Need some hardware recommendations (motherboard/CPU/etc).

MachoFantastico · Jun 14, 2016

Hello everyone,

Yes it's another one of these, but I could really do some help from folks who are far more experienced and knowledgeable than I. Anyway, I'm thinking about getting a GTX 1070/1080 once it becomes more available on the market but I'm realizing I could do with upgrading some components in my current system... maybe even a full clear out. Trouble is I've been out of the loop for a while since my previous build so have lost touch with what's great out there component-wise.

I'm currently running a Asus P6TD motherboard with a i7 920 CPU but I know these are VERY outdated by now and worry it'll possibly bottleneck the GTX cards. I have overclocked the i7 920 but there's only so far you can go with overclocking. Intel of course have new CPU's out now but to be honest I don't really know where to start. I know I'd need a new motherboard that support LGA1150 so a new motherboard is very likely but I don't know what's the best value/recommended motherboards of today.

I'm doing a fair bit of research but I'm still unclear, I should note play mostly at 1080p and the i7 920 as served me very well but an upgrade might be required at this point and could really do with some recommendations where to start looking. I want to go with Intel CPU's due to having more faith in the product but if you have any recommendations I'd be willing to listen. Same with other components such as the RAM.

Really appreciation this, and thanks.

ak47jar3d · Jun 14, 2016

It wont be too hard. You budget will determine how high the parts you select will be. If you want to get a 1070 or 1080, I would recommend looking into Z170 boards to match along with either a core i5 6600k or i7 6700k.

Bearmann · Jun 14, 2016

I would recommend the i5 6600K, the Cryorig H7 cooler or better, 16 Gb of DDR4 RAM, and a Z170 MB according to budget.

These would be nice, but there are many nice ones:

http://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/asus-motherboard-maximusviiiranger,asus-motherboard-z170progaming,gigabyte-motherboard-gaz170xgaming3,gigabyte-motherboard-gaz170xgaming6/

MachoFantastico · Jun 15, 2016

Can I ask a stupid question, but what makes the Z170 motherboards different to the normal LGA1151 motherboards? Will do some research on this.

Thanks for the tips.

Bearmann · Jun 15, 2016

MachoFantastico :

Not stupid at all! The Z170 boards allow overclocking of the K series LGA 1151 Intel CPU's and allow you to use RAM faster than 2133 speed.

https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Z170-H170-H110-B170-Q150-Q170---What-is-the-Difference-635/

ak47jar3d · Jun 15, 2016

1151 is the socket and Z170 is the chipset. As already stated Z170 is typically used for Overclocking k processors while other chipsets can not.

MachoFantastico · Jun 15, 2016

Thanks for the info, currently doing a fair bit of research and starting to get to grips with the current market of CPU's and motherboards etc. Been looking at the MSI Z170 Tomahawk motherboard and the i5 6600K for the CPU upgrade. With a new motherboard in mind I think a new set of RAM would be wise and have been looking at some DDR4 ram to.

That said, I have been advised to seriously consider the i7 because of hyperthreading but its quite a price rise between the two.

Bearmann · Jun 15, 2016

For gaming, there is not much difference between the i5 and i7.

i5 6600k versus i7 6700K for Gaming:

http://www.ocaholic.co.uk/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=3948&page=9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhaB1dqYv_I

MachoFantastico · Jun 16, 2016

Yeah I'm leaning towards the i5 6600k with the Tomahawk Motherboard, though I'm still doing some research. I was going to go with some Fury X DDR4 ram but I think I'm more inclined to go with Corsair again as its a brand I trust. I'm tempted to go with a new case for a fresh start, the fractual design cases look smart and if there good and sound proof that's a bonus but it depends on budget.

On a side note, would the AMD 7970 benefit from these upgrades to? It'll probably be a while before there's enough stock of 1070/1080 cards to purchase one so I'd be interested to know. When I've done bottlenecking tests with games it always appears to be the GPU that's the bottleneck so I'd be interested to know.

Again, thanks for the links. I was worried about the difference. That said, I could always upgrade to an i7 or better in the future with this motherboard.

Bearmann · Jun 16, 2016

I would guess that you would see some improvement going from the 920 to the 6600k while still using the AMD 7970.

Have a look at the less expensive Fractal R4 which is still available and preceded the R5. Some people like it better.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1586116/define-r4-v-r5-user-comparison/0_20

MachoFantastico · Jun 16, 2016

Thanks Bearmann, I do love the look of those Fractual cases and it was interesting reading those comments about the R5. I remember taking a look at them years back but at the time I wanted something flashy. These days I just want a good case.

I really appreciate the help you've all provided. Be lost without the advice.

MachoFantastico · Jun 17, 2016

Looks like Nvidia are dropping the prices of the previous generations, some sites selling discounted GTX 980Ti's. I'd be tempted especially hearing how long it might take for GTX 1070/1080 stocks to arrive, read this morning that it'll most likely be end of July to August.

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Need some hardware recommendations (motherboard/CPU/etc).

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