Build Advice

[gr82banautiger]

Looking to replace my existing 10 year old QX9650 Extreme OC build with something more modern.

Current specs:

 

Processor: QX9650 Extreme OC'd to 3.833mhz at 1.344v (stable and under 1.365v Intel max) - 39C idle, 51C under 100% quad core load during 1 hr Prime95 stress test.

 

CPU Cooler: Coolermaster S1 Aquagate 120mm Water cooler (yes still running 10 years later with no leaks.  I've refilled about every 6 months, and done a full flush ever 2 years).

 

Motherboard: Asus P5N-D, this was one of the first 750i SLI chipset motherboards on the market, and it's still humming away, though I'm confident I could get a better OC with something like the EVGA 790i FTW.

 

GPU: Original 8800GTX, recently replaced with ASUS 660ti DC2 with an OC of 100mhz core and 500mhz memory - 34/35C at idel and  55 max under 100% load for 1hr.

The reason I replaced the 8800GTX was primarily thermals.  It was running 85C under load, which is way too hot for that board.  I thermal pasted it and got it down to 71-75C, but still way too hot.

 

PSU: 600W Apevia (yes it's junk but still running 10 years later)

 

Memory: 2x2gb ADATA DDR2 800mhz

 

Storage: 2x130GB Hitachi 5400RPM 3.5" SATA in nForce nvRaid RAID-0 configuration (was plenty of storage 10 years ago)

 

Fans: Recently added 2x120mm Thermaltake Riing 12 blue (to match the S1 Aquagate which is also blue w/ blue fluid)

 

I'd like to keep the build around $1100-$1200 or under, but I don't want to scrimp and buy cheaper/lower end parts.  I would prefer to build a massively powerful base system with bare minimums, possibly even running under the 660ti for awhile until graphics card prices come back down to reasonable and upgrade GPU later.

 

The only piece I've already bought for the build is a new power supply, because I've frankly been expecting the Apevia to die for quite awhile.

 

PSU: Seasonic 750W Focus G Gold (so this isn't included in the $1200)

 

Case: Currently leaning towards the Fractal Design Define C TG, primarily because it is only 16inches deep, and the space I have is limited, as the build will eventually be going in a cabinet with Exhaust fans.  Thus I would like to keep the processor and GPU as cool as possible (which is another reason I think I want to stick with the 660ti until I can afford a liquid cooled GPU.  I plan to mod the case to solve the one problem with that case which is front air flow.  My initial plan is to remove the dust filter and mount 3 120mm fans to the front side of the case directly under the front panel, and cut an air hole in the removable front panel and fit it with a mesh and dust filter.

 

CPU Cooler: Currently leaning towards a Corsair 100i 240mm radiator which I would mount to the inside front of the case. Though I would much prefer to do an EK rad/pump/reservoir S-kit with flextube since this will be a temporary solution if I can get it for a reasonable price.  The advantage to the EK Kit is I could expand it later to include GPU cooling.  Alternatively I've been looking at the EVGA SC2 Hybrid which includes a 120mm radiator/pump which I would mount at the bottom intake of the Define C (removing the HDD cage and then cut small holes in the basement cover over the HDD drive to allow the Tubes to come out without opening the entire PSU shroud.

 

CPU/Motherboard: Leaning towards the i7-8700k processor with ASUS Z370 Prime-A motherboard.  The problem I'm having here is availability.  I would also want to de-lid the processor as Intel TIM is junk, and really need that extra 10-20C because of the cabinet configuration.  With that said, the Threadripper 1900X and 1950X are appealing, but the cost of the processor and Motherboard combo seems to make it hard to squeeze into the $1200 budget.

 

GPU: I think I'm comfortable sticking with the 660ti short term so that I can build a beefier base, and add on a top end graphics card (with liquid cooling hopefully) down the line.

 

Memory: Looking at GSkill Trident Z or Corsair Vengeance DDR4 3200mhz depending on price at purchase time.

 

Storage: Looking at M.2 960 Evo 250gb + 1TB WD Blue 7200RPM 2.5" (and plan to mount both of these on the Define C tray on the backside behind the motherboard).

 

Fans: Current plan is to mount the two case fans at the rear and top rear for exhaust.  Mount the two Riing 120mm + another one to the front of the case in intake orientation (3x120mm).  Mount the radiator with it's two fans set to pull behind it, and then I have another fan that I plan to mount in the basement of the Define C where the HDD cage would normally be (eventually replace this with a 120mm rad dedicated to GPU).  Alternatively would be to mount a pump/res in this area if I went with a custom EK cooling setup.

