First time building a PC, few questions

BNWilliams007

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Nov 2, 2015
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Hello everyone, a few months ago I made a topic getting advice for my first PC build which I hope to use as a high-end Gaming/Workstation PC. Well I've been saving quite a bit and I will (hopefully) soon have enough money to buy the essentials of my dream build but I still have a few questions that I wanted to ask.

Here is my current desktop: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/BNWilliams007/saved/Nw7xFT
This is the desktop I want to slowly upgrade to: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/HGLhWZ

1) I plan on transferring my HDD's and SSD to my new build. I don't plan on buying all of these parts at once, but hopefully this week I'll have enough money to buy the CPU, CPU Cooler, Motherboard, Case, Power Supply, and Ram. If I am able to do so, would I be able to start up and play games/launch applications with these PC parts alone without a graphics card since the i7 6700k has integrated graphics? If not, can I use my R7 360 for the time being?

2) Does the Maximus VIII Hero come with a built in wi-fi card? I can't seem to find any information about this on the website. If not, what would be recommended wireless network adapter for my build? According to pcpartpicker.com, my TP-Link card isn't compatible with the Maximus VIII Hero MOBO.

3) The Maximus VIII Hero is described to have dual memory channel architecture. Does this mean that 2 ram sticks would be more effective than 4 ram sticks on the board? i.e. 32GB (2x16GB) > 32GB (4x8GB)

4) As I said, I wish to use this desktop as a high end Gaming/Workstation PC. Aside from gaming, I also want to do picture/video editing, and later 2D+3D animations/modeling. Would 32GB or ram be overkill or would 16GB be enough? Also, how should I choose what brand of ram to use? Would these be a good choice? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0134EW44S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=GN85J87V17KL&coliid=I1HZFTDL2N4YGG
Does the amount of MHz really make a big difference when it comes to ram?

5) What is the debate between 1080p vs 1440p vs 4K gaming? I currently have a regular VIZIO HDTV as my monitor but I later wish to upgrade to a monitor. I'm currently debating between 1440p and 4K though. With 1440p will receive more FPS especially with a GSync monitor, but with 4K I will have better resolution in games and more space to work photo and video editing programs. I currently had my eyes on this 1440p monitor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3ImK3WMBm4
But would it be better to wait for this 4K monitor? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcWhjCad-1E
Although despite LinusTechTips positive review. Reviewers on Newegg and Amazon seem to have mixed reviews on the former monitor. Does anyone here have their own thoughts on the Asus ROG Swift PG279Q Monitor?

6) I think that the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 Ti GPU is the best version of the 980 Ti in terms of raw power for air cooling users. Does anyone have any suggestions for a better 980 Ti though? Also would a 980 Ti sli be overkill for my build? Thank you for your time. :)
 
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1. Yes.
Don't expect good performance from your integrated GPU, but you can use your R7 360 whilst your new GPU arrives.

2. No.
The specs don't say anything about wireless connection.
https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/MAXIMUS-VIII-HERO/specifications/
Under 'LAN' there is no 'Wireless Data Network' unlike some other ROG boards e.g. https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/MAXIMUS-VIII-IMPACT/specifications/

3. No.
Dual channel doesn't mean what you think. If you notice on the specs page it says '4 DIMM dual Channel' Essentally your always gonna run dual channel, but if you have 2 sticks in you'll only be using 2 DIMMs in dual channel.
Also don't let Quad channel confuse you, its only for mobs with 8 RAM slots.

32GB...
G

Guest

Guest
1. Yes.
Don't expect good performance from your integrated GPU, but you can use your R7 360 whilst your new GPU arrives.

2. No.
The specs don't say anything about wireless connection.
https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/MAXIMUS-VIII-HERO/specifications/
Under 'LAN' there is no 'Wireless Data Network' unlike some other ROG boards e.g. https://www.asus.com/au/Motherboards/MAXIMUS-VIII-IMPACT/specifications/

3. No.
Dual channel doesn't mean what you think. If you notice on the specs page it says '4 DIMM dual Channel' Essentally your always gonna run dual channel, but if you have 2 sticks in you'll only be using 2 DIMMs in dual channel.
Also don't let Quad channel confuse you, its only for mobs with 8 RAM slots.

32GB (2x16GB) > 32GB (4x8GB) maybe still be the case though. Higher memory sizes have high latencies, so more lower sized memory you have the better.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/understanding-ram-timings/ Its kinda a hard thing to understand but essentially, the lower the number after CL the better. e.g. CL 3 > CL 7.

4. Up to you.
16GB is fine for video editing and 3D modelling. If you plan on video rendering, get 32GB undoubtedly. 32GB can still be very useful for the task you want to do, and some say it makes a big difference. You obviously have quite a vast budget. Id say go with 32GB, but its completely up to you.

As previously stated RAM isn't all about MHz. The higher the MHz the higher the latency. For video editing, you'll probably want a balance of both. Look for a lower CL number and get the desired MHz. Nothing set in stone as your BIOS will allow manually configuration of RAM timings, if need be.
Your motherboard supports RAM speeds up-to 4300MHz so take a pick. Id go with upwards of 2400MHz for this build.
Again its completely up to you.
Heres a video explaining RAM in a bit more depth:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWgzA2C61z4

For RAM brands I'd go with Corsair cause their RAM looks Amazing!
Again, thats an aesthetic opinion, and you can choose what ever you want.

5. Id go 1440p
It is true that a lower resolution will give you better FPS. True there are alot of debates, 4k will cripple gaming performance, and some say the difference is barley noticeable. 4k monitors are also very expensive. In my opinion get a nice 1440p.

You can do some more research on the monitor if you please. I only wrote my opinion.

6. Undecided
Heres the thing, getting that other 980ti will eliminate an argument as to not get 4k. The power from 2 GTX980ti's will destroy 4k resolution. Its a hard one to choose, personally I'd keep the 980ti, get 1440p and If I found performance was lacking get the other GTX980ti. Its a balancing act for this one, and the only person that come be the ultimate judge is you.

PS. If you wanted another 980ti Id just get the same one.

Wrapping it up
Thats an EXTREMLEY solid build you have there, good luck with it. If you need assistance or have any other questions or need clarification, Ill always be willing to help.
Im gonna go to bed, its 1AM and I have school tomorrow.

~Nnokalad
 
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