Couple's Gaming Build (Revised)

[LookingForEXP]

So we've made some changes and improvements with the builds overall with the help of another Corsair Fanboy (Love you buddy <3) and gave me some well-needed advice. I was originally going to go with the 900 series GPU's and ended up researching more to realize that the 10xx series isn't the "Small improvement" that it was seemed to be. So let's get on with our new builds.

 

We've upgraded the actual gaming Rigs and took out the streaming rigs because the components will run insanely well by themselves regardless of the load. Made some modifications to the aesthetics (Completely fine my friend, she only cares about the liquid and being able to see it) And decided on different Monitors, took out the streaming peripherals and made it into one rig. 

 

Don't get me wrong, if we end up not being able to stream proficiently we will get a separate rig specifically for streaming, but for now we are focusing on the main rigs.

 

So let's start of with my own build.

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/qpMN6X
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/qpMN6X/by_merchant/

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor  ($428.06 @ NCIX US) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X99-Phoenix SLI ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($308.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Intel 750 Series 400GB PCI-E Solid State Drive  ($319.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Western Digital Blue 4TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FTW Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($679.99 @ B&H) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FTW Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($679.99 @ B&H) 
Case: Corsair 750D Airflow Edition ATX Full Tower Case  ($153.49 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: Corsair 860W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($199.99 @ B&H) 
Total: $3120.47

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-16 11:05 EDT-0400

 

For the CPU: We've upgraded the CPU from the i7-6700K to the i7-6800K with a noticeable difference in performance for only a few extra dollars.

For The Motherboard: I'm really an ASUS fanboy but this board looks amazing with the color scheme, so props to you my friend. Rocking the X99 motherboard with LGA 2011-3, we'll have better components to use.

For the RAM: We stuck with the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (8 x 4GB) Ram, so I could get 32GB with 8 DIMMS,  but also increased the clock speed to DDR4-3200, which will give mine that boost without needing another PC.

For the Storage: We have changed the 3 1TB HDD's to a 4TB 5400RPM Drive with more storage and more airflow throughout the case without cable management being an issue.

For the PCI Storage: I ended up not going with the M-2 slot card you mentioned, and went with this card instead. Sure it's a little more money but I already have one of them so another wouldn't hurt for my rig.

For the Graphics Cards: We switched it up boys! Rocking the newer EVGA GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX cards in DUAL SLI. This is going to be insane!!!!

For the Case: I ended up keeping the case because the 900D is too much for me to need unless im going with a dual loop, 480MM Rad, and 2 expansion bays and 4 way SLI.

For the Power Supply: Ended up taking away the AX1500i to cut costs for the new builds and even peripherals, Even though money isn't an issue for me, it would be nice to save a little.

This rig still will be pushing off of Microsoft Windows 10 64-Bit and we will be using external optical drives.

 

Now for the Case Mod's

 

Front Fans: (2x) Corsair HD120 RGB LED High Performance 120mm PWM Fan - $59.98

Top Fans: (3x) Corsair HD120 RGB LED High Performance 120mm PWM Fan - $89.97

Rear Fans: Corsair HD120 RGB LED High Performance 120mm PWM Fan - $29.99

Lighting: NZXT HUE+ RGB Case Lighting Strip - $59.99

PSU Sleeving: Something that has all the connectors that I would be using in Black/Orange

 

So let's now get into the water cooling area for this build.

 

CPU Block: EK-Supremacy EVO - $72.49

RAM Module: (4x) EK-RAM Monarch Module - Black (2pcs) - $119.96

RAM Block: (2x) EK-RAM Monarch X4 - $93.98

GPU Block: (2x) EK-FC1080 GTX FTW - Nickel - $279.98

GPU Back-Plate: (2x) EK-FC1080 GTX FTW Backplate - Nickel - $87.98

Reservoir: EK-DBAY D5 MX - Plexi - $70.99

Pump: EK-XTOP Revo D5 PWM - (incl. pump) - $119.99

Top Radiator: EK-Coolstream PE 360 (Triple) - $79.99

Front Radiator: EK-CoolStream XE 240 (Double) - $75.99

Tubing: (3x) EK-HD Tube 10/12mm 500mm (2 pcs) - $23.97

Compression Fittings: (18x) EK-HDC Fitting 12mm G1/4 - Black - $125.82

Coolant: (2x) EK-Ekoolant Pastel ORANGE (concentrate 250mL) - $43.90

 

All of these components have been tweaked to my liking and with the help of a Corsair Friend.

