Help with first PC build

[Edea]

Hello everyone! I'm a new user to these forums. I've been trying to ask for help in other places like Tom's Hardware but was really disappointed for not getting any replies. Found some courage to try again here. Thank you in advance.

I finally got fed up to my laptop and started to think about building my first desktop. Many guides assured that it's not really rocket science and if I built my own PC I could finally get rid of my fear towards the scary hardware inside the PC cases.  Oh, and I'm from Europe.

 

What do I want from my PC:
To be easily able to handle games like Rise of the Tomb Raider, Endless Legend, Civilization V (CPU-demanding game, especially end-game) and the upcoming Civilization VI in 1080p with highest settings. When gaming I'm listening to music on YouTube and have several chrome tabs open, I also constantly tab out from games to do whatever else (browsing, YouTube etc.). I want my PC to be future-proof meaning I don't need to consider upgrading it for the next 3-5 years at least. Would be sweet to be able to stream in the future without any problems as well but this is still open and not really my top priority. I'm planning on getting a second FHD monitor in the future for easier multitasking.

 

My part plans:
CPU: As a total new PC build I want to go with Intel's Skylake CPU's and have an option to overclock it in the future. This limits the choice between i5-6600k or i7-6700k. I'd want it to be future-proof choice (I know nothing can be 100% future-proof but what really bothers me is the i5's lack of HT). So what do you think? 

 

GPU: I was originally planning GTX 970 but with the new GTX 1070 now available I was thinking about getting that one instead. Since GTX 980ti is priced the same as 1070, getting 980ti wouldn't make much sense. I've heard many good reviews from MSI GPU's (cooling, performance and silence) so that would be my ideal choice of a brand.

 

Motherboard: It should be reliable, easy-to-use for future overclocking, with a high quality audio and of course with features that I need for my other parts. I'd really want it to be ASUS.

 

RAM: My big question is, is there that much difference between 2666Mhz and 3000Mhz DDR4 RAM? Since I'm planning on getting good gear overall I wouldn't want to go lower than 2666MHz though. I've heard a lot good about Corsair Vengeance but as long as the RAM is reliable DDR4 that doesn't lack behind, I'm okay with anything.

 

Storage: I want SSD, naturally, and 500GB would be enough for me. I've been fine years with my 2x 128GB SSD's so I consider 500GB as a huge improvement. I don't need HDD, I might consider it later though. I was thinking about Samsung EVO 850 unless someone comes up with better choices in price and value.

 

PSU: Needs to be reliable, safe and high quality. With a lot of good reviews I was thinking about EVGA SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold (Fully-Modular ATX). I don't know anything about the power supplies though. Also should I consider 650W or 750W to be safe if considering SLI in the future?

 

Cooling: I'd want it to be silent, reliable and an air cooler. I've heard a lot good about Noctua coolers and been thinking about NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler. I'm totally lost with the models however and don't know if this will do for overclocking the Skylake to around 4.4-4.6GHz, if it fits to case and offers needed cooling.

 

Case: I'd want the PC to also look good from the outside. I was thinking about Phanteks Enthoo Luxe ATX Full Tower Case, which is available in black or white (the white would be really neat but not necessity) and has a nice glass side panel. It's rather expensive though (150€ / 165$) but the fans inside, looks of it, side panel and the good reviews make this case look good in my eyes. I know nothing about the cases though, is the full ATX good or could I consider smaller?

 

Other parts: Should I get an optical drive? I wouldn't need it for other than installing OS and other possible stuff for a new PC. If yes, please throw a suggestion. I happen to have an optical drive from a very old family PC but not sure if this would do for my new PC.

 

My budget: The ideal total cost would be around 1500€ (1650$) with the OS.

 

If I have listed parts that I consider please let me know your opinion and if I should consider something else to save money or to get better value. The parts I really struggle with are Motherboard, RAM, PSU, cooling fan and the case. I'd really appreciate the help specifically with these. Thank you to anyone who bothers to help and give even small tips for a total newbie like me.. 

