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New build advice

A

asa67

n00b
Joined
Nov 26, 2015
Messages
10
I am planning a new build to replace my old 2011 gaming build.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc.
Gaming, running a virtual desktop and eventually VR.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Below 2000 including tax and shipping, ideally 1500. I have amazon prime so prefer that shipping option.
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Hoboken, NJ. Microcenter nearby.
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.
The proposed parts listed below are what I need now. I would also like to get a decent 27"+ monitor, but I think that will blow my budget so I am thinking I will wait to get that part.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Not reusing.
6) Will you be overclocking?
No.
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
I have a 23" monitor. 1920 x 1080.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Next three weeks if possible.
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.
I do not need any features besides standard ones.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
No.

Proposed build is below. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated, especially on the case (looking for a mid tower that takes CDs and has good airflow with dust filters) and the CPU (is the 6600K worth it if I do not OC?).

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 6M ($232.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus ($138.95 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.SKILL 16GB (2 x 8GB) Ripjaws V Series ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 08G-P4-6286-KR ($684.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: CORSAIR 750W RMx RM750X ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 750 EVO MZ-750500BW ($149.53 @ Amazon)
Storage #2: WD 3TB Red WD30EFRX ($109 @ Amazon)
Case: COOLER MASTER MCZ-005M-KWN00 ($177.19 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1,790.60
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
Drop down to a 1070 since it's more than enough for 1080p or vr

You can also look into cheaper cases since you're only running single gpu so anything over 120 is a waste.

Also why go 750evo when the 850evo is much faster and not tio expensive.

I'll actually update your build tomorrow when I get back from vacation.
 
Last edited:
I'd stick with the 1080 if you're planning to go with an ultrawide (3440x1440) or 4K monitor, but if your next monitor will be 1080P or 1440P, the 1070 should be enough.
 
Pretty much agree with what's been said so far. I'd add that the PSU is overkill. A quality unit in the 500W range will be fine. Also, I believe you may be able to find faster RAM for only slightly more, especially if you get something without useless heatsinks. Though check if the selected mainboard will support higher RAM speeds.
 
Thank you all for your recommendations - they were very helpful. I have revised the build list based on your suggestions as well as a few tweaks and added a monitor that only takes me slightly above my budget.

Please let me know if you have any additional suggestions based on the changes.


PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 6M ($236.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus ($138.95 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team 16GB (2 x 8GB) Vulcan ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 08G-P4-6284-KR ($649.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: EVGA 600W 600B 100-B1-0600-KR ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($157.95 @ Amazon)
Storage #2: HGST 2TB Ultrastar A7K2000 HUA722020ALA331 ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case: COOLER MASTER N Series NSE-400-KKN2 (N400) ($49.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit ($92.95 @ Amazon)
Monitor: ViewSonic XG2700-4K ($529.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,016.77
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
The larger curved Dell and LG 3440x1440 34" 21:9 models can be had at similar price points and are easier to drive than the Viewsonic you've chosen, but they all have their advantages. I'd check them out if you haven't already.
 
silent-circuit said:
The larger curved Dell and LG 3440x1440 34" 21:9 models can be had at similar price points and are easier to drive than the Viewsonic you've chosen, but they all have their advantages. I'd check them out if you haven't already.
Click to expand...

Thanks Silent. I went with the 4K monitor initially since it was cheaper, but am willing to pay more for better usability. What do you think of the below?

PC Hound Part List

Monitor: Dell U3415W ($741.96 @ Amazon)
Total: $741.96
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
Look for coupons/codes to drop the price on the Dell (direct from them), or a better price on the LG. The can be had around $550 from what I've seen lately.
 
Considering the overall investment you're putting into this build, I'd get a higher quality power supply.

An EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W would certainly fit the bill.
 
horrorshow said:
Considering the overall investment you're putting into this build, I'd get a higher quality power supply.

An EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W would certainly fit the bill.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I hadn't noticed the replacement PSU I picked wasn't 80+ Gold.

Proposed final parts list below. I think I will go with the Dell monitor since its reviews are better than the comparable LGs but will wait for a decent deal to become available.

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 6M ($236.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus ($138.89 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team 16GB (2 x 8GB) Vulcan ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 08G-P4-6284-KR ($649.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: EVGA 650W 120-G1-0650-XR ($79.27 @ Amazon)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($158.06 @ Amazon)
Storage #2: HGST 2TB Ultrastar A7K2000 HUA722020ALA331 ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 400R ($99.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit ($92.95 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Dell U3415W ($724.86 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,300.97
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
Last edited:
I'd go with the EVGA SuperNOVA G2 instead of the G1.

The G2 version is made by Superflower.

Better quality plus 10 year warranty instead of 5 etc.

Also, don't buy a refurbished HGST drive. You'll regret it later....

If it's primary purpose is just for storing media, I'd go with something like this:

Hitachi GST Deskstar 7K2000 HDS722020ALA330 (0F10311) 2TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive - Newegg.com

1470168351c34Y167Mkg_1_1.gif


Probably the most reliable 2TB 7,200rpm drive you can find at a reasonable price.
 
Last edited:
horrorshow said:
I'd go with the EVGA SuperNOVA G2 instead of the G1.

The G2 version is made by Superflower.

Better quality plus 10 year warranty instead of 5 etc.

Also, don't buy a refurbished HGST drive. You'll regret it later....

If it's primary purpose is just for storing media, I'd go with something like this:

Hitachi GST Deskstar 7K2000 HDS722020ALA330 (0F10311) 2TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive - Newegg.com


Probably the most reliable 2TB 7,200rpm drive you can find at a reasonable price.
Click to expand...

Thanks again! Those were very helpful suggestions. Re-proposed final parts list below.

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 6M ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus ($137.95 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team 16GB (2 x 8GB) Vulcan ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 08G-P4-6284-KR ($649.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: EVGA 650W 220-G2-0650-Y1 ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($158.06 @ Amazon)
Storage #2: Hitachi GST 2TB Deskstar 7K2000 HDS722020ALA330 (0F10311) ($74 - Custom)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 400R ($99.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit ($89 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Dell U3415W ($729.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2,341.93
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
At this point, I see no fault in your build.

I would buy some MX-4 thermal paste and not use the "goop" that comes with your Hyper 212.

ARCTIC MX4 Thermal Paste - 4gram-Newegg.com

Otherwise, you're set brother.

BTW, nice motherboard.

EDIT: Oh, and if I were in your position, I'd replace that 212 EVO with this:

Reeven JUSTICE CPU cooler, 120mm fan with 6 heatpipes, INTEL/AMD-Newegg.com

Read the HardOCP review here:

Introduction - Reeven Justice 120mm CPU Air Cooler Review

Sh*t appears dope as hell (temp-wise).

Should allow for quite the overclock.
 
Last edited:
Here's how I'd go:


PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 8M ($319.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus ($137.95 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team 16GB (2 x 8GB) Vulcan ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 08G-P4-6276-KR ($459.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 650W 220-G2-0650-Y1 ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-N5E500BW ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Storage #2: HGST 4TB Deskstar NAS H3IKNAS40003272SN (0S03664) ($157.49 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 400R ($99.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit ($89 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG ($519.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2,137.35
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
I'm assuming he wants that ultra-wide monitor, so yeah. Your build is no bueno.
 
That "goop" that comes with the 212 will be just fine. No point in wasting money on MX4.
 
He's looking at spending over 2.3k on this build.

An extra $20 total for a superior cooling solution and better thermal paste IMO seems insignificant.
 
