New Build

[pyrojim]

Hello all,

 

I hope you're well.

 

So I'm looking at building a new PC. The primary use will be for gaming and the secondary use will be photo editing as I do a bit of photography. I'll also be watching some movies, so I'd like the PC to be quiet.

 

Here's what I have so far - all have links to the site I'll be buying from:

 

Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz - OEM

Asus Z170 Pro Gaming/Aura

Samsung SM951 256GB M.2

Samsung 1TB 850 EVO SSD

Corsair Vengeance LED 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3000MHz

GTX 1080 Strix Advanced Gaming Aura RGB

Corsair RM Series RM650X

Be Quiet! Silent Base 800

Corsair Hydro Series H110i GTX High Performance

 

The price is coming in at 2,069.99 GBP. Which is 2,400.23 EUR or 2,719.14 USD for my American friends. I wanted to keep it under 2,500 euro, so I'm okay there. But I have a few questions that I'm not sure on:

1. Should I go with the OEM or Retail CPU?
2. Go with the H110i GTX or swap it out for the H100i V2 cooler?
3. I was thinking about getting the 32Gb -using 2 slots - with the option to upgrade later, or should I just go for 32Gb of RAM and use the 4 slots. I'd only be looking for 64Gb of RAM for use with Adobe programs, I know gaming won't even the 32Gb.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Jim 

[saladcrack]

1. I don't think it really matters but I personally always go with retail CPUs.

2. I would stay with the H110i GTX because it definitely fits in your case and a rule of thumb I like is have the biggest cooler that can fit in your case.

3. Use 2 slots for 32gb of RAM just for upgrades if you would ever need 64gb.  I don't know if there are any benefits of having more RAM slots filled vs leaving some empty.

[pyrojim]

Thanks for the input Gamessys.

 

Yeah, it's the benefits of using all the RAM slots I'd be interested in finding out.

 

Also the H100i V2 has a double radiator also.

[brob]

There is no performance difference using 4 memory slots vs 2. Two slots does put slightly less stress on the memory controller. But the big advantage is as @Gamessys says, it leaves two slots free for upgrades.

 

If you want a quiet pc, I'm not sure that either the H110i GTX or H100i V2 are optimal choices. Unless a significant overclock is more important than quiet operation, you might consider something quieter.

[pyrojim]

53 minutes ago, brob said:

If you want a quiet pc, I'm not sure that either the H110i GTX or H100i V2 are optimal choices. Unless a significant overclock is more important than quiet operation, you might consider something quieter.

 

Thanks Brob.

 

Any recommendations on a quieter cooler?

[pyrojim]

Would aftermarket fans and a H1... whatever be a better choice? 

[JHY]

If you don't mind the look, I highly recommend noctua d15. It is quiet, and does similar job as liquid cooler.

[brob]

2 hours ago, pyrojim said:

 

Thanks Brob.

 

Any recommendations on a quieter cooler?

@PCNoobie's recommendation of the Noctua NH-D15 is a good one. You may also be able to find the discontinued NH-D14, also excellent. However, you should verify memory module clearance as they do overhang memory slots.