 

PC Partpicker list: current prices:  ~$1140

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/gr82banautiger/saved/RQFXHx

 

Oh, btw my Monitor setup are a 24inch 1920x1200 and an old 21 inch 1600x1200.  I use the 1920 for games/primary tasks, and that keeps my 1600x1200 open for web browsing/benchmarks/MSI Afterburner/CPUZ, etc...

 

Open to a lot of input here especially on CPU/MB combo and cooling solutions.

 

[Crunchy Dragon]

I'd recommend upgrading your GPU if at all possible. Other than that, it looks like a great build!

[aidkvndfj]

Yeah I would agree with @Crunchy Dragon you should upgrade your GPU if possible. 

[KoeppColto024470]

I would recommend upgrading the graphics card to at least a 980Ti for modern games . Try looking into getting a WD velociraptor its 10,000 rpm so it runs faster then a blue but they only come in 1TB. I would recommend getting a PCI-E SSD or a m.2 drive and run it in PCI-E mode cause PCI-E has faster read write speeds. I would also recommend using a multiple 1080p or 1440p G-Sync or FreeSync (Depending on if you're going Nvidia or AMD)  or IPS Monitor Setup. I'd also Recommend G. Skill Ram over Corsair G. Skill is better built and has lower Cas wich is better.

[Dreaper]

32 minutes ago, gr82banautiger said:

Looking to replace my existing 10 year old QX9650 Extreme OC build with something more modern.

Current specs:

 

Processor: QX9650 Extreme OC'd to 3.833mhz at 1.344v (stable and under 1.365v Intel max) - 39C idle, 51C under 100% quad core load during 1 hr Prime95 stress test.

 

CPU Cooler: Coolermaster S1 Aquagate 120mm Water cooler (yes still running 10 years later with no leaks.  I've refilled about every 6 months, and done a full flush ever 2 years).

 

Motherboard: Asus P5N-D, this was one of the first 750i SLI chipset motherboards on the market, and it's still humming away, though I'm confident I could get a better OC with something like the EVGA 790i FTW.

 

GPU: Original 8800GTX, recently replaced with ASUS 660ti DC2 with an OC of 100mhz core and 500mhz memory - 34/35C at idel and  55 max under 100% load for 1hr.

The reason I replaced the 8800GTX was primarily thermals.  It was running 85C under load, which is way too hot for that board.  I thermal pasted it and got it down to 71-75C, but still way too hot.

 

PSU: 600W Apevia (yes it's junk but still running 10 years later)

 

Memory: 2x2gb ADATA DDR2 800mhz

 

Storage: 2x130GB Hitachi 5400RPM 3.5" SATA in nForce nvRaid RAID-0 configuration (was plenty of storage 10 years ago)

 

Fans: Recently added 2x120mm Thermaltake Riing 12 blue (to match the S1 Aquagate which is also blue w/ blue fluid)

 

I'd like to keep the build around $1100-$1200 or under, but I don't want to scrimp and buy cheaper/lower end parts.  I would prefer to build a massively powerful base system with bare minimums, possibly even running under the 660ti for awhile until graphics card prices come back down to reasonable and upgrade GPU later.

 

The only piece I've already bought for the build is a new power supply, because I've frankly been expecting the Apevia to die for quite awhile.

 

PSU: Seasonic 750W Focus G Gold (so this isn't included in the $1200)

 

Case: Currently leaning towards the Fractal Design Define C TG, primarily because it is only 16inches deep, and the space I have is limited, as the build will eventually be going in a cabinet with Exhaust fans.  Thus I would like to keep the processor and GPU as cool as possible (which is another reason I think I want to stick with the 660ti until I can afford a liquid cooled GPU.  I plan to mod the case to solve the one problem with that case which is front air flow.  My initial plan is to remove the dust filter and mount 3 120mm fans to the front side of the case directly under the front panel, and cut an air hole in the removable front panel and fit it with a mesh and dust filter.

 

CPU Cooler: Currently leaning towards a Corsair 100i 240mm radiator which I would mount to the inside front of the case. Though I would much prefer to do an EK rad/pump/reservoir S-kit with flextube since this will be a temporary solution if I can get it for a reasonable price.  The advantage to the EK Kit is I could expand it later to include GPU cooling.  Alternatively I've been looking at the EVGA SC2 Hybrid which includes a 120mm radiator/pump which I would mount at the bottom intake of the Define C (removing the HDD cage and then cut small holes in the basement cover over the HDD drive to allow the Tubes to come out without opening the entire PSU shroud.

