Can this PC Build work? Octo-Core Air Cooled 32 GB RAM & VRAM R9 390X2 Crossfire

AwesumPawsum · May 6, 2016

This is the PC Gaming build I have planned to be able to play games at 4K maxed. I am new to the PC gaming scene and have decided since I've been playing on PCs and consoles all my life, but have enjoyed and played on PCs more, to fully delve into PC gaming since it is where I've been spending all my time.

This is the "flagship" build I have planned to make, the total cost is around $2000 - 2200$, I've chosen AMD not only for budget purposes but also because of their performance with the up and coming DirectX12 API (refer to Ashes of the Singularity benchmarks).

Here is the full list of parts copied from pcpartpicker.

AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor
Cooler Master V8 GTS 82.0 CFM CPU Cooler
MSI 970 GAMING ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case
EVGA SuperNOVA G2 1600W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit)
(4 x) Cooler Master SickleFlow 69.7 CFM 120mm Fan
G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
(2 x) PowerColor Radeon R9 390X2 16GB Devil 13 Video Card

My first concern with this build was the weight of each R9 390X2, since each weighs in at about 5lbs. each, they include a jack to help keep the GPU raised without snapping off the motherboard. In order to run two of these in Crossfire, I've decided to have the Air 540 case lay so the PCIe express slots face downwards instead of sideways to prevent snapping the PCIe express slots and damaging the motherboard and hold the GPUs in place without need of both jacks.

Another solution to this issue was to use the jack and a SLI or Crossfire bridge at the same time (or maybe come up with something DIY/makeshift).

My second concern was overall power for the cards and all the other hardware. The estimated wattage on pcpartpicker says 1441W so I went with a 1600W PSU (made sure it was 80+ Gold).

My only issue with the 1600W PSU is because I've read that the minimum wattage for one 390X2 was 1000W alone. Not to mention the need for 8 8-pin connectors to run both.

My third issue was cooling, both of these cards, unlike the 295x2, will be aircooled and since the two will be running at the same time across the MSI 970 gaming motherboard and are already known to be hot (to the point to where it's said that you'll be able to feel it's heat form outside of the case or even around the entire room it's in with only one) and the inclusion of the FX-8320 makes me think I will have to throw air cooling out of the window and col everything with water to even manage stable temps.

Other issue & concerns:
Game compatibility for 4-way Crossfire.
Does the MSI 970 board have enough space for both of these massive cards.
Mobility - I'm used to moving my desktop around from house to house every now and then, with all of this hardware (possible fragile water-cooling and two fragile and potentially motherboard snapping cards) will moving this thing from one house to another even be possible?

Reasons for this build:
Gaming in 4K at Max and utilizing the newest in graphical qaulity and rendering in games while keeping a low budget.
A massive 32GB of VRAM in one system. (who knows this may be the most I've ever heard of)
4-way Crossfire's potential power and compatibility in the future.
32 GB of VRAM (GDDR5) potential power and compatibility in the future.
AMD DirectX12 API performace.
Roy Taylor, Corporate Vice President of AMD's signature. (love this!)

Other builds I am considering for 4K gaming:
980 Ti SLI - More compatible, less quirks.
295x2 Crossfire - Similar power, less quirks.

logainofhades · May 6, 2016

That, in all honesty, is not a good build. The CPU would hugely bottleneck the graphics. With your kind of budget, AMD is not a good idea, at this time. SLI/CF scales horribly, at 4 GPU level. Waste of money. No SSD, at this price range, doesn't make any sense either. Keep in mind Pascal is not far off. If you do not want to wait, this is a far better way to spend $2200.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BK 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A SLI PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($138.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($57.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($73.47 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($559.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($559.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case ($128.25 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 1000W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($126.00 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($13.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $2199.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-06 14:22 EDT-0400

USAFRet · May 6, 2016

Case comments on the AIR 540:
1. Unless you lay it on its side (doable) the motherboard is in the standard config. Vertical, with the PCI-E slots sideways.
The way you're thinking, the PSU will be on top. There is no filter over that, so don't drop anything into the holes in the side panel.

2. Underneath the HDD moounts - 4 big open slots. There should be a filter there, and it looks like it was constructed to do so. But there is no filter.
I adapted a Silverstone filter of appropriate size, held in with velcro.

AwesumPawsum · May 6, 2016

logainofhades :

I've heard alot of people talk about the new Pascal GPUs coming out which I believe include the Tesla P100, GTX 1080 and the GP104. I believe the new Polaris series will have HBM and HBM2 memory with the new Pascal GPU.

