Need Help with a New Build ($1500-ish? if that is enough for what I want to do)

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LEIP

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Hi,

I'm looking for some build suggestions based around the i7 8700K. I was researching MoBos and just got lost in what I actually need. I got down to the ASRock Z370 Extreme 4 or GIGABYTE Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 but now I'm not really sure those are the best options.

Not new to building, I forget my first (insert drunk joke here) but my second was AMD 939. I have never played around with OC but would like to give that a go and would also like something that looks cool with RGB. Don't see myself getting into custom liquid cooling, but currently using Corsair H80 on i5 2500K. I would be open to using a more modern system (especially one that I can control without opening up the hood, like you have to with the H80).

Here is what I would like:

* Z370 board w/ RGB
* Quite case fans + closed cooling system (again - RGB)
* M2 for SSD
* Would like to reuse two GTX 660Ti to punt GPU expense for a time when (hopefully) prices come down - so SLI capable mobo is a must. This will also allow larger budget for the rest of the machine
* Was interested in Fractal Meshify Dark TG case, or something similar (Corsair Crystal Series or Thermaltake View 71 or 21)
* Would like modular PSU - don't know size to get as I would like to be able to future expand the machine to 4K/VR capable card - if future prices are better than they are now
* Need RAM suggestions
* I do not need a board with Bluetooth or Wifi, if they have it...fine. Have ethernet at location for machine

Have two ASUS monitors that I do not plan on replacing at the moment, will likely upgrade in the future when I do the GPUs.

On the MoBo side - have always used ASUS MoBo. Based on the research I have done, it would appear that their cost/features is on the high end. In addition, I was not please with the last board (P8Z68 V-Pro) I had as I think it led to the demise of my system. I would be happy to try another board manufacturer and preferably one that has a good track record of supporting their boards over time and not just giving up b/c they have such a huge supply of boards (cough, cough...ASUS).

Looking to buy right now as my main machine is out of order. The machine will primarily be used for business (mostly Office applications) but I also want to be able to game. Currently play BF4 (no BF1) and plan to pick up whatever new title they release.

Thank you in advance for reading my post and taking time to respond to me.

LEIP

ps - I posted previously and after researching the suggestions provided, I decided I wanted to do better than what my budget had allowed, so I have increased the budget and added more specs to help narrow down my build.
 
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WildCard999

WildCard999

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($334.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: NZXT - Kraken X62 Rev 2 98.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($147.32 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($248.39 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.79 @ OutletPC)
Case: Corsair - Crystal 570X RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($179.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ B&H)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1520.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-02-27 18:03 EST-0500
 
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aquielisunari

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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($334.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! - Dark Rock Pro 3 67.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($83.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($156.99 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Case: Corsair - Crystal 570X RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($179.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair - RMx 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1286.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-02-27 18:09 EST-0500

I think I included everything.

 
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Lucky_SLS

Lucky_SLS

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2 changes to wildcard's part list :

Ram : https://pcpartpicker.com/product/qBfmP6/geil-super-luce-rgb-sync-16gb-2-x-8gb-ddr4-3000-memory-gls416gb3000c16adc

Case : wait for the coolermaster H500P Mesh.

Try the inwin aurora fans for easy rgb control and less cable clutter. Comes in 3 pack with led strips included. U can put 1 in the rear and the other 2 facing inside for a push pull config in the kraken. I think the H500P has enough clearance for that in the top. Just check that out.

And since you are gonna run 2 660ti, if you have plans to run a sli with beefy cards like the upcoming 2080/1180, get a 750/850w psu like this : https://pcpartpicker.com/product/jWFXsY/seasonic-focus-plus-gold-850w-80-gold-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-ssr-850fx
 
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LEIP

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Hi,

Thank you all for your responses and suggestions, especially the builds...+1 to all.

Couple questions and I think I can make my purchase today!

* @WildCard & @aquielisunari - I think I am leaning towards the Gigabyte Gaming 7 - are there any considerable differences between that and the MSI, or does it really come down to manufacturer pref at this point and both boards are nearly equals?

