First Build Ever -- Where are my potential hiccups?

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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
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1,510
Building a workstation that has the ability to crunch 4k video editing in Adobe Premiere, although right now I'm mostly editing DV and 1080p HD. (I'm 'overpowered' to make rendering as close to instantaneous as possible.) I also do a lot of DTP and photo editing, and it will anchor my home recording studio.

Build first, then questions.

BUILD
--------------------------------------------------
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/g8Yd6X
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/g8Yd6X/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($238.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($92.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 980 4GB STRIX Video Card ($504.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GT80N DVD/CD Writer ($35.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DVD-E818AAT/BLK/B/GEN DVD/CD Drive ($16.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($129.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($38.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1415.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 13:28 EDT-0400
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Questions:
1) can I reasonably expect this system to survive a GPU upgrade (or addition), and a CPU upgrade before it's obsolete?

2) could that realistically be 4-6 years, or even in perpetuity if I keep my software in line with the system?

3) is there a Z170 LGA 1151 that could support dual GPUs (my CPU does, correct?)

4) will I have room to add a sound card upgrade as well? Are they even necessary with the plethora of USB external hardware?

5) do I have enough connectivity for these connections (without compromising my 500gb RAID drive): 2 on desk monitors, and an HDMI out for an in studio TV; one thunderbolt, 2 USB 3.0/3.1, two power delivering USB 2.0, and a FireWire port/card (old artsy camera and mini DV deck)
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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First and foremost, a quality PSU. Tier 1 or 2 units only. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

You can use PCpartpicker, to make sure everything is compatible. For upgradeability, you want to look at Intel's 6th gen platform, with DDR4 ram. An SLI capable Z170 board, will give you the most upgrade potential, and allow for overclock, for that platform. I would avoid AMD, at this time. The current FX architecture is 4yrs old. All of AMD's, and Intel's X99, platforms are not getting any new CPU upgrades. X99 just received one, recently, but it is the last one, supposedly. By the time you needed to upgrade, you would need a whole new system anyway, should you go with Z170 or an X99 based rig. CPU performance increases have not been very stellar, that past few generations. If you have a budget in mind, we can actually recommend you a setup.

 
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S

supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
0
1,510


 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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Not sure why you have the 3x 1tb drives there. I would just get a single 3tb drive. If your raid was setup on anything but an Intel board, previously, it may not work, without recreating it. GTX 1070 is faster, and cheaper, than a 980. Video editing, I would go with an i7 6700k. Win 10 pro isn't really necessary, imo. I believe Win 10 only adds extra networking capability. I believe this will meet your requirements. Firewire card would need to be a PCI-E based card, just as an FYI. Also your third monitor connection will need to use the displayport. If your devices don't have it, you can get an adapter.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($345.88 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H5 Ultimate 76.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($55.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170X-Gaming 7 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($192.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk X400 256GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($80.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Video Card ($429.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Source 530 ATX Full Tower Case ($82.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($46.85 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($14.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1668.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 14:23 EDT-0400
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
0
1,510


Was only going to have 1 TB drive for software and data, and external project back up Was told about mirroring/RAID (same?), So, I changed to (3) 1tb HD in RAID for the scratch disks, and the 500gb for software. When I save the projects, i'll use external 'project' drive(s) and cloud storage.

Wasn't planning on mixing the 500gb and the 1tb in a RAID
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
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1,510
That's good to know.

So, about my backup concerns (why there are three HDs),
RAID or no?

I think the mobo I selected can support another drive, so the idea of a SSD scratch disk makes sense.

My OS SSD drive is 240gb; I guess I could buy a larger one, and load software on to it too. But that still leaves the question of mirror/RAID data or not, and I don't have any answers for these questions:

1) can I reasonably expect this system to survive a GPU upgrade (or addition), and a CPU upgrade before it's obsolete?

2) could that realistically be 4-6 years, or even in perpetuity if I keep my software in line with the system?

3) is there a Z170 LGA 1151 [motherboard] that could support dual GPUs (my CPU does, correct?)

4) will I have room to add a sound card upgrade as well? Are they even necessary with the plethora of USB external hardware [ available for recording]?

5) do I have enough connectivity [with this spec'd] mobo for these connections (without compromising a RAID drive set up):

2 on desk monitors, and an HDMI out for an in studio TV; one thunderbolt, 2 USB 3.0/3.1, two power delivering USB 2.0, and a FireWire port/card (old artsy camera and mini DV deck)? How do I find out?
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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With the rate of performance increase, per CPU gen, I would say it will survive a GPU upgrade. An i5 2500k is still considered to be a great CPU. The motherboard I chose will handle 2x GPU, and the CPU can too. You may want to consider a 6700k, instead, as it would be better, for your video editing. Sound card really isn't necessary. The higher end boards' onboard sound is pretty good.

That board I chose does have thunderbolt support. You can check the specs, to ensure it has enough USB to fit your needs. http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5481#ov For triple monitor, you will need to use at least one displayport connection. If your monitors or TV do not have display port, you can get an adapter. I have used a displayport to DVI adapter before.

