$5k gaming/rendering build. Is this the best I can get for the budget?

[FatEskimo97]

I'm building a new PC for video editing, VFX, 3D rendering, and hardcore/competitive gaming (and maybe streaming). ~$1300 of the budget is for audio so that won't be changed in the partslist (it's part of the "Other Parts" category") but with the remaining $3700, is this the best I can get for the price?

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($578.94 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220-X 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.99 @ Micro Center) 

Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste  ($5.56 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus X99-DELUXE ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($381.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($269.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($99.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 980 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($636.13 @ Newegg) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Series Primo Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case  ($219.99 @ Newegg) 

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.99 @ Micro Center) 

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($141.26 @ OutletPC) 

Monitor: Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q 144Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($799.99 @ Micro Center) 

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($135.99 @ Amazon) 

Other: Xtrac Ripper XXL  ($21.99)

Other: Fiio E11 (Maybe Ebay as well, check prices) ($60.00)

Other: Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00)

Other: Lyr with OG tubes ($350.00)

Other: ODAC Stand Alone (Get RCA from Mayflower) ($145.00)

Total: $5018.76

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-18 17:30 EDT-0400

 

The PSU is as big as it is because I'm planning on getting a 2nd GTX 980 in the future/adding more storage and RAM

[Aniallation]

As far as the PC goes (idk much about audio) it looks really good, congrats, you did your research.

[Enderman]

x61 instead of H220x

MX-4 instead of NH-T1

840 EVO instead of the sandisk SSD

Personally I would get a different case...

Windows 8.1 instead of 7 professional

[Krytopsy]

The 5960X Worth it. You know about IPS display ?

[FatEskimo97]

x61 instead of H220x

MX-4 instead of NH-T1

840 EVO instead of the sandisk SSD

Personally I would get a different case...

Windows 8.1 instead of 7 professional

 

x61 isn't expandable and I might watercool the 980 in the future

The EVOs have problems with performance degradation over time

Why would you go for a different case?

What's better about 8.1?

 

The 5960X Worth it. You know about IPS display ?

 

I would do 5960X but it's too expensive. And there aren't any 144hz IPS monitors (I need 144hz for competitive CS:GO)

[Thebman712]

different case like the enthoo pro 

windows 8 so you get windows 10 free.

 

do you need all that audio gear, you could get a extra 980 if you wanted.

 

you could maybe also get a 5820k because you dont need those pci e lanes, save some money, get a slightly cheaper mobo, and that case and you might be able to get a second 980

[Joshua Ondangan]

the 5960x is not worth it unless you got cash.

 

good build as it's also something I'd build my self although a different case for my liking.

 

Intel 730 ssd for me.

caselabs sma8 for chassis for me although it's expensive but it's just so fucking sexy in my eyes.

for paste I'd go with tunq-tx4 I have used the noctua one and the tuniq both are really good just that I kinda like the tuniq-tx4 better.

 

over all the build you posted is just PURE SEX very good and very high end. 

 

although to summarize it for my own opinion.

Intel 730 for ssd since I like them personally but they might be more expensive.

Caselabs SMA8 Magnum is sexy I've always wanted but can't get right now. that slut of a case is so sexy.

for paste Tuniq-TX4 for personal preference.

 

pretty much all are good although the caselab one I mentioned is like 600 bucks +/- depending on what setting you like

[dizmo]

As others have said, don't get the Sandisk drive.  I'd go for the EVO, 3k, Neutron GTX, any Intel above 5xx, MX100 even.

Don't spend that much on Windows. You can get 8.1 for almost half the price.

Have you considered running 2 970's?

 

The 5960X Worth it. You know about IPS display ?

The 5960x is most definitely not worth it...

 

x61 isn't expandable and I might watercool the 980 in the future

The EVOs have problems with performance degradation over time

Why would you go for a different case?

What's better about 8.1?

 

 

I would do 5960X but it's too expensive. And there aren't any 144hz IPS monitors (I need 144hz for competitive CS:GO)

The EVO's have been patched. It was a short term problem that is no longer.

8.1 is better as it's newer, the coding is a lot better, etc. There's a lot of behind the scenes things that just make it a better operating system.

[Enderman]

x61 isn't expandable and I might watercool the 980 in the future

The EVOs have problems with performance degradation over time

Why would you go for a different case?

What's better about 8.1?

 

I would do 5960X but it's too expensive. And there aren't any 144hz IPS monitors (I need 144hz for competitive CS:GO)

The x61 performs better, and if you're planning to watercool other parts of your PC it is recommended you do not use the H220x. Just buy a proper watercooling kit from EK or alphacool with proper quality components. The H220x is basically the cheapest possible custom loop you can possibly make.

 

The EVOs have a software patch coming that fixes the problem. Maybe the 850 PRO or an intel SSD can fit your budget?