* @Lucky_SLS & @aquielisunari - will the RGB on Trident or Super Luce be controlled at the board level and is there a marked performance difference between the two, they seem to be equals.

* @Lucky_SLS - I like the DIMMs you suggested, specifically for the way the LED is integrated into the DIMM but it seems like they are designed for AMD processor and are even labeled with the Ryzen logo. Am I being over analytical here (I do have a tendency to do so)

* It appears that the Crystal 570X comes with a controller and three fans - will those pair with the mobo and all be lit uniformly? That is why I was asking about RGB on the DIMMs above.

I am currently leaning towards a majority of @WildCards build but am torn between the ram that @Lucky_SLS & @aquielisunari have suggested. I also like @aquielisunari storage options as I have a 2TB NAS (which I will also be upgrading soon).

Thank you again for all the input, I really appreciate not flying blind here. I messed up on my last build as a result of not seeking help from kind folks like you.

Best,
LEIP
 
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WildCard999

WildCard999

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Here's reviews from TH for both motherboards.
Gigabyte Gaming 7: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gigabyte-z370-aorus-gaming-7-coffee-lake-motherboard,5262.html
MSI Gaming Pro Carbon: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/msi-z370-gaming-pro-carbon-ac-motherboard,5374.html

Personally I'd spend the extra money for the Gigabyte, better reviews and I've had bad experiences with MSI motherboards in the past (bad luck on my part maybe).


As for the RAM pick whichever you want, the performance difference between them is minimal.
 
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Lucky_SLS

Lucky_SLS

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^ u also got the gaming 5 for around 180 bucks I guess.

Like wildcard said, minimal impact with rams.

Have a look at the H500P mesh if you are gonna get ur pc like in a month, it's just might be what you are looking for. CM said it will go on sale for 150 bucks.
 
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LEIP

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I looked at the CM case and was concerned that it was a reboot of a previous version that had some pretty major issues - like screw holes not lining up. Plus I was concerned about acrylic scratching versus glass.

I like the RAM you suggested but I didn't know whether I could control the RAM RGB from the MoBo with everything else or how that worked??

Thank you for your help - I did end up going with the PSU you suggested so I took most of WildCard and edited some pieces from your post and aquielisunari.

Thank you again to all!
 
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Lucky_SLS

Lucky_SLS

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The ram rgb is mobo controlled.

This is my edit on the pcpp link you posted :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($339.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: NZXT - Kraken X62 Rev 2 98.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($156.29 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 5 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($191.07 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL - SUPER LUCE RGB SYNC 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($173.88 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($134.88 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Other: In Win Aurora Fan Kit Black/Red, 3 RGB LED120mm High Performance Silent cooling Computer Case Fan, 2 Addressable LED Strips, Control Box Anti-vibration mounted setup ($79.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1294.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-02-28 21:07 EST-0500

I have not included the case. The fans are also mobo controlled or you can use the controller bundled with. Main thing is, it's daisy chained to reduce cable clutter.

Also, y 2 500gb ssd? Have ur os and boot up softwares in the 960 and games in the mx500.

And sry, I was a bit confused with the case name. It's not the H500P mesh, I was having the H500M in mind. M stands for maker.
 
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LEIP

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Lucky_SLS - thank you for the clarification and understandable confusion there with those cases. I like the H500M but unfortunately I am looking to build now as my machine is down, I have the time and need to get it done. Think I settled on my parts but still back and forth on the RAM.

The two 500GB SSDs were a mistake, meant to do 250 and 500 but I've already ordered.

I had to go to the Kraken X52 as I read posts that the X62 didn't fit. I plan to replace the 120mm fans that come on the X52 with the Corsair LL120s to match the rest of the case and top mount the radiator.

Question - should I have the fans suck in, so as to pull cool outside air over the radiators? or should I have them exhaust, where they would be running warmer case air over the radiator (and the ring of my LL would be pointed in the wrong direction as well [covered])?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($347.88 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: NZXT - Kraken X52 Rev 2 73.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($131.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($224.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($156.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair - Crystal 570X RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($179.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1715.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-03-01 17:12 EST-0500

edit - I got six of the LL160 fans to occupy all the spaces in the case, including the radiator and I got the commander pro controller from Corsair to centralize and automate control.