For firewire, you will need to buy a pci-e expansion card. OS would be on the M.2 drive.

That board has 6 Sata 6.0 ports, from Intel and 2 more from a 3rd party controller. The M.2 drive will disable one of the Sata ports, and the unnecessary sata express connector, according to the manual. http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=5481#manual

You could add a second M.2 drive, for your scratch SSD, as the board has 2 M.2 ports. That would still leave you with 4 Intel Sata ports, and the 2 from the 3rd party controller. I would use the 3rd party controller, for your optical drives, leaving you the 4 Intel Sata ports, for HDD storage. You can then choose whatever raid you want to go with. 2x3tb raid 1 would give you more storage, than a 3x1tb Raid 5. 2x2tb raid 1 would give you the same as a 3x1tb raid 5.
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
0
1,510
I'm looking at the ASrock Z170 Extreme 6. It looks rock solid, and has everything need.

I particularly appreciate the explanations above; it can get real confusing, very quickly, so what is probably basic to you is making me feel more confident with my system.

RAID is still a little confusing, but the mobo supports 0/1/3/5/10, and since I am mostly interested in data integrity, the setups that offer the best potential recovery are what I'm looking for, and it looks like I'll have options. Plus, I intend to have completely separate project drives.

I don't understand "third party" controls for RAID...?

Also, I'm pretty sure the graphics card will block one of my PCIe slots. Will that be a problem if I try to add GPU in the future?

Both mobos support thunderbolt, but the AsRock says it has "1x thunderbolt AIC" connector. Does that mean it can support a thunderbolt port, or that it has the port built in?

Also, my budget getting close to blown, if I get all these items at once--and I still have no monitors. can I buy the essentials, and add I go?

Btw, I've already purchased my tower: Carbide series Air 540 mid tower, and I'm looking into the need for Windows 10 pro, or even Windows 10 at all...?
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
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1,510
Also... Do I have enough SATA to do SATA ssds?

I can rearrange or reprioritize if not, and I am guessing in terms of speed they aren't even close.... But the only M.2 ssdsi can find on Tom's list start at twice the cost of the HDDs, and you mentioned they should be the same or less I thought...?
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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GPU will block a slot, but not the one you would need for another graphics card. Third party controller means the sata controller is not made by Intel. You want to use that one for your optical drives. The THG listings are only for drives that have been reviewed, so not all will show up.
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
0
1,510
Been working on my PSU research, and settled on the Superflower 450 80+ gold. Found out it's marketed stateside as EVGA, but cannot find distributor or that model in PC Part picker.

Tom's Hardware is only marginally helpful with its reviews; only reviews I can find are fit Sfx form factor, and nothing says definitively whether or not the 2016 Best of class can sufficiently supply and be cooled in my ATX case and system.

Where can I find ATX system reviews?
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
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1,510
Not using your list in its entirety; picking some items you suggested, and swapping from my own list. Based on my calculations using the formula in Tom's Hardware on PSU's (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/psu-buying-guide,2916-8.html) , I got 488w FL, and the two PSU's that tested 'Best' in that range were the Superflower Golden Green 450w 80+ gold and the Enermax Modu 80+ bronze, 525W. From that article: "Again, we purposely pushed some of our candidates to their limit and beyond. And yet Super Flower's Golden Green 450W remained surprisingly stable throughout, behaving more like a solid 500W model."

I'm looking back through the thread, and I don't see the tiered list...?
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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I prefer to keep at least a 100-150w buffer, when getting a PSU. Having a bit more power doesn't hurt, giving you some upgrade, and overclocking headroom. A 650-750w would be plenty for your system, depending on graphics card used, and whether you intend to add another.
 
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S

supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
0
1,510
Updated build:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/QnKXPs
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/QnKXPs/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($197.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H5 Ultimate 76.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($55.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z170 Extreme6+ ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: MyDigitalSSD BP5e Slim 7 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: MyDigitalSSD BP5e Slim 7 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.49 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($184.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $0.00)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($87.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($46.85 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($129.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1291.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-11 13:28 EDT-0400
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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Apr 27, 2009
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That expensive of a board, is not necessary, as the CPU cannot overclock, and that big of a cooler is not needed either.

This would make far more sense.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($298.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 74.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($28.46 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H170 Pro4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($98.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: MyDigitalSSD BP5e Slim 7 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: MyDigitalSSD BP5e Slim 7 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($184.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $0.00)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($65.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($46.85 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit ($129.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1292.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-11 13:35 EDT-0400
 
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supermixx

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
19
0
1,510
Ignore that PSU...I must have too many windows open... Should be the EVGA 550W.

However, I did forget about the dual GPU upgrade; 650W-700W makes more sense now.

I also ran with your suggestion for CPU cooling; unless I find a better rated model on sale in a couple of weeks when I start buying.

Gonna price aftermarket M.2 controller. If I go that route, switch to an external HDD, I can start with the M.2 OS, and M.2 scratch. Saving everything to the external. Then, as I have funds, upgrade to the 3, 1tb HDD in Raid 1, right?

Meanwhile, that will let me afford the thunderbolt and FireWire cards
 
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