First time "High End" build

[Muphzilla]

Keeping this short here is my overall plan on my build. It will be used for playing games like: Dayz, BF4, planet side...

I will be watercooling the rig even though I know its not necessary but its what I want to do.

 

Updated as of 3/17/2014 in red

 

-Major Bits-

 

Case: Corsair 900D / open to suggestions for systems that will hold large cooling components

 

Motherboard: ASUS Rampage IV Extreme LGA 2011 Intel X79

 

Graphics Card: ASUS GTX780TI-3GD5

GPU Water Block: Koolance VID-NXTTN2 GeForce GTX Titan / 780 / 780 Ti VGA Liquid Cooling Block

 

Processor: Intel i7-4820K LGA 2011 64 Technology Extended Memory CPU Processors BX80633I74820K

Processor Water Block: Bitspower Summit EF CPU Liquid Cooling Block - Intel LGA Series - Black Acetal

 

RAM: AMD Radeon Memory Gamer Series 16GB 240-Pin DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000)

 

Hard Drives: Seagate Barracuda 7200 1.5 TB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 32MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Hard Drive & Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III OR Seagate Barracuda 7200 1.5 TB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 32MB Cache 3.5 Inch Internal Hard Drive  Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5-Inch SATA III

 

Power sys: EVGA SuperNOVA 1300G2 ATX12V/EPS12V 1300W 80Plus Gold

 

Mouse: R.A.T. 9

 

Keyboard: Azio Levetron Mech5 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry Black MX Switches

 

Monitor: ViewSonic LED Professional Display CDE3201LED 32-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor OR  ASUS MX279H 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor

 

Sound Card: Shouldn't be necessary

 

Optical Drive: ASUS External 12X Blu-Ray Burner with USB 3.0 (I want a clean exterior look)

 

Operating Sys: Windows 8

 

Water Cooling  & fan Bits-

 

Pump: DD12V-D5 Pump Variable Speed by Laing or Innovatek Eheim HPPS i High Power 12V Water Pump

 

Hose: OD Rigid Acrylic Tube or PrimoChill PrimoFlex Advanced LRT Tubing

 

Coolant: Mayhems Aurora Coolant Concentrate

 

Reservoir:  PrimoChill 240mm (CTR) Compression Tube Low Profile Base Reservoir System & PrimoChill 120mm (CTR) Compression Tube Advanced Reservoir System

 

Fittings: Compression if I go with flex & Solid fittings if I go with solid acrylic tubing

 

Calming coils: PrimoChill ZenCoils

 

Heat Exchangers: 2 X Swiftech MCR420-XP eXtreme Performance Radiator & 2 X Swiftech MCR120 Quiet Power 120mm Radiator.

 

Fans: Corsair Air Series SP120 High Performance Edition & Corsair Air Series AF140 Quiet Edition

 

 

Future Expansion -

 

Asus ROG Front Base Panel

Second GTX 780Ti For SLI

Second TV monitor

Custom PC external internal refrigerator radiators.

 

Now for a little far future lengthy bit:

My background is in HVAC & F-16/F-22 fighter aircraft avionics/environmental. I would like to do my own version of superchilling the PC with some sort of refrigerant/mini refrigerator without sweating in the coolant lines or internal to the PC. I have wondered if it would be possible to use a compound set up with the coolant pumps. For example using a smaller pump to force feed a larger pump. Maybe possible to utilize multiple pumps in a system to allow for faster flow. When I tackle my idea on mounting a external heat exchanger inside of a mini fridge or water tank I would have to use an aquarium pump.

Now I don't care if it will only boost the performance of the PC by a marginal amount or be an outstanding set up that would land magazine covers. I just want it to be dramatically better than air cooling/heatsinks because those are some ugly hunks of metal. I will be overclocking for performance gains only. I could care less about Max clocks without adding to gaming/speed performance.

So... Will it all work? Also could polyalphaolefin (PAO) work in a PC set up and be effective?

Theres a lot of questions here and I have done a fair amount of research. With that said I am new to the PC building world and would appreciate a lot of help

Lastly Im not working with a 16 yr old budget nor am I a 16 yr old making a dream list. I do make enough money for every component & I will be building this over the next 4-5 months & documenting every step.

Now this is where I need yall to tell me if I'm nuts & if all these components I listed will work together or if I should go with something better.

