New Build

StealthArsenal · March 18, 2015

Hello All,

As the title suggests, I am working on a new build. I have been using my ivy bridge setup since launch and have been quite happy with it. With that said though, I am ready to build a new machine especially since I am going to repurpose my existing machine to power my 100-inch projector screen gaming setup.

Like so many others on any board, there is always the debate or question as to z97 vs. x99. Let me just change directions for one second and say my original plan was to build a Z170 skylake system. However, I see that the K version processors likely won't release until sometime in 2016 as they are not on the map for 2015 at this point in time. I had been aquiring components based on my thought of building the skylake system in july time. Getting back on track here, what I do with my machines is game, AutoCAD/Solid Works (I am a professional engineering), Minimal Video Editing (some GoPro videos and such to Youtube), and overclock.

I priced out an X99 system using the following components:

Gigabyte GA-X99-UD5

Crucial Ballistix Sport 16gb DDR4-2400

Intel Core i7 5820K

Totals - $750.30 ( You can add another $30 if I went with EVGA X99 FTW or Gigabyte Gaming G1)

On the flip side I also priced and researched an z97 system

Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming G1

Corsair Vengenance Pro 16gb DDR3-2133

Intel Core i7 4790K

Totals: $781

As you can see what I am looking at roughly equate pricing wise. Now what am I trying to do here. I am looking at the most optimal way to obtain the most bandwidth for my graphics cards with SLI. I was looking to potentially add a third GTX 970 FTW+ to the mix and wanted to avoid the third card running at 4x or add the third card all together for that matter.

With the Z97 system, if I decided to bag the third 970, I would look at something like the Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H or EVGA Z97 FTW which would drop the price $100-$140 based on whether I combo up my board and processor at Microcenter.

What is everyones thoughts on this? I kind of feel this can go either way. I can make the justification for the X99 based on price and the extra PCI Express Lanes, but the Z97 is probably the more stable system.

Bussinateur · March 18, 2015

Triple SLI: X99

Dual SLI: Z97

StealthArsenal · March 18, 2015

I am leaning a bit towards the X99 right this second. I have been doing a bit more research as I really hadn't payed close attention to the newest motherboards and cpu technologies. With that said, I would swap the more entry level Crucial DDR4 memory for GSkill Ripjaws. I had been a Crucial/Corsair advocate for a good long while, but I feel the Ripjaws are just more bang for the buck if you will.

As far as a motherboard goes, I know I listed three (3) different ones. Can I really go wrong with any of them? Does the G1 Gaming make anymore sense over the UD5? In the last 5-6 years I had always been using the Ultra Durable boards, the main reason I was drawn to the UD5.

As far as bandwidth for the graphics cards, I am just trying to wrap my head around which multiplies each card would receive. I am assuming at dual it would be X16/X8? Would triple be X16/X8/X8 (obviously configuration on the board would be adjusted)?

StealthArsenal · March 18, 2015

I am still kicking around the thought of triple sli for the extra power for 1440p monitors. With that said, I am beginning to put some thoughts together if I was to stay dual SLI. The initial system heart I was looking to build with was obviously the 4790k, Corsair Vengeance Pro 16gb (DDR3-2133) and Gigabyte Z97X-UD5H. With that said, would a different board be recommended. I had been using UD5H boards for the last few builds and have been happy with them.