 

My Peripherals:

 

Main Gaming Monitor: Acer Predator X34 Curved IPS NVIDIA G-sync Gaming Monitor - $1,249.99

Second Monitor (For Discord/Skype/TwitchAlerts/Chatbox/Music Etc.): ASUS VS238H-P 23" Full HD 1920x1080 2ms HDMI - $128.99

Third Monitor (For OBS/Extra Windows/Giveaways etc): ASUS VS238H-P 23" Full HD 1920x1080 2ms HDMI - $128.99

Keyboard: Razer ORNATA Chroma Mechnical RGB Gaming Keyboard - $99.99

Mouse: Steel Series Rival 700 OLED Display RGB Gaming Mouse - $99.99

Mousepad: Corsair MM800 RGB POLARIS Gaming Mouse Pad - $59.99

Headset: A40 TR HEADSET + MIXAMP™ PRO TR (PS4,PS3,PC, Mac) (Black/White) (Blue ModKit) - $310

Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone - $99.00

Microphone Stand: RODE PSA-1 Desk Mounted Swivel Microphone Arm - $99.00

Microphone Mount: RODE PSM-1 Shock Mount - $39.00

Webcam: Logitech - Pro Webcam - Black - $129.99

Desk: VertDesk v2 Custom Electric Sit Stand Desk (Driftwood, 30" x 48", with 1 Wire Management Sleeve) - $860.99

Chair: DXRACER OH/FH11/NO Orange Gaming Chair - $299.00

Background: Neewer 6 x 9FT / 1.8 x 2.8M PRO Photo Studio 100% Pure Muslin Collapsible Backdrop Background - $14.99

Stand: LimoStudio Photo Video Studio 10Ft Adjustable Muslin Background - $37.50

Clamps: Heavy Duty Muslin Clamps 4 1/2 inch 6 Pack - $7.48

Audio Mixer: Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB Mixer - $99.99
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface - $149.99

Console Capture: Elgato - Game Capture HD60 - Multi - $179.99
PC Capture: AVerMedia Live Gamer HD, Game Capture - $158.90

 

That pretty much does it for my build. Now let's move onto my Wife's build. So exciting!

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/wQnvjc
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/wQnvjc/by_merchant/

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-6800K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor  ($428.06 @ NCIX US) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X99-Designare EX ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard  ($410.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($109.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Western Digital Blue 4TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Intel 750 Series 400GB PCI-E Solid State Drive  ($319.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FTW Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($679.99 @ B&H) 
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 8GB FTW Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card (2-Way SLI)  ($679.99 @ B&H) 
Case: Corsair 780T ATX Full Tower Case  ($174.80 @ B&H) 
Power Supply: Corsair 1000W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($178.92 @ Newegg) 
Total: $3222.71

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-16 11:39 EDT-0400

 

For the CPU: We've upgraded the CPU from the i7-6700K to the i7-6800K with a noticeable difference in performance for only a few extra dollars.

For The Motherboard: I'm really an ASUS fanboy but this board looks amazing with the color scheme, so props to you my friend. Rocking the X99 motherboard with LGA 2011-3, we'll have better components to use.

For the RAM: We stuck with the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (8 x 4GB) Ram, so I could get 32GB with 8 DIMMS,  but also increased the clock speed to DDR4-3200, which will give mine that boost without needing another PC.

For the Storage: We have changed the 3 1TB HDD's to a 4TB 5400RPM Drive with more storage and more airflow throughout the case without cable management being an issue.

For the PCI Storage: I ended up not going with the M-2 slot card you mentioned, and went with this card instead. Sure it's a little more money but I already have one of them so another wouldn't hurt for my rig.

For the Graphics Cards: We switched it up boys! Rocking the newer EVGA GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX cards in DUAL SLI. This is going to be insane!!!! 