[Emkryan]

Custom PC external internal refrigerator radiators. LOL

[dizmo]

Looks sweet.

Why the tv instead of a monitor? I find they're a little less clear when it comes to text, especially at that size.

If you're mostly gaming or sitting at a fair distance it should be a nice build though.

[needmorewood]

1. 1300W is serious overkill just so you know but its not a big deal
2. RAT 9 has a horrific battery life and an anerage sensor

3. Monitors are REALLY superior to tv's so consider that, if u want help what monitor u should get and such just ask 

4. go windows 8 there arent issues, people just complain about stuff that is not relevent

5. the option with the 500gb ssd is better

6. sound card is unecessary as long as u use the raer ports of your mobo for audio

7. there are nicer keyboards than that but if thats the one u want then dont worry about it

 

as for water cooling i know nothing so cant help you there

[Muphzilla]

Looks sweet.

Why the tv instead of a monitor? I find they're a little less clear when it comes to text, especially at that size.

If you're mostly gaming or sitting at a fair distance it should be a nice build though.

It comes down to price. A TV is cheaper than a monitor which is a bit stupid in my mind. Also the TV will have built in speakers & more options for optical surround sound for movies. BUT if there is a major difference then I would go with monitors. Also my 55" plasma will be hooked up to it when I acquire a 70" LED for my main TV.

[Muphzilla]

 

Custom PC external internal refrigerator radiators. LOL

 

Let me be a little more clear. With a external radiator mounted inside of a cold place it would produce colder liquid. I thought about building the whole thing in a fridge but the temp difference would create moisture on the components.

[dizmo]

Depending what you do on your PC, speakers are infinitely better than the built in speakers on a tv.

For surround sound most would run through a receiver, rather than the tv itself.

 

I think you'd be a lot happier with a monitor over a TV. Pixel density, while not a huge difference going up an inch or two, is rather pronounce when you go up 10".

It really depends on how you intend to have it set up and how far you'll be from it....and of course, how good your vision is. I, personally, can't stand the blurriness of it. Gives me a headache.

 

It's crazy how cheap 70" tv's are now. One of my friends is buying a 105" if he can convince his fiancee that it's worth losing that wall of his living room. 

[Muphzilla]

1. 1300W is serious overkill just so you know but its not a big deal

2. RAT 9 has a horrific battery life and an anerage sensor

3. Monitors are REALLY superior to tv's so consider that, if u want help what monitor u should get and such just ask 

4. go windows 8 there arent issues, people just complain about stuff that is not relevent

5. the option with the 500gb ssd is better

6. sound card is unecessary as long as u use the raer ports of your mobo for audio

7. there are nicer keyboards than that but if thats the one u want then dont worry about it

 

as for water cooling i know nothing so cant help you there

1. My thoughts on the 1300w is for expansion. When the time comes for upgrades then the power supply will not be on the list.

2. Im not to concerned with battery life than I am function. I would only be able to play a few hours at a time. Also they seem easy to change.

3. Very valid point. I will take this into consideration and make an edit to the first post.

4. I was thinking windows 8 since it will be more "future proof" than windows 7

5. This pc will not be used for major downloading/major storage but that is due to change. I think your route is better.

6. Im slightly hard of hearing due to working around jet engines for the past 8 years & listening to nagging. So sound definition will we wasted on me.

7. Im open to suggestions there. I picked one that had the keys I would prefer. If you could suggest one that may be back lit I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks for your input.

[needmorewood]

1. My thoughts on the 1300w is for expansion. When the time comes for upgrades then the power supply will not be on the list.

2. Im not to concerned with battery life than I am function. I would only be able to play a few hours at a time. Also they seem easy to change.

3. Very valid point. I will take this into consideration and make an edit to the first post.

4. I was thinking windows 8 since it will be more "future proof" than windows 7

5. This pc will not be used for major downloading/major storage but that is due to change. I think your route is better.

6. Im slightly hard of hearing due to working around jet engines for the past 8 years & listening to nagging. So sound definition will we wasted on me.

7. Im open to suggestions there. I picked one that had the keys I would prefer. If you could suggest one that may be back lit I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks for your input.

