Need advice on what build I should get

Budget:
My budget is $4,000.

Expectations:
I wan't a top of the line build that is future proof for at least 5-6 years. GPU is expected to be upgraded every 2-3 years pending what I get for my build.

Usage:
Gaming mostly/Watching media

Special Needs:
I'm not very knowledgeable of liquid cooling and nervous to overclock any components and run dual GPU's in SLI (mainly for fear that the components will overheat more and make the rig more loud and shorten the life span of components). I'd prefer a single GPU but I also want the best bang for buck and am open to liquid cooling as I do would like a quiet machine.

I've been eyeing the Aventum II mainly for its sleek case. If I decide to opt out of any liquid cooling setup for the build, would it be a waste to get it though? Does a liquid cooling rig require much maintenance? Refilling water into the pipes? Is it easy to learn? Would an Aventum II suit my needs or be a bit overkill as I don't intend to run a multi monitor setup ever.

A few select questions I have are:
1. Should I invest in a single 780ti now and sell it after 2 years for a GTX 880 replacement? Or should I get a 780ti now and get a second one in SLI a year later and then upgrade to a next gen card a much further date? I do prefer single GPUs as its more simple to work with and more optimal. Would a GTX Titan Black be a poor buy I imagine? I prefer Nvidia.

2. Should I go for a 4 core or a 6 core Intel CPU? Does 6 cores offer any value for a gaming centric machine? Should I overclock it? Which CPU would be the best buy for me? I'd like to have it last me a good 5-6 years, no lower than 4. I prefer Intel.

3. How much RAM should I get (32GB vs 16GB)and what speeds? Is Digital Storm RAM better than Corsair RAM?

4. What motherboard should I get? I prefer the ASUS brand.

5. Should I get a dedicated sound card? I'm not an audiophile nor have a crazy top of the line surround sound system (may later on). But my only major usage of my rig will be for gaming. Would a good motherboard make a sound card redundant? If so should I get a good motherboard then as per item 4 above?

6. What size power supply should I get? I don't ever expect to run no more than 2 top of the line GPU's in SLI. I'd also like a bit of future proof though so that I won't need a new supply for a good 5-6 years.

7. Liquid Cooling + Fans.... I really don't know where to begin. What liquid cooling setup would be ideal for me? Which fans should I buy? I'd like a quiet machine but it doesn't have to be super silent, some sound is acceptable.

8. Overclocking - Should I overclock my GPU/CPU? By how much? What are the risks in doing so? If I get a high end top of the line GPU/CPU would overclocking really be needed or make a difference?

9. I'm ok in the HDD department, I intend to get a Primary SSD and a Secondary 1-2TB HDD.

If someone can offer me detailed build advice it would be much appreciated. I know I'm asking for a lot in this post but its because I'm a serious buyer whose waited a long time and now finally has the $$$ to spoil himself a bit.

Thanks,

Hi thank's a lot for your response!

To answer your questions:

1. I intend to spend 90% of my time gaming on this rig and 10% watching movies and browsing the web. I do not do any # 3D modelling, AutoCAD, photography or any other graphical/CPU intensive work.

2. I only intend to have 1 monitor only and seeing as 4K monitors are not cheap, I'll probably game on 1080p for now. If you can, what would be a good monitor to buy? I don't want to spend any more than $300-$400 on one. Are 1080p monitors pretty much the best/standard besides 4K? There are higher res monitors out there, but are they worth it for my purposes?

3. I play games of all genres and expect my rig to be able to run all of the latest games (Assassins Creed Unity, Far Cry 4, ect.) on Ultra High Maximum Settings for everything with ease and to be able to continue to do so for games that will be released in 2015 as well. I expect a 780ti to be able to perform that feat for at least a year and 2 of them should manage it for another 2 years right? My main concern though is, should I stick with one 780ti and get the new GTX880 or 790 if/when they come out (hopefully within the year) or add a second 780ti and invest in a new GPU at a later date? Keep in mind I only plan to game on 1 monitor. Would that affect the decision on whether I should stick with 1 GPU always or SLI?


As a followup to your responses:
1. Is there a difference between Liquid and Water Cooling? I read somewhere on the DS website that apparently Liquid cooling requires no maintenance? If so I'm happy to get it.

2. Should I OC a 780ti if I get one?

3. So pending my CPU clock speeds exceed 4.5GHz I need to get RAM with faster speeds?

4. To sum up your advice I should go for a Devils Canyon Quad Core CPU and OC it and get an Asus Hero MOBO? My MOBO will need to be able to run SLI and have decent on board sound since I won't get a sound card. I'll check into this model. What's the difference between an Intel Extreme CPU and the non Extreme version? Just higher clock speeds? Are they worth the extra $$$ for my gaming only purposes on 1 monitor?

Thank's again for the advice!


Edited by Xenris - 22 Jul 2014 at 6:36pm

Ok since 90% of your time will be gaming clearly a six core would be a waste of money.

Edited by blackcatfoe - 22 Jul 2014 at 11:58pm

1. I'm not sure on any main advantages/disadvantages. Others can comment on this. I do know larger radiator LC coolers are nosier. If you want a real quite rig the 120mm is what you need.

