Upgrading PC for 3rd time in 8 years and need advice

takeitback86

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I'm buying parts in the US.

I have an $1800 budget in which $100 must be spent on amazon as it's store credit from gift cards.

What I use the PC for: Plex Media Server, Gaming, and Music Production. I used to build PCs for a living and now I'm a systems admin and haven't kept up with technology so excuse me for anything I currently don't know about.

Here is what I'm keeping from my current build:

Case: Antec nineteen hundred

RAID Controller: AMCC 9650SE-12ML 12-Port SATA PCIe SATA II Raid Controller

External Storage: 3TB x2 2TB x1

OS drive: OCZ Agility4

Internal Storage for Backup:

itunes backup: WD Blue SATA II 350 GB

OS backup and Shadow Copy and plex metadata: WD Green SATA II 1TB

RAID 5 array for plex media: WD Green SATA III 3TB x6.

I am a storage junkie.


Here is what I'd like:

i7 6700k

240mm cpu cooler with radiator.

16 GB of PC4 3000 or higher corsair dominator platinum memory.

Here are my questions:

Choosing between motherboards, I'm picking between Gigabyte G1 EATX board and the ASUS MAXIMUS ROG VIII Extreme motherboard. The Gigabyte has 2 features I really love. Built in DAC and 2 m.2 slots that can be set up in a RAID 0/1 configuration. I am all about future proofing and providing features that allow me to upgrade to newer technology in the future. Buuuuut, I've had bad experiences with Gigabyte motherboards and I'm actually using one currently with 2 bad DIMMs. The ASUS on the other hand has not quite as many features, but very good reviews. I haven't heard anything bad about them yet. Plus I've always wanted a top of the line ASUS board. no built in DAC or dual m.2 slots for setup in RAID 0/1 though. So the question is, which direction should I go? Or should I pick a completely different mobo altogether?

The next question is about Graphics cards. I haven't done any gaming in a while because, well, my graphics card is 5 years old and isn't really suited for newer games. I've been prone to buying NVIDIA cards for a few years now but as prices for higher end NVIDIA cards rise, I'm starting to consider a RADEON R9 390 because they have amazing reviews. I've been looking at a sapphire and the PowerColor Devil series, but I'd like a second opinion.

Next. Power Supply. I have had the same 850 Watt Antec 80+ Bronze computer for 8 years. I've just never replaced it. I thought as long as my computer turns on, why replace it? But now I've thought about how my computer stays on 24/7 and my electric bill. If there's not a way to lower the bill with a new power supply, then I'd like recommendations. Otherwise, I've been thinking about an EVGA 1000 80+ Platinum PSU.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Roti-Kebab

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May 12, 2015
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Here is my opinion, I would choose asus over gigabyte any day, why? It might just be personal experience but i have never been satisfied by gigabyte board, each one i've had managed to screw up one way or the other. Asus on the other hand has great reliability, and the 6700k would probably even overclock better on it "from experience". As for the power supply......here's the thing, if you want to shave off a few extra bucks off the bill, i'd go with the 970, with that you can get a 700w gold PSU and be all set, 750w too be sure (can never be too careful). But if you do decide to go with the 390, i'd definitely go with the EVGA option. And if i may just ask, why go with dominator? You can get the same performance with a 16gig 2400 kit, i just don't think it's at all worth that price tag. But, those are just my two cents, hope you found something useful in there >.>
 

takeitback86

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I've always gone with dominator platinum series and have never had problems with them. I'm a creature of habbit. Doesn't necessarily have to be dominator, and 3000 was a guess in order to future proof. I'm all about future proofing so I don't have to upgrade for a long time. Which means if I wanted to add another video card in the future, or add more hard drives, the extra power might be beneficial.
I has lots of hard drives. lol
From what I understand the wattage on a power supply isn't the amount of power that it is pulling from your AC socket. It's just the maximum wattage it can provide your components from what I understand (although correct me if I'm wrong on that because I've been wrong before.) I've had my current mobo, cpu, and ram for 5 years now. I'd like to surpass that mark if possible with the next upgrades.
 

Roti-Kebab

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May 12, 2015
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As far as i have understood wattage, it's the amount of power/volts your system draws from the wall, so a lower wattage does mean lower bills, but i'd consider the difference insignificant. As far as future proofing goes, 3000Mhz ram for such an expensive price is totally useless, i'd recommend you go for G skill or Hyper X, they are cheaper and perform very well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231826. The dominator is way more expensive and will show you little no performance increase, it would not contribute to future proofing either, as 2400 will last you quite long, just remember quantity over speed any day, unless you're like a hardcore render videos type of guy. I hope that answers your question.
 
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