The simple fact is I'm not a millionare and don't have thousands of dollars in my pocket, most of this is saved from 2015 and I'm not employed XD.

Looking at how modern graphics update so much and so fast there's a high possibility I could wait for the new Pascal & Polaris GPUs but how much would AM4 socket Motherboard cost and the limited DDR4 cost by then?

When looking at the PC gaming scene and since I'll be building this around June or July of this summer it seems to me that there will be a constant upgrade in performance where most hardware will become inferior pretty quickly to top of the line or flagship cards.

Understanding this I would at least like to have a one-of-a-kind GPU like the 390X2 if things were turn out as they are. (Since I have no choice but to wait until the newest AMD and Nvidia hardware releases I have to wonder will they really be that big of a jump The major godly performance to make the new GPU out nowadys look like childs play?) Guess I've found out a new side to PC gaming, the constant new parts XD.

AwesumPawsum · May 6, 2016

USAFRet :

Thanks for the case notes, I'll keep them in mind. Anything else I would need to know about getting the motherboard to be vertical?

USAFRet · May 6, 2016

AwesumPawsum :

If you want the GPU(s) hanging down vertically, you'll be laying the case down on the windowed side.

This is mine, in the more normal config:

The window side is what is facing us in this pic.

AwesumPawsum · May 6, 2016

USAFRet :

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/phv_8XJu49s/maxresdefault.jpg Would anything like this be possible? Since I want the GPUs to be facing upwards. (I think there might've been a misunderstanding there.

I would also be intrested in your opinions on the cards and if the case and a normal ATX board will give both Air cooled 390X2s enough space for adequate airflow or will i have to go for a E-ATX?

http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server4100/df4bb/product_images/uploaded_images/untitled-1.2.jpg?t=1418404883

The two R9 390X2s would both have a inch or less of space between each other and they are already air cooled (while the 295x2 is watercooled) so i think a E-ATX Motherboard would give each card more breathing space for more air to flow.

USAFRet · May 6, 2016

AwesumPawsum :

That makes my eyes bleed.
But in that config, the GPUs are standing up, not hanging down.
And you'll have to DIY some rubber feet on the PSU side of the case, to provide enough clearance for the PSU to draw in air.

In that box, the 2 x 390's should have enough space.

AwesumPawsum · May 6, 2016

USAFRet :

Umm well it isn't 2 390s it's essentailly 4. I think you have the GPU confused, here let me find a good picture of it for you.
http://www.hardocp.com/image.html?image=MTQ0NDc3NzUyMFlJdTQ4SFZJQ05fMl8xNF9sLmpwZw==

That's the PowerColor R9 390X2 one of a kind GPU, no other card like it on the market.

So I'm trying to have two Triple Slot 4 8pin GPUs in one PC.

USAFRet · May 6, 2016

Yes, I know what it is.
There should be enough room for air flow.

g-unit1111 · May 6, 2016

AwesumPawsum :

Yes but you are thinking about buying a Power Color Devil 13 - the Devil 13 is one of the most power hungry graphics cards on the market, since it's a card that already works in Crossfire. But you can't run both cards side by side. You can only run one or the other. Honestly if you're going to fork over that kind of money for a new GPU, you would be better off waiting for the next generation.

And it makes no sense to spend that kind of dough for an FX-8320. There's no way it will be able to keep up with demanding games. You are better off getting an i7-6700K. And 1600W? That is crazy. If you plan it right you should not need that kind of PSU.

This would be a much wiser use of $2000:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($334.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG A80 128.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($124.45 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VIII HERO ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($192.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 950 PRO 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($180.82 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($117.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB Video Card ($659.95 @ B&H)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) ($83.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1980.04
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-06 18:34 EDT-0400

Guest · May 6, 2016

For the case, you may want to consider the Thermaltake Core X5 ATX Cube Chassis. The motherboard lays flat and the case has an insane amount of cooling options. You could pretty much do anything with that case.

http://www.thermaltake.com/products-model.aspx?id=C_00002806

AwesumPawsum · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

Alrighty thanks for the help, I do think I do have a dilemna at the moment, whether to get two of these or two 980 Ti's with an i7 4790 OR 6700K since they've been shown to get 60fps in 4k (and since I'll eventually want to run 4 of these I might want to go with a watercooled 980 Ti.

I think I'm leaning towards the R9 390X2 because of it's beastly design and power while also being unique, but the 980 Ti's overall just wont give me all the problems and quirks two 390X2's would come with. Your thoughts?

AwesumPawsum · May 7, 2016

Thanks for the case suggestion but it seems that I may be going with 2 980 Ti's in SLI with a 4790K or 6700K, that setup would cost less, perform better and give less of a hassle than getting these massively sized and taxing cards.