For the Case: This was completely her choice, she decided to choose this case because she fell in love with it's design and aesthetic look. Don't try to change her mind man...please D'x

For the Power Supply: Ended up pushing for the Corsair 1000W 80+ Platinum due to it's Fully Modular Design and more breathing room for our cooling components.

This rig will be running on Microsoft Window's 10 64-Bit with an external Optical drive.

 

Now for the cooling components!

 

CPU Block: EK-Supremacy EVO - $72.49

RAM Module: (4x) EK-RAM Monarch Module - Nickel (2pcs) - $139.96

RAM Block: (2x) EK-RAM Monarch X4 - $93.98

GPU Block: (2x) EK-FC1080 GTX FTW - Nickel - $279.98

GPU Back-Plate: (2x) EK-FC1080 GTX FTW Backplate - Nickel - $87.98

Reservoir: EK-DBAY D5 MX - Plexi - $70.99

Pump: EK-XTOP Revo D5 PWM - (incl. pump) - $119.99

Top Radiator: EK-CoolStream XE 360 (Triple) - $100.00

Front Radiator: EK-Coolstream CE-280 (Dual) - $75.99

Tubing: (3x) EK-HD Tube 10/12mm 500mm (2 pcs) - $23.97

Compression Fittings: (18x) EK-HDC Fitting 12mm G1/4 - Blue - $143.82

Coolant: (2x) EK-Ekoolant Pastel WHITE (concentrate 250mL) - $43.90

 

Time to get into her peripherals as well!

 

Main Gaming Monitor: Acer Predator X34 Curved IPS NVIDIA G-sync Gaming Monitor - $1,249.99

Monitor 2: ASUS VC279H Slim Bezel Black 27" 5ms (GTG) HDMI - $159.99
T.V: Vizio 40" 1080p Effective Refresh Rate 120Hz LED-LCD HDTV - $249.99
Keyboard: Corsair Gaming K95 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — Cherry MX Red - $189.99
Mouse: Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury FPS Gaming Mouse - $59.99
Mousepad: Corsair MM800 RGB POLARIS Gaming Mouse Pad - $59.99
Headset: Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAMP Pro TR (PS4,PS3,PC, Mac) (White/Black) (Blue ModKit) - $310
Microphone: Blue Yeti Microphone XLR Cable - $249.99
Microphone Stand: RODE PSA-1 Desk Mounted Swivel Microphone Arm - $99.00
Microphone Mount: RODE PSM-1 Shock Mount - $39.00
Webcam: Logitech - Pro Webcam - Black - $129.99
Desk: VertDesk v2 Custom Electric Sit Stand Desk (Mahogany, 30" x 48", with 1 Wire Management Sleeve) - $860.99
Chair: DXRacer OH/FH11/NB Blue Gaming Chair - $299.00
Background: Neewer 6 x 9FT / 1.8 x 2.8M PRO Photo Studio 100% Pure Muslin Collapsible Backdrop Background - $14.99
Stand: LimoStudio Photo Video Studio 10Ft Adjustable Muslin Background - $37.50
Clamps: Heavy Duty Muslin Clamps 4 1/2 inch 6 Pack - $7.48

Audio Mixer: Behringer Xenyx Q1202USB Mixer - $99.99
Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface - $149.99
Console Capture: Elgato - Game Capture HD60 - Multi - $179.99
PC Capture: AVerMedia Live Gamer HD, Game Capture - $158.90

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you guys have anymore suggestions, I'll leave the parts list here.

 

Husbands Gaming Rig: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/qpMN6X

Wife's Gaming Rig: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/wQnvjc

[InsertName]

Wow... some great overkill builds!

[LookingForEXP]

@InsertName Thanks man! Extremely glad you like the builds. Been saving quite a bit and I want it to all be perfect <3 If anyone has any other suggestions for me lemme know! 

[Zyndo]

I'm baaaaaaaaack!

Your build:

 

Looks great. You say that money isn't a big issue for you, so you could always get the AX1200i if you want just for that extra headroom (in case you're going for some extreme overclocks) and better power efficiency. (its also going to be 4CM longer). I just picked the AX860i when i was making those other builds because I wanted to make as close to the same price as your first build.