 

I think the phanteks cases are pretty normal looking, like any other boring black case. The window is also pretty thin, blocking out half the interior. Just my thoughts. ($200 is a bit much for that case too)

 

8.1 Is faster with quite a few improvements over 7. And it looks nicer. Also you may have a discount or free upgrade to windows 10 when it gets released.

 

If you game more than you edit, I suggest getting a 5820k instead, and buying two 970s instead of a single 980. This will give you a lot more gaming performance, while still being pretty similar to the 5930k in editing power.

[HashtagMilk]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($499.99 @ Micro Center)

CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220-X 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($149.99 @ Micro Center)

Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste ($5.56 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Asus X99-DELUXE ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($381.98 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($239.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ NCIX US)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.98 @ OutletPC)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($349.99 @ B&H)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($349.99 @ B&H)

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($134.99 @ NCIX US)

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q 144Hz 27.0" Monitor ($799.99 @ Micro Center)

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($135.99 @ Amazon)

Other: Xtrac Ripper XXL ($21.99)

Other: Fiio E11 (Maybe Ebay as well, check prices) ($60.00)

Other: Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00)

Other: Lyr with OG tubes ($350.00)

Other: ODAC Stand Alone (Get RCA from Mayflower) ($145.00)

Total: $4847.38

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-18 17:45 EDT-0400

Windows 8.1 will continue supporting applications longer than windows 7 will, and that case is just expensive. It's not worth the money. The enthoo pro is just as solid, and atill has plenty of potential. 2 970s are better than one 980.

[HashtagMilk]

The x61 performs better, and if you're planning to watercool other parts of your PC it is recommended you do not use the H220x. Just buy a proper watercooling kit from EK or alphacool with proper quality components. The H220x is basically the cheapest possible custom loop you can possibly make.

What are you talking about? The H220-X is the best AIO liquid cooler out there right now.

[Lays]

you make me proud

[Enderman]

What are you talking about? The H220-X is the best AIO liquid cooler out there right now.

No, its pretty bad. It uses cheap custom loop components to keep the cost down to an affordable $150.

The H110, kraken x61, and other 280mm or 360mm AiOs all outperform the H220x.

 

Then the H220x can only be mounted in the top of a case, horizontally only.

If you move your PC with an H220x in it bubbles will get into the non-sealed resevoir creating noise in the pump for several weeks until all the microbubbles bleed out.

 

If someone plans to build a custom loop, they should just start out buying a proper watercooling kit. If not, they should buy a proper sealed AiO.

[Joshua Ondangan]

well here is my personal opinion.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QkzRqs

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($578.94 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler  ($74.99 @ NCIX US) 

Thermal Compound: TUNIQ TX-4 Extreme Performance 1g Thermal Paste  ($10.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus X99-DELUXE ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($381.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($269.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Intel 730 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($216.98 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($368.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.99 @ Micro Center) 

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit)  ($129.00 @ Amazon) 

Monitor: Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q 144Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($799.99 @ Micro Center) 

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($135.99 @ Amazon) 

Other: Xtrac Ripper XXL  ($21.99)

Other: Fiio E11 (Maybe Ebay as well, check prices) ($60.00)

Other: Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00)

Other: Lyr with OG tubes ($350.00)

Other: ODAC Stand Alone (Get RCA from Mayflower) ($145.00)

Other: Caselabs Magnum SMA8 (GunMetal/Black/White) ($644.95)

Total: $5211.73

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-18 17:54 EDT-0400

 

Caselabs MSA8 Magnum (personal choice preference)

Case Color (Gunmetal +35$)

Form Factor (ATX)

ATX Layout (Reverse)

Bottom Chassis (Cut out with cover plate)

Cassis midplate (120.3 Fan holes

Motherboard side door (XL Window Clear 20 bucks)

Top cover (120mm Ventilated 60 bucks_

Lower chamber Ventilated

PCI Backplate (Hex Mesh)

Flex bay cover (Ventilated 10 bucks)

Power and reset (Standard)

 

if you ever decided to make it look more beautiful with a custom loop then you got no problem.

you have such a beautiful soon to be rig and I believe at that price point you can get them a decent house (SMA8)

 

although I downscaled it to a 970 but hey for a few more hundred bucks you can get the 980 but just in case you want to sli getting a 970 is a better idea since it is much easier or cheaper to sli but hey that's you.

 

but for me though I'd personally grab the 980.

[HashtagMilk]

No, its pretty bad. It uses cheap custom loop components to keep the cost down to an affordable $150.

The H110, kraken x61, and other 280mm or 360mm AiOs all outperform the H220x.

Then the H220x can only be mounted in the top of a case, horizontally only.

If you move your PC with an H220x in it bubbles will get into the non-sealed resevoir creating noise in the pump for several weeks until all the microbubbles bleed out.

If someone plans to build a custom loop, they should just start out buying a proper watercooling kit. If not, they should buy a proper sealed AiO.

Where are these benchmarks? And you can just drain your reservoir and refill?

[Krytopsy]

I think you underestimated the power of 5960X for rendering I didn't know if color reproduction was useful for what you do even you use one IPS as a secondary monitor.

