Destroy my build - $3,000 gaming setup

[Termie]

Have you looked at the Nanoxia Deep Silence cases? They are very sleek, and very good quality.

That's a good option for quiet computing.

Here's a review of the Deep Silence 1: http://anandtech.com/show/6479/nanoxia-deep-silence-1-case-review-you-asked-for-it-you-got-it
Here's a review of the less expensive Deep Silence 2: http://anandtech.com/show/6742/nanoxia-deep-silence-2-case-review-less-of-what-we-needed

 

[mfenn]

• I really do need a PSU with modular capability, my case is a mess

Smart cable routing matters a lot more than a modular PSU. Given a stacked machine like the one you're building, you're going to use most of the cables anyway.

 

[Sleepingforest]

You're overpaying significantly for your RAM. This RAM is just as good for $13 less.

I highly recommend this PSU. Seasonic is pretty much the best manufacturer around, and this is a pretty good deal for a 600W PSU anyway after you apply the 15% off code.

 

[Automaticman]

You're overpaying significantly for your RAM. This RAM is just as good for $13 less.

I highly recommend this PSU. Seasonic is pretty much the best manufacturer around, and this is a pretty good deal for a 600W PSU anyway after you apply the 15% off code.

I don't know if you can really say 'significantly overpaying" when you're talking about $13 out of a $3k build.

I think those are the same Mushkin Blackline modules I'm using in my build along with an NH-D14, and they fit fine. I think I may have had to very slightly shift up the front fan on the cooler for clearance, but it really wasn't a problem. Plus, I like supporting the only RAM maker still manufacturing in the US.


Love Seasonic PSUs as well. Take a look at their X series and Platinum series as well. Really can't go wrong with them.

 

[Sleepingforest]

When I say "significantly overpaying," I meant relative to the price of similar RAM, though I do see where you're coming from. The Corsair modules I recommended should definitely fit without any issues at all, since they have no obnoxious heat spreaders (which is what I'm actually more worried about than the price).

I'm going to recommend against the X or XP (Platinum) series, only because you'd have to own and use the PSU for long past the warranty period to make up for the upfront cost of the PSU through electricity savings, and the quality of the parts isn't a massive jump up.

 

[PCJake]

I was totally caught up on this too, kept thinking "What non-3D game needs this monster of a PC and a Titan?" Kept picturing you running some 2D browser game at a zillion frames.

I thought maybe if I got enough fps I could see where all the mines were in minesweeper.

Have you looked at the Nanoxia Deep Silence cases? They are very sleek, and very good quality.

Ah, those look quite nice. Added to my list of potentials, thanks.

 

[Sleepingforest]

Glad to be of service!

Also, I broke 2000 posts! Time for a small victory dance!

 

[PCJake]

Here's a review of the Deep Silence 1: http://anandtech.com/show/6479/nanoxia-deep-silence-1-case-review-you-asked-for-it-you-got-it
Here's a review of the less expensive Deep Silence 2: http://anandtech.com/show/6742/nanoxia-deep-silence-2-case-review-less-of-what-we-needed

That Deep Silence 1 has some serious appeal to me. Cool.

Smart cable routing matters a lot more than a modular PSU. Given a stacked machine like the one you're building, you're going to use most of the cables anyway.

Think so? Hmm. I'll only have one GPU and two storage drives, I doubt it'll be too bad.

Still, modular has gotta help.

You're overpaying significantly for your RAM. This RAM is just as good for $13 less.

I highly recommend this PSU. Seasonic is pretty much the best manufacturer around, and this is a pretty good deal for a 600W PSU anyway after you apply the 15% off code.

That RAMs got higher timings than the Mushkin, but I appreciate the suggestion.

I suspect your right on about the Seasonics - my research into ≈600w PSUs last night lead me to several Seasonics.

Glad to be of service!

Also, I broke 2000 posts! Time for a small victory dance!

Butt butt.

Time Capsule.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxl-TNZwgOc

 

[Sleepingforest]

That RAMs got higher timings than the Mushkin, but I appreciate the suggestion

Fortunately for you, Intel CPUs don't care too much about timings or frequency!

 

[mnewsham]

Fortunately for you, Intel CPUs don't care too much about timings or frequency!

exactly, timings and frequency will account for at most a 1-2% performance boost, basically you need at least 10-15% difference for you to notice it in anything but synthetics.

 

[PCJake]

exactly, timings and frequency will account for at most a 1-2% performance boost, basically you need at least 10-15% difference for you to notice it in anything but synthetics.

Good to know. Still gonna stick with the Mushkins because of their reputation and my personal experience with them. Both reputation and personal experience represent value, beyond the specifications of the modules (or any piece of hardware, for that matter). I'd be genuinely surprised if most people on these forums disagreed with that.

Do you guys think it's an emotional decision to go with the Mushkins when there are cheaper modules available? I'm just a bit surprised that a couple people so far have thought it prudent to get cheaper RAM in the scope of a $3,500 build, especially when the "expensive" RAM costs only $63.99

 

[mnewsham]

Good to know. Still gonna stick with the Mushkins because of their reputation and my personal experience with them. Both reputation and personal experience represent value, beyond the specifications of the modules (or any piece of hardware, for that matter). I'd be genuinely surprised if most people on these forums disagreed with that.

