PC Build - First Timer

[Nikoaet]

Hello everyone, my name is Nicolas, first time on the site, i'm planning to build my first pc, i'll link you the specs from pcpartpicker below, i plan to use it for hardcore gaming, thanks in advance for all your help and tips!

**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor]
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler]
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z170 Krait Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard]
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory]
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive]
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive]
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card]
**Case** | [NZXT Phantom 530 (White) ATX Full Tower Case]
**Power Supply** | [EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply]
 | **Total** | **$1712.51**
 

Some questions, do you guys have any suggestions to replace the Noctua with? i find it pretty ugly

Are the stock NZXT 530 fans good or should i plan on replacing them?

Should i use 1x16, 2x8gb sticks or 4x4gb?

 

thank you guys again!

 

[GDRRiley]

grab 2x8gb ram,  larger ssd and a asus z170-e mobo along with a psu that doesn't have so much wattage 

[Uptivuptiz]

3 minutes ago, Nikoaet said:

Hello everyone, my name is Nicolas, first time on the site, i'm planning to build my first pc, i'll link you the specs from pcpartpicker below, i plan to use it for hardcore gaming, thanks in advance for all your help and tips!

**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor]
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler]
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z170 Krait Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard]
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory]
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive]
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive]
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card]
**Case** | [NZXT Phantom 530 (White) ATX Full Tower Case]
**Power Supply** | [EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply]
 | **Total** | **$1712.51**
 

Some questions, do you guys have any suggestions to replace the Noctua with? i find it pretty ugly

Are the stock NZXT 530 fans good or should i plan on replacing them?

Should i use 1x16, 2x8gb sticks or 4x4gb?

 

thank you guys again!

 

The fans i can't help you with. Sorry. But he RAM i can. In terms of looks i would say 2x8gb is the way to go. In a performance standpoint it DOES NOT matter what config you choose. Performence will be almost exactly the same.

[GDRRiley]

Just now, simonbyrial said:

The fans i can't help you with. Sorry. But he RAM i can. In terms of looks i would say 2x8gb is the way to go. In a performance standpoint it DOES NOT matter what config you choose. Performence will be almost exactly the same.

it does. 1x16 will lead to some bandwith issuse leading to loss frame rate in some games.

[Zultax]

specs look good to me  as for noctua replacment i like the corsair af sp or ml series fans ml being my favourite  nice specs tho  

[Uptivuptiz]

Just now, GDRRiley said:

it does. 1x16 will lead to some bandwith issuse leading to loss frame rate in some games.

Ok. I did not know that. Thanks for the info  

[Nikoaet]

4 minutes ago, GDRRiley said:

grab 2x8gb ram,  larger ssd and a asus z170-e mobo along with a psu that doesn't have so much wattage 

Any specific reason to go with the Asus over the MSI? i heard there were some problems with the bios, also if i went with Asus should i grab Asus GPU too or no difference? 

[GDRRiley]

1 minute ago, Zultax said:

specs look good to me  as for noctua replacment i like the corsair af sp or ml series fans ml being my favourite  nice specs tho  

would grab a nocuta redux fan over one of those. you would want a sp over af for rad or heatsink 

[Zultax]

sorry miss read for a cooler iv got a corsair h115i good looking and brillient performance  

[Nikoaet]

3 minutes ago, Zultax said:

sorry miss read for a cooler iv got a corsair h115i good looking and brillient performance  

the h115i is liquid cooled right? 

[Zultax]

yeah  

[Zultax]

8 minutes ago, Nikoaet said:

Any specific reason to go with the Asus over the MSI? i heard there were some problems with the bios, also if i went with Asus should i grab Asus GPU too or no difference? 

i dont think there will be any difference between msi or asus gpu  

[Aereldor]

13 minutes ago, GDRRiley said:

it does. 1x16 will lead to some bandwith issuse leading to loss frame rate in some games.

The benefits of dual-channel ram are not tangible in any game. Can you find benchmarks to back that up?

[Nikoaet]

I think i'll go with the Corsair H115i instead of the Noctua, how loud is it? 

[SlyTroopah]

go with a m.2 slot 500gb Samsung evo - Your life will have new outlook. 

[Ryujin2003]

Hi, Nice build config. I support your choice of MSI boards. If you are picking the Krait for color ok, but I would suggest the MSI 170A Gaming.

