Advice needed before buying new components

[rukiakuchiki]

Hello again guys

Because the problem with my previous build still remains unsolved ( and I desperately need a new computer for work ) I decided on buying necessary new components.

You can find the whole story behind it here if interested: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3441954/mobo-boot-loop-caused-gpu-psu-wattage.html

I would like to ask the opinion of experienced users here, whether the components I have chosen will be fully compatible on the go. I already checked on Pc part picker, but to double check I thought I would ask around here

First of all this is my current build ( after 2 MOBO and a PSU change )

CPU: Intel - Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
MOBO: Gigabyte - GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ( 2 pieces )
Corsair - Force LS 60GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ( 1 piece )
Memory: Kingston - HyperX Fury Red 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ( 2 pieces )
GPU: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 970 4GB G1 Gaming Video Card
Case: Corsair - SPEC-03 Red ATX Mid Tower Case
PSU: Zalman ZM700-LEII 700W
Windows: Windows 8.1
Peripherals: Asus Cerberus keyboard and mouse
Speakers: Logitech - Z506 155W 5.1ch Speakers
Optical drive: LG - GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer

I would like to keep some of the components from my current build because of limited budget at the moment.

This is the build I'd like to go for ( I put the components I'd like to swap out in bold, the rest remains the same )

CPU: Intel - Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ( Kaby Lake )
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler
MOBO: Gigabyte - GA-Z270X-Gaming K5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ( 2 pieces )
Corsair - Force LS 60GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ( 1 piece )
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory
GPU: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 970 4GB G1 Gaming Video Card
Case: Cooler Master - 690 III ATX Mid Tower Case
PSU: Zalman ZM700-LEII 700W
Windows: Windows 8.1
Peripherals: Asus Cerberus keyboard and mouse
Speakers: Logitech - Z506 155W 5.1ch Speakers
Optical drive: LG - GH24NSD1 DVD/CD Writer

Later on I will upgrade some of the parts, like GPU, SSD etc.

For future reference which 1080GTX or GTX TI GPU would you recommend?
If case fans are needed, would the Corsair - Air Series AF120 do the trick?
Would I need a bigger PSU in the future ( or the one I have is good enough? ), if so what type and wattage?

For extra info, I mostly use my computer for extreme gaming and making vector illustrations.

So what do you guys think? Will the above selected components be a good enough and problem-free build?

Thank you very much for your time and answer in advance!

 

[androbourne]

Hi there!

I just read your previous thread. I don't completely agree with that techs "GPU damaged the motherboard" claim. I'm a systems/network engineer and I also game like yourself. I have NEVER seen this happen. Normally, if the PSU is not strong enough to support the video card or extra components, the PC simply wont boot or it will boot and you wouldn't be able to see the screen etc... Now other things such as a dying or bad PSU could have fried something on the board, sure. But simply the answer of "not enough power to the GPU" is not a valid answer. That's not how components work.

This would have been obvious from the get go when you first built the system. It most likely wouldn't have even booted if your PSU wasn't good enough to handle the load.

As others have recommended. A higher PSU would be nice as every component you add to the system, (hard drives, fans etc..) draw from the PSU total wattage. Also many experts suggest that around 50% of total PSU usage during load is the optimal ranges for power and efficiency of the PSU. This is why I run a 1000wt PSU. That means under load I'm running roughly around the 60% mark which is close to the sweet spot for my PSU.

As for your old PC. I would suggest issue to be related to OS, maybe a recent windows update corrupted the registry? Maybe you have a virus/root kit? Have you tried booting into safe mode? Does it still loop or does it boot right away with no issue? Have you tried "last known good configuration", have you tried inserting the Windows disk and performing a repair? Have you tried a system restore to previous point where it was working properly? Have ran an on board diag test? I would run a diag test on the hard drives just to be safe. If you are running on an SSD you can see odd stuff like this, it handles bad sectors differently then a standard HHD does. It also acts weird when it starts dying out compared to a standard HHD. If I were you, I'd backup your system, pull out your boot drives and run an extended diag test on it.

Now as for your new PC parts list.

CPU: Intel - Core i7-7700K 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ( Kaby Lake )

CPU is good. I actually went for the 6700k instead of Kaby because it was cheaper at the time and gaming benchmarks between the two show exactly the same as it is designed on the same architecture. However, it appears the prices are basically the same now, so stick with the 7700k. It is move optimized and can overclock a little better.


CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler

Noctua is always a great pick. They for sure know how to make a good fan/cooler combo. Just be careful on picking the correct type. A lot of reviews on this cooler suggest possible memory clearance issues and this model I see on Amazon, shows it's compatible with the LGA2011 platform. Make sure it is compatible with yours. (it should be).

