9 replies to this topic

[Klikster]

Okay, I've posted briefly in here before but that was only to ask some triple-monitor GW2 questions, now that the dawn of the rest of our lives is upon us, it's time for me to upgrade (well, rebuild) my rig again.

I don't generally stay up with computer parts so I figured I'd ask here, I've read a bit and want to get some opinions before I start finalizing the build.

I have a fairly advanced skill level with computers, I've been buying and building my own rigs for about 10 years now, but I'm not as advanced in terms of general part / hardware knowledge.

Here's the current rig I'm on:

Spoiler

Speccy Stats:

Now I'll explain what I use my computer for. I'm a Graphic & Web Designer who works in an office, but I also freelance from home. So I need this computer to have some processor power behind it (I usually run Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver & more at the same time when I'm working.) but I'll still primarily be using this for gaming.

** I don't need a hard drive, I already have a 120GB SSD and a few 1TB - 2TB hard drives at my house. **

GRAPHICS: I plan on upgrading to a triple-monitor setup, going to try and get a used monitor identical to my other 2, if not, I'll buy one close and use it as the middle one. This means I'll need 2 video cards, preferably nVidia. I've had problems with ATI in the past. Something in the 6 series for sure, how beastly are the new GTX's?

Please feel free to recommend monitors if you'd like.

PROCESSOR: I'm looking Ivy Bridge right now, maybe mid-range? In this field especially I'm looking for guidance.

MOTHERBOARD: Whichever will go well with the Processor, I've used primarily ASUS in the past, and Gigabyte once.

RAM: This is a field I've never known too much about, but I'd like 16GB minimum (I run a lot of shit at once..)

CASE: I'm currently using a Cooler Master Sniper case and I haven't had any issue with it. I've outgrown the need for a flashy tower, now I'm all about quiet & temp, if you have recommendations I'd love to hear them as I somewhat want to use my current case on my second downloads computer.

PSU: I've never been good at figuring out what I need for these, so I'll need a PSU powerful enough for 2 video cards!

SOUND CARD?: I haven't had a sound card since those Creative Sound Blasters in early 2000, but I've read that the improvement that they can provide is actually noticeable, so I'm interested in one. If you have recommendations, send 'em over? (Also, I DJ and produce a bit of music so this would likely be a good move for other hobbies as well.)

PRICE RANGE: I guess I should post this, eh? Uhh, I recently had my laptop die on me so I'll need to purchase a new Windows 8 one in a few months, so for this I'd probably max it at $2000 (after tax) however, I'd rather only do about $1200 if that's possible? (1200 doesnt include the monitor!)

I don't need a 'top of the line' rig with the absolute best, I just want a high-end gaming experience to make GW2 even more amazing.

ORDERING: I primarily order from NCIX.com (Canada) and TigerDirect.com (USA.. I have a U.S. Postal Address) so if you'd like to link to an item, those would be the ideal places.

I really appreciate anyone who took their time to read this and can help me build this bastard, really, thanks in advance!

[Beiufin]

I linked to http://pcpartpicker.com which shows all available (popular) stores.

GRAPHICS: I plan on upgrading to a triple-monitor setup, going to try and get a used monitor identical to my other 2, if not, I'll buy one close and use it as the middle one. This means I'll need 2 video cards, preferably nVidia. I've had problems with ATI in the past. Something in the 6 series for sure, how beastly are the new GTX's?

The new GTXs are incredible! I usually don't recommend dual-SLI/Crossfire due to micro-stutter, but if you're ok with that, dual 670s is a very popular setup. It will cost you ~$800

PROCESSOR: I'm looking Ivy Bridge right now, maybe mid-range? In this field especially I'm looking for guidance.

Go with the i5-3570k its great for gaming and will image editing very well. ~$230
If you want a bit more punch i7-3770k will provide it, but you won't notice the difference in gaming and image processing doesn't really need the extra "umph." ~$340

MOTHERBOARD: Whichever will go well with the Processor, I've used primarily ASUS in the past, and Gigabyte once.

Hmm its really going to depend on what sound card you get. The two most recommended sound cards are the Xonar DX ~$80 and the Xonar DG ~$30.
The issue is they both use different PCI slots so...
If your getting the Xonar DX, go with the AsRock Z77 Extreme6 (or if you prefer Asus, the P8Z77-V), it should fit all your PCI cards nicely.
If your getting the Xonar DG fuck that, go with the Xonar DX, all the MoBos with PCI slots would limit the airflow to one of your gpus.

