4k build

skware · October 30, 2017

My current build was a top end machine in 2011, but its finally showing its age in both stability and performance in new games. Last spring I upgraded the gpu to a 980 ti which is the only piece i intend to salvage from this computer. The purpose of this new build is to take advantage of 7 years of incremental improvements and new technology, and build another computer that can do 5+ years of gaming at maximum video settings at 4k. My budget for this is roughly 1500 usd with the expectation of upgrading to a volta card in 2018. I'm not overly concerned with value, I would rather invest more now than upgrade. I've been out of the hardware loop for a while but after hours of review reading and research I've selected components for this build. However, I would love feedback on anything i may have overlooked or underestimated. Also, if there is anything new on the horizon thats worth waiting for I'd like to consider that as well, for example ive heard optane is supposed to be huge.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/cB6nbj

Smellbringer · October 30, 2017

Okay, well a good chunk of your components a pretty overkill, you don't need $88 for an aircooler, either spend the extra $20 and go AIO or save $60 with the Be Quiet CPU Cooler. You also don't need an i7, that's what you buy if you use the PC for video editing so I knocked you down to something cheaper. I added a 1TB HDD for mass storage as well and allowed for some fancy RGB goodness if so desired. I also changed up the case and on top of that there will be two builds one with a GTX 1080 and one that keeps the GTX 980ti.

1080 build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WrNLM8

980Ti build: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pQmfqk

jeremymwilson · October 30, 2017

So your 1500$ budget is for everything except a gpu as you already have a 980Ti which you will replace with a Volta card next year, is that right?

In which case I agree with the 8700k seeing as you are looking for a pc to last 5 years or so. However, the cpu cooler and motherboard are more than you need unless you are serious about overclocking. Same with the Samsung m.2 ssd - it is high end but I doubt you will notice any real performance difference over a regular ssd (Crucial mx300 for instance).

And as I said in another post, don’t go looking for a gpu’s performance at ultra settings, go for the next setting down. You’ll get much more FPS and it’s unlikely you’ll notice any difference.