~2.500$ Gaming Build after 3 Year Hiatus

S

Saeb

n00b
Joined
Oct 29, 2015
Messages
4
Thank you Hard for always being my number 1 for Real PC needs.

I'm coming back from 3 years off-the-grid. I'm frantically trying to update myself on the latest tech. I'd like to know if this is sound. My main points of wonderment are.
-6700k vs. 5930k
or
-Will it ever be worth it to try and SLI 980ti's if so will the system self-destruct?
-Overall Parts quality- (are these parts solid for longetivity) I don't have the income to do this again for a very long time.

The first points would be budget stretching, and mutually exclusive. My upper ceiling is Hard 3k$ It's basically one of the other CPU or GPU upgrade, BUT if neither is worth it, then I'd rather not pay more money than the build I have put together here. Also Longevity an upgrade-ability as far as the Haswell vs. Skylake thing.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Heavy Gaming
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
~2,500 with some flex CA8% tax included
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Southern California (3 hours from Tustin :/)
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU, Mobo, Ram, HD, GPU, PSU, Cooler, Case, Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard, Optical Drive
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
N/A
6) Will you be overclocking?
Probably Not
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
1920 x 1080
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Couple Days
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
Basics
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
No

This is what I have come up with so far.

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 8M ($399.59 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING ($179.26 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ripjaws 4 Series ($102.59 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 06G-P4-4995-KR ($712.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 220-G2-0850-XR ($129.59 @ NCIX)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($188.04 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 ($43.19 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($26.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit - OEM ($104.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: RAZER Naga ($73.66 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 ($111.23 @ Amazon)
Monitor: ASUS VG248QE ($247.32 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS ($21.59 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G ($8.37 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,348.49
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
Hey and congrats on your new aquisition :)

Let's start from the top:

CPU: More than enough for gaming, great oc potential. Great choice!

MOTHERBOARD: Mostly a matter of colour/design preference, i personally owned Maximus VIII and didn't feel so solid / stable and went for MSI Z170A Gaming M7. Love it but you will not go wrong with any 160$+ mobo.

VIDEO: Again, great choice but why not go all in for a small difference in price: MSI 980 Ti Lightning / Asus 980 Ti Matrix / Galax-Kfa2 980 Ti HOF. If you don't want to pay more than the evga but want something better, also look into the Asus 980 Ti Strix / Gigabyte 980 Ti G1 Gaming.

POWER SUPPLY: Probably one of the most important components in the pc, search for anything over 750-800W, Gold or Platinum rated, Seasonic, Corsair, Pc Power & Cooling. A super stable power supply is basically the heart of the pc.

CPU COOLER: Would personally go for any AIO water cooler from corsair. E.g the H80i

MONITOR: Had the opportunity to compare the one you chose to the Benq XL2411Z. Chose the Benq for myself, having newer technology. Again, will not go wrong with any of the two.

The rest looks good.

Hit me up if you have any questions :)

Cheers!
 
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The only thing I disagree with on the above post, is the Corsair AIO suggestion. With such an expensive build, I would recommend Swiftech as they are some of the best AIO liquid coolers you can get. Corsair is seriously over rated in my opinion. Also, maybe look into the EVGA P2 series PSU. They have a 10 year warranty if I'm not mistaken and are awesome!
 
Thanks for the Feedback man, I upgraded the GPU and the monitor and threw in a headset and I think I'm sitting pretty.

My question is will that case fit the BEAST MSI 980ti Lightning?

EDIT: Okay I upgraded the PSU upon Ryan's Recommendation, thanks Ryan. I'm still not sold on the whole liquid closed loop cooler thing. Mostly because of my ignorance, but it seems like more of a hassle, hoses n stuff cluttering the case, is it really worth it? I'm not trying to blow the benchmarks or anything.

Currently:

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 8M ($399.59 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING ($179.26 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ripjaws 4 Series ($102.59 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti GTX 980Ti LIGHTNING ($817.54 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W SuperNOVA 220-P2-0850-X1 ($159.07 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($188.04 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 ($43.19 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($26.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit - OEM ($98.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: RAZER Naga ($73.66 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 ($111.13 @ Amazon)
Headphones: GAMDIAS EROS V2 ($28.06 @ Amazon)
Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q ($558.35 @ TigerDirect)
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS ($21.59 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G ($8.38 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,815.72
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
Last edited:
Saeb said:
Thanks for the Feedback man, I upgraded the GPU and the monitor and threw in a headset and I think I'm sitting pretty.

My question is will that case fit the BEAST MSI 980ti Lightning?

EDIT: Okay I upgraded the PSU upon Ryan's Recommendation, thanks Ryan. I'm still not sold on the whole liquid closed loop cooler thing. Mostly because of my ignorance, but it seems like more of a hassle, hoses n stuff cluttering the case, is it really worth it? I'm not trying to blow the benchmarks or anything.

Currently:

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 8M ($399.59 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING ($179.26 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ripjaws 4 Series ($102.59 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti GTX 980Ti LIGHTNING ($817.54 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W SuperNOVA 220-P2-0850-X1 ($159.07 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($188.04 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 ($43.19 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($26.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit - OEM ($98.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: RAZER Naga ($73.66 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 ($111.13 @ Amazon)
Headphones: GAMDIAS EROS V2 ($28.06 @ Amazon)
Monitor: ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q ($558.35 @ TigerDirect)
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS ($21.59 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G ($8.38 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,815.72
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
Click to expand...

If it is a huge price difference between the P2 and G2 models, i wouldn't bother getting the P2. They are both the same platform and both are awesome. I said get the P2 because i have seen as little as 10-15 dollar difference which is too close to not get the P2. Also, whilst i have used the Hyper 212 Evo cooler, and it was awesome for its price. The i7 is a big CPU, if you plan on overclocking you may want to step it up a notch. However if you're running stock clocks, I am sure it will be a wonderful cooler. I can recommend the BeQuiet Dark Rock 3 if you're into running a quiet and powerful system. Last but not least, Fans! I recommend Phanteks fans, like the PH-F140SP or XP model which are 140mm. I have about 6 of them and they are arguably one of the best fans on the market, especially when you factor in how much they cost. They also make 120mm models. If you like silence, BeQuiet! Silent Wings 2 or 3 fans simply cannot be beat in that department. They won't move as much air as Phanteks fans will, but you simply cannot hear the Silent Wings fans even at full bore. That is going to be one heck of a build! Jealousy is setting in.
 
Thanks dudes, I don't think I have the cajones to start overclocking stuff that costs that much. I'm not too worried about noise I use headphones most of the time.

A couple extra fans couldn't hurt, but I'm maxing out my funds here. Should be a cozy lil gamer though :DDDDDDDD

EDIT: will this all fit in my lil case?
 
horrorshow said:
Personally, I'd wait for advice from someone with a little more than a couple of months on [H] under their belt.

Honestly, I liked your EVGA 980 Ti over the MSI.

And I would grab the G2 instead of the P2.

Also, this monitor looks all kinds of awesome. (it's not Gsync though)

BenQ XL2720Z
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014375
Click to expand...

Good Call man I appreciate the Experience and knowledge. I'm going to pull the trigger on this build here unless someone else has some input. Thanks for the feedback guys.

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 8M ($399.59 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING ($179.26 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ripjaws 4 Series ($102.59 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 06G-P4-4995-KR ($712.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 220-G2-0850-XR ($129.59 @ NCIX)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($186.84 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 ($43.19 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($26.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit - OEM ($104.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: RAZER Naga ($73.66 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 ($111.13 @ Amazon)
Headphones: GAMDIAS EROS V2 ($28.06 @ Amazon)
Monitor: BenQ XL2720Z ($400.67 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS ($21.59 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK ($17.27 @ Amazon)
Case Fan #2: Phanteks PH-F120SP_BK ($12.09 @ Amazon)
Case Fan #3: Phanteks PH-F120SP_BK ($12.09 @ Amazon)
Case Fan #4: Phanteks PH-F120SP_BK ($12.09 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G ($8.38 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,582.15
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
What the guy above said. AS5 used to be gold standard but most coolers come with paste pre applied these days. AS5 takes around two hundred hours (if memory serves) of use to reach full cooling potential. There are better pastes now.
 
horrorshow said:
Personally, I'd wait for advice from someone with a little more than a couple of months on [H] under their belt.

Honestly, I liked your EVGA 980 Ti over the MSI.

And I would grab the G2 instead of the P2.

Also, this monitor looks all kinds of awesome. (it's not Gsync though)

BenQ XL2720Z
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014375
Click to expand...

"With a little more than a couple of months under their belt.."???

Brother if i have 5 posts that doesn't mean i was born 5 days ago!

1. Anyway, my recommendation of the video card was based upon my experience. Evga, even though they have the highest quality in client service, lack the same quality in components (not that they don't use quality components, but others use better ones at roughly the same price). Owned the 980 ti with the acx 2.0 cooler and it seemd cheap-ish (not that it is). Would never compare it to the big boys. It's a matter of choice.

A review of the two:

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_980_Ti_SC_Plus/35.html

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/GTX_980_Ti_Lightning/28.html


2. Thermal paste: why not use the best? Gelid Extreme:

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gelid_Solutions/GC-Extreme/

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835426020

3. This is the mobo i was talking about:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=msi_z170a_gaming_7-_-13-130-872-_-Product

Fantastic sound, very solid, super stable bios, everything is where it's supposed to be on it.

4. Regarding the PSU, i have checked it out, sorry for my previous post, it is in fact a really solid one, go for it!

Congrats on your new purchase man! ;)
 
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horrorshow said:
Personally, I'd wait for advice from someone with a little more than a couple of months on [H] under their belt.

Honestly, I liked your EVGA 980 Ti over the MSI.

And I would grab the G2 instead of the P2.

Also, this monitor looks all kinds of awesome. (it's not Gsync though)

BenQ XL2720Z
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014375
Click to expand...
You shouldn't assume someone's experience based off the time they've been here. Unless they sound like someone who is clueless.. In your defense, EVGA is not a cheap company and they are quite the opposite. I've only ever had a problem with an MSI mother board, and thermal paste could be mayonnaise if you want, I just have my opinions on what I use for what reasons.
 
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Ryankirsch13 said:
You shouldn't assume someone's experience based off the time they've been here. Unless they sound like someone who is clueless.. In your defense, EVGA is not a cheap company and they are quite the opposite. I've only ever had a problem with an MSI mother board, and thermal paste could be mayonnaise if you want, I just have my opinions on what I use for what reasons.
Click to expand...


Thanks for helping me make a point :)

You're right, you can have issues no matter what components you might use, so go for the ones you already chose :)

Cheers!
 
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Saeb said:
Good Call man I appreciate the Experience and knowledge. I'm going to pull the trigger on this build here unless someone else has some input. Thanks for the feedback guys.

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 8M ($399.59 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING ($179.26 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ripjaws 4 Series ($102.59 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 06G-P4-4995-KR ($712.79 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 220-G2-0850-XR ($129.59 @ NCIX)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($186.84 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER HAF series RC-912-KKN1 ($43.19 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($26.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit - OEM ($104.28 @ Amazon)
Mouse: RAZER Naga ($73.66 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 ($111.13 @ Amazon)
Headphones: GAMDIAS EROS V2 ($28.06 @ Amazon)
Monitor: BenQ XL2720Z ($400.67 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS ($21.59 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Phanteks PH-F140SP_BK ($17.27 @ Amazon)
Case Fan #2: Phanteks PH-F120SP_BK ($12.09 @ Amazon)
Case Fan #3: Phanteks PH-F120SP_BK ($12.09 @ Amazon)
Case Fan #4: Phanteks PH-F120SP_BK ($12.09 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G ($8.38 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,582.15
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
Click to expand...

It's not that good of a PC due to the thermal paste, monitor and case choice. NoNRG and Apathy have already shown why the AS5 is a bad choice for the money. Nickjames already covered why that monitor isn't the best choice so I'll focus on the case: That HAF 912, even at its $60 shipped price tag, is a pretty horrible choice for the money considering that there are better or similar quality as well as more up-to-date cases for around that price range. In addition, once you add up the costs of all those extra fans, the total cost of that case setup is~$113. That's stupidly overpriced considering that you can get an actual far better quality, cooling, and roomier Phanteks case for $13 less:
$100 - Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower Case

There is no good reason IMO to choose the HAF 912 + three Phanteks fan over the Phanteks Enthoo Pro.
 
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You're spending a ton of money and skimping out on the case. Check out the corsair 700D. Full tower with plenty of room, it's great for cable mgmt. Has enough HD bays for days.
 
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