1. ok thats fine

2. ok but it is a bad mouse. ive used both the rat 9 and rat 7 and the  MMO version and they are just bad mice but i guess u wont nkow for sure till u put something else besdie it

3. cool, good idea

4.its already better than 7 . 7 is a thing of the past

5. well both options have the same HDD fgrom what i see so it doesnt matter

6. fair enough but who knows. if u do find a ptroblem then try rear port

7. any of the Ducky shines, CM storm keyboards. the ducky's come in a variety of different backlights and such so u have amazing build quality shine 3 is what would be the best or the year of the... keyboards

 

no problem i hope it helps

[Bilby]

 

Custom PC external internal refrigerator radiators. LOL

 

 

It isn't too out of the question, my friend runs a Toyota Carolla radiator on his custom gaming rig

[FlamingDefibs]

6. Im slightly hard of hearing due to working around jet engines for the past 8 years & listening to nagging. So sound definition will we wasted on me.

 

Sorry for the out-of-place comment, but if sound definition would be wasted on you, why would you spend extra money on a sound card that regardless does not produce better quality audio than your on-board sound?

[paulsterio]

I don't think you're nuts, as in, it isn't out of the question, however (and this is a big however), if you are spending THAT much on COOLING, in order to get better overclocks, you are better off spending the extra to go with a 4930K, which will give you more performance right off the bat. 

[TheProfosist]

I would go 2011 if ypu building a system like that. Also why the bang for you buck 840 evo there are better ssds. I really hate that keyboard but thats your call. Whats with the tv as the monitor? Why not gp 1440p with a build like this. It would probably be cheaper to build your own external bd drive. If you can avoid the corsair fans please do as there are just far better options, if you cant I suggest you at least try to hunt down the PWM models.

[asusfan]

Looks good, not sure this is in the right section as build logs is more for compleated rigs.

 

I would advice a good quality 24" LED LCD monitor over a 32" TV, you will get higher res, better frame rates and its the best size for a human eye to see all of the screen at one veiw, as normally with computers we are closer to the screen than a tv.

I would use a power usuage calculator for the PSU wattage, 1300 does seem a lot unless you plan to go 3 or 4 way SLi .

 

Love the main components list very good components there.

As far as case suggestions are you planning to have 2 rads? if just one you could try to be different and use the Corsair 540air

http://www.corsair.com/en/pc-cases/carbide-series-pc-case/carbide-series-air-540-high-airflow-atx-cube-case.html

to keep the case slightly smaller and hide the PSU, hard drives and pump in the back section, leaving just the m/board and cooler in the main section.

Do you also plan to use 2 pumps? so one is a back up, maybe on in the back section of a case (secondary) and a nice looking one with the resivour (t-virus style) in the main section that you can see.

 

just a few suggestions to consider..

[Muphzilla]

Sorry for the out-of-place comment, but if sound definition would be wasted on you, why would you spend extra money on a sound card that regardless does not produce better quality audio than your on-board sound?

I was referring to the speaker quality on a TV. In the end I'll be using a headset to play with because that is what I am used to on Xbox. Regardless I did not list a sound card in my build list. That is one of the reasons for picking the ROG Maximus VI & it's on board circuits & HUD capability.

[Muphzilla]

I would go 2011 if ypu building a system like that. Also why the bang for you buck 840 evo there are better ssds. I really hate that keyboard but thats your call. Whats with the tv as the monitor? Why not gp 1440p with a build like this. It would probably be cheaper to build your own external bd drive. If you can avoid the corsair fans please do as there are just far better options, if you cant I suggest you at least try to hunt down the PWM models.

As far as my research took me a 2011 CPU would cost me more money and give roughly the same performance for gaming. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't a 6 core be better for CPU heavy task like video & graphic making than gaming? In my mind the bank for my buck just isn't there. I'm only overclocking for gaming performance. I personally could care less what the max benchmark is if it won't improve in game performance. Once it reaches a certain level there is not a bottleneck in the CPU but rather the GPU.

I'll look into the fan issue. I watched a review of them and they seemed like a better fan than others I saw. Especially for a push/pull config.

I'm considering better monitor's now that my current TV will be moved into that room in the nearish future.

[Muphzilla]

Looks good, not sure this is in the right section as build logs is more for compleated rigs.

 

I would advice a good quality 24" LED LCD monitor over a 32" TV, you will get higher res, better frame rates and its the best size for a human eye to see all of the screen at one veiw, as normally with computers we are closer to the screen than a tv.

I would use a power usuage calculator for the PSU wattage, 1300 does seem a lot unless you plan to go 3 or 4 way SLi .