 

CPU/Motherboard: Leaning towards the i7-8700k processor with ASUS Z370 Prime-A motherboard.  The problem I'm having here is availability.  I would also want to de-lid the processor as Intel TIM is junk, and really need that extra 10-20C because of the cabinet configuration.  With that said, the Threadripper 1900X and 1950X are appealing, but the cost of the processor and Motherboard combo seems to make it hard to squeeze into the $1200 budget.

 

GPU: I think I'm comfortable sticking with the 660ti short term so that I can build a beefier base, and add on a top end graphics card (with liquid cooling hopefully) down the line.

 

Memory: Looking at GSkill Trident Z or Corsair Vengeance DDR4 3200mhz depending on price at purchase time.

 

Storage: Looking at M.2 960 Evo 250gb + 1TB WD Blue 7200RPM 2.5" (and plan to mount both of these on the Define C tray on the backside behind the motherboard).

 

Fans: Current plan is to mount the two case fans at the rear and top rear for exhaust.  Mount the two Riing 120mm + another one to the front of the case in intake orientation (3x120mm).  Mount the radiator with it's two fans set to pull behind it, and then I have another fan that I plan to mount in the basement of the Define C where the HDD cage would normally be (eventually replace this with a 120mm rad dedicated to GPU).  Alternatively would be to mount a pump/res in this area if I went with a custom EK cooling setup.

 

PC Partpicker list: current prices:  ~$1140

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/gr82banautiger/saved/RQFXHx

 

Oh, btw my Monitor setup are a 24inch 1920x1200 and an old 21 inch 1600x1200.  I use the 1920 for games/primary tasks, and that keeps my 1600x1200 open for web browsing/benchmarks/MSI Afterburner/CPUZ, etc...

 

Open to a lot of input here especially on CPU/MB combo and cooling solutions.

 

 take a look at this, you can disregard the parts you dont need and then come back with a price, try and get more money if you cant pay for it all? 

[gr82banautiger]

8 minutes ago, Crunchy Dragon said:

I'd recommend upgrading your GPU if at all possible. Other than that, it looks like a great build!

Thanks, unfortunately graphics cards are ridiculously expensive right now, and this will primarily be a software development PC but I want it to eventually be a strong gaming machine.  The thermals are also a problem as it will be in a cabinet (though with fanned exhaust and open air front).  I have the 660ti already and it only cost me $70, and it's an easy swap out later when I can save up some more.  The 660ti actually performs similarly to a 1050ti for 1080p and 1920x1200 gaming, and I got it for $70.  So my thought is to stick with that until I can afford to put a 1080ti in it and water cool it.

[AMDPRO]

If you were considering threadripper, look at the 1800x

[gr82banautiger]

4 minutes ago, Dreaper said:

 take a look at this, you can disregard the parts you dont need and then come back with a price, try and get more money if you cant pay for it all? 

Yeah, I've been looking at the threadripper architecture, I'll run the prices, but I think I'll be a lot closer to $1350 for those components, and the wifey is already complaining about $1100 (I think i can squeeze out $1200 max without too much complaint).  Doesn't threadripper run pretty hot though?

[Dreaper]

Meh depends on the OC

[gr82banautiger]

17 minutes ago, AMDPRO said:

If you were considering threadripper, look at the 1800x

Yeah, I think I could squeeze in an 1800X for the price point, but wouldn't an 8700k outperform it for similar prices except for 8 core vs 6 core work.

[AMDPRO]

1 minute ago, gr82banautiger said:

Yeah, I think I could squeeze in an 1800X for the price point, but wouldn't an 8700k outperform it for similar prices except for 8 core vs 6 core work.