 

Sincerely,
Edea

[MangoIce]

motherboards: any of these:

 

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/SABERTOOTH-Z170-S/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-PREMIUM/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-VIII-HERO-ALPHA/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-VIII-FORMULA/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-DELUXE/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-A/

 

RAM: 

http://www.hyperxgaming.com/en/memory/fury-ddr4

 

PSU:Corsair anything better than the RMi series of PSUs (including RMi)

 

Case: NZXT H440

[GarnetDevil]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.49 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($144.99 @ NCIX US) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($74.88 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($154.99 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Founders Edition Video Card  ($699.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($89.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($77.12 @ Mac Mall) 
Total: $1601.44
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-28 06:44 EDT-0400

 

Does this build meet your requirement? For the case I pick the cheaper version of the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe, also for OS you can pick one at Kinguin for like 25€ 

[Edea]

1 hour ago, MangoIce said:

motherboards: any of these:

 

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/SABERTOOTH-Z170-S/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-PREMIUM/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-VIII-HERO-ALPHA/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/ROG-MAXIMUS-VIII-FORMULA/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-DELUXE/

https://www.asus.com/uk/Motherboards/Z170-A/

 

RAM: 

http://www.hyperxgaming.com/en/memory/fury-ddr4

 

PSU:Corsair anything better than the RMi series of PSUs (including RMi)

 

Case: NZXT H440

Hello MangoIce! Thank you very much for your fast reply. Really interested in the case you suggested since it's smaller and same price range. Can you tell me if all possible parts will surely fit there with no problem in installing? Will it offer enough space for the air flow and such? How about the possible future expanding (SLI GPU's for example), will it surely be big enough case for me? Sorry if this is a stupid question but I really know nothing about the cases.

 

Regarding the Motherboards you suggested, I understand that any of these will do but I don't know anything about the features, I wouldn't want to use a huge amount on motherboard but I also wouldn't want to buy something that lacks the features I listed on my post (reliable, easy-to-use for future overclocking, with a high quality audio and of course with features that I need for my other parts). Which would give me most for my money?

 

Regarding the RAM you suggested, what's the difference to similar Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2666MHz, should I just consider the price if there's 2 different brand DDR4 RAM's with same MHz?

 

Regarding PSU, could you lighten why did you choose Corsair over EVGA? Also I don't really know what specific model you're referring to as RMi series says nothing to me. A specific model would be more helpful since I know nothing about PSU's.

 

Once again, thank you very much for your interest and help!

 

1 hour ago, GarnetDevil said:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($329.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.49 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($144.99 @ NCIX US) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($74.88 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($154.99 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Founders Edition Video Card  ($699.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case  ($89.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($77.12 @ Mac Mall) 
Total: $1601.44
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-06-28 06:44 EDT-0400

 

Does this build meet your requirement? For the case I pick the cheaper version of the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe, also for OS you can pick one at Kinguin for like 25€ 

Hello GarnetDevil and thank you for your fast reply!

 

Could you lighten what's the difference between the cheaper case and the more expensive one? Does it offer similar features and what the cheaper one is lacking?

 

Motherboard: Would this motherboard you chose be the best choice for my needs compared to similar price tag ASUS Z170 pro gaming or other motherboards suggested about for example?

 

Cooler: The cooler you suggested in notably cheaper than the Noctua I mentioned, I've also heard good word about it. Will it nevertheless be a great choice in terms of silence and efficiency for overclocking? Compared to Noctua NH-U12S .

 

PSU: WIll 550W really be enough for this build and possible future upgrades or should I consider at least 650W to be safe?

 

RAM: Could you tell me more about your choice of RAM. Is there any difference to a similar DDR4 3000MHz RAM of other brand (lets say Kingston HyperX Fury) or is it just the price tag I should be looking at? Also what about 2666MHz vs 3000MHz, is there notable difference?

 

GPU: You chose 1080 over 1070, was this mainly because it fit to my budget or would 1070 not be enough for my needs? Here 1070 is notably cheaper (around 300€) than 1080 yet still also beating TitanX which is the reason I chose 1070 over 1080 myself.

 

Once again, thank you very much for your interest and help!

[GarnetDevil]

5 minutes ago, Edea said:

-snip-

1. The different between the case (AFAIK) is that the luxe is made of alumunium and has white color while the Pro is made of steel (just merely my assumption, google for more info)

2. The Z170-A will do all the work well, unless you want LED in your mobo

3. I haven't used that cooler before but many people recommend it so I guess it's an OK choice

4. It will be enough, 650W is needed when you plan to SLI

5. No differenence whatsoever between RAM kits, and to be honest, it's difficult to notice the difference from ram clock for me

6. I chose the 1080 because it fits your budget, but if it goes overbudget you can get the 1070

[Edea]

2 hours ago, GarnetDevil said:

-snip-

Thank you very much for a fast reply. I think that I'll stick with the Noctua cooler, after doing more research it seems to be better for overclocking. Thank you for the motherboard tip, I'll do some more research between that and Asus Z170 Pro Gaming and decide between them. I'll get the 650W as you recommended for possible future SLI. And with the GPU I'll go with the notably cheaper 1070 to save money for good display, mouse and keyboard. Thank you for your efforts, really appreciate it!

[antisleep]

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/vNY2RG

 

Used a UK pcpartpicker on this black and white build.