 

For fans, NZXT gives you ok fans. (I have an NZXT Phantom) Upgrade. I use Cougar. Great fans. Move tons of air, and are MUAH quieter than NZXT. If you want to stick with NZXT, get their top end FZ fans, other wise, I like Cougar.

 

I chose MSI for hardware as much as possible because they have great quality, but also because they have yhe best customer service incase something goes bad. Cougar is the same. One of my 120mm fans got a bad bearing, and they express mailed me and new one. I didn't have to do and nothing with the old one other than toss it when the new one arrived.

 

Your SSD is ok, but it can be expensive to upgrade. If you can afford larger, do it. Otherwise I'd suggest purchasing another to install games onto. Trust me, some larger games will load much better on an SDD. 250 will go fast after installing OS and all of your other programs.

 

****** Forgot to add: make sure you purchase a cooler with the correct backplate. I recently had a client come to me with his build. He was murdering it. He didn't put the standoffs in the case between the case and MB, but he also couldn't figure out how to get the water cooler on. He had a very similar set up to yours, but his water cooler came with 1 back plate for sockets 1156, 1366, and 775. He didn't have 1151 plates and he had already tossed the stock cooler that came with the correct plate for the socket. Make sure you buy something compatible! Haha. Gotta learn from others mistakes

[Nikoaet]

2 minutes ago, Ryujin2003 said:

Hi, Nice build config. I support your choice of MSI boards. If you are picking the Krait for color ok, but I would suggest the MSI 170A Gaming.

 

For fans, NZXT gives you ok fans. (I have an NZXT Phantom) Upgrade. I use Cougar. Great fans. Move tons of air, and are MUAH quieter than NZXT. If you want to stick with NZXT, get their top end FZ fans, other wise, I like Cougar.

 

I chose MSI for hardware as much as possible because they have great quality, but also because they have yhe best customer service incase something goes bad. Cougar is the same. One of my 120mm fans got a bad bearing, and they express mailed me and new one. I didn't have to do and nothing with the old one other than toss it when the new one arrived.

 

Your SSD is ok, but it can be expensive to upgrade. If you can afford larger, do it. Otherwise I'd suggest purchasing another to install games onto. Trust me, some larger games will load much better on an SDD. 250 will go fast after installing OS and all of your other programs.

Thanks for the tips, i'll probably grab a 500gb Samsung SSD like they suggested above.  Like you said i was going with the Krait for color, but are there any big differences with the Gaming?

[DarkBlade2117]

3 hours ago, Nikoaet said:

Hello everyone, my name is Nicolas, first time on the site, i'm planning to build my first pc, i'll link you the specs from pcpartpicker below, i plan to use it for hardcore gaming, thanks in advance for all your help and tips!

**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor]
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler]
**Motherboard** | [MSI Z170 Krait Gaming ATX LGA1151 Motherboard]
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory]
**Storage** | [Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive]
**Storage** | [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive]
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card]
**Case** | [NZXT Phantom 530 (White) ATX Full Tower Case]
**Power Supply** | [EVGA 850W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply]
 | **Total** | **$1712.51**
 

Some questions, do you guys have any suggestions to replace the Noctua with? i find it pretty ugly

Are the stock NZXT 530 fans good or should i plan on replacing them?

Should i use 1x16, 2x8gb sticks or 4x4gb?

 

thank you guys again!

 

This post is cringe ( not your built but the replies people are giving)

If this is your max budget, Great! I love it, your build is quite amazing but the few things I do notice is the case isn't a fan favorite. I'd personally look into going into a Mini ITX build such as the NZXT Manta and changing the motherboard to a EVGA Z170 Stinger, but that is my opinion. At least get a Mid Tower, I regret going for a Full Tower.

Suggestion would be a White NZXT H440 or a Phanteks Enthoo Pro M or if you want a true quality case, a Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV ATX.

Storage is fine, 1TB HDD and a 250GB SSD for games, I use a similar config. You won't be using much more than that if you keep your SSD limited to games you only play frequently, Windows and a few applications. Plus you could always get another one for more games and such.

PSU is fine, get a 850w now and don't worry about getting a new one for a long time.

As for fans, generally any BeQuiet! Fan will perform within a margin of error of Noctua and look way better.