 

Love the main components list very good components there.

As far as case suggestions are you planning to have 2 rads? if just one you could try to be different and use the Corsair 540air

http://www.corsair.com/en/pc-cases/carbide-series-pc-case/carbide-series-air-540-high-airflow-atx-cube-case.html

to keep the case slightly smaller and hide the PSU, hard drives and pump in the back section, leaving just the m/board and cooler in the main section.

Do you also plan to use 2 pumps? so one is a back up, maybe on in the back section of a case (secondary) and a nice looking one with the resivour (t-virus style) in the main section that you can see.

 

just a few suggestions to consider..

The monitor/tv debate is a good one. I'm considering other options.

When I was preplanning this build I considered a 540air but it would be too small for the amount of cooling. I'm looking at 3 radiators, 2 reservoirs & possibly a dual pump of a single type or compound pump set up with a small reservoir supplying a small pump which in turn supply's a large reservoir which would supply the main pump for the entire system. One pump would probably be perfectly fine. I'm just thinking of safety and reduced stress on the cooling system. Especially with all the restrictions in the system. I'll be looking at a dual loop in the future when I watercool the RAM & Mobo on a separate loop from the GPU & CPU. I'm looking to overkill the cooling system so I have no limitations on that side & could potentially add more components into the system when 2, 3 or 4 way SLI is necessary. As of right now it seems a single 780TI would be better since some games do not support SLI or crossfire.

[Muphzilla]

I don't think you're nuts, as in, it isn't out of the question, however (and this is a big however), if you are spending THAT much on COOLING, in order to get better overclocks, you are better off spending the extra to go with a 4930K, which will give you more performance right off the bat.

I need to figure out how to multi quote. My work pc can't process simple math let alone post a reply... But I don't think a 4930k would benefit gaming very much. I actually considered a 4960X but the price was too high for very little gain. It's not about the money spent. It's just based on gaming/basic performance alone. I wouldn't be using a 6 core to its max potential. But then again I could be wrong... I had no clue what a sandy bridge or ivy bridge was just 3 weeks ago or what GPU stood for. But my technological experience in other fields have helped in my research.

Let me know if I'm way off base with my thinking.

[TheProfosist]

As far as my research took me a 2011 CPU would cost me more money and give roughly the same performance for gaming. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't a 6 core be better for CPU heavy task like video & graphic making than gaming? In my mind the bank for my buck just isn't there. I'm only overclocking for gaming performance. I personally could care less what the max benchmark is if it won't improve in game performance. Once it reaches a certain level there is not a bottleneck in the CPU but rather the GPU.

I'll look into the fan issue. I watched a review of them and they seemed like a better fan than others I saw. Especially for a push/pull config.

I'm considering better monitor's now that my current TV will be moved into that room in the nearish future.

Did you ever think about the 4820K? Most people see to not for some reason, ever though it is the better option compared to a 4770K. your getting more for your $100 extra over the 4670K.

Corsair fans are better than the freebies that you usually get but I personally think for the performance you get they are over overpriced. They have now finally fixed my other main gripe, them not having PWM.

I would consider a monitor for PC gaming especially with a setup like this. The only reason I could see using a tv is if you didnt plan to use this PC at a desk since its solely a gaming PC.

[TheProfosist]

The monitor/tv debate is a good one. I'm considering other options.

When I was preplanning this build I considered a 540air but it would be too small for the amount of cooling. I'm looking at 3 radiators, 2 reservoirs & possibly a dual pump of a single type or compound pump set up with a small reservoir supplying a small pump which in turn supply's a large reservoir which would supply the main pump for the entire system. One pump would probably be perfectly fine. I'm just thinking of safety and reduced stress on the cooling system. Especially with all the restrictions in the system. I'll be looking at a dual loop in the future when I watercool the RAM & Mobo on a separate loop from the GPU & CPU. I'm looking to overkill the cooling system so I have no limitations on that side & could potentially add more components into the system when 2, 3 or 4 way SLI is necessary. As of right now it seems a single 780TI would be better since some games do not support SLI or crossfire.

That cooling is overkill for just one CPU and one GPU. Also very few games nowdays, especially new ones, dont support SLI/Crossfire.