MOBO: Gigabyte - GA-Z270X-Gaming K5 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard

This board is not bad. However, reviews state the sound card is pretty terrible. There is also reports that using a 1080 card, because its so long gets snug up against the boards 270 chipset cover. Also this board is rated in the medium spec in terms of overclocking according to a few sites I've read.

I moved from an AMD system to Intel late last year. I did crazy amounts of research on boards, including overclocking compatibility. I went with an MSI Z170A M7 board.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130872

Some users complained about the Killer Network card sucking. However, if you only install the drivers and not the software, you shouldn't have any issues. I've been running this PC 24/7 for over a year at 1GB speeds with no issues what so ever. It's a pretty nice board for that price range.

Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ( 2 pieces )

Guessing this is for storage? Should be good.

Corsair - Force LS 60GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ( 1 piece )

Assuming this is for OS. I wouldn't go with anything else other then a Samsung. They offer a 5 year warranty, it cannot be matched. It also out performs most SSDs on the market at that price range. I would also recommend something a little bigger then 60GB. OS, software and updates can take a lot of space over time.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147372&cm_re=samsung_ssd-_-20-147-372-_-Product

Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory

Memory is not bad but the board you posted can handle DDR4 3866(O.C.) memory. I would spent the extra and buy higher speed memory sticks. I would most likely go with a DDR4 3600(O.C.). For one that speed is very universal with boards. (it will also fit in that board I recommended) and its easier for XMP profiles to automatically pick it up once it is enabled.

GPU: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 970 4GB G1 Gaming Video Card

I would go with a newer card. I went with a MSI GTX 1070. Out of the box it was stock overclocked to 2000mhz and it owns anything I throw at it at 144herts at 1080 gaming. It can basically handle any popular gaming resolutions until you get to 4k. I would recommend the 1080 if you are doing 4k gaming.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127947

Case: Cooler Master - 690 III ATX Mid Tower Case

Case is decent for the price. However, it doesn't support 200mm fans. Why not try something like Fractal Design R5? Its only $20 more, comes with modular components, can support pretty big rads and has air filters.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352051

PSU: Zalman ZM700-LEII 700W

The PSU is the of the most important parts of any build. I wouldn't find much in terms of the cost of the Zalman ZM700. However, I would recommend nothing less then a gold level of PSU rating. I would also recommend at least a 750wt or higher PSU. (see my notes above about PSU).

Here is a decent one for not that much.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2F84BC9225&cm_re=psu-_-17-438-017-_-Product

However, feel free to surf around for similar ones that suite your needs better.

Windows: Windows 8.1

I would upgrade to Windows 10 if you are doing gaming. Windows 10 supports newest Direct X which anything lower then Windows 10 is not supported. This means better performance in gaming when using the newer Direct X APIs over the previous versions with games that support the newer APIs.

Peripherals: Asus Cerberus keyboard and mouse

This is more of a user preference choice. If you like it, get it! I personally use an old logitec GE15 keyboard for the marcing. I wouldn't change it out for anything.

Speakers: Logitech - Z506 155W 5.1ch Speakers

Not a bad choice. I've used this same model for awhile and it served me well.

Optical drive: LG - GH24NSD1 DVD/CD Writer

Again kinda of a preference choice here. If it writes to DVD and CD and can read from both. It should do!

 

[rukiakuchiki]

Hello!

I can't thank you enough for the detailed and informative answer I really appreciate it that you took the time and effort to offer a helping hand

Now with your reassuring answer, it's positive the "PSU and GPU damaging MOBO" was a complete lie and the tech guy only wanted to sell me another PSU. I'll definitely return it and ask for a refund, since it didn't solve any of my problems and it's pointless to keep around.

Still, the way my system behaved with different MOBOs is odd to say at least:

The first time with my old MOBO ( GA-Z97X Gaming ) the system boot-looped but when it managed to POST, it worked like a charm.

With the second MOBO the whole system behaved differently ( ASUS B85-PLUS recommended by the tech guy ) It would start fine the first time. After a restart it boot-looped only once and after that I could hear the computer running inside the case, but I had a black screen and no keyboard/mouse leds, couldn't do anything. Apparently that board was incompatible with my old build, because of my Haswell Refresh CPU...

