Any thoughts on my first PC build?

pcbuilder9595

Commendable
Feb 5, 2017
1
0
1,510
Hey guys,
I am an engineer that works with 3D modeling software and at times require some rendering and video editing for some projects. In the free time I enjoy playing games. I have always been a tech fanatic, and I always had to have the newest and best that was out there. Today, compared to 4-5 years ago, that ceiling seems to have risen noticeably, and the cost for the absolute newest and top components significantly out of my budget. For the 4-5 years, I have been using my Asus G75VX notebook for work and play entirely, however this year, I have decided it was time to upgrade, and to a desktop.
The build:

PSU: Corsair HX1000i or Corsair AX 860i
Monitor: Asus ROG PG279Q
CPU Cooler: Corsair H115i
Case: Fractal design define S
MB: Asus x99 Strix
CPU: Intel I7-6850k
GPU: Asus Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 A8G
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (4x8GB) DDR4 2400 MHz
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3.5 inch 2TB 7200 RPM
Storage: Samsung SSD 1TB 850 Evo Sata
Fans: Noctua NF-A14 --- x 4
Keyboard: Razer blackwidow ultimate stealth 2016
Mouse: Razer taipan
OS: Windows 10

I would like to explain my thought process on each of the components and why I would need them for my work and play. Any feedback would be much appreciated. Any potential compatibility issues, unnecessary components or bad experience with any, please do let me know, it would help me greatly! 

PSU: I chose Platinum+ standard to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity of the computer. A lot of expensive parts that I would hate to go to waste due to this. However, Im still not sure about the total wattage required. I do intend to upgrade to another 1080 A8G in SLI eventually down the road in 2-3 years time. I also, plan to add 1-2 more HDD and the new Samsung 960 PRO M.2 PCIe when it is released for EU marketplace. Would the AX860i be enough?

CPU cooler: I simply cant justify the price of the 6850k unless going for the best AIO cooling option here. The never ending debate of wind vs water cooling brings the AIO water cooler ahead with my fear of the RAM and other components potentially not fitting on the board with a noctua 15 CPU cooler. Also, additional heat dispersion within the case. The AIO water cooling solution seems to be elegant and effective at the same time.

Case: Simple design, but sturdy. The Cooler master master case maker 5 was my primary candidate since the beginning, but the internal fan controller and LED strips which I simply have no need of dissuaded me from perusing it. the Cooler master is by far a lot more pleasing to the eye then the define S, but I cant justify paying 2x the price for multiple added items and I/O's that I have no need for.

MB: Out of all the X99 MB's that I've gone over, this one seems to have the best price to performance ratio. Not sure what more to say here. If you guys thing there are better candidates in the same price range, do please let me know. For future SLI and M.2 upgrades.

CPU: first I considered the i7 7700k. Constant over-heating issues and build quality concerns. Second, and longest candidate, the i7 6700k, mainstream CPU, great ratio of price to performance. Finally I've come across some additional funds and decided to go for the i7 6850k. I've deiced to upgrade the CPU and the MB mostly with the added investments as I think that 6+ core utility in my line of work, is extremely useful, and support for games, will eventually come through. The 6850k with it's faster threads compared to the 6800k will perform better on the gaming end as well. If I was to stick with the i7 6700k, in what would you advice me to invest the excess 400 USD?

GPU: I chose one of more mainstream GTX 1080's considering if I do decide to go SLI, I want to be able to find one in 2-3 years time on the market.

RAM: I dont really have any intention of OC'ing any of my components, as such, I cannot justify paying more for the Dominator platinum line. The i7 6850k supports up to 2400 MHz, as such, this pack of 4x8GB pack feels perfect for the task on hand. I still have 4 slots on the x99 strix to add more if need be in the future.

Storage: For now I am getting the massively sold Seagate 2TB. I will probably be adding a couple more as the memory fills up, and I will be in need of more. I do have multiple large external memory's on hand (as I do work with limited space on my Asus G75VX laptop).

