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Pondering on a new PC build. My current rig is somewhat dated:
Gtx970
i5-3570k
Z77
16gb ddr3
500gb sata ssd
1tb hdd
It's about 6 years old now and I've ran into random freezing, bluescreen, extreme long boot times due to OS issues, etc. I've been an avid gamer since I was 8, so having solid hardware to run anything I want makes me happy. I also plan to run my current rig as a media server(plex) and emulator on big TV.
My goal with the build would be to run games like BF5 at max settings, 4k/144hz, without issue. Kind of a future proof setup for games to come and easily VR capable.
Is the 9900k overkill, it's only $40 more than the 8700k. I feel like it's worth that difference. I haven't done much research into cooling though, maybe I should just invest in water cooling since it seems like it's so simple nowadays.
I went fairly basic on the motherboard, enough overhead to run fancier ram if I wanted. Not concerned with multiple m.2 slots. In fact I'm considering on ditching the m.2 in favor of a sata ssd to save ~$100.
2070 seems like really good bang for your buck. BUT the recently announced GTX1660 Ti is super appealing. $280 for same performance as a 1070.
Any thoughts? I haven't built in awhile so I'm making sure I'm not missing anything simple.
CPU:
9700K is great if you have the money, but few games can actually load more than just a few cores fully. Please research your particular game in this regard. For anything to fly at 4K in modern games you will probably need to have higher clocks, so overclocking is most likely in your future.
Mobo: Don't skip on a motherboard. It's like skipping on fuel system on FI engine. Getting a higher end motherboard with good, stable power delivery can provide for noticeably better performance and allow much better overclocking (see above).
Cooling: You want to go with water cooling or at least with Noctua 14 air cooler or similar. Considering this is for gaming and possibly for overclocking - I highly recommend water cooling. Even something like Corsair H115i or H150i is ideal, H100i is adequate. There are plenty of other good options too. These are off-the shelf, well performing, easy to install and reliable. Additionally, you should consider a de-lid of the CPU and use of liquid metal between silicone and IHS if you are going to overclock. This can drop your temps by 15-25C* under full load. I've done it and don't regret it. Amazing results, but you need to do it right - use RockIt delid kit and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (be careful not to use too much).
Memory: I would look for something with lower timings. Maybe along the lines of 14-14-14-34 CAS 14. Lower timings can often provide better performance than higher default speed (before OC).
Notes:
8700K is still a great option. It has more threads if you can fully load them and can be pushed pretty well (i'm running it at 5Ghz on all cores). You can save some money by going with it and then get a better mobo or cooling system. 2070 is a good value right now in my view - it has enough headroom for games that will be coming out. You can go with 1660, but you are likely to need an upgrade sooner. 4K can be difficult for 1660 depending on other settings. You have chosen a good case (I'm using the same), but keep in mind that you won't fit a CDRW if you have a big water radiator (280 or 360mm).
So:
8700K or 9700K (either is great)
2070 ideally
Ram is OK, but can find lower timings for around the same money
Water cooling + good paste or delid with liquid metal
Better motherboard
Here is my build in a nutshell:
Phaenteks Enthoo Pro M SE ASRock Z370 Taichi GSkill DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 14-14-14-34 CAS Latency 14 Corsair Hydro H115i PRO RGB 280mm (push-pull) Intel Core i7-8700K @5Ghz on all cores WD Black NVMe M.2 2280 250GB PCI-Express 3.0 x4 3D NAND Intel SSD 520 256GB (image editing) Crucial BX100 500GB (video editing) Zotac GeFroce 1070 Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB 750W 80+ Bronze
Im going to go over this when I get home. I did computer repair for 10 years and built them during that time as well. I just skimmed your post and with out the BSOD codes I can't be sure but it sounds like it could be your HDD going out. I recommend doing a back up in case it is. (You can back up your stem games to do you don't have to redownload them)
Good advice depending on intended use. If doing any serious analysis/FEA instructions per clock becomes a lot more important and intel still reigns supreme.
Good advice depending on intended use. If doing any serious analysis/FEA instructions per clock becomes a lot more important and intel still reigns supreme.
I threw this together as a "high end" "budget" build (warning huge pic incoming cause im lazy >_<)
I think that is great performance for the money fell free to bling or change it up. I usually built about a $2k computer ever 5ish years or so (last one went 8 with some upgrades thrown in)
Im not a fan of the CPUs with the "gpu" but games prefer higher clocks over multiple cores (generally). Also games prefer more GPU power over CPU (exception being MMOs but they usually have low requirements).
EDIT - i meant to do two 16gb for a total of 32gb with two slots left over. that will raise a cost to nearly $2k
Well, many modern games require a good balance between GPU and GPU and throughput of other components. Obviously running RTX2080 and i9700K off of a spinning HDD will take a hit in some situation, so will running on 8GB of slow RAM. At the same time, even if you get all the fancy expensive parts, but don't cool the entire case well enough - CPU and GPU will start throttling on their own. Many modern games require high CPU clocks and typically will run just fine on 1070, 1080, 2070, 2080 or AMD equivalents of said cards.
A safe, slightly future proofed build is 2070, 8700k/9700k, good Z370/Z390 mobo, 16gb low latency ram, water cooling, solid PSU and well ventilated case.
A budged build good enough for many games - 1660ti, i5-9600K, good z390 mobo, good air cooling or basic 240mm water cooling AIO, well ventilated case, mid grade ram and PSU. Should be doable for under $1K, will OC to 5Ghz or about there, will run many games without a sweat.
CPU
Most video games are not very limited by CPU. That being said, if the options are 9700k and 8700k, I would personally get the 9700k for the 40 bucks or so extra.
Cooling
If you intend to run stock(ish) speeds, then your proposed CPU cooler is more than fine.
The 9700k has a soldered integrated heatspreader (IHS). Therefore, delidding this CPU is significantly trickier than the 8xxx range.
If you want to overclock, you probably want to buy a stronger CPU cooler. Water coolers are better, but not as much as you might think. Source: 12. For medium overclocking, I would just get a decent CPU (air) cooler. I personally like the dark rock 4.
Solid state disk
Although PCIe SSDs are significantly quicker in sequential file transfers, the difference is actually not so big in random reads/writes. Random reads/writes make up most of the real world experience of a disk. Therefore, you probably won't really notice the difference between a SATA and PCIe disk too much. That being said, I personally like the idea of having a blazing fast disk. If you'd like to shave off a few bucks off your costs, replace the PCIe disk with a SATA version.
PSU
750W is overkill for your proposed system. 550W should be plenty already.
If you're planning on going with that build list... I'd definitely check out a different motherboard. From just looking at the photos, I wouldn't chose that MSi board ever...
Originally Posted by 2slow
Mobo: Don't skip on a motherboard. It's like skipping on fuel system on FI engine. Getting a higher end motherboard with good, stable power delivery can provide for noticeably better performance and allow much better overclocking (see above).
Definitely do some research on motherboards to see what features you like etc. "Actually Hardcore Overclocking" on YT may have some in-depth reviews on boards you're looking into. He did some great reviews on Gigabyte.
Speaking of which, the top end gigabyte aorus boards on the latest chipsets have been top notch in terms of VRM control
Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI or the Z390 AORUS ULTRA (Depending on what features you're looking for) -- Both boards offer great VRM setups and heatsinks for overclocking.
As for the graphics card, definitely stick with the rtx 2070 if you have the money.
02-25-2019, 12:25 PM
Feedback on this proposed build
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