Help with my build. Can spend up to $2,500

[jimrawr]

I decided to do a full new build rather than just upgrading my GPU. If there are any obvious errors or somewhere that I am overpaying and the same performance could be had with a different products, I'd love to hear your input. Otherwise, this build should be solid enough for the next 4-5 years, right? Am I forgetting anything I may need?

1. What YOUR PC will be used for.
Mostly gaming and light office work. May get into video editing in the future but its not a major concern.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$2,500

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.


5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
None really. I look for performance/reliability over brand

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
will keep from my current PC: Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers, Headphones, CD-DVD Drive

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I do want to overclock a bit.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?
I plan on buying a new 27" 144hz 1440 monitor.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Purchasing parts within the next 10 days or so.

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
None.



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($344.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i v2 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($104.20 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($208.65 @ OutletPC) <-- Want good on-board sound
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($79.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($159.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card ($649.99) <--- incorrect link
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Case ($107.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($144.99 @ B&H)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($17.55 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($17.55 @ OutletPC)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition 67.8 CFM 140mm Fan ($17.55 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 144Hz Monitor ($537.00 @ Adorama)
Total: $2390.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-27 08:37 EDT-0400

 

[MustISO]

The 1070 should only be around $469. Not $649.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814126109

 

[jimrawr]

The 1070 should only be around $469. Not $649.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814126109

Oops definitely getting a 1080. I had to manually enter that and it's a typo

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

What is your old system like?

 

[DigDog]

thats a pretty solid build there. doesn't look like you need much advice.

 

[homebrew2ny]

Nice pick list. However if it were me I would drop to a 1070, bump it up to 32gb on the mem, then also add a 2nd 500gb evo...

 

[Termie]

Nice build, but two suggestions:

(1) EVGA makes a platinum-rated 750W PSU that's far less expensive than Corsair's offering, and is just as good.

(2) The H100i v2 is serious overkill for a 6700K. Save some money and go with a $70 Noctua air cooler and enjoy the silence.

(3) You don't need those Corsair fans. They aren't even as good as the ones the Phanteks case comes with.

 

[z1ggy]

Nice build, but two suggestions:

(1) EVGA makes a platinum-rated 750W PSU that's far less expensive than Corsair's offering, and is just as good.

(2) The H100i v2 is serious overkill for a 6700K. Save some money and go with a $70 Noctua air cooler and enjoy the silence.

(3) You don't need those Corsair fans. They aren't even as good as the ones the Phanteks case comes with.

I'm no expert, but if he's also only using 2 sticks of RAM and not going SLI on the 1080's, why spend so much on a full ATX mobo? Unless OP seriously plans on needing much more memory in the future or doing serious over clocks, seems like over kill.

Same with the case (unless again, more extreme OC'ing is planned in the future). You can get mild OCs in a HAF 912 with a Zalman cooler and fans with high CFM's (if dBs aren't an issue).

I'd wager this build could easily be trimmed down $100-150 bucks or so.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

These also come in a 750w. It's a Titanium rated PSU. The 1000w is an amazing PSU.

New Egg prices on the EVGA SuperNova line.

 

[jimrawr]

Ok I've made some changes based on your recommendations. Namely I changed the PSU, Cooler, and the case fans

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($344.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($45.62 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($208.65 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($79.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($151.58 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card ($649.99)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Case ($107.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.99)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.99)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.99)
Case Accessory: NZXT Hue+ LED Controller ($63.58 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 144Hz Monitor ($537.00 @ Adorama)
Total: $2325.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-29 02:08 EDT-0400

 

[jimrawr]

Im right now trying to decide on the monitor.. Either the Dell I have listed or a ASUS ROG SWIFT. Big difference being that the Asus is a 4ms response time IPS panel, vs 1ms response for the Dell which is a TN panel.

If I understand correctly, that response rate has to do with the color change of the monitor, and not input lag. So having the 4ms IPS panel shouldn't really make any negative difference for FPS games, right?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I have two 144Hz monitors. I am able to tell the diff between my 27" 2ms VS my 24" 1ms.

Good Luck

 

[cytg111]

1TB ssd .. still within budget

 

[jimrawr]

1TB ssd .. still within budget

I have two 1TB hdd and another 256mb ssd so not really needed imo

 

[DigDog]

have you ever owned a SSD before? it's life changing. i dont think you will want a regular HDD afterwards. i generally suggest build based only on SSDs, no mechanical drives at all.
traditional HDDs are only good for data storage for work software ..

 

[jimrawr]

I have a 500gb ssd in the build as well as a 256gb ssd. I don't need ssd for my storage of videos, pictures etc

 

[jimrawr]

I have two 144Hz monitors. I am able to tell the diff between my 27" 2ms VS my 24" 1ms.

Good Luck

wow really... I have a 5ms response rate monitor right now and I dont really have a problem with it. The main purpose of the monitor upgrade is to give me the smoothest play in FPS games. I guess that would be the TN monitor, but if between 1ms-4ms there isnt really a big difference, I would prefer to go with the asus rog swift IPS panel

 

[Termie]

Once you get into G-Sync monitors, I really don't think response time matters all that much.

And don't get the Swift, get the Acer XB271HU. Cheaper and higher quality.