RAM: This is a field I've never known too much about, but I'd like 16GB minimum (I run a lot of shit at once..)

Yes most definitely 16GB minimum for graphic design. A Z77 chipset can hold up to 32 GB of RAM so you can either go for 4x8GB (G.Skill's pretty good) or 4x4GB (I really like G.Skill, they're sold out on newegg...)

PSU: I've never been good at figuring out what I need for these, so I'll need a PSU powerful enough for 2 video cards!

850W should be a more than enough for dual 670s. Here is a good 850W PSU.

SOUND CARD?: I haven't had a sound card since those Creative Sound Blasters in early 2000, but I've read that the improvement that they can provide is actually noticeable, so I'm interested in one. If you have recommendations, send 'em over? (Also, I DJ and produce a bit of music so this would likely be a good move for other hobbies as well.)

Xonar DX (see: MotherBoard)

PRICE RANGE: I guess I should post this, eh? Uhh, I recently had my laptop die on me so I'll need to purchase a new Windows 8 one in a few months, so for this I'd probably max it at $2000 (after tax) however, I'd rather only do about $1200 if that's possible? (1200 doesnt include the monitor!)

So far that comes out to around $1600 if you count the sound card. Of course you there are quite a few things you can change in that build to make it a bit less expensive, some of them I have suggested as alternatives above.

[Lakevren]

Okay, I've posted briefly in here before but that was only to ask some triple-monitor GW2 questions, now that the dawn of the rest of our lives is upon us, it's time for me to upgrade (well, rebuild) my rig again.

I don't generally stay up with computer parts so I figured I'd ask here, I've read a bit and want to get some opinions before I start finalizing the build.

I have a fairly advanced skill level with computers, I've been buying and building my own rigs for about 10 years now, but I'm not as advanced in terms of general part / hardware knowledge.

Here's the current rig I'm on:

Spoiler

Speccy Stats:

Now I'll explain what I use my computer for. I'm a Graphic & Web Designer who works in an office, but I also freelance from home. So I need this computer to have some processor power behind it (I usually run Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver & more at the same time when I'm working.) but I'll still primarily be using this for gaming.

** I don't need a hard drive, I already have a 120GB SSD and a few 1TB - 2TB hard drives at my house. **

GRAPHICS: I plan on upgrading to a triple-monitor setup, going to try and get a used monitor identical to my other 2, if not, I'll buy one close and use it as the middle one. This means I'll need 2 video cards, preferably nVidia. I've had problems with ATI in the past. Something in the 6 series for sure, how beastly are the new GTX's?

Please feel free to recommend monitors if you'd like.

PROCESSOR: I'm looking Ivy Bridge right now, maybe mid-range? In this field especially I'm looking for guidance.

MOTHERBOARD: Whichever will go well with the Processor, I've used primarily ASUS in the past, and Gigabyte once.

RAM: This is a field I've never known too much about, but I'd like 16GB minimum (I run a lot of shit at once..)

CASE: I'm currently using a Cooler Master Sniper case and I haven't had any issue with it. I've outgrown the need for a flashy tower, now I'm all about quiet & temp, if you have recommendations I'd love to hear them as I somewhat want to use my current case on my second downloads computer.

PSU: I've never been good at figuring out what I need for these, so I'll need a PSU powerful enough for 2 video cards!

SOUND CARD?: I haven't had a sound card since those Creative Sound Blasters in early 2000, but I've read that the improvement that they can provide is actually noticeable, so I'm interested in one. If you have recommendations, send 'em over? (Also, I DJ and produce a bit of music so this would likely be a good move for other hobbies as well.)

PRICE RANGE: I guess I should post this, eh? Uhh, I recently had my laptop die on me so I'll need to purchase a new Windows 8 one in a few months, so for this I'd probably max it at $2000 (after tax) however, I'd rather only do about $1200 if that's possible? (1200 doesnt include the monitor!)

I don't need a 'top of the line' rig with the absolute best, I just want a high-end gaming experience to make GW2 even more amazing.

ORDERING: I primarily order from NCIX.com (Canada) and TigerDirect.com (USA.. I have a U.S. Postal Address) so if you'd like to link to an item, those would be the ideal places.

I really appreciate anyone who took their time to read this and can help me build this bastard, really, thanks in advance!

Going to post a few things that Beiufin hasn't mentioned yet.