Thank you again for your help.

LEIP

 
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Lucky_SLS

Lucky_SLS

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Cuz of aesthetics, u would probably want to top mount ur x52,

Have the front 3 as intakes and the rear and top rad as exhaust.

Have the rear fan at 80% or more speed and leave the rad fans to the x52 itself. The kraken has fan ports and connect 2 LL 120 to the kraken.

About the front fans, have the lower most fan at about 50%, the middle fan at 65% and the top fan at 80%, this is to have a bit of fresh ambient air for ur top mounted rad. And this fan profile is for a gaming load. Reduce the fan curve accordingly for idle loads and lower noise.

But the issue is I have never run a sli before so I don't know how effective the increasing fan speed in the front will have on the rad. Mostly the 2 660ti will suck that for its cooling and the exhaust from the side of the gpu will rise up n go to the rad.

This setup would better suit a single gpu rig.

Feel free to post that beauty when it's finished here : http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/310222-31-hardware-member-system-gallery

OH, and do get 2 led strips to Illuminate the bottom edge and the front edge of the case.
 
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LEIP

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Started building this machine...just waiting for RAM to arrive, have to wait till Wed for that. I've done a good deal of research on GPUs and while I know prices are completely inflated right now, I'm not sure if one of my old 660 Ti has an issue. Both boot on my old machine but I am unable to test stability/heat/etc.. as I can't boot into the OS. I did discover that one of the PCIe slots didn't work on my old board but the GPUs were still working in SLI, not whether this was a problem with the board or problem the GPU caused the board to have is unknown. At the same time don't want to put something questionable in my new machine as I am worried about damaging a component.

Does it make sense to get a 1060 or 1070? And is there one that is a good unit at a reasonable price? Or should I try the old 660 on by one and see if they are stable individually? As mentioned above, I just don't want to damage my new machine.

My Build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($347.88 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: NZXT - Kraken X52 Rev 2 73.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($131.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($224.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($156.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 500GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($199.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair - Crystal 570X RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($179.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair - LL120 RGB LED 43.2 CFM 120mm Fan ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1715.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-03-01 17:12 EST-0500

Thank you again for your help.
LEIP
 
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Lucky_SLS

Lucky_SLS

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With the prices, I think the best option for you now is to run the 660 sli. Grab the 1180/2080 as soon as it releases, don't worry if it's founders edition.

You have the kraken G12 kinda coolers. I am sure nzxt will release a compatible version for the next gen gtx cards. You can run the blower type till then.

Actually, the blower type would increase the x52 performance cuz the blower sucks in air and exhausts out the rear. So no hot air build up in the case cuz of the gpu. The flip side being slightly less clocks/overclocking potential and more noise in the founders edition. The kraken G12 is similar to the rad by which you can control where you want to output the heat. So both the gpu cooler and cpu rad will get cool ambient air and less heat built up in the case. And in this case, ur gpu rad would be the rear exhaust.

 
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aquielisunari

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Does it make sense to get a 1060 or 1070?
Click to expand...

No. Unless you can find a 1060 6GB for $289 or less and a 1070 at $389 or less it doesn't make any sense to almost pay double.

I think we're getting closer to a very bad day. Volta can't act like a price reset button and the fatted calf is delirious with the astronomical profits thus far due to cryptocurrency and the cards used to mine it.
 
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L

LEIP

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Without further delay I finally have some pics of my new rig. (Sorry for not posting sooner but I obviously had to play with my new toy).

Thank to aquielisunari, Lucky_SLS, and WildCard999 for your help. I used a combination of all of your recommendations for my build. Will post over on the other board.

On the vid card front, I found out that one of my old 660Tis was faulty and was causing crash. I have one 660 running right now but ordered a 1060 that is in the mail.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/newresponse/1590105 - to see build

Thanks again,
LEIP
 
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