Advice on build (GPU-CPU-Case)

[warflesj]

Hello,

I'm looking into making a new system and I started from the $2k system marathon build.

At the moment the setup looks like this:

CPU: 2600k (+ Xigmatek Gaia SD1283 heatsink)
Memory:G.Skill F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM
Drive: F3 Spinpoint (still of the opinion the SSD's are too expensive for what they deliver)
Mobo: Asrock Z68 Extreme4
PSU: Corsair HX850W
GPU: 2x6970
Case: Haf X/FT02/Lian Li 9F (or others)

The build would be used for video rendering(3d) aswell as gaming (and multitasking). Monitor atm is at 1920x1080 and I'd probably get another (better) screen in a few months.

There are 3 things bothering me now.

1) Do I really need the crossfire for this kind of use or should I get a single card 590/580 or 6990? Whilst the 6990 is humongous I'm still skeptical of NVIDIA since my last 9800x2 got fried (eventhough they are known to like high temps).

2)I'd like a case that (like the FT02) has good air cooling, cable management and toolless drive mounting. Another issue is if 2 6970 or one of the single cards would fit (mainly the 6990) in the FT02 or the other 2 mentioned cases. By fitting I mean having some space. Another benefit of the FT02 is its low noise and dust filters (which the Haf X doesn't have).

3) Would that PSU be able to power the crossfire or other cards without too much trouble?

Thank you,
Warflesj

 

[warflesj]

It seems I've accidentally clicked the wrong subforum.

 

[bavman]

1) I'd get 6950's instead of the 6970. You'll save 150-200 and they will last you a long time at 1080p even with 2 monitors. Additionally, if you get reference design ones some can be unlocked to be the exact same as 6970s.
2) Haf makes good cases for air cooling. I think you should be able to get by with a haf 932 with no problems. My haf 922 has no problem fitting a 11'' card so you'll have no troubles with that part
3)the 850hx is an excellent psu and you should run into no problems with it

 

[jadedmonkey]

The build would be used for video rendering(3d) aswell as gaming (and multitasking). Monitor atm is at 1920x1080 and I'd probably get another (better) screen in a few months.

1) Do I really need the crossfire for this kind of use or should I get a single card 590/580 or 6990? Whilst the 6990 is humongous I'm still skeptical of NVIDIA since my last 9800x2 got fried (eventhough they are known to like high temps).

^ Bavman is right on target. Also, take into consideration that you might want to do some 3d rendering, I won't get into the debate between FireGL/Quadro versus 6950s, but, 6950s with 2GB memory on it, or 4GBs if you Xfire, will be great for w/e 3d rendering program you use ( autocad, 3ds max, etc ) especially at 1920x1080 on multiple monitors.

 

[warflesj]

1) I'd get 6950's instead of the 6970. You'll save 150-200 and they will last you a long time at 1080p even with 2 monitors. Additionally, if you get reference design ones some can be unlocked to be the exact same as 6970s.
2) Haf makes good cases for air cooling. I think you should be able to get by with a haf 932 with no problems. My haf 922 has no problem fitting a 11'' card so you'll have no troubles with that part
3)the 850hx is an excellent psu and you should run into no problems with it

1) That sounds quite interesting and I will def. look into it. Any downsides from unlocking it (in terms of longevity). Would have to find some fitting models then.

2)I have to say I like the Haf the least (of the three I mentioned) for it not having dust filters and not having the "silence" foam as the FT02 (always been a big problem where I stash the pc's). I'd take the FT02, the only thing stopping me is the price.
(and the Haf looks a bit silly )

Thanks for your feedback so far!

 

[warflesj]

^ Bavman is right on target. Also, take into consideration that you might want to do some 3d rendering, I won't get into the debate between FireGL/Quadro versus 6950s, but, 6950s with 2GB memory on it, or 4GBs if you Xfire, will be great for w/e 3d rendering program you use ( autocad, 3ds max, etc ) especially at 1920x1080 on multiple monitors.

Getting sold on the 6950's, quite surprised by them tbh. That'll teach me to jump to conclusions too fast hehe.

Cheers

 

[bavman]

My haf 922 has a dust filter but only on the front fan. I havent had to much trouble with dust though. I take the time (~15 minutes) to bust out the air compressor every 4-6 months and thoroughly clean the inside of my computer.

As far as the "silence" foam, just google "Noise Damping Kit" and see the pelethra of case accessories you can get to help with overly loud fans. like such: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/lanodakitblf.html

I'm not trying to push to get a haf case but i would never spend $230 on case. I think 100-130 is a good budget for one, but if you have money to spend go for it

 

[warflesj]

i would never spend $230 on case

Only reason I'm doubting it hehe. The Haf'll remain at the top of the list then (cant be much worse than this crap NZXT Zero).

Thanks for the feedback bavman and jadedmonkey, has helped a lot