I need to figure out how to multi quote. My work pc can't process simple math let alone post a reply... But I don't think a 4930k would benefit gaming very much. I actually considered a 4960X but the price was too high for very little gain. It's not about the money spent. It's just based on gaming/basic performance alone. I wouldn't be using a 6 core to its max potential. But then again I could be wrong... I had no clue what a sandy bridge or ivy bridge was just 3 weeks ago or what GPU stood for. But my technological experience in other fields have helped in my research.

Let me know if I'm way off base with my thinking.

For current gaming there are only a handful of games that would really benefit from more than 4 cores. another good reason for getting a 6 core would be if you plan to steam a lot as you could actually dedicate certain cores to the game and certain to the streaming and encoding program. This is something that my friend did since he streams and records gameplay for the clan's he is in.

[TheProfosist]

@Muphzilla for multi-quote select all the ones you want with the multi-quote button and hit reply. You can also do what I do which is just hit quote type your message then hit enter a couple time and then hit quote for the next message. I should also not that I have it in code view not that formatting view.

[asusfan]

If your in the Aviation industry have you ever thought of designing and making your own case? using nice thick Aluminium sheeting? if you have access to shears / benders / tig welding / drill press / all the general equipment to make your own fully custom case made the perfect size.

buy one of the cheapest cases to use as a template for maring out the holes for the stand offs / I/O panel / PCI slots / fan cut outs etc. so basically an old case disassemble it and just use for a pattern / template to mark out onto some nice alloy panel and then fold it / bend it / curve it / press it (swage lines) i think you get the picture if your a Aviation tech. and you can also use Aviation grade rivets and screws etc.

 

Also i just seen a build in the build logs someone has got aftermarket water block kits for R9 290X cards look amazing especially 2 of them in crossfire.

 

cant wait to see this build take place.

[Muphzilla]

If your in the Aviation industry have you ever thought of designing and making your own case? using nice thick Aluminium sheeting? if you have access to shears / benders / tig welding / drill press / all the general equipment to make your own fully custom case made the perfect size.

buy one of the cheapest cases to use as a template for maring out the holes for the stand offs / I/O panel / PCI slots / fan cut outs etc. so basically an old case disassemble it and just use for a pattern / template to mark out onto some nice alloy panel and then fold it / bend it / curve it / press it (swage lines) i think you get the picture if your a Aviation tech. and you can also use Aviation grade rivets and screws etc.

 

Also i just seen a build in the build logs someone has got aftermarket water block kits for R9 290X cards look amazing especially 2 of them in crossfire.

 

cant wait to see this build take place.

I could do that but I'm already custom making the desk I'm putting the PC on & I'm not a sheet metal worker. I deal with the avionics & environmental portion. So the fire control radar, radios, data links, flight controls, forced air cooling, liquid cooling etc... But that is a idea I'll keep in mind for the future. I have moved to the QA portion of the flight line & my boss is a sheet metal guy. Maybe I can convince him to help me put something together.

I'm actually pretty stoked about the water cooling. I think it will look pretty sweet

[Muphzilla]

That cooling is overkill for just one CPU and one GPU. Also very few games nowdays, especially new ones, dont support SLI/Crossfire.For current gaming there are only a handful of games that would really benefit from more than 4 cores. another good reason for getting a 6 core would be if you plan to steam a lot as you could actually dedicate certain cores to the game and certain to the streaming and encoding program. This is something that my friend did since he streams and records gameplay for the clan's he is in.

I find it hard to believe that a game would use that many cores to where they benefit from a 6 core. Also the 6 core is ivy bridge vs the 4 core haswell which is a newer architecture. I guess I'm having trouble being convinced that it would be necessary. I'm not trying to flame you because I'm new to this. Do you have any references or specifics/data to back this up? Maybe I'm missing something.

[paulsterio]

I find it hard to believe that a game would use that many cores to where they benefit from a 6 core. Also the 6 core is ivy bridge vs the 4 core haswell which is a newer architecture. I guess I'm having trouble being convinced that it would be necessary. I'm not trying to flame you because I'm new to this. Do you have any references or specifics/data to back this up? Maybe I'm missing something.

 

That's not the point though, the point is you're spending so much money on exotic cooling for a 4 core processor, if you spent less money on cooling and a little more on the processor to get at 4930K, you will get better performance. 

 

It's not about whether it's worth the money, you're spending the same amount, it's about allocating your money in such a way that will return you the best performance.