Building a new PC (Need your help guys please!)

Apocalypto

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Jun 2, 2014
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Hi,

Here are the specs (Below)

I am going to buy a new gaming PC, but first I want to ask if I buy the core i7 6850K and Asus Strix X99, do I need to update the Bios in order to get my CPU working or there is no need to?

Specs:

CPU - i7-6850K 3.60GHz (Broadwell-E) Socket LGA2011-V3
Mobo - Asus Strix X99 Socket LGA2011-V3
VGA - EVGA GTX 1080 Founders Edition
RAM- Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 PC4-25600C16 3200MHz Dual Channel Kit - White
PSU- EVGA 750W NEX750G
CASE- H440 NZXT by Razer
Storage- M.2 Samsung 950 Pro 512Gb

I appreciate your help guys.

Thank you,

Steven
 

Brent

Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Hi there!

ASUS released the X99 Strix as a refresh of the X99 chipset. With that said, their website has a list of supported CPUs with which BIOS version matches to that CPU here:

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/ROG-STRIX-X99-GAMING/HelpDesk_CPU/

Since pretty much every listed CPU is showing BIOS version 0401, I'd say that you are likely to be safe with the 6850k on that board, out of the box.

Good luck and enjoy!
 

DigDog

Lifer
Jun 3, 2011
14,452
2,874
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ermm.. are you *sure* you want to buy that CPU ? do you work with your pc?

because, if you game, the top of the line is the 6700K, not the 6850K. and the socket is 1151, not 2011v3.
multicore CPUs (6/8/10) are generally more suited to production tasks, such as rendering, running multiple VMs, etc. this due to the slower per-core speed, in turn deriving from the number of cores on die and thus lower per-core thermal limit.
 

Apocalypto

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Jun 2, 2014
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First of all I would like to thank you for the information you gave me.

I forgot to list the CPU Cooler which is NOCTUA NH-D15, is it suitable for that cpu / mobo please?

Thank you,

Steven


Hi there!

ASUS released the X99 Strix as a refresh of the X99 chipset. With that said, their website has a list of supported CPUs with which BIOS version matches to that CPU here:

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/ROG-STRIX-X99-GAMING/HelpDesk_CPU/

Since pretty much every listed CPU is showing BIOS version 0401, I'd say that you are likely to be safe with the 6850k on that board, out of the box.

Good luck and enjoy!
 

Apocalypto

Member
Jun 2, 2014
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I am building a PC especially for gaming.

I am coming from i7 3700K. The 6700K i was going to buy ir but it has the same cache, 4 cores, just a bit of more mhz.. 4ghz goes to 4.2ghz.

The 6850k has 15mb cache and another 2 cores.

I think its better than the 6700k am I right?

ermm.. are you *sure* you want to buy that CPU ? do you work with your pc?

because, if you game, the top of the line is the 6700K, not the 6850K. and the socket is 1151, not 2011v3.
multicore CPUs (6/8/10) are generally more suited to production tasks, such as rendering, running multiple VMs, etc. this due to the slower per-core speed, in turn deriving from the number of cores on die and thus lower per-core thermal limit.
 

DigDog

Lifer
Jun 3, 2011
14,452
2,874
126
they are NOT the same. the architecture is different, and the efficiency has gone up approximately %10 each generation; in addition, a 6700K should be able to overclock to 4.7 or 4.8Ghz without any special effort.
broadwell, the X99 platform, and their correspondent models, are aimed at professionals. they have more cores, more cache, but are slower.

the thing is, that the gaming market thinks people have no more than 4 cores, so they code games for 4 cores, therefore making it useless for games to have more than 4 cores, therefore making the gaming market a 4-core thing. it's a vicious cycle.

but really, you would likely be happier with a 6700K than with a Broadwell, and you would save money too.


choosing RAM kinda goes the same way; you would not need more than 16Gb (even 8 is fine) for gaming, and using 2x8 modules instead of 4x8 should allow you to get even more speed.

It sounds to me like you want to build a top-end computer, so here is a standard "best PC" list:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/TwWkcc

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($338.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($87.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($69.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk SSD PLUS 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Founders Edition Video Card ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($45.85 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1711.66

i wouldn't be me if i didn't suggest you could easily spend less on this build too; replace the CPU with a 6600K (you would likely not need HT and it might give you an extra 100Mhz), cheaper DS3/D3H mobo, cheaper cooler (212 EVO), remove the BluRay reader, and possibly downgrade to a 1070 when they get released; that's due to what monitor you chose to run, if you are using a 1080 or maybe even 1440 monitor, you wouldn't need a 1080.
 