1900x is 8 core as well

[gr82banautiger]

Just now, AMDPRO said:

1900x is 8 core as well

Right but it's also $100 more than the 1800x, and (theoretically if you could actually buy them) $140 more than the 8700k.  There really aren't many things I'd be doing to take advantage of 8 cores over 6 cores I don't think.  The 6 core 8700k was of interest to me because of it's very solid single thread performance plus 6 core side benefit for more multi-tasking support over my existing 4 core (which is why I haven't been looking to upgrade from the QX9650 until now)

[AMDPRO]

Just now, gr82banautiger said:

Right but it's also $100 more than the 1800x, and (theoretically if you could actually buy them) $140 more than the 8700k.  There really aren't many things I'd be doing to take advantage of 8 cores over 6 cores I don't think.  The 6 core 8700k was of interest to me because of it's very solid single thread performance plus 6 core side benefit for more multi-tasking support over my existing 4 core (which is why I haven't been looking to upgrade from the QX9650 until now)

Ok. good luck finding a 8700k

[gr82banautiger]

1 minute ago, AMDPRO said:

Ok. good luck finding a 8700k

Yeah, I'm planning on doing the build over the next 2 months as availability ramps up and hoping to snag some christmas time deals on components.  The 10 year old build I did on the QX9650 was a December 2007 build as well, so there's the "10 year anniversary" aspect to this as well

 

I really do like the threadrippers though, so I might be persuaded if I could find a good deal on one or in combo with a Motherboard.

[gr82banautiger]

10 hours ago, KoeppColto024470 said:

I would recommend upgrading the graphics card to at least a 980Ti for modern games . Try looking into getting a WD velociraptor its 10,000 rpm so it runs faster then a blue but they only come in 1TB. I would recommend getting a PCI-E SSD or a m.2 drive and run it in PCI-E mode cause PCI-E has faster read write speeds. I would also recommend using a multiple 1080p or 1440p G-Sync or FreeSync (Depending on if you're going Nvidia or AMD)  or IPS Monitor Setup. I'd also Recommend G. Skill Ram over Corsair G. Skill is better built and has lower Cas wich is better.

Cheapest I can find a 980ti is around $350, which completely blows my budget.  My plan as I said is to build the MB/CPU performance first, and then come back and do the graphics card later.  I'd eventually (1yr+) love to be able to do 4k gaming on this thing.  I'm hoping by then there will be some new cards out and the used market for 1080 ti's will drop to affordability (maybe could even find some with pre-installed water blocks

 

As for the storage, my build actually includes an 250gb Nvme M.2 960 EVO for boot/main applications, so the 1TB is only for mass storage (family pics, videos, offline game data, etc).  I can't really justify an extra $80 for 10,000rpm drive ($140) here over a 2.5 inch 7200rpm  ($60).  I think if I was concerned about the speed I'd just add a 2nd $60 drive and configure them in Raid 0, which would double my storage and likely speed and do it for $20 less.  Still an intriguing suggestion, so thanks for that!

[KoeppColto024470]

8 hours ago, gr82banautiger said:

Cheapest I can find a 980ti is around $350, which completely blows my budget.  My plan as I said is to build the MB/CPU performance first, and then come back and do the graphics card later.  I'd eventually (1yr+) love to be able to do 4k gaming on this thing.  I'm hoping by then there will be some new cards out and the used market for 1080 ti's will drop to affordability (maybe could even find some with pre-installed water blocks

 

As for the storage, my build actually includes an 250gb Nvme M.2 960 EVO for boot/main applications, so the 1TB is only for mass storage (family pics, videos, offline game data, etc).  I can't really justify an extra $80 for 10,000rpm drive ($140) here over a 2.5 inch 7200rpm  ($60).  I think if I was concerned about the speed I'd just add a 2nd $60 drive and configure them in Raid 0, which would double my storage and likely speed and do it for $20 less.  Still an intriguing suggestion, so thanks for that!

Since you're on a budget go AMD Ryzen for your CPU there cheaper then Intel and depending on which you get you can have 6 or even 8 cores. As for 1080Ti's that have pre-installed water blocks ASUS's Poseidon lineup is a great choice it still comes with the air cooler so you can go air or liquid 

[gr82banautiger]

4 hours ago, KoeppColto024470 said:

Since you're on a budget go AMD Ryzen for your CPU there cheaper then Intel and depending on which you get you can have 6 or even 8 cores. As for 1080Ti's that have pre-installed water blocks ASUS's Poseidon lineup is a great choice it still comes with the air cooler so you can go air or liquid 

See I don't get the Ryzen is cheaper argument.  The 1800X came out $50 less but it's not quite as powerful as an 8700k, and the 1900X thread ripper was about $200 more and those are the only two that are in the ballpark of an 8700k performance wise.  Now I guess if you go 1700 or 1600 you can come in significantly cheaper, but I don't think either of those in the neighborhood performance wise to the 8700k.