The GPU is largely fine, but a GTX 670 wouldn't hurt. I don't recommend SLI unless doing multi-monitor or 3d, or both. GTX 680 is about $100 more expensive, and is a mere 7% (if stock reference cards) difference. There are factory OCed GTX 670s that are indeed faster than stock GTX 680s. Do note that GTX 660Ti is rumored to be coming out fairly soon (this month or next month), but there are no benchmarks out yet.

As for the i7 920, overclock it if you want to save money. If you don't care to save money or don't care to overclock it, i5 3570k or i5 2500k, the latter if you want to overclock as much as possible, the former if you want a mild overclock.

As for RAM, actually the absolute BEST RAM at the moment, by FAR, is this Samsung RAM . Do NOT underestimate this ram, do NOT judge it by the cover, WHATSOEVER. If you do, you are missing out on the best ram currently out (especially for the price). it is currently the smallest die-size memory out there, and will do 10 CAS at 2133MHz, without useless heatspreaders. Not only that, but it is also relatively cool. It is easily able to do 1600MHz at 7-7-7. It's also fairly cheap. At stock, it runs at 1.35v. So if latency and bandwidth doesn't matter, maybe temperature and power might. Plus, it costs the same anyways. Be aware that these only come in 4GB sticks or 2x4GB maximum. For 16GB, you'll need to fill all 4 slots, and I recommend running at 2T command rate when doing so.

As for sound cards, sound cards matter. Don't let anyone tell you "mother board sound is fine". That's only if your speakers or headset/headphones are of the same poor quality as the motherboard sound. But if you DO have more than decent speakers and/or headset/headphones, then by all means invest in a good sound card. Most of the Asus Xonar (except Phoebus) sound cards are good, but the top of the line is the Asus Xonar Essence STX. (I am aware there is an Asus Xonar Essence One, but that's an external DAC that costs $500 and has ZERO gaming capability/options). Avoid Auzentech due to reliability issues. HT Omega is another good one, but I'm unfamiliar with them, and as far as I know, they only have PCI, not PCI Express, sound cards. Also be aware too that some Asus Xonar sound cards are either PCI or PCI express.

[Klikster]

I linked to http://pcpartpicker.com which shows all available (popular) stores.

Haven't heard of that site before, I'll definitely use it from now on.

The new GTXs are incredible! I usually don't recommend dual-SLI/Crossfire due to micro-stutter, but if you're ok with that, dual 670s is a very popular setup. It will cost you ~$800

I haven't really seen any other cards that catch my eye, so I think Dual 670's will have to be the way to go! Not entirely sure what you mean by micr-stutter, I've never used SLI before. :X

Go with the i5-3570k its great for gaming and will image editing very well. ~$230
If you want a bit more punch i7-3770k will provide it, but you won't notice the difference in gaming and image processing doesn't really need the extra "umph." ~$340

If it will help with running faster outside of gaming I'll likely go with the i7, thanks!

Hmm its really going to depend on what sound card you get. The two most recommended sound cards are the Xonar DX ~$80 and the Xonar DG ~$30.
The issue is they both use different PCI slots so...
If your getting the Xonar DX, go with the AsRock Z77 Extreme6 (or if you prefer Asus, the P8Z77-V), it should fit all your PCI cards nicely.
If your getting the Xonar DG fuck that, go with the Xonar DX, all the MoBos with PCI slots would limit the airflow to one of your gpus.

I'll do research into both motherboards.

Yes most definitely 16GB minimum for graphic design. A Z77 chipset can hold up to 32 GB of RAM so you can either go for 4x8GB (G.Skill's pretty good) or 4x4GB (I really like G.Skill, they're sold out on newegg...)

I'll take a look at the G.Skill brand, and depending on the cost I may go for 32GB!

850W should be a more than enough for dual 670s. Here is a good 850W PSU.

Thanks!

Xonar DX (see: MotherBoard)

I'll take a look at this as well.

So far that comes out to around $1600 if you count the sound card. Of course you there are quite a few things you can change in that build to make it a bit less expensive, some of them I have suggested as alternatives above.

Again, thanks for everything. Definitely pushed me in the right direction, now to do a bit more research on brands and read reviews.

[Klikster]

The GPU is largely fine, but a GTX 670 wouldn't hurt. I don't recommend SLI unless doing multi-monitor or 3d, or both. GTX 680 is about $100 more expensive, and is a mere 7% (if stock reference cards) difference. There are factory OCed GTX 670s that are indeed faster than stock GTX 680s. Do note that GTX 660Ti is rumored to be coming out fairly soon (this month or next month), but there are no benchmarks out yet.

