Build around a GTX 960 (build started, see post #35)

[Charlie98]

1. Yes.
2. Maybe. Depends on what you are doing in 5 years.
3. Should be OK swapping the CPU, I did so in my HTPC and I don't recall having to reload my license or anything extraordinary. I think the mainboard is THE primary piece of hardware.
4. If you are planning on keeping your rig for ~5 years, I would buy as much chip as I could afford. I don't think that I would buy a used i7 and mobo, vs a new i5 and new mobo... unless you just need that i7, and I don't think you do. I have a Sandy Bridge i3 in my HTPC, and a Sandy i5 in my desktop... the i5 is clearly the superior chip, and I would not want to swap them given the use my desktop sees (in other words, I'm glad I paid the money for the i5.)

 

[balloonshark]

Thanks for your answers and input Charlie. I've only built 2 computers and both have been quads. I've been happy with both and you're confirming my thoughts. I'm just having a hard time bringing myself to pay over $200 for a non-k cpu when it doesn't really seem to offer much over previous generation cpus. If the 6th gen i3's were overclockable or the 6600k was around $225 it would be much easier and this build would be on its way.

 

[Charlie98]

Thanks for your answers and input Charlie. I've only built 2 computers and both have been quads. I've been happy with both and you're confirming my thoughts. I'm just having a hard time bringing myself to pay over $200 for a non-k cpu when it doesn't really seem to offer much over previous generation cpus. If the 6th gen i3's were overclockable or the 6600k was around $225 it would be much easier and this build would be on its way.

I have to admit, I'm confused as all get out with the new generation of processors... I need a cheat sheet. As I understand it, you can OC the 6th gen chips on a Z board using the BKLC... something that has been a no-no since Sandy (and that I found out the hard way) but I would research it first to verify it's all chips (or the Core chips, etc.)

If Intel made an i3-K chip, it would be a runaway success...

However, the legacy i5 K chip, the 2500K, regularly sold for $170-200 when it was released... $225 isn't that far out, considering. Heck, the 2500K still pulls about ~$110-130 on the used market, the 2600K even more!

 

[balloonshark]

I normally only build every 5 years so it's extra confusing for me. My Q6600 was $200 and a multiplier change gave me a free 25% boost. Now it seems like intel is only making CPUs for their share holders instead of their paying customers :\.

It also ticks me off that all their chips but the highest priced ones are dangling 4Ghz in front of us. You have to pay big money to get that extra .1 or .2Ghz.

I skimmed over the OCing non-k chips topic. It looks like we lose too many other features in the process.

"no IGPU, No dynamic change of CPU frequency, No C-states, No Turbo Mode, CPU temperature reading is incorrect, AVX instructions have very low performance and Windows XP ACPI not supported."

This just feels like the worst time to build because of intel's price's and offerings.

 

[Charlie98]

No, you just need to pay the money for a K-chip and a Z-board. As I say, even adjusted for inflation and market demand, $225 isn't that bad for a good K chip. If you are near a MicroCenter, you can save some money on the CPU/mobo combo.

 

[balloonshark]

Actually the 6600k is $255 and the 6600 (non-k) is $220 on sale. I have no microcenters here in small town WV. If you know where I can get a 6600k for $225 please post the link or send me a PM.

 

[Charlie98]

Actually the 6600k is $255 and the 6600 (non-k) is $220 on sale. I have no microcenters here in small town WV. If you know where I can get a 6600k for $225 please post the link or send me a PM.

NM, I misread your previous post. Actually, you have MC's all around you... just not near you. :'(

In my past life, I used to dispatch gas trucks in small town, WV. That doesn't make that $255 6600K any cheaper, however...

 

[nanaki333]

Actually the 6600k is $255 and the 6600 (non-k) is $220 on sale. I have no microcenters here in small town WV. If you know where I can get a 6600k for $225 please post the link or send me a PM.

you could always give me a shopping list for MC and i can go to the one close by me. i pass by it every day to and from work, and frequently grab things here and there throughout the week too.

 

[balloonshark]

If I get a 6600k what motherboard would you all recommend? I assume I want a z170 chipset.

 

[balloonshark]

The ball is now rolling Now I need some advice.

What I have so far.

