Please help me with my first gaming rig (under £2000)

TheAspiringNerd · Aug 21, 2016

This is what I have so far, have no clue what cooler, motherboard and GTX 1080 to get

[PCPartPicker part list](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/jMF7XH) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/jMF7XH/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/7V7CmG/intel-cpu-bx80662i76700) | £267.00 @ Amazon UK
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z170A GAMING PRO CARBON ATX LGA1151 Motherboard](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/gpH48d/msi-motherboard-z170agamingprocarbon) | £137.14 @ CCL Computers
**Memory** | [Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/xhM323/kingston-memory-hx421c14fbk216) | £66.92 @ More Computers
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/RbvZxr/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz75e1t0bam) | £248.28 @ Aria PC
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/XC648d/msi-video-card-gtx1080gamingx8g) | £658.53 @ BT Shop
**Case** | [NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/tD38TW/nzxt-case-cas340wbr1) | £64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit](http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product/wtgPxr/microsoft-os-kw900140) |-
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| **Total** | **£1442.86**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2016-08-21 13:24 BST+0100 |

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

An SSD is generally only meant to store your OS and select programs, as it gives no improvements in games apart from faster loading times, hence why a 250GB SSD and hard drive is the standard setup.
I'll get a build back to you in a sec with a black and red theme.

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

This allows for overclocking, which is optimal given the extra 0.6GHz offered at stock speeds by the 6700k vs the 6700.
Also allows for a nice overclock with the cooler included.
I can put SLI 1080s, but only if you compromise on your colour scheme, i'll put an example below.
The P2 was also only 3 pound more than the G2, so gone with that instead.

Also included enough wattage to go SLI in the future.
The best value build you're going to get imo.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£293.88 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! PURE ROCK 51.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£29.99 @ Novatech)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A GAMING M5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£142.54 @ More Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£62.92 @ More Computers)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£56.28 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (£658.53 @ BT Shop)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.98 @ Novatech)
Total: £1585.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-21 13:39 BST+0100

JQB45 · Aug 21, 2016

To get you closer to £2000.00, I thought I'd give you a 6-core alternative.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor (£399.98 @ Scan.co.uk)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler (£49.49 @ Ebuyer)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 Extreme6/3.1 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard (£267.29 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£129.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£128.28 @ Aria PC)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£93.99 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (£658.53 @ BT Shop)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: SeaSonic PRIME 750W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£201.48 @ Scan.co.uk)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit
Total: £1994.02
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-21 13:40 BST+0100

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

1080 SLI build, goes a bit over budget.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£293.88 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! PURE ROCK 51.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£29.99 @ Novatech)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170XP-SLI ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£113.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£62.92 @ More Computers)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£38.99 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card (2-Way SLI) (£598.19 @ BT Shop)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card (2-Way SLI) (£598.19 @ BT Shop)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.98 @ Novatech)
Total: £2077.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-21 13:42 BST+0100

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

JQB45 :

Not a good investment, the 5820k performs identically, and comes in cheaper.
Power supply is 100% overkill, and overpriced as well.
The RAM is not a good value choice, excessive SSD size and HDD choice, as well as a poor value cooler choice.
Motherboard choice can be improved.
I'll put up a 6 core in a bit to show you what I mean. A 2TB Seagate will perform more or less the same for a lower price. Albeit not being as high quality as the WD Black, it is still a very good drive, which is better value in this case.
Just because money is there to spend, doesn't mean it has to be spent.

JQB45 · Aug 21, 2016

Chugalug_ :

Yeah that wasn't one of my better designs - hopefully you can improve upon it.

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

Here is a 6 core build, but I do not recommend this unless you are rendering etc.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor (£359.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler (£67.98 @ Ebuyer)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard (£226.98 @ Ebuyer)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£102.34 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£56.28 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (£658.53 @ BT Shop)
Case: NZXT H440 (Matte Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£96.62 @ More Computers)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.98 @ Novatech)
Total: £1844.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-21 13:50 BST+0100

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

JQB45 :

Haha, no problem!

Just so long as you're willing to learn that's perfectly fine.

You wouldn't believe how stubborn some people can be, annoys me to the ends of the earth! ;.;
Just as a quick pointer, for systems that need 2TB of storage (always optimal for gaming PCs), go with the Seagate Barracuda 99% of the time, unless there is excessive budget available and you can safely fit in two 1080s for example. Then a WD Black 2TB will be a good fit. NEVER use a WD Black in a 1TB configuration, as the WD Blue performs the same for a lower price. Only difference is warranty.
Some good budget SSD choices if the need arises for it, are the A-Data SP550 and the OCZ Trion 150. The Sandisk SSD PLUS is also a decent choice, but the A-Data performs better at generally a lower price. Note that with SSDs, no matter the budget, a 250GB is generally the best size, or a 500GB for heavy video editing use if the budget is there.
For 1TB HDDs, the WD Caviar Blue is what you want to go with too.