2. The difference between the two is vast. The HERO other then the improved OC abilities includes other features such as Ethernet ports designed with gaming in mind and improved audio from prior boards. ASUS Z87-DELUXE/QUAD while a good board has it's main selling point on 2x Thunderbolt 2 ports and built in WiFi. If you do need a Thunderbolt 2 port or Wi-Fi you can always get an expansion card and insert on the mobo. Overall the HERO is a better board for gamers.

3. Aventum II is very nice looking case but keep in mind this case is designed for extreme builds and expansion in mind and why you see the 3k+ prices for the builds being offered. Considering SLI in your case a slade is all you need without spending more that you don’t. The Bolt II you are correct. If purchased SLI would not be an option for you down the road. The popularity of the unit is based on it's compact design. I will add if you want a quite rig the Slade is the way to go but the build ticket I created did not add the noise reduction package. If you like a quite rig the package is worth it.

Since you have money to burn getting an ultimate mobo will help with the OC along with the faster clocked memory. I would still stick with a Devils Canyon CPU i7 4790K as the K series have proven to achieve better performance in gaming then extreme CPU line. Even if the 4930K is a K series unlocked CPU the six cores in the extreme CPU only benefit apps that make use of the extra cores. Since games today don’t use six cores the extra $300 to $500 invested in these extreme CPU's would be better invested in other areas that will improve your game performance like a 2nd video card.

You can't really future proof any rig as it will show its age but I do have rigs from DS as old as four years still running titles today on High settings with over 60 fps. If anything you will usually upgrade the video card(s) within the next two to three years. By year four to five you will usually be looking to get a new righ with a brand new CPU and mobo. Will games use six cores eventually? Yes, but unlike video cards game titles are slow to take advantage of the raw power of today’s CPU's.

In any event it is your money and you can do with it what you will but for me personally I put the money more on performance that matters to gaming then just raw overall power. I make fun of a friend that never listens and always goes overkill with his builds with the mindset top of the line CPU and video cards are always the best. He recently put together a 4960X with duel Titan Blacks but primarily plays COH 2 and ESO. The look on his face when he sees my 4770K and duel 770's performing not that far behind his rig....priceless.

Edited by blackcatfoe - 23 Jul 2014 at 11:20pm

Danjw1- I like your build. I would change out a couple things.

I would step back to 1600 Mhz ram since I do not believe it makes much difference for the price you are paying.

If he is not going SLI at all down the line I would probably go with the Corsair 850 RM PSU if he thinks he might go SLI then your suggestion is a great idea.

I would use that money on getting a 512 GB Evo Pro SSD as the main drive instead.

Good Luck in your purchase.





Edited by Ariktu - 24 Jul 2014 at 2:36pm

Thank's so much everyone, @danjw1 I tweaked your build slightly mainly for more HDD and SSD space, faster RAM (only $21 more so I figure why not), a Bluray player, more noise reduction, and a Stage 2 CPU OC. What do you guy's think about this build?

https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=1017841



A few other comments I want to mention:
1. I'm an Nvidia guy so I'll have to stick with a 780ti. I may end up just keeping 1 780ti and replacing it with an 800 series card down the road opposed to SLI but regardless I wan't to ensure if I do decide to go SLI my rig can do it. Which leads me to my second question.

2. Is a 1050W PSU more than sufficient to handle my SLI needs for at least 5-6 years? I don't intend to go more than 2 cards ever.

3. I guess I'll stick with your advice on getting the Asus Maximus VII Hero as it sells itself as "gaming centric" unlike the other more expensive Z87 models.

4. So for the Slade case, I should opt for a air fan over liquid cooling due to the risk of the radiator blocking the rear exhaust vent? Should I also upgrade the Standard Factory Chassis Fans to the Corsair Air Flow Performance Edition ones for $99 more? Its pricey but does it make a noticeable difference?

5. I also would like to have built in Bluetooth in my rig. Is that possible to get from DS or should I buy an adapter separately somewhere else?

6. Please take a look and see if there are any red flags in my build or recommendations. How would you guy's rate my choice of Primary/Secondary Hard Drives? I notice Intel's SSD are far more expensive than Samsungs, is this due to read/write speeds? Does it make a difference which brand I get?

Thank's again for all the help. Its tough finding people to spend the time to teach you about the little things and ease first time buyers into making a big purchase.

Edited by Xenris - 24 Jul 2014 at 7:59pm

Originally posted by Xenris Thank's so much everyone, @danjw1 I tweaked your build slightly mainly for more HDD and SSD space, faster RAM (only $21 more so I figure why not), a Bluray player, more noise reduction, and a Stage 2 CPU OC. What do you guy's think about this build? https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=1017841

Stage 2 Noise Reduction isn't needed on the Corsair 550D, it already has noise dampening build into the side panels.

Originally posted by Xenris 2. Is a 1050W PSU more than sufficient to handle my SLI needs for at least 5-6 years? I don't intend to go more than 2 cards ever.

Yes, it shouldn't be a problem. PC components are getting lower in power consumption.