MSI 960GTX 2gb http://www.msi.com/product/graphics-card/GTX-960-2GD5T-OC.html#hero-overview

-or- I may install my 3GB 7970 Ghz edition instead and make this my gaming PC. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001

Corsair BX100 128GB SSD. I also have a 1TB HDD.

Intel i5-6600K (will be here Friday)

GIGABYTE GA-Z170-HD3P (rev. 1.0) (I got this as part of a combo with the CPU purchase. Should I sell it and get something slightly better? It would be nice to get a UD5 if it goes back on sale.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128842

EVGA - 80 PLUS 600W ATX 12V/EPS 12V Power Supply. This was an impulse buy. Let me know if I should grab something better. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/evga-80...lack/8511029.p?id=1219693073473&skuId=8511029

I can get a seasonic gold modular 650w for $71 AC/AR. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151118

I'm considering a fractal design R4 case for $70. Any similarly priced suggestions? I'll probably start a cooling topic in cases and cooling.

I need RAM suggestions please. I'm not sure what speed I would need if I do a mild CPU overclock.

* Edit: These motherboards seem the popular at newegg.

ATX

GIGABYTE GA-Z170X-UD5 (rev. 1.0) LGA 1151 Intel Z170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard **Model: GA-Z170X-UD5 (rev. 1.0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128838

GIGABYTE GA-Z170XP-SLI (rev. 1.0) LGA 1151 Intel Z170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard **Model: GA-Z170XP-SLI (rev. 1.0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128841

ASRock ASRock Fatal1ty Gaming Z170 Gaming K4 LGA 1151 Intel Z170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard **Model: Z170 Gaming K4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157634

Micro ATX (Would go with a different case)
GIGABYTE G1 Gaming GA-Z170MX-Gaming 5 LGA 1151 Intel Z170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard **Model: GA-Z170MX-Gaming 5 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128844

*** Edit #2: This is what I ordered. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HDD46h

Could you please double check for mistakes and missed items? I also need recommendations for 16GB DDR4 ram please with low or no heatspreaders because of the large heatsink.

 

[balloonshark]

The RAM is the last piece of this puzzle and I really need to get it ordered. I have no idea what speed, voltage and timings matches this build. All I know is I'll be overclocking the CPU a little bit and it will have a large heatsink. Or could someone please post the numbers I'm shooting for? I've always been confused on the speed and voltage but I want the lowest timings I can find for them correct?

 

[balloonshark]

I grabbed a set of G.Skill 2400 RAM. The CPU and heatsink arrived today. Here is the complete build if anyone cares. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ftrr3C

 

[balloonshark]

I have a question. My PSU is modular but has 3 permanent cables. There is a 24 pin for the motherboard another PCI-E cable and another 8/4 pin with no label shown in the middle of the pic below.



Can it be used for the cpu? I ask because the psu also comes with a detachable 8 pin cpu cable.

Newegg link. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151118

 

[Papa Hogan]

I grabbed a set of G.Skill 2400 RAM. The CPU and heatsink arrived today. Here is the complete build if anyone cares. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ftrr3C

I like your brand preferences and your case looks pretty sweet!

 

[balloonshark]

I like your brand preferences and your case looks pretty sweet!

Thanks . The case seems really nice. It's shorter but wider than my old Antec P182 and Corsair Carbide 500r. So far it's been a pleasure to build :thumbsup:

 

[VirtualLarry]

I have a question. My PSU is modular but has 3 permanent cables. There is a 24 pin for the motherboard another PCI-E cable and another 8/4 pin with no label shown in the middle of the pic below.



Can it be used for the cpu? I ask because the psu also comes with a detachable 8 pin cpu cable.

Newegg link. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151118

Yes, use the split 4x4 cable for the mobo's ATX12V (4-pin) or EPS12V (8-pin) connector.

 

[balloonshark]

Yes, use the split 4x4 cable for the mobo's ATX12V (4-pin) or EPS12V (8-pin) connector.

I'm not sure what was wrong with the picture. It's fixed now.

Thanks for the confirmation. I have the split 4x4 cable plugged into the CPU "ATX_12V_2X4" motherboard socket. It was kind of difficult getting it plugged in with the Macho installed but I managed.