 

Other than that its looking pretty good. when it comes to water cooling, there are a few things you need to keep in mind with the 750D. if you mount a 360 radiator in the top you are going to lose access to your 5.25" bays in your case. This will interfere with your Bay reservoir that is going to be mounted there (unless you decide to mount it elsewhere in your case, or unless you get a different reservoir like a tube reservoir). you could mount a 240 or 280 radiator up there without interfering though. in the front of your case you are going to have a super thick 240 radiator. You should consider getting a thinner 280 radiator as a single push fan setup is going to have a hard time getting through such a thick radiator (even with very high quality fans). You should either make it push/pull with that thick 240 radiator, or switch it to a 280 radiator in the front (as well as switching to 2x140 fans). doing push/pull may not be a bad idea anyway if you wanted to do that, but it certainly isn't necessary unless you're on really thick radiators. Also, now that you have 8 memory dimms instead of 4, you're going to need more Monarch Modules (i think. I've never really looked into them before, but i think you need 2 pcs per dimm since they sandwhich the RAM sticks. One last thing to note is that since you're going so hardcore with this, i should also mention that EK sells water blocks for the 750 PCIe SSD in case you wanted to water cool that as well. Its not going to affect performance all that much and with your workload it probably won't get that warm, but perhaps that is something you would be interested in considering your budget =)

 

https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-fc-i750-ssd

 

Again, peripherals are your own choice, but its good to see that X34 monitor in there =) you are really going to love that thing. Best ultrawide monitor on the market!

 

 

Wifes Build:

 

the build itself looks damn near perfect, onto the watercooling! You have many similar problems in this case as the 750D. You can't use a 360 radiator in the top AND use the 5.25" drive bays at the top. You would need to mount your bay reservoir elsewhere or get something else like a tube reservoir. You could always just swap the positions of the 280 and 360 around if you want, that should work totally fine (so now you have a 360 in front and a 280 on top). Again I will mention the problem with super thick radiators, if you want to use a 60mm thick radiator (the XE series) you should be using push/pull fans. 60mm is too thick for single fans to push through, even high quality fans. You should consider making these radiators thinner (down to a PE series, you don't need to go as far as SE). Also, i'm not 100% sure where you can mount a HDD in the 780T if you populate the front of your case with radiators, as that will consume the space for drive cages. I'm sure you could mount it to the bottom of the case with some double sided tape or something, but as far as intentional mounting points I'm unsure (maybe the drive cages are modular in the 780T and can be mounted to the bottom of the case like the 750D can, i don't know) just make sure you have a plan for that going in. other than that, like I said in your build, i think you need more waterblocks for 8 dimms now and you could always get a watercooling block for the intel 750 PCIe SSD.

 

 

Also, for both of your watercooling builds, you've gone from 16MM down to 12MM tubing and fittings. This won't affect cooling performance in any way or anything like that, but why make that change? Its an aesthetic decision to be sure, but with such massive cases they may look a bit empty with thinner tubing. You can certainly get thinner tubing, and when i do my build i'm probably going to use the 12mm tubing as well, but I figured I would mention it in case you didn't really consider the one vs the other (again, nothing wrong with thinner tubing, if that is what you want then that is what you should get)

[Zyndo]

Oh yes, and then when it comes to custom cables, you should check out cablemod. you can order custom cables or extensions from their cable configuratior site. You can get some pretty wicked levels of customization from them, down to per wire material and colour customization. I'm totally going to hit them up when i get enough in the bank to make my dream build =)

 

https://store.cablemod.com/configurator/

[LookingForEXP]

So to answer your question about the tubing was because the configuration wasn't compatible with the parts I wanted, maybe it'd come back in stock eventually but for now I'm waiting on the watercooling so we can break in the stock air cooling components, nothing wrong with doing that I just wanna be absolutely sure.

 

As for the cabling I'll check out cablemod! I'm just worried because I don't know what cables I'll actually be needing for this build and I'm worried I'll end up spending money on cables I won't need