Do you guys think it's an emotional decision to go with the Mushkins when there are cheaper modules available? I'm just a bit surprised that a couple people so far have thought it prudent to get cheaper RAM in the scope of a $3,500 build, especially when the "expensive" RAM costs only $63.99

It's simply price vs. performance

1-2% performance boost for a 10-20% price increase.

Honestly almost all RAM is the same, they are all made in the same factories, it's just got a different sticker on it

 

[Essence_of_War]

Think so? Hmm. I'll only have one GPU and two storage drives, I doubt it'll be too bad.

Still, modular has gotta help.

I actually got a modular PSU in the rig in my sig, and sort of regret it. I ended up using almost all of the cables, and it resulted in me paying extra money for VERY marginal value. Nothing fancy either, just a gpu, a DVD R/W, one HDD, and one SSD.

Modularity seems to have much less of an affect on neatness than sensible cable routing holes in the case, and a bit of planning on the assembler's part.

 

[PCJake]

It's simply price vs. performance

1-2% performance boost for a 10-20% price increase.

Honestly almost all RAM is the same, they are all made in the same factories, it's just got a different sticker on it

Again, I'm suggesting that it's not as simple as price vs. performance. Reputation and personal experience are factors.

And as far as all RAM being the same...doesn't Mushkin manufacture their own stuff right here in the U.S.? That's been my understanding.

 

[PCJake]

I actually got a modular PSU in the rig in my sig, and sort of regret it. I ended up using almost all of the cables, and it resulted in me paying extra money for VERY marginal value. Nothing fancy either, just a gpu, a DVD R/W, one HDD, and one SSD.

Modularity seems to have much less of an affect on neatness than sensible cable routing holes in the case, and a bit of planning on the assembler's part.

I've got four hefty cables coming from my current, non-modular Corsair TX750W that I'm not using. I've got them stuffed in my hard drive cages because there's nowhere else to go with them. Modularity would fix this...

I totally understand being smart and not wasting money on stuff that doesn't have any extra benefit, or only marginal benefit, but...now I think we're getting into stingy territory.

 

[Sleepingforest]

Basically all RAM is the same. Each chip is basically made by the same company anyway. And being produced in the US is no guarantee of quality--just more expense.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Yeah, ram makes little difference. I just base my choice on experience when buying.. even then it's a crap shoot. The Elpida Hyper sticks in Rig 2 (in sig) were prone to dying soon after use. I've been using them since ~ 2009 and haven't had any die on me yet (knock on wood) but if you are considering for performance with gaming, reconsider.

 

[PCJake]

Basically all RAM is the same. Each chip is basically made by the same company anyway. And being produced in the US is no guarantee of quality--just more expense.

Well, that's pretty much word for word was mnewsham said, but what mysterious company is this that makes everyone's ram chips?

 

[Sleepingforest]

Mostly Samsung. Check it out here.

 

[PCJake]

Mostly Samsung. Check it out here.

OK, thanks.

 

[PCJake]

Update: Switched to HP ZR2740w 27" monitor. As stated by one or two posters, the HP has much, much less input lag than the Asus.

 

[Termie]

For the record, I completely support the modular PSU decision. There's simply no comparison. For an extra $20 or so, it adds a huge amount of ease to building, and it allows much cleaner builds. You will never use every cable a high-end PSU comes with, as many of them are legacy.

And frankly, the Mushkin memory is fine. So what if it's only 2% faster for $5 more?

Come on guys - stop penny-pinching on a $3,500 budget. He wants a high-class system with substance and a little flash. Let him have it.

 

[mnewsham]

And frankly, the Mushkin memory is fine. So what if it's only 2% faster for $5 more?

Come on guys - stop penny-pinching on a $3,500 budget. He wants a high-class system with substance and a little flash. Let him have it.

It could be a $15,000 build and I would still go with the cheapest RAM that would work for my needs, it's not about spending his $3,500, it's about getting the best performance I can get at that price point, whatever price point that is. If you can save 20 bucks here, 15 bucks there, 30 bucks somewhere else, it adds up, that could be put towards a better mouse and keyboard, larger SSD, better cooling case, better monitor etc. The point is, if there is increased cost with no real added value, I will call attention to it, if he follows my advice is up to him.

 

[PCJake]

It could be a $15,000 build and I would still go with the cheapest RAM that would work for my needs, it's not about spending his $3,500, it's about getting the best performance I can get at that price point, whatever price point that is. If you can save 20 bucks here, 15 bucks there, 30 bucks somewhere else, it adds up, that could be put towards a better mouse and keyboard, larger SSD, better cooling case, better monitor etc. The point is, if there is increased cost with no real added value, I will call attention to it, if he follows my advice is up to him.

By all mean, keep doing what you're doing. It's useful for me to see it from every angle. This just seems like one of those areas where our core philosophies differ. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[Sleepingforest]

Utimately, it is up to you. My general philosophy is that a dollar saved in one section goes to another--and that "other" could make a much larger impact.