Storage: I am well aware that new line of Samsung SSD's will hit the market in eminent future, however this option seems to be ideal. The 1TB is the perfect volume for that I use it for. A lot of programs and some games that take up several hundred gigabytes of space. It has a good warranty. I am waiting for the Samsung 960 PRO M.2 PCIe to be released, to make that my bootable drive when it is released in the EU marketplace.

Fans: I chose the Noctuas as Linuses #1 advice for case fans. They are strong and get the job done quietly. Ill have 3 in the front, one at the back, with the H115i at the top.

Keyboard: I already own the Razer taipan (im left handed) and this keyboard just seems to fit perfectly with my other peripherals. 

I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback on my build. This is the first time im transitioning from a laptop setup to desktop and this is certainly one of my biggest investments to date so I would like to be as sure as possible with my decision. 
 
Solution
Well in my opinion, you are wasting a good bit of money there. First of all, I feel like the expensive AIO water coolers are always a waste of money. ESPECIALLY if you aren't wanting to overclock. I also feel like the i7 6850k is a terrible buy. It's worth $170USD more than the i7 6800k and it is only 200mhz faster and offers 12 more PCIe lanes which you won't use. I know you said you didn't want to overclock, but the 6800k could OC that extra 200mhz without breaking a sweat and save you almost $200 immediately. 850w is more than enough for GTX1080 SLI but those Corsairs are overpriced.


Here are my recommended changes.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core...

CTurbo

Pizza Monster
Moderator
Well in my opinion, you are wasting a good bit of money there. First of all, I feel like the expensive AIO water coolers are always a waste of money. ESPECIALLY if you aren't wanting to overclock. I also feel like the i7 6850k is a terrible buy. It's worth $170USD more than the i7 6800k and it is only 200mhz faster and offers 12 more PCIe lanes which you won't use. I know you said you didn't want to overclock, but the 6800k could OC that extra 200mhz without breaking a sweat and save you almost $200 immediately. 850w is more than enough for GTX1080 SLI but those Corsairs are overpriced.


Here are my recommended changes.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($409.78 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock 3 67.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus X99-PRO/USB 3.1 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($265.14 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($184.97 @ Jet)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($319.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Superclocked Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card ($589.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA P2 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($134.49 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($88.58 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus PG279Q ROG Swift 27.0" 2560x1440 165Hz Monitor ($799.00 @ B&H)
Total: $3001.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-02-05 13:11 EST-0500


That is a top notch psu with a 10yr warranty. That is a very good case. If you don't mind having a larger case, the full tower version of it is a favorite here.
 
Solution

lrrelevant

Commendable
Jun 22, 2016
210
0
1,760
Okay first things first. If you don't intend to overclock, absolutely no reason to splash 140 dollars on a CPU cooler. H115i is way overkill if you're running stock and don't intend to overclock. Any 50$ cooler would suffice for stock speeds. Though i can highly recommend you overclock, and with an H115i you could with guarantee reach around 4.2GHz safely (4.4-4.5ish if you're really pushing it, which i did with the same cooler.)

Second, unless you need the additional PCI-e lanes of the 6850K (40 compared to 28 on the 6800K), I really wouldn't say spending 200 additional dollars is worth the 200MHz increase you get, aside from the 40 total PCI-e lanes. (which is what really sets the 6850K apart from the 6800K, and the main reason people should buy it over the 6800K)

Third; PSU. There is a better alternative to the AX860i: Seasonic Prime 850 watts. For your system, a 850 watt power supply would put you closer to sweet spot in terms of efficiency and power quality, under load, which is around 40-60% of what your PSU can output. (at a cheaper price than the AX860i, aswell as 80+ titanium efficiency(!!) and the best PSU money can buy, period. Something like the EVGA SuperNova G3 would provide better price/performance, though, with VERY good quality components, but less efficiency (80+ gold on the G3). If you really like Corsair though, HX and AX series will be just fine, no worries there, as they are still super high quality power supplies, just a little more expensive

Should also mention anything over 750 watts should be considered overkill for this setup, unless you know you're gonna add another 1080.