

 

[ColdDeckEd]

That did it! Thank you! Had to go into the BIOS settings and change the memory frequency manually but appears to be working

On another note, is there much difference in performance in games for higher MHz RAM? Saw much higher frequency ones whilst shopping but was not sure if it was worth the higher price.

How about DDR4? Do you need a newer motherboard for that? Thanks again.

You're welcome. No need to buy high speed ddr3, just try overclocking your ram manually. I would guess your ram can go to at least 2133 you just have to increase the ram timing settings. Just look it up on google.

 

[ColdDeckEd]

Took the vendor 2 weeks to send me the clips. And in the end they didn't fit despite me bringing a blood sacrifice (thanks to a close-fitting screw).



Maybe I'll just get a 90 mm cooler instead or (most likely) I'll just live with the 'problem' instead.

You can try using two sided mounting tape, that's what I did with my air cooler when I lost the extra pair of fan clips and wanted a push pull fan setup.

 

[Meatfist]

This may be a strech, but I'm looking for a case that...

-Is under 10.5" in height (It's going above a 2U server and I have a little over 6U of space left)
-Can fit a full-size 1080 and one 3.5" drive

Any short, wide cases out that'll do the job?

 

[kennah]

This may be a strech, but I'm looking for a case that...

-Is under 10.5" in height (It's going above a 2U server and I have a little over 6U of space left)
-Can fit a full-size 1080 and one 3.5" drive

Any short, wide cases out that'll do the job?

Silverstone makes a bunch of nice older desktop style cases. You could also just look in to a regular rack mount case? Or a Fractal Node 605 if you can find one

 

[BolognaOni]

I know this isn't really a troubleshooting thread but the PC I built(over a year ago) is having a issue with it turning off because of random power surges while playing Overwatch. I'm not sure if I should flip my power supply around since it's currently facing down because my case has vent underneath but it never really fitted as well as being face up.

How do you know it's a power related issue? The internal fan on the power supply is usually the air intake, and most cases are designed to have the fan facing down now. This gives the PSU it's own thermal intake/outlet path, and is usually plenty good for cooling the PSU. Unless the case is sitting on carpet, or the power supply is undersized or failing, you should not be experiencing power supply problems due to this.

If you are sure the cutouts are power related, you probably either need a new power supply, or, if you are experiencing power quality issues (whole house has lights flickering / appliances resetting), then you probably need a UPS or something to mitigate that.

 

[Aikidoka]

Can't you set Realtek as default in audio options?

I can set it as Realtek Digital Output as default, but no sound will come from my monitor. My monitor will only use Nvidia audio, for some reason.

Also, are there any tests I should run to make sure I installed the GPU correctly or that the GPU is just working correctly?

 

[Synless]

So I want to build a PC. I know nothing about it, but I have $1400 right now and want to build. What is the best bang for my buck?

 

[LilJoka]

I can set it as Realtek Digital Output as default, but no sound will come from my monitor. My monitor will only use Nvidia audio, for some reason.

Also, are there any tests I should run to make sure I installed the GPU correctly or that the GPU is just working correctly?

Realtek Digital = Optical cable
Nvidia Audio = HDMI Audio

If there is no optical cable plugged in from the motherboard to the Monitor, then you aren't going to get any audio output.

Please detail your exact hardware - pc.audio, equipment, monitor and cables.

What makes you think you need to use Realtek, and why would you want to use that over HDMI audio???

 

[LilJoka]

Took the vendor 2 weeks to send me the clips. And in the end they didn't fit despite me bringing a blood sacrifice (thanks to a close-fitting screw).
Maybe I'll just get a 90 mm cooler instead or (most likely) I'll just live with the 'problem' instead.

Use Zip ties.

You can get a LOT of PC for a lot less:

So I want to build a PC. I know nothing about it, but I have $1400 right now and want to build. What is the best bang for my buck?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($236.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.50 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($69.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Toshiba 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.80 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1070 8GB AMP! Edition Video Card ($413.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1239.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-21 15:43 EDT-0400

If you really want to spend all the money:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($236.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.50 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Toshiba 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.80 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 1080 8GB STRIX Video Card ($629.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Mini R2 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1425.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-21 15:41 EDT-0400

 

[Aikidoka]

Realtek Digital = Optical cable
Nvidia Audio = HDMI Audio

If there is no optical cable plugged in from the motherboard to the Monitor, then you aren't going to get any audio output.

