i7 CPU, MOBO, Case combo?? Help!

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KaplanZTV

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Aug 9, 2016
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Hi there,

I am trying to craft a new rig with some existing parts I have.

I would like to move toward an i7 but was curious on your opinions regarding what i7 + motherboard + case would be optimal. EDIT: I read a Intel Xeon processor would give me similar specs of that of a high end i5 low end i7. Definitely open to that option if valid.

I am HEAVILY trying to keep costs down... I have a budget of around $500.

I would like to have an actual gaming sized case, not a mid tower.

Can you guys help me find the best i7 + motherboard + case combo?
 
Solution
sadams04
Are you sure you want a full tower? There is nothing wrong with a mid-tower unless you want to leave the option open to run dual video cards. If you do want this, then you need to be looking at a more expensive motherboard that handles 2-way SLI (the Z170 chipset).


You will not save any on the budget going with a Xeon over the i7-6700, but below would be a good look at the differences.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($304.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H170M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total:...
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sadams04

sadams04

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Nov 23, 2010
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Are you sure you want a full tower? There is nothing wrong with a mid-tower unless you want to leave the option open to run dual video cards. If you do want this, then you need to be looking at a more expensive motherboard that handles 2-way SLI (the Z170 chipset).


You will not save any on the budget going with a Xeon over the i7-6700, but below would be a good look at the differences.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($304.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H170M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $447.96


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1240 V5 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($294.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X150-PLUS WS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.41 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $469.39

 
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Solution
K

KaplanZTV

Commendable
Aug 9, 2016
11
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Hey thanks for the reply, I have a mid tower right now and it's just way too tiny for me. I've seen a few full towers that are only around $60. I want more room to add more fans for added airflow, and move wiring around.

Is there really much difference between the two processors other than that .1 GHz?

Would either of those combos fit in any full tower case?

The one I was looking at was HERE
 
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sadams04

sadams04

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Nov 23, 2010
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The main difference is the lack of the built-in GPU on the Xeon. The i7-6700 includes HD 530 graphics. If you are using a gaming / discrete video card, then this doesn't matter. Past that, the i7-6700 has a base and turbo speeds of 3.4GHz and 4.0Ghz respectively. The Xeon is 3.5GHz and 3.9GHz respectively. Note the 6700 has a slower base, but higher turbo. All of this is very negligible when talking about 100MHz. With the lower price, the i7-6700 is the way to go...

That case will be fine.
 
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K

KaplanZTV

Commendable
Aug 9, 2016
11
0
1,510


One last thing while I have your attention. I read the Xeon may also be better for video editing. How much so than the i7? If its a drastic difference in video editing/render speeds would the Xeon be the better choice in that case?

Thanks for answering my nit picky questions lol ;)

 
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sadams04

sadams04

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Nov 23, 2010
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There is no architectural difference between those processors other than the lack of the integrated GPU of the Xeon. They are from the same class of CPU, same number of cores, both with hyperthreading... They are the same from a CPU processing perspective.

http://pcpartpicker.com/products/compare/zDcMnQ,7V7CmG/
 
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