Last edited:

Brent

Member
Oct 9, 1999
143
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Regarding BIOS flashing to accommodate a newer CPU on a potentially-older motherboard: In most cases, that cannot be done. If you buy a motherboard that has a BIOS that is older than the CPU that you're putting onto it, the system simply won't boot far enough to allow a BIOS flash program to execute. Therefore, it's not as simple as saying that you're "going to flash anyway".

Skylake vs Broadwell: It's a personal preference thing, in my opinion. Unless you're shooting for the top of the boards on benchmarks, the difference in performance between the two is relatively small. Skylake is unquestionably "the Gamer's CPU" and will give you the best overclocking performance/experience right now. If you aren't going to heavily overclock the i7-6700k, then it really is a toss-up since Haswell-E/Broadwell-E are, clock-for-clock, in a dead heat with the i7-6700k (again, taking a full OC out of the equation and considering when the CPUs are running at the same clock speeds).

However, the Z170 platform is likely limited to never having more than 4 CPUs on its socket. If you want to have a little room for growth (# of cores-wise, I mean), then Haswell-E/Broadwell-E are your money point. I could argue that it is possible to build a budget-friendly i7-5820k-based system that is comparable in most cases to the above-listed i7-6700k build that DigDog listed. (Although it would be hard to match or beat that $340 price point - awesome find, there, DigDog!)

Now I want to be clear: I am not saying that DigDog is misleading you nor is DigDog's advice in any way "bad". The best part about all of this that, as PC building enthusiasts, we have the best possible situation for what is on the market right now: we have some choices within the Intel family.. though I wish that AMD would have a more competitive offering on the board to look at, too.

EDIT: I forgot to respond to the question about the coolor:

"I forgot to list the CPU Cooler which is NOCTUA NH-D15, is it suitable for that cpu / mobo please?"

That is difficult to say with any certainty since the board has not been on the market very long. I'd lean towards it likely fitting on the board just fine with a possibility of RAM heatsink height clearance issues, at most. Good luck!
 
Last edited:

Apocalypto

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Jun 2, 2014
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Thanks for your suggestions and ideas but I want to build a system that lasts me for long time and not upgrade it every few months/years.

8GB Ram is not enough for todays game. for example mirrors edge requires 16gb (recommended)


they are NOT the same. the architecture is different, and the efficiency has gone up approximately %10 each generation; in addition, a 6700K should be able to overclock to 4.7 or 4.8Ghz without any special effort.
broadwell, the X99 platform, and their correspondent models, are aimed at professionals. they have more cores, more cache, but are slower.

the thing is, that the gaming market thinks people have no more than 4 cores, so they code games for 4 cores, therefore making it useless for games to have more than 4 cores, therefore making the gaming market a 4-core thing. it's a vicious cycle.

but really, you would likely be happier with a 6700K than with a Broadwell, and you would save money too.


choosing RAM kinda goes the same way; you would not need more than 16Gb (even 8 is fine) for gaming, and using 2x8 modules instead of 4x8 should allow you to get even more speed.

It sounds to me like you want to build a top-end computer, so here is a standard "best PC" list:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/TwWkcc

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($338.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($87.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($69.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk SSD PLUS 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Founders Edition Video Card ($699.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($45.85 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1711.66

i wouldn't be me if i didn't suggest you could easily spend less on this build too; replace the CPU with a 6600K (you would likely not need HT and it might give you an extra 100Mhz), cheaper DS3/D3H mobo, cheaper cooler (212 EVO), remove the BluRay reader, and possibly downgrade to a 1070 when they get released; that's due to what monitor you chose to run, if you are using a 1080 or maybe even 1440 monitor, you wouldn't need a 1080.
 

Apocalypto

Member
Jun 2, 2014
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Thank you very much for having time explain this to me.

Just to let you know that I am not an overclocking guy. I just leave them as they are (Stock speeds)

I just want a 6 core to last me longer than the 6700K. 4 core is a bit old I think.

Regarding BIOS flashing to accommodate a newer CPU on a potentially-older motherboard: In most cases, that cannot be done. If you buy a motherboard that has a BIOS that is older than the CPU that you're putting onto it, the system simply won't boot far enough to allow a BIOS flash program to execute. Therefore, it's not as simple as saying that you're "going to flash anyway".

Skylake vs Broadwell: It's a personal preference thing, in my opinion. Unless you're shooting for the top of the boards on benchmarks, the difference in performance between the two is relatively small. Skylake is unquestionably "the Gamer's CPU" and will give you the best overclocking performance/experience right now. If you aren't going to heavily overclock the i7-6700k, then it really is a toss-up since Haswell-E/Broadwell-E are, clock-for-clock, in a dead heat with the i7-6700k (again, taking a full OC out of the equation and considering when the CPUs are running at the same clock speeds).

However, the Z170 platform is likely limited to never having more than 4 CPUs on its socket. If you want to have a little room for growth (# of cores-wise, I mean), then Haswell-E/Broadwell-E are your money point. I could argue that it is possible to build a budget-friendly i7-5820k-based system that is comparable in most cases to the above-listed i7-6700k build that DigDog listed. (Although it would be hard to match or beat that $340 price point - awesome find, there, DigDog!)

Now I want to be clear: I am not saying that DigDog is misleading you nor is DigDog's advice in any way "bad". The best part about all of this that, as PC building enthusiasts, we have the best possible situation for what is on the market right now: we have some choices within the Intel family.. though I wish that AMD would have a more competitive offering on the board to look at, too.

EDIT: I forgot to respond to the question about the coolor:

"I forgot to list the CPU Cooler which is NOCTUA NH-D15, is it suitable for that cpu / mobo please?"

That is difficult to say with any certainty since the board has not been on the market very long. I'd lean towards it likely fitting on the board just fine with a possibility of RAM heatsink height clearance issues, at most. Good luck!
 

DigDog

Lifer
Jun 3, 2011
14,452
2,874
126
i'm not trying to belittle you, but "I just want a 6 core to last me longer than the 6700K. 4 core is a bit old I think." is ... wrong.

also, if you are not overclocking, why do you want a overclocking cpu, overclocking motherboard, and overclocking cooler?

i suspect you should learn a bit more facts about PCs before you go shopping. but, it's your money.

i'm out of this thread.
 

Brent

Member
Oct 9, 1999
143
0
86
Both are very good, but they're pretty different (if necessary, read again DigDog's post). Considering the TDP, the smaller price and the iGPU, I still prefer the 6700K.

Compare i7-6850K and i7-6700K
An excellent point and I really do agree that the 6700K is generally the best bet. I'm torn between the 6700K and the HDET platform because, for me, it's more an "I want it all and don't really care about the benchmark differences" situation. #1stWorldProblems. :) (Sadly, I won't go so crazy as to invest in a $1000+ CPU to achieve this, though. I did limit myself to the 5820K/6800K/6700K as choices.. just debating.)
 

Apocalypto

Member
Jun 2, 2014
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Thanks Brent for your information.

An excellent point and I really do agree that the 6700K is generally the best bet. I'm torn between the 6700K and the HDET platform because, for me, it's more an "I want it all and don't really care about the benchmark differences" situation. #1stWorldProblems. :) (Sadly, I won't go so crazy as to invest in a $1000+ CPU to achieve this, though. I did limit myself to the 5820K/6800K/6700K as choices.. just debating.)
 

Sheep221

Golden Member
Oct 28, 2012
1,843
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An excellent point and I really do agree that the 6700K is generally the best bet. I'm torn between the 6700K and the HDET platform because, for me, it's more an "I want it all and don't really care about the benchmark differences" situation. #1stWorldProblems. :) (Sadly, I won't go so crazy as to invest in a $1000+ CPU to achieve this, though. I did limit myself to the 5820K/6800K/6700K as choices.. just debating.)
I think that 6700K is pretty HEDT as well, it doesn't mean that if it is a quad core or is not listed as HEDT in Ark database, it's not a high end, I think that if paired with good graphics card, it is computer capable of practically anything the 2011 platform can do, probably slower in some cases but still pretty well performing. Add lower TDP and initial purchase price to the equation and you have pretty kickass rig.
 

vailr

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
5,365
54
91
Regarding BIOS flashing to accommodate a newer CPU on a potentially-older motherboard: In most cases, that cannot be done. If you buy a motherboard that has a BIOS that is older than the CPU that you're putting onto it, the system simply won't boot far enough to allow a BIOS flash program to execute. Therefore, it's not as simple as saying that you're "going to flash anyway".
At least some of the newer chipset Asus boards have the ability to flash update the bios via a dedicated USB port, without even any CPU present. There should be a youtube video that depicts how that process works.
There's only some blinking LED's that indicate the progress of the bios flash: no video display.
 

Brent

Member
Oct 9, 1999
143
0
86
At least some of the newer chipset Asus boards have the ability to flash update the bios via a dedicated USB port, without even any CPU present. There should be a youtube video that depicts how that process works.
There's only some blinking LED's that indicate the progress of the bios flash: no video display.
I hadn't realized that ASUS had released boards with that feature. That's really good to know. Thanks for that -- I'll look it up.
 

BonzaiDuck

Lifer
Jun 30, 2004
16,333
1,889
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I hadn't realized that ASUS had released boards with that feature. That's really good to know. Thanks for that -- I'll look it up.

It was a feature with their Z77 boards, if I'm not mistaken. That was "Gen 3" and it was useful for my purposes, anyway.