AwesumPawsum · May 7, 2016

g-unit1111 :

Do you think the performance of two 390X2's will be good enough to make the build worth it, any reason why I won't be able to run two side by side?

The reason I'm asking is because I've seen one 295x2 pull of similar performance as two 980 Ti's in SLI with around a 5-10 frame difference and the 390x2 is I believe faster than it. (It's hard to find solid benchmarks for two of these GPUs and I'm pretty sure they don't exist to my knowledge).

Here are some framerates for a few games on a 295x2 in 4K maxed.

Game Settings @3840x2160 Average FPS
Tomb Raider Ultimate, Tress FX, FXAA 72
Battlefield 4 Ultra, 2X MSAA 57
Crysis 3 No AA, 16X Anisotropic Filtering 35
Metro: Last Light Very High, AF X4 53
Bioshock Infinite Ultra, FXAA 62

Here are some more with 2 295x2's
http://www.digitalstorm.com/unlocked/4-way-quad-crossfire-amd-r9-295x2-benchmarks-at-4k-idnum228/
Single 390X2 Benchmarks
http://www.hardocp.com/image.html?image=MTQ0NDc3NzUyMFlJdTQ4SFZJQ05fNF8yX2wuZ2lm (Next image takes you through the games)

The reason this is a really difficulty choice is because one moment I see major performance from one GPU and major performance from another XD. This is also my first time considering building a gaming PC and the first time I've really looked into all of this, that's why I decided to make a post here to get advice from people who know what they're talking about.

Also there is one video that I keep going back too when considering 980 Ti's in SLI, here it is. (where 40-50 before SLI update)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLXWJ_eF6b0 60Fps at 4K, how the hell can I argue against that?

Pros of 2 980 Ti's
Killer performance, can almost play anything at 4K 60fps maxed out.
Low power usage.
Not a big hassle to cool.
No weird DIY gimmicks with case because it isn't 5lbs.

Cons of 2 980 Ti's
Costs maybe? Other than that nothing else.

Pros of 2 R9 390X2's
4 GPUs in Crossfire. (Can be a positive and negative)
More VRAM then 295X2 and 980 Ti
Unique one of a kind GPU (So even if they get outdated I can at least feel good that they are rare along with the signature, probably a pretty stupid reason though, I just like the feeling XD)
Performs better than one 980 Ti for less.

Cons of 2 R9 390X2's
Insanely high power requirements.
Gimmicky setup for two of them.
Air cooling TWO of these things may be a hassle, especially when the less powerful counterpart the 295X2 comes with a built in water cooler which may make me consider it instead since it costs around 100, 150 dollars less and power and cooling aren't so much of an issue.

AwesumPawsum · May 7, 2016

g-unit1111 :

Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Gigabyte GA-Z170X-UD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 60GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
(2 x) Zotac GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB AMP! Video Card
Corsair RMx 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit)
Mushkin Redline 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2666 Memory
Deepcool KENDOMEN Red ATX Mid Tower Case

how's this for $1,810?
I could always switch out the ZOTACs for MSI 980 Ti's.

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

AwesumPawsum :

Lose that 60GB Kingston SSD.

1. 60GB is too small. 120GB minimum, 250GB preferred.
2. That particular Kingston had issues in the past. Since rectified, but it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

AwesumPawsum · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

Thanks for the SSD recommendation, I listed the pros and cons for each card but forgot to mention the potential power the daul 390x2's could potentially have in the future. (better support for Multi-GPU setups and VRAM Stacking for future APIs)

the 980 Ti is the more durable choice, less gimmicks, less power requirements, better cooling and overall better performance at the moment but may not be as future proof as the Devil 13. Majority says 980 Ti, your thoughts?

USAFRet · May 7, 2016

AwesumPawsum :

The new GTX1070 or 1080 would seem to be the ticket.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/nvidia-gtx-1080-1070-pascal-specs-pricing-revealed/

AwesumPawsum · May 7, 2016

USAFRet :

Oh wow holy shit those things perform real nice! I'll be building this sometime in the summer so I'll be able to see the Polaris GPUs depending on when AMD reveals them, if they have a GPU around the same prices of the new Pascal cards with HBM or HBM2 memory then I may get those over Nvidia but so far their new features literally make the new cards look amazing to me.

So, GTX 1070 or 1080 it is, I'll want two of em though depending on the costs I may go with the cards. Since I'm building this thing in the summer I'm going to have to wait anyway.

Can this PC Build work? Octo-Core Air Cooled 32 GB RAM & VRAM R9 390X2 Crossfire

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