[Joshua Ondangan]

I think you underestimated the power of 5960X for rendering I didn't know if color reproduction was useful for what you do even you use one IPS as a secondary monitor.

I actually like it the 5960x with the extra cost he could have gotten a much sexier case like the magnum sma8

 

@OT

I like the primo line up but with that much case he can surely sqeeze something like the caselab sma8. a sexy part like those he listed should deserve a sexy case

[Enderman]

Where are these benchmarks? And you can just drain your reservoir and refill?

6:00

The fact is that any AiO that has a radiator larger than 240mm will perform better.

 

 

And yeah you can refill the res but not everyone will want to do that every time they go to a lan party or move their PC or something...very inconvenient.

[KirbyTech]

x61 isn't expandable and I might watercool the 980 in the future

The EVOs have problems with performance degradation over time

Why would you go for a different case?

What's better about 8.1?

 

 

I would do 5960X but it's too expensive. And there aren't any 144hz IPS monitors (I need 144hz for competitive CS:GO)

I get you need 144hz but remember that IPS is for colour and if your doing editing it is worth it. Maybe don't but it off the bat but in a few months. 

[NumLock21]

First, if you live near MicroCenter. 5820K for $300 dollars!

http://www.microcenter.com/product/437203/Core_i7-5820k_33_GHz_LGA_2011_V3_Tray_Processor

 

I changed some of the parts

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor  ($383.94 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220-X 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.99 @ Micro Center)
Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste  ($5.56 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus X99-DELUXE ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($381.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Series Primo Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case  ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q 144Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($799.99 @ Micro Center)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($135.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Xtrac Ripper XXL  ($21.99)
Other: Fiio E11 (Maybe Ebay as well, check prices) ($60.00)
Other: Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00)
Other: Lyr with OG tubes ($350.00)
Other: ODAC Stand Alone (Get RCA from Mayflower) ($145.00)
Total: $4726.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-18 18:25 EDT-0400

 

Changed the CPU and Board

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5930K 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($578.94 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220-X 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($149.99 @ Micro Center)
Thermal Compound: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste  ($5.56 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus X99-A ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($269.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY Optima 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Series Primo Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case  ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q 144Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($799.99 @ Micro Center)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($135.99 @ Amazon)
Other: Xtrac Ripper XXL  ($21.99)
Other: Fiio E11 (Maybe Ebay as well, check prices) ($60.00)
Other: Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00)
Other: Lyr with OG tubes ($350.00)
Other: ODAC Stand Alone (Get RCA from Mayflower) ($145.00)
Total: $4809.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-18 18:27 EDT-0400

[Krytopsy]

Cough cough thickness of radiator matter caugh caugh

[HashtagMilk]

6:00

The fact is that any AiO that has a radiator larger than 240mm will perform better.

And yeah you can refill the res but not everyone will want to do that every time they go to a lan party or move their PC or something...very inconvenient.

That is within the margin of error, and it's only ~2 degrees. It's the best because if performs just as good, and it allows expandibilty.

[TheBLOODYTOXIC]

SLI 980 would be nice instead all the audio things. (Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00) Marketing BS

[Enderman]

That is within the margin of error, and it's only ~2 degrees. It's the best because if performs just as good, and it allows expandibilty.

No, it's not the best. 2 degrees is not margin of error when dealing with component temperatures running the same stress test.

Margin of error with the way linus and slick measure the temperatures is +-.1 degrees C

 

And if you think expandability makes it better then you should definitely buy a proper watercooling loop with higher quality components. But most people would prefer having an AiO that you can mount anywhere in a case without having to worry about bleeding a loop that has a 200ml resevoir attached to the radiator and pump.

[FatEskimo97]

Ok I redid some parts and the price went up a bit but it's only $250 over the $5k budget (which is a flexible budget) so I'm happy with it. Here it is:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor  ($369.99 @ NCIX US) 

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($122.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Thermal Compound: TUNIQ TX-4 Extreme Performance 1g Thermal Paste  ($10.98 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Asus X99-DELUXE ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($381.98 @ SuperBiiz) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($239.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($128.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.98 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($368.99 @ NCIX US) 

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($368.99 @ NCIX US) 

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case  ($149.99 @ Amazon) 

Power Supply: EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($109.99 @ Micro Center) 

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($16.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro (OEM) (64-bit)  ($129.00 @ Amazon) 

Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor  ($459.99 @ Amazon) 

Monitor: Asus ROG SWIFT PG278Q 144Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($799.99 @ Micro Center) 

Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K95 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($135.99 @ Amazon) 

Other: Xtrac Ripper XXL  ($21.99)

Other: Fiio E11 (Maybe Ebay as well, check prices) ($60.00)

Other: Audeze LCD-2 ($795.00)

Other: Lyr with OG tubes ($350.00)

Other: ODAC Stand Alone (Get RCA from Mayflower) ($145.00)

Total: $5266.81

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-18 19:27 EDT-0400