Originally posted by Xenris 3. I guess I'll stick with your advice on getting the Asus Maximus VII Hero as it sells itself as "gaming centric" unlike the other more expensive Z87 models.

The Republic of Gamers (ROG) line is mostly focused on gaming. The exception is usually the Extreme, which is focused on over clockers.

Originally posted by Xenris 4. So for the Slade case, I should opt for a air fan over liquid cooling due to the risk of the radiator blocking the rear exhaust vent? Should I also upgrade the Standard Factory Chassis Fans to the Corsair Air Flow Performance Edition ones for $99 more? Its pricey but does it make a noticeable difference?

It is a Corsair case (thus corsair fans), so I don't see the point. With just one graphics card, I don't see the need for additional fans. It comes with two 120mm fans in front (intake fans) and one 120mm in back (exhaust fan). There are fan ports on the top (2x 120mm/140mm), bottom (120mm/140mm) and side (2x 120mm/140mm or 200mm). Adding more fans will increase noise. The side and top ports have removable covers that have noise dampening foam in them. If you were to add a fan or fans, the left side panel would be best, assuming that side would be facing away from you. That way the noise is directed away from you.

Originally posted by Xenris 5. I also would like to have built in Bluetooth in my rig. Is that possible to get from DS or should I buy an adapter separately somewhere else?

Yes there are a number of USB Bluetooth adapters available. The Maximus VII Formula comes with a WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth module.

Originally posted by Xenris 6. Please take a look and see if there are any red flags in my build or recommendations. How would you guy's rate my choice of Primary/Secondary Hard Drives? I notice Intel's SSD are far more expensive than Samsungs, is this due to read/write speeds? Does it make a difference which brand I get?

The only thing was the Stage 2 noise reduction, since that is already there. Samsung makes very high performance SSDs, they beat others in most metrics. They can have consistency issues, but that is really more of an issue with servers. Here is a link to a recent buyers guide to SSDs:http://www.anandtech.com/show/8260/best-ssds-july-2014

Originally posted by Xenris Thank's again for all the help. Its tough finding people to spend the time to teach you about the little things and ease first time buyers into making a big purchase.

You are welcome ;-)

Edited by danjw1 - 25 Jul 2014 at 7:23am

Hi Xenris... I'm not a DS employee, you'd need to call or email them, so I can't answer the first question.

2nd question.... DS usually recommends the sealed liquid coolers because they cool just fine, are small and light weight makes shipping them easier.   The 120mm radiator on LC doesn't block the rear fan but replaces it with its own. It mounts against the inside back wall and exits cpu heat out the back.   I like air coolers myself mainly for tops in reliability. No pump, tubing, etc. They work great, are quiet but do take up more room and overlap a ram slot or two. Sealed units are very reliable but air is more so.

The Slade 550d case is quiet but also closed up, hence quiet. The top and side have an acoustic panel on them to block the noise but also can reduce airflow. For video cards that exit all the heat out the back, no problem, like reference single fan.   But if you get a ACX type dual fan card, some of the heat dumps into the case. Sli would be even more heat. Overclocking is even more. Luckily, the 550d can mount additional fans if needed to the top and side if the acoustic panels are removed.

3rd question... In sli, the cards work in sync and share data, helping each other render to the screen. They mirror the work so to speak.   They both don't need to be overclocked but if you don't the slowest card determines the performance. I'm not sure the benefit of oc in sli. The 2nd card only works at maybe 60 or 70% of the first because of the way they work. I guess it might help but not sure how much. Others might have a more definitive answer.

Hope this helps.

Thank's, I think I will definitely go with the Slade. I also noticed a new "Notice" tag for the Slade models in which they reccomend Stage 1 Noise Reduction and 120mm LC for the CPU over the air cooling it seems so I went with those as per my new build here:

https://www.digitalstormonline.com/configurator.asp?id=1024825


I still haven't made the purchase yet. I was intending to wait a bit for more info about the Asus Maximus VII Formula MOBO as the built in WiFi and Bluetooth intrigues me. I was in the process of rebuilding the Slade model but noticed I don't have the options to select the same CPU and MOBO as the one danjw1 built for me. (In above link). The default CPU is a 6 core and MOBO options don't include the Maximum VII Hero. Is there a way to expand the list of options?

I tried customizing the Level 4 Slade FYI.

Thanks,

Edited by Xenris - 05 Aug 2014 at 7:16pm

The Maximus VII Formula, is still in limited availability and only as a bungle with Watchdogs, as best I can tell. It is only available through one online retailer, I don't know anything about availability to OEMs.

The Samsung 850 Series Pro, which is the best SATA SSD, should be available on Friday; though DS indicated they will wait to stock it until after they burn off their 840s.

Your build looks good. Looks like you sorted out the issue you were having with the builder.

UPDATE: I just looked at the ROG forums thread for the Maximus VII Formula, Raja (Asus Employee) said that the unbundled M7F would be available "Some time this month (soon)". Hopefully, by then, it will also be more widely available.

Edited by danjw1 - 06 Aug 2014 at 7:43am

I am happy to help.