I can tell you all about what power supplies are for what price range, but PM me, bit long for this thread.
Just thought i'd help give you some info to better help the quality of your builds moving forward.

JQB45 · Aug 21, 2016

@Chugalug_ - did you forget that the Intel X99 platform is a quad channel memory design and works best with at least 4 memory slots filled?

I've had trouble with Seagate, perhaps HGST would be best since they have lower issues with their HDD's then any other brand currently? In my design I was looking for the NH-U14S but could not find it because its to large for the NZXT H440 case. I've seen reviews where it performed as well as the much heavier NH-D14.

Chugalug_ · Aug 21, 2016

Yeah, I know that.
This is only an example system for a rendering build, so 2x16GB would theoretically allow for a max of 128GB which is worth the sacrifice over quad channel for the extra upgrade potential imo for most renderers.
Seagate's high failure rates were only on their high capacity drives (4TB+), and that somehow translated into all Seagate HDDs are bad somewhere along the line.
In the 1TB and 2TB variants they are much better.
I stay away from HGST, they don't have great drives nowadays compared to the likes of Western Digital and Seagate.

The NH-U14S doesn't quite perform as well as the DH-14, but it is still very good, although i'm not sure I would recommend it for x99 overclocking due to the high thermal output, going for the DH-15 or 14S.

TheAspiringNerd · Aug 21, 2016

Chugalug_ :

Thanks a lot, I don't mind a black and yellow theme either. If it helps I have a 3TB HDD in my pre-built

TheAspiringNerd · Aug 21, 2016

Well my prebuilt PC already has a 6700 so I'm not really looking to get a new CPU unless it's a big increase in performance

TheAspiringNerd · Aug 21, 2016

JQB45

What build would you suggest? I've noticed the build you put up but I don't think I'd be rendering all the time, mainly just university work.
I would also like to try SLI sucks having a GYX 745 and not being able to play anything without massive compromises.
In terms of a colour scheme black and red or black and yellow would be cool.

JQB45 · Aug 22, 2016

Add the 2nd 1080 when you have the money, including now with this build exceeds your budget.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (£262.90 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG R1 Ultimate 76.0 CFM CPU Cooler (£70.98 @ Ebuyer)
Motherboard: ASRock Z170 Extreme4+ ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£125.78 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Kingston Savage 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£74.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£124.86 @ CCL Computers)
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£93.99 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 8GB AMP! Edition Video Card (£599.45 @ Ebuyer)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case (£88.62 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£119.99 @ Novatech)
Total: £1561.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-22 13:17 BST+0100

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

@ JQB45, never go the 850 Pro over the Evo, the same performance with warranty being the only plus. Unnecessary cost.
R1 Ultimate is also way over the top for a 6700.
If you're getting a Z170 board might as well go for the 6700k too....

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

Summary
Red and black build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£293.88 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! PURE ROCK 51.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£25.26 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: MSI Z170A GAMING M5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£142.54 @ More Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£62.92 @ More Computers)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£56.28 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (£658.53 @ BT Shop)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Total: £1580.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-22 13:24 BST+0100

All performance 1080 SLI build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£293.88 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! PURE ROCK 51.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£25.26 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170XP-SLI ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£113.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£62.92 @ More Computers)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£56.28 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 8GB AMP! Edition Video Card (2-Way SLI) (£599.45 @ Ebuyer)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 8GB AMP! Edition Video Card (2-Way SLI) (£599.45 @ Ebuyer)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Total: £2092.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-22 13:27 BST+0100

Performance Single 1080 with 1440p 144hz G-Sync IPS monitor. *Recommended*
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor (£293.88 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! PURE ROCK 51.7 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£25.26 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170XP-SLI ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (£113.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (£62.92 @ More Computers)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£56.28 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1080 8GB AMP! Edition Video Card (£599.45 @ Ebuyer)
Case: NZXT S340 (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Monitor: Acer XB270HU bprz 27.0" 144Hz Monitor (£529.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Total: £2022.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-22 13:28 BST+0100

Rendering PC (6 core) Only recommended if you overclock.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor (£359.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler (£67.98 @ Ebuyer)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A II ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard (£227.87 @ Ebuyer)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2400 Memory (£102.34 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (£72.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£56.28 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB GAMING X 8G Video Card (£658.53 @ BT Shop)
Case: NZXT H440 (Matte Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case (£96.62 @ More Computers)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply (£123.21 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit (£79.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Total: £1845.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-22 13:29 BST+0100

Chugalug_ · Aug 22, 2016

TheAspiringNerd :

What are the specs of your prebuilt PC?
Are you looking to replace it?
Chances are we can carry over some good parts like the CPU.

Please help me with my first gaming rig (under £2000)

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