Also, I realize you're trying to max out all your fan mount locations in the Phanteks Pro M case, but do keep in mind that this isn't necessary to achieve excellent thermals. Furthermore, your motherboard doesn't have enough fan headers to support five fans plus a CPU fan.

One last thing: the Cryorig is a bargain-basement 120mm cooler. I didn't mean for you to go from the H100i v2 to that. At least go with the Thermalright True Spirit 140, which is a much better cooler for just a few dollars more.

 

[jimrawr]

Once you get into G-Sync monitors, I really don't think response time matters all that much.

And don't get the Swift, get the Acer XB271HU. Cheaper and higher quality.

Also, I realize you're trying to max out all your fan mount locations in the Phanteks Pro M case, but do keep in mind that this isn't necessary to achieve excellent thermals. Furthermore, your motherboard doesn't have enough fan headers to support five fans plus a CPU fan.

One last thing: the Cryorig is a bargain-basement 120mm cooler. I didn't mean for you to go from the H100i v2 to that. At least go with the Thermalright True Spirit 140, which is a much better cooler for just a few dollars more.

How many fan headers does it have? Cant seem to find that information anywhere. Can I get a splitter that will allow me to have 5 fans + cpu fan?

As far as the cooler is concerned, how are you identifying that the Cryorig is a bad cooler? It seems to have great reviews..?

 

[Termie]

How many fan headers does it have? Cant seem to find that information anywhere. Can I get a splitter that will allow me to have 5 fans + cpu fan?

As far as the cooler is concerned, how are you identifying that the Cryorig is a bad cooler? It seems to have great reviews..?

Review:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2015/09/22/cryorig_h7_cpu_air_cooler_review/3

The H7 is a good $35 cooler, it is not a good cooler for a $2500 build. There's a whole lot to choose between it and the $100 H100i v2 you started out your build list with. Just pick any 140mm cooler if you don't want the Thermalright I suggested earlier, or my personal favorite, the Noctua NH-U14S. It will be worth it.

The Gigabyte site has the information on fan headers:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5481#sp

Yes, you can buy a splitter to run five case fans plus a CPU fan. But you shouldn't. Just get a better case, like the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, which has a fan hub, if you really want that many fans. I have seven fans in my Phanteks Evolv. It's silly, but I do understand the aesthetic draw.

 

[jimrawr]

Review:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2015/09/22/cryorig_h7_cpu_air_cooler_review/3

The H7 is a good $35 cooler, it is not a good cooler for a $2500 build. There's a whole lot to choose between it and the $100 H100i v2 you started out your build list with. Just pick any 140mm cooler if you don't want the Thermalright I suggested earlier, or my personal favorite, the Noctua NH-U14S. It will be worth it.

The Gigabyte site has the information on fan headers:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5481#sp

Yes, you can buy a splitter to run five case fans plus a CPU fan. But you shouldn't. Just get a better case, like the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, which has a fan hub, if you really want that many fans. I have seven fans in my Phanteks Evolv. It's silly, but I do understand the aesthetic draw.

Thanks for the help man! I am not a fan (at all) of the Noctua aesthetics so I just wouldnt purchase one of those. I will go with the Thermalright you are recommending. The price is totally fine for it.

So for the fans, I want to stick with 5 fans in the case. One rear, two top, two front. Looks like there are 3 fan headers, so I will need two splitters. I dont want to change the case at this point. Is there any drawback (besides an additional expense) to using the fan splitter?

Here is the updated build list:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($344.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright TRUE Spirit 140 POWER 73.6 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($208.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($79.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($159.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card ($649.99)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Case ($107.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($90.00 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.99)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.99)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK 82.1 CFM 140mm Fan ($11.99)
Case Accessory: NZXT Hue+ LED Controller ($49.99 @ Directron)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 144Hz Monitor ($498.18 @ Amazon)
Other: JBTek Fan Splitter ($5.99)
Total: $2281.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-31 11:16 EDT-0400

 

[Termie]

Better splitter at better price:
https://www.amazon.com/Noctua-NA-SY...469978345&sr=1-1&keywords=Noctua+fan+splitter

You lose the ability to monitor and control your fans independently when run on a splitter. Otherwise no issues.

By the way, you have five headers, but two are technically for the CPU. You can use one for a case fan, but running top fans on one splitter and front fans on another will allow them to stay in sync better.

 

[jimrawr]

Gotcha thanks. What are your thoughts for a 1080 gpu? Any reason to try and find a certain one? Everywhere I look they are sold out, and not sure if its worth waiting a couple weeks for a certain GTX 1080, or just grab anyone that has isn't a founders?

 

[Termie]

I have the EVGA GTX 1080 SC. It's excellent. There are many models to choose from, but some are clearly overpriced even at MSRP, including everything from MSI and some of the Asus cards. They have run with that $700 FE price. Selling a $720 air-cooled card? Joke's on them.

Best value is EVGA and Zotac, followed by Gigabyte, which is cheap but loud and not that attractive, in my opinion, especially the backplate.

And yes, you'll be waiting a while if you want to pay retail for any of these.

 

[magomago]

honestly at your budget, i'd just go for 32 gigs of ram and call it a day. i did it back in 2010 with sandybridge (16 gigs...which was the equivalent of 32 gigs today) and i never looked back. it isn't about need at your price point, its about ability lol...

of course...unless more ram sticks will negatively impact overclocking, and you are determined to hit a particular OC or bust.