Please detail your exact hardware - pc.audio, equipment, monitor and cables.

What makes you think you need to use Realtek, and why would you want to use that over HDMI audio???

I'm using Dell 3415W monitor connected via DisplayPort (mDP to monitor) to MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X. MoBo is MSI X99S SLI PLUS.

I don't recall using NVIDIA audio drivers before the upgrade (originally had GTX 970), and when I googled it, some people said that Realtek drivers provided better audio quality. I'm not sure if this is a problem, my initial concern was that there was no sound upon first boot up after installing new GPU. Sound returned only after installing new drivers through Nvidia GeForce via Nvidia audio. If you don't think it's actually an issue, then I'll forget about it.

 

[LilJoka]

I'm using Dell 3415W monitor connected via DisplayPort (mDP to monitor) to MSI GTX 1080 Gaming X. MoBo is MSI X99S SLI PLUS.

I don't recall using NVIDIA audio drivers before the upgrade (originally had GTX 970), and when I googled it, some people said that Realtek drivers provided better audio quality. I'm not sure if this is a problem, my initial concern was that there was no sound upon first boot up after installing new GPU. Sound returned only after installing new drivers through Nvidia GeForce via Nvidia audio. If you don't think it's actually an issue, then I'll forget about it.

Yes, there is no issue here.
HDMI audio is bit perfect. There is no better audio.
And Realtek is shit

 

[kuYuri]

So I want to build a PC. I know nothing about it, but I have $1400 right now and want to build. What is the best bang for my buck?

Hi! Do us a favor and fill out as many questions as you can in the OP so we can tailor the recommendations for you.

[Basic Desktop Questions]
Your Current Specs: CPU / RAM / Motherboard / GPU (Graphics) / PSU (Power Supply) / Case / HDD (Hard Drive)
Budget: Price Range + Country
Main Use: Rate 1-5. 5 being Highest: Light Gaming, Gaming, Emulation (PS2/Wii/Wii U), Video Editing, Streaming games in HD, 3D/Model work (and what program), General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback).
Monitor Resolution: What resolution will you be playing your games at? Are you going to upgrade later? Are you buying a new monitor?
List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: Is 30FPS acceptable? 60? 144? How important is PhysX / SuperSampling / CUDA to you?
Looking to reuse any parts?: List make and model (e.g. Corsair 750TX, 640GB SATA HDD, Antec 900)
When will you build?: Do you have a deadline?
Will you be overclocking?: Yes, No, Maybe (This means yes!)

 

[Synless]

Use Zip ties.

You can get a LOT of PC for a lot less:


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($236.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.50 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Crucial MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($69.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Toshiba 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.80 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1070 8GB AMP! Edition Video Card ($413.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1239.19
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-21 15:43 EDT-0400

If you really want to spend all the money:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($236.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.50 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Toshiba 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.80 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 1080 8GB STRIX Video Card ($629.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Mini R2 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1425.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-10-21 15:41 EDT-0400

Cool, thanks!

 

[Synless]

Hi! Do us a favor and fill out as many questions as you can in the OP so we can tailor the recommendations for you.

Your Current Specs: I have none, I do have a 2.5 750GB Hard Drive though.

Budget: $1400

Main Use: Rate 1-5. 5 being Highest: Light Gaming 5, Gaming 5, Emulation (PS2/Wii/Wii U) 4, Video Editing 1, Streaming games in HD 3, 3D/Model work (and what program) 1, General Usage (Word, Web, 1080p playback) 5.

Monitor Resolution: 1080p... maybe 4K. I have a 1080p monitor for now.

List SPECIFIC games or applications that you MUST be able to run well: I would like to run most games at 60fps... not sure what a good PC benchmark game is for reference.

Looking to reuse any parts?: just the hard drive.