New to custom-building

[vaughners]

Hello friends, thank you in advance for your advice and opinions!

 

A little bit about me; I'm very experienced with computers and computing in general. I am an IT professional and