6700k New Gaming Build Advice.

[wanderica]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
This will be a gaming machine with some light VR and very little FPS gaming. I'm an RPGer, and like for my visuals to be stunning while I take in the scenery rather than skewed towards the performance side of the equation.

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

Trying to stay around $1000 for this one. I can go over for the right reasons.

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

All from U.S.

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.

No brand preference. I tend to stay away from MSi as I still have a bad taste in my mouth from previous builds, but if the price is right . . .

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

Case: Lian-Li Lancool PC-K62

GPU: Sapphire Tri-X OC R9 290X - Waiting on next gen to upgrade this as it was a fairly recent purchase.

SSD : Samsung 850 Pro 256 GB. Will upgrade this eventually, but no need for now. Perhaps in a year or 2 when I need to scratch that itch again.

Power Supply: Need advice here. Currently using a Corsair CMPSU-650TX that happily supplied 2 HD6950s in Crossfire for the same overclocked 2500k in my sig. Is there a need to upgrade this? It isn't modular, and I'm guessing it'll have the sleep issue from Haswell, so I'm torn on upgrading.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

Overclocking an i7 6700k.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

2560 x 1440

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

Ready to purchase when I make up my mind.

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

Windows 10. Is Home OK this round or is BitLocker and remote login worth 40 bucks?

NOTE: I DO have reasonable access to a microcenter, but it is about 3.5 hours away. Not worth it for less than 50 dollars saved, but I'm always up for a road trip.

Here's what I have so far.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($369.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($157.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM (64-bit)
Total: $858.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-30 05:29 EDT-0400

 

[DigDog]

.. not sure what kind of advice you are looking for. you seem to have everything under control.

 

[wanderica]

2 things mainly, I guess. Windows 10 home or pro? And should I upgrade my old power supply?

Those 2 things and peace of mind, really. As much as I love this hobby, spending money makes my eye twitch. I might have chosen the wrong hobby.

 

[Anubis]

the 850 should be fine

cant answer the Win question

 

[sm625]

the 850 should be fine

That doesnt really answer his question. The Corsair CMPSU-650TX is not on Corsair's Haswell ready power supply list. But it will work as long as C6/C7 sleep states are disabled in the bios. If you want to use all the features of skylake, you should get a new power supply. But it obviously isnt going to save you any money. C6/C7 cannot be worth more than a few dollars in saved electricity over a few years timeframe. Also, I see no reason to even look at an 850W psu if you do decide to get a new one. Next generation GPUs are likely to be budget restrictive over 200 watts.

More info on C6/C7 benefits:

http://www.legitreviews.com/what-en...es-do-on-the-core-i7-4770k-haswell-cpu_2217/3

 

[Termie]

A few tips to reallocate your budget:

(1) New PSUs don't just have the advantage of compatibility with low-power sleep states. You also get zero-fan mode at low loads, higher efficiency, and modular cables for easier installation and better airflow. Unless you want to run a second video card, getting another 650W unit is fine. Get the EVGA 650 G2.

(2) The Nocuta NH-D15 is a good cooler, but it's not a good value. If you want to go crazy with overclocks, you'll want a liquid cooler, otherwise, choose the NH-U14S, which is quieter, much easier to install, and plenty capable of cooling a moderately overclocked 6700K.

(3) The benefits of Windows 10 Pro are only worth it if you'll use them. If you're not sure, you probably don't need it.

Those three changes will save about $100, which you could apply to a new case. That means you won't have to disassemble your old system just to build your new one, and you get major advantages like USB 3.0 front ports, a modern layout with more SSD mounts and fewer optical drive bays, and updated styling. You could always use a couple of your Lian-Li fans in the new case if you wanted to. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro is a good choice at $100.

 

[wanderica]

Thanks for the advice. I took a few of your suggestions. Decided to go for a new PSU (650w G2 over the 850w), Win 10 Home, and the NH-U14S. Although I plan to overclock, I'm not aiming that high with it. A moderate OC will be perfect for me. I also decided to fill the rest of that $1000 with the suggested case by Termie. Nice looking, great cable management options, and the front USB 3.0 ports would be a nice addition.

The parts are all ordered. Now I just need to wait on the FedEx guy next week and order a pizza for build day.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($369.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($78.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($157.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($103.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($96.50 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1020.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-10-31 01:40 EDT-0400