New Build - Need More Advice

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ErikAZ

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Mar 9, 2013
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I previously posted here:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/388880-31-need-build-evaluation-recommendation

With the recommendations here I modified my new build list and have purchased these items. I haven't started construction yet and won't for another week but I'm actually thinking of a faster processor now that I'm getting into my first build (and received my tax refund - haha).

Here is the current build list:

Case: Corsair CC600TWM-WHT Special Edition Graphite Series 600T Mid Tower Gaming Computer Case - White
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD
Power: Corsair Professional Series 860-Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Platinum Power Supply AX860
Graphics: Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 DVI-I/HDMI/2x Mini-Displayport PCI-Express Graphic Card GV-R795WF3-3GD
Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz 4 Core LGA 1155 - BX80637I53570K
CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler H80i
Motherboard: AS Rock LGA1155 DDR3 SATA3 USB3.0 Quad CrossFireX and Quad SLI A GbE ATX Motherboard Z77 EXTREME4
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP Blue 32 GB (4x8 GB) DDR3 1600MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory CML32GX3M4A1600C10B
O/S Main HD: Samsung Electronics 840 Pro Series 2.5-Inch 256 GB SATA 6GB/s Solid State Drive MZ-7PD256BW
Storage HD: WD Black Desktop 1TB SATA 6.0 GB/s 7200 RPM 3.5-Inch Internal Desktop Hard Drive Retail Kit

I'm thinking of moving to the Intel Core i7-3770K Quad-Core Processor 3.5 GHz 8 MB Cache LGA 1155 - BX80637I73770K processor and being a rookie I have several questions I need help on.

1. Is the Corsair H80i CPU cooler good enough for this processor? I don't have room for the dual fan H100i cooler as it has side by side fans.

2. If yes can I safely overclock this processor with the H80i CPU cooler?

3. If I upgrade the processor to the i7 3770K is my current motherboard still OK or is there a better recommendation?

4. I was told 16gb of ram was fine but I'm going 32gb anyway. I believe these are quad channel capable ram but I know the current motherboard is only dual channel capable. First, I'm showing my lack of knowledge here, can someone explain the big difference between dual and quad? Second, with just dual is there a big difference I'm sacrificing not utilizing the quad channel feature?

5. Going even further I've been reading about the Intel Core i7-3930K Hexa-Core Processor 3.2 Ghz 12 MB Cache LGA 2011 - BX80619I73930K processor which is a different socket and fantastic according to everything I've read. If I wanted to spend the money for this is the H80i cooler enough or is this processor realistically out of reach for my CPU cooler?

6. If this Hexa-Core processor is possible with the H80i cooler what 2011 socket motherboard would you recommend?

I have to admit this is going over budget and has turned into almost an addiction as I learn more and want to build the best system I can right now that will hold me for 3-4 years and remain upgradable when the time comes.

Thank you for your help.

ErikAZ
 
Solution
JJ1217
I agree with Lxgoldsmith with getting rid of the CLC, but the Z77 Extreme4 is thin and is known to warp under the NH-D14's tremendous weight. For CLC, the minimum you should go is H100/H100i performance wise, or H110 if you can fit it in.

If you are going to go with a D14, its recommended to go with a thicker more structured board, such as a Z77 from Gigabyte.

You don't really need to get 32GB of RAM, 8GB is MORE than enough in 99/100 scenarios. I would also avoid the Gigabyte 7950, newer revisions of the Bios lock the voltage. Go for something from Sapphire or MSI.

The i7 3770k is only really useful for games atm for Crysis 3, where HT adds close to 20 frames a second. I wouldn't recommend going to a 2011 socket, its far too...
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lxgoldsmith

lxgoldsmith

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Sep 25, 2012
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best cpu cooler would be noctua NH-D14, better performance, lower price
here's the normal one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018
here's the socket 2011 version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608024

yes, you can overclock, but you should first look up safely achieved clock speeds with your cpu and cooler

your motherboard will support 3770k, but it's not a cost effective upgrade for gaming

Only get 32GB if you plan to keep this system long enough to need 32GB.

Hexa core is unnecessary

you made a good choice with the 840 pro ssd, and everything else looks great except for the cooler.
 
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JJ1217

JJ1217

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Jun 1, 2012
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I agree with Lxgoldsmith with getting rid of the CLC, but the Z77 Extreme4 is thin and is known to warp under the NH-D14's tremendous weight. For CLC, the minimum you should go is H100/H100i performance wise, or H110 if you can fit it in.

If you are going to go with a D14, its recommended to go with a thicker more structured board, such as a Z77 from Gigabyte.

You don't really need to get 32GB of RAM, 8GB is MORE than enough in 99/100 scenarios. I would also avoid the Gigabyte 7950, newer revisions of the Bios lock the voltage. Go for something from Sapphire or MSI.

The i7 3770k is only really useful for games atm for Crysis 3, where HT adds close to 20 frames a second. I wouldn't recommend going to a 2011 socket, its far too expensive especially when you are considering something like a 3930k.

SSD looks great, and everything else looks fine.

I also own a 600T, and instead of having the window panel, I put in the mesh panel with 4 120mm fans, and its so much cooler than it is without it. At 1.2 GHZ @ 1.275 V with my 7950, with no side panel fans, I get around 90 degrees with a decent fan profile (I live in Aus to temps are inflated since its like 35 degree ambient), and with the side panel fans, I get 75 degrees celcius.
 
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Solution
lxgoldsmith

lxgoldsmith

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performance liquid cooler: thermaltake 2.0 extreme

I'd also reccomend gigabyte motherboards, I like the Z77X series. the UD3h has a power button and a few extras on the motherboard
 
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ErikAZ

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Mar 9, 2013
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Thank you lxgoldsmith and JJ1217.

OK so the 3770K doesn't sound worth the extra money right now so I will table that idea. I'll plan on 16gb ram instead as the most intensive game I plan to play is COD Black Ops and will use the other ram on the "work" computer I have from Dell (blah) as I do a lot of spreadsheets and stuff at home and work remotely a couple days a week. Heavy multiple applications so added ram there will be welcome and I can always move it to gaming system if needed.

JJ1217 you mentioned swapping out the window to the mesh on the 600T. Do you have all four 120mm fans on exhaust or a mixture? I live in Arizona which is very hot and although I wanted the window to show off the sleeved cables and stuff the cooling is more important.

Thank you.

ErikAZ
 
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JJ1217

JJ1217

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The extra fans are bad if I'm not overclocking, I actually get higher temps. I have 4 Noctua 120mm's blowing air right into the case. It only helps for heavy overclocking, any light or medium overclocking actually adds temps. I'd only really recommend the mesh panel in the instance that you go crossfire, you need those fans as the 600T has rather bad GPU cooling without it.
 
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