The GPU, is that the stock cooler? Or is it using the TWIN FROZR design or the Gaming X one? If not that I would get an AIB GPU Cooler such as the Gaming X or for your black/white theme this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GXOWUDQ/?tag=pcpapi-20

 

[DarkBlade2117]

3 hours ago, Nikoaet said:

I think i'll go with the Corsair H115i instead of the Noctua, how loud is it? 

I'd personally go with an NZXT x61 Kraken though a air cooler won't be much worse ( mostly AIO's provide a more stable temperature ) than an Air Cooler. If you want, BeQuiet! offers their Dark Rock Pro 3 which is a a black air cooler but some people have had trouble mounting it.

[Nikoaet]

1 minute ago, DarkBlade2117 said:

I'd personally go with an NZXT x61 Kraken though a air cooler won't be much worse ( mostly AIO's provide a more stable temperature ) than an Air Cooler. If you want, BeQuiet! offers their Dark Rock Pro 3 which is a a black air cooler but some people have had trouble mounting it.

Thanks for the tips, the GPU uses TWIN FROZR should i go with it? also are there any leaking risks about going with the Kraken or the Corsair, i ask because i've never used liquid cooling and that was always a doubt!

[DarkBlade2117]

2 hours ago, Nikoaet said:

Thanks for the tips, the GPU uses TWIN FROZR should i go with it? also are there any leaking risks about going with the Kraken or the Corsair, i ask because i've never used liquid cooling and that was always a doubt!

The Twin Frozr cooler is fine, just making sure it was the Founders Edition. As for the AIOs, rarely. I've seen 2 leak in the past year, one was insanely minor and didn't cause any harm and the other Corsair replaced his parts. NZXT has fantastic customer service along with Corsair, you could email both of them up and ask what are their policies on AIOs leaking.

[Ryujin2003]

15 minutes ago, Nikoaet said:

Thanks for the tips, i'll probably grab a 500gb Samsung SSD like they suggested above.  Like you said i was going with the Krait for color, but are there any big differences with the Gaming?

No difference really, except the 170A Gaming has support for x2 .m2 slots. If you don't plan on using it, that's fine. I just think about future expandability as well.

 

As long as you install a couple games, the 250 could serve well. But it depends on what you play. Battle Front is something like 30 Gbs itself.

 

If you're on a budget, you can raid two cheaper SSDs. I know I'll get a lot of hate, but I have two "entry" level PNY 1311's that I have in RAID0. It has the capacity of a the Samsung with faster read/writes due to the RAID. It also cost 86 bucks for two SSDs. Just also thought. No issues as of yet. They are cheaper, so you don't get the wiz bang software, but still works.

 

Also, as for the fans, I was talking about case fans, not cooler fans. Didn't want any confusion with others discussing cooler fans.

[Ryujin2003]

11 minutes ago, DarkBlade2117 said:

I'd personally go with an NZXT x61 Kraken though a air cooler won't be much worse ( mostly AIO's provide a more stable temperature ) than an Air Cooler. If you want, BeQuiet! offers their Dark Rock Pro 3 which is a a black air cooler but some people have had trouble mounting it.

I had been looking at the Kraken, but it seems to be very hit and miss when it comes to the pump and noise and quality issues. I'd go Corsair for AIO just due to the reviews, but again I could be wrong. I don't use water.

[DarkBlade2117]

2 hours ago, Ryujin2003 said:

I had been looking at the Kraken, but it seems to be very hit and miss when it comes to the pump and noise and quality issues. I'd go Corsair for AIO just due to the reviews, but again I could be wrong. I don't use water.

Either way if it is, NZXT also Corsair both have fantastic customer support. NZXT ( don't know about Corsair ) has sent people brand new side panels, no questions asked because they said they had a minor scratch or just given products out to randoms on Reddit. I don't personally use water, I plan on giving it a shot but I think most of them are hit and miss from either side.

[Nikoaet]

2 minutes ago, Ryujin2003 said:

I had been looking at the Kraken, but it seems to be very hit and miss when it comes to the pump and noise and quality issues. I'd go Corsair for AIO just due to the reviews, but again I could be wrong. I don't use water.

Do you have any recommendation for an air cooler instead of the Noctua, i'd feel more comfortable going with air cooling