System Build Feedback

[x-Ronin-x]

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to put together a new gaming build, and I'm weighing two different configurations. The first is more basic:

Edit: I wasn't aware of PCPartspicker. The two builds follow:

GTX 1060 Build

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VhGwf8

GTX 1070 Build

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VhGwf8

The way I see it, for the second build I would be spending about $250 more for more overall system capacity (in the form of an upgraded GPU and around a 4.8 GHz OC capability). I'm trying to keep the overall cost around $1K, but I have room to stretch a bit. I'm happy gaming at either 1080p or 1440p. Thoughts?

 

[lakedude]

Curiously the 1080 is overkill at 1080...

 

[UsandThem]

Curiously the 1080 is overkill at 1080...

Exactly.

Why not a GTX 1070 (1060 works great at 1080p as well) + a total of 16 GB of RAM with the first one? It simply comes down to what games you want to run and at what settings. I would never pay $260 for a GTX 1060. They can be easily had around $190 - $200 if you watch for deals on a site like Slickdeals. Heck, I've seen GTX 1070s on there around $330. Only DDR 2400 on the first build? Not much price difference between it and say DDR 3000.

Plus, a $20 difference between the 7600 and 7600k is so insignificant, just get the 7600k. At least you can overclock it and get some extra power out of it. I know it doesn't with a fan, but not too many gamers enjoy the sound of a stock Intel cooler in long gaming sessions. Just pick up a CM 212 Hyper EVO for $25. Plus, if you are counting pennies, the first thing that goes out the window is a NVMe drive. Hardly any difference from a SSD for most people's use.

In fact, I don't really care for any of the "A, B, C, or maybe even D" choices. It would have just been easier to state your budget, and link a PCPartpicker list here asking for input/suggestions.

 

[x-Ronin-x]

Okay, I think I'm trying to compromise in the wrong places, and I should build around a sensible cpu/gpu pair. On reflection, it seems better to either stay with an i5 7500/GTX 1060 6GB 1080p setup for ~$1K USD or go with a i5 7600K/GTX 1070 1440p setup for ~$1.3K USD. I'm new to the forums, and have never created a PCPartpicker list. How about these two options (Note, I would actually use the PNY CS2030 480 GB for the SSD, but it wasn't available in the partpicker list):

GTX 1060 Rig

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/wHGwf8

GTX 1070 Rig

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VhGwf8

 

[UsandThem]

Okay, I think I'm trying to compromise in the wrong places, and I should build around a sensible cpu/gpu pair. On reflection, it seems better to either stay with an i5 7500/GTX 1060 6GB 1080p setup for ~$1K USD or go with a i5 7600K/GTX 1070 1440p setup for ~$1.3K USD. I'm new to the forums, and have never created a PCPartpicker list. How about these two options (Note, I would actually use the PNY CS2030 480 GB for the SSD, but it wasn't available in the partpicker list):

The GTX 1060 build - Not a fan.

-Poor cooler, slow memory, Intel 600p (dog of a NVMe drive, on par with a regular SSD - and sometimes below) drive, Zotac mini card (single fan units run hotter than dual fan ones).


The GTX 1070 build - looks good. This build will actually last you for several years with no need to upgrade.

-Get rid of the Intel 600p. Either get a Samsung 960 EVO or PNY CS2030. That way you will actually get NVMe speeds. Not many reviews on the CPU cooler. Personally, if I were spending $60+ on one, I would go with Noctua. They have the easiest mounting out there, are quiet, and the quality is second to none. Read some reviews on the NH-U12S and NH-U14S. Great cooling and really not near as big as some of the other ones out there.


Don't forget you'll need a PSU. Edit: Just saw you mentioned the PNY NVMe drive later down in your post

 

[x-Ronin-x]

Thanks for the helpful feedback. I've settled on the GTX 1070 rig. Regarding the cooler, I was able to pick up the Scythe for $45 + free shipping. It has good user reviews, comparable specs to the Noctua, and it seems to generally have positive reviews, mostly from European sites. For example: https://youtu.be/us19OkAxi5s

 

[UsandThem]

Thanks for the helpful feedback. I've settled on the GTX 1070 rig. Regarding the cooler, I was able to pick up the Scythe for $45 + free shipping. It has good user reviews, comparable specs to the Noctua, and it seems to generally have positive reviews, mostly from European sites. For example: https://youtu.be/us19OkAxi5s

Yeah, I found a review from HardOCP, and they give it their silver award. So it's not the best out there, but it is also far from the worst. I'm a Noctua fan, so I recommend their products when they are comparable in price because of the ease of installation and their customer service. One thing to note, the video you linked didn't show how it is installed, and the review I read gave a head's up on installing it due to its size, and how it contacts the CPU. You might want to read that before deciding for sure.

https://www.hardocp.com/article/2017/06/01/scythe_mugen_5_cpu_air_cooler_review/2

Anyways, good luck!

 

[x-Ronin-x]

Yeah, I found a review from HardOCP, and they give it their silver award. So it's not the best out there, but it is also far from the worst. I'm a Noctua fan, so I recommend their products when they are comparable in price because of the ease of installation and their customer service. One thing to note, the video you linked didn't show how it is installed, and the review I read gave a head's up on installing it due to its size, and how it contacts the CPU. You might want to read that before deciding for sure.

https://www.hardocp.com/article/2017/06/01/scythe_mugen_5_cpu_air_cooler_review/2

Anyways, good luck!

Thanks for the tip. I found a great installation video: https://youtu.be/6EzujnNhY9M