The most recent status that's missing from the other thread: The present MOBO ( GA-Z97X Gaming 3 ) does the same boot-loop as the first one, but now I can't even get past the Windows screen ( if it even makes it there) , cause it freezes on the logo ( I should mention that the tech guy also reinstalled my Windows 8.1 for a Windows 7 so he could run tests...I did not agree to that at all... ) and when I wanted to reinstall my Windows, it also froze on the logo. In 2 days of trying I managed to go once into safe mode, but that's it, I couldn't do anything useful there because my old Windows was gone and when I tried booting from safe mode, afterwards the boot-loop continued.

After all this guessing work, misleading and careless handling of my computer I took it to another specialist. He did a thorough check on my computer, pulled out everything except the brand new MOBO and CPU and it is still doing the same boot-loop. He also tried it with a new PSU and ran memory and HDD/SSD diagnostics tests, but nothing, the issue still persists. Since the MOBO is brand new he suggested trying the whole thing out with a new CPU just to be sure, but he said that a bad CPU is very unheard of. So last night we ordered a new CPU for testing and we'll see how it goes, it's worth a try after all of this mess.

The thing that bothers me most is that no one has any clue as to what have caused the boot-loop. Could it have been a power surge? We had quite a few blackouts in the beginning of the year although 95% of the time during those the computer was turned off.

So onto my new build:

So, the processor and cooler are good enough, they can be scratched off the list then

Hmm, I would really like a Z270 chipset MOBO that isn't too expensive. It doesn't necessarily have to be Gigabyte, but I'd prefer it to be reliable, fully compatible and affordable.

I was thinking on upgrading to "Samsung 850 EVO SSD" sometime next year ( so I'm glad you confirmed it's good ) The one I currently have I could migrate to my new system for now, because of budget reasons.

The HDDs are for storage and I would also keep them from my old build.

I'm indeed planning on buying a "GTX 1080" GPU next year, but until that the "GTX 970 G1" I have is good enough since I'm on a limited budget here and I have to move as many compatible parts as I can to my new build.

The PSU, I'll definitely change. Before the tech guy pressured me into buying this Zalman one, I had a "Corsair CX600M" and it was a fine one, but for the new system it just won't cut it as I read. So I'll check out the one you recommended.

For memory, I'll go with a bigger MHz then, thanks for poiting that out

As for Windows, maybe it is time to upgrade to 10. I really like the 8.1 but I guess now's a good chance as any to make the change.

 

[androbourne]

Your welcome! (I was bored at work anyways, gave me something to do!)

As for the troubleshooting on the old PC. It sounds like the new guy is taking the right actions. It could very well be the CPU but like he is said, its very rare to see happen!

You said the old IT wiped and reloaded a fresh OS? or did he just do a duel boot? Did they try a new hard drive? Does it boot properly with the fresh os install? Did they try to update the BIOS? And yes a power surge could cause all kinds of crazy issues! I would recommend you actually buy a APC battery backup and configure it with the communication cable and graceful shutdown etc... especially for your new build.

As for the GPU, if you already have the GTX 970 then thats a good idea. If not, I'd buy that 1070 I linked because the resellability will be a lot better with that 1070.

As for everything else, I think you have a good plan lined up. Seems like you are doing it on a budget and will upgrade things over time. That is fine but just dont go cheap on your drives or PSU!

As for Windows 10. Just make the jump! If you like the feel of Windows 7 start menu you can download "windows classic shell" and it will give you a proper start menu. I really didn't like Windows 10 myself for a few weeks but now I'm completely into it. Once you regain the feeling of the new OS you wont want to go back.

Good luck!

And if they figure out whats going on with the old system, let me know! I'm curious what they find out.

 

[rukiakuchiki]

Hello again!

Well, it seems the new guy indeed knew what he was talking about. The other tech guy never even considered the fact the processor could be at fault...but guess what, that's exactly what's at fault!!...

Today the test processor arrived and I immediately took it to the new tech guy. He assembled the computer and voila, everything was running smoothly, no boot-loop or anything.

He even tried the "shut down" function at least 7 times and the "restart" function 5 times to be sure, but every time the PC would boot up just fine. The SSD also works, I just need to put a new Windows on it when the time comes.
So, I think it's now safe to say the processor was at fault in this whole mess, talk about bad luck...But I'm glad I finally know the truth.

And I asked the guy too if a power surge could have caused this and he said that it is a possibility so it's best if I get some safety measures in the future. ( just as you said )

I already have the GTX 970, so it will serve me well until I have the means for an upgrade

Also, thank you on the information and help with my new build I will make sure this time I spend a little extra on safety measures, I wouldn't want to go through that ever again

 

[androbourne]

My pleasure!

Glad its working! Now you have a backup system to go to incase anything happens to your new one : ) haha

 

[STERION 2014]

That was very interesting reading.