Upgrading Gaming Computer

Kurdain1

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Nov 30, 2007
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I am considering upgrading my computer this Christmas, but honestly I just don’t keep up on the tech like I used to.

My current system is about 5 years old, with a handful of newer components, like a GTX590 video card is the newest item.
This will be a gaming system 90% of the time.

Here is what I am considering and why:
Intel i7-4930k 6 core processor (only $10 more than the i7-3930k)
Rampage IV extreme (expensive though)
OR
AsRock X79 Extreme6 (I have seen mixed reviews on it though)
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B. I will get 2 of these kits for a total of 16GB.

My goal is to have a solid gaming PC that I can over clock by at least 10%. If I can get 10% I would be happy.
I do not mind spending extra money if the value is there, but of course saving money would be nice.

Questions:
Is the Rampage worth the high cost? Alternatives?
I need 4 memory modules to used the quad channel memory fully, correct?
Will my memory cause clearance issues?
Recommended air cooler?

I have a Strider 1000w power supply and a mid-tower case that is slightly longer and deeper than a normal mid tower. I’d say it is a mid-high tower. It has a lot of fans, including a 220mm fan right over the motherboard on the side door.

Thanks,
 
Solution
I think with i7-4930k CPU you have to update the BIOS first of the MB in order to make it work.

If you are an average user then 8GB (2 x 4)of RAM will be enough. You wont see speed difference with 16GB of RAM.

And the MB you have chosen is an EATX board, so I doubt it will fit on your case. Make the measurements first.

enemy1g

Honorable
If you are dead set on an extreme series, yes you'll need 4 modules to utilize the quad channel.

But if all you're doing is gaming, the 4930k is more than overkill. You'll hear it time and time again, that you only need an i5-4670k. And that's what I'm suggesting you get. I'm also not entirely sure how good Strider PSUs are, either.

But my recommendation is still to get the i5-4670k, get an ASUS Maximus VI Hero, and wait until DD4 comes out becauase you'll probably want to upgrade when that happens as well. No use in putting this much money into a system when DD4 is on the way.
 

IRONBATMAN

Honorable
Gaming ? You could make games and 3D Animation on it ! It's an overkill for gaming.

Here's a cheaper alternative
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($182.47 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.95 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.96 @ B&H)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($374.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($55.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 750W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Microcenter)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1145.28
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-26 13:05 EST-0500)
 
I think with i7-4930k CPU you have to update the BIOS first of the MB in order to make it work.

If you are an average user then 8GB (2 x 4)of RAM will be enough. You wont see speed difference with 16GB of RAM.

And the MB you have chosen is an EATX board, so I doubt it will fit on your case. Make the measurements first.
 
Solution

Kurdain1

Distinguished
Nov 30, 2007
154
2
18,715
Thanks for your fast replies! I will check into everything you all listed.

I think the MB will fit, but good call on the EATX form factor, I will certainly check.

As far as waiting, I've built systems for years (when I used to keep up more) and it seems there is always something right around the corner....DDR, DDR2, DDR3...so gotta pick a point and just go! But also as I said I just don't keep up like I used to (getting married does that :) )

The 16GB ram, I was considering playing around with making a RAM drive this time around, so thought the extra space would be nice.

The whole system list given is a great list of parts for me to review, but I also only need the MB, CPU and RAM. Also I always forget price picker!

Strider power supplies were very highly rated, one of the top back when I purchased it, I am sure it will continue to perform well.

1 other point, CPU. I play a lot of Planetside 2 and I am always CPU limited in that game. Considering online gaming is always getting larger, I figure its a trend that will continue.

Currently I have a quad core extreme QX6850, 8GB ram, and ASUS striker II Formula (IIRC, I am at work).