Going to be going triple monitor (maybe 3d in the future as well) so I'll be grabbing 2x 670's I think.

As for the i7 920, overclock it if you want to save money. If you don't care to save money or don't care to overclock it, i5 3570k or i5 2500k, the latter if you want to overclock as much as possible, the former if you want a mild overclock.

It's a first generation i7, and it's really not meeting my needs anymore. I don't have any experience in overclocking but I'll likely try my hand at it with this new system.

As for RAM, actually the absolute BEST RAM at the moment, by FAR, is this Samsung RAM . Do NOT underestimate this ram, do NOT judge it by the cover, WHATSOEVER. If you do, you are missing out on the best ram currently out (especially for the price). it is currently the smallest die-size memory out there, and will do 10 CAS at 2133MHz, without useless heatspreaders. Not only that, but it is also relatively cool. It is easily able to do 1600MHz at 7-7-7. It's also fairly cheap. At stock, it runs at 1.35v. So if latency and bandwidth doesn't matter, maybe temperature and power might. Plus, it costs the same anyways. Be aware that these only come in 4GB sticks or 2x4GB maximum. For 16GB, you'll need to fill all 4 slots, and I recommend running at 2T command rate when doing so.

Thanks!

As for sound cards, sound cards matter. Don't let anyone tell you "mother board sound is fine". That's only if your speakers or headset/headphones are of the same poor quality as the motherboard sound. But if you DO have more than decent speakers and/or headset/headphones, then by all means invest in a good sound card. Most of the Asus Xonar (except Phoebus) sound cards are good, but the top of the line is the Asus Xonar Essence STX. (I am aware there is an Asus Xonar Essence One, but that's an external DAC that costs $500 and has ZERO gaming capability/options). Avoid Auzentech due to reliability issues. HT Omega is another good one, but I'm unfamiliar with them, and as far as I know, they only have PCI, not PCI Express, sound cards. Also be aware too that some Asus Xonar sound cards are either PCI or PCI express.

This was also very helpful. Thanks a ton.

[Beiufin]

I haven't really seen any other cards that catch my eye, so I think Dual 670's will have to be the way to go! Not entirely sure what you mean by micr-stutter, I've never used SLI before. :X

Micro stutter refers to varying delays between frames. For instance say your running at 60 FPS, technically every frame should render and display every 0.01667 seconds but with micro stutter, some might take .02 seconds and others .01 seconds thus causing visual "stutters". So if you were watching a panning camera the movement would not appear smooth but rather you would notice jumps. This was a serious problem with dual GPU setups using previous iterations of GPUs, both NVIDIA and AMD but I am unsure if the new 6xx series is prone to it. Also, you should note that some people notice it and others claim they don't have it.

If it will help with running faster outside of gaming I'll likely go with the i7, thanks!

It will. If you're planning on OCing, Sandy Bridge (i7-2***) is a better choice than Ivy bridge (i7-3****) due to heat distribution.

I'll take a look at the G.Skill brand, and depending on the cost I may go for 32GB!

The RAM Lakevren recommended, is going to perform better with Photoshop than the G.Skill would, but as he said, you could only get 16GB.

I'll take a look at this as well.

As you'll see, its not a high end sound card but it does provide decent quality.

[Klikster]

Thanks again!

Any recommendations for Case & CPU heatsinks?

Also.. for the video cards (670 GTX) .. which brand? EVGA for the warranty??

[Lakevren]

Thanks again!

Any recommendations for Case & CPU heatsinks?

Also.. for the video cards (670 GTX) .. which brand? EVGA for the warranty??

As for Case, the Cooler Master HAF 932 or HAF X, and the Silverstone Raven (any of them) are recommended. They provide the best cooling.

As for CPU Heatsinks, you can go for a cheap one which is the Cooler Master Hyper 212, or the best ones, which is the Noctua D14 or Thermalright Silver Arrow.

There are also closed loop watercooling such as the Corsair H60, H80, and H100. H100 is a dual radiator, but I think it fits the cases I previously recommended.

[Klikster]

I've never used a watercooling system before, mostly afraid of it breaking into a flood (but that was a fear from '01) .

& I'll take a look at the cases & heatsinks you mentioned! Thanks!

[Klikster]

In case anyone's interested, here's the final build I went with: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/ekkW

Thanks to everyone who provided input.

I'll likely be upgrading to liquid cooling in a few months; focusing on buying a 3rd monitor first.