Doesn't really matter how much money you're spending. Wasting money is still wasting money. If you wanted a superior thermal compound their are better options than even MX4. We're talking a difference between 2 - 3C which is not significant at all. Especially since the OP isn't or doesn't plan on overclocking, not that a basic overclock would change the results, but if he were going for a world record overclock then yea, get some good stuff and MX4 wouldn't fit that bill.
 
I'd go with the Reeven over the 212 Evo.

I have a Hyper 212+ and at 3.4/1.2v, I never see over 50c but still....

It's only $20 more for the Reeven and better thermal paste.

I'd do it, if I were him. Just sayin'

Overclocking or no, better temps = longevity.
 
Honestly I'd go with a water loop if it were me. They're quieter and do a much better job of dispensing the heat directly outside the case. The Reeven is a nice air cooler however. It's huge though.

Intel designs these chips to operate within' a temperature range. There is no proof that a chip operating constantly closer to it's maximum temperature will not last as long as a chip that does not. I have never had a processor fail and I tend to run them at 100% load for very, very long periods. The chances a processor will fail before the user has no more use out of it is extremely slim. Also no proof that if a chip did fail that it was due to being exposed to higher average temperatures. I am talking a difference between 20 - 30C and you're talking about a thermal compound that might see 2 - 3C less at full load than a different thermal compound.
 
Says the man that replaces rigs like some replace clothing.

Some of us invest and expect it to last more than 3+ years.
 
My previous main rig was an i7 870 that I bought in November of 2010. That lasted until I got my i5 4690k in January of 2015. It was replaced because I can. Not because the i7 870 failed or was lacking.

My HTPC and NAS are built on mostly used parts. Those i5 2400s are from 2011/2012. Still rocking out just fine 3+ years later. I've had to replace motherboards in both of them already.
 
horrorshow said:
I'm assuming he wants that ultra-wide monitor, so yeah. Your build is no bueno.
Click to expand...

No. Maybe the "monitor choice" is "no bueno".

But if he's looking at dropping $2300-2400, there's still PLENTY of wiggle room in there.

And the build itself is just fine.

And while the monitor's not a 34" ultra-wide, it IS a 1440 144Hz GSync monitor, which should, arguably, deliver a better gaming experience. Especially since this is mainly supposed to be a gaming box.
 
I've got two more not listed. What does that have to do with anything again?
 
Guys - thank you so much for all the above advice. It was extremely helpful.

horrorshow said:
At this point, I see no fault in your build.

I would buy some MX-4 thermal paste and not use the "goop" that comes with your Hyper 212.

ARCTIC MX4 Thermal Paste - 4gram-Newegg.com

Otherwise, you're set brother.

BTW, nice motherboard.

EDIT: Oh, and if I were in your position, I'd replace that 212 EVO with this:

Reeven JUSTICE CPU cooler, 120mm fan with 6 heatpipes, INTEL/AMD-Newegg.com

Read the HardOCP review here:

Introduction - Reeven Justice 120mm CPU Air Cooler Review

Sh*t appears dope as hell (temp-wise).

Should allow for quite the overclock.
Click to expand...

Thanks! This review is amazing so going to go with this cooler.

Final build below. I am going to think about the monitor some more (I am buying that a little later than the rest so I don't have to decide right away). Also I can't find the Reeven on PC Hound so I left the 212 EVO in as a placeholder.

PC Hound Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 6M ($228.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI Plus ($137.95 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team 16GB (2 x 8GB) Vulcan ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 08G-P4-6183-KR ($649.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 650W 220-G2-0650-Y1 ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: SAMSUNG 500GB 850 EVO MZ-75E500B/AM ($157.95 @ Amazon)
Storage #2: Hitachi GST 2TB Deskstar 7K2000 HDS722020ALA330 (0F10311) ($74 - Custom)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 400R ($99.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 ($40 - Custom)
Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 Home - 64-bit ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1,671.83
Price may include shipping, rebates, promotions, and tax
Generated by PC Hound
 
Very solid sir.

Post pics once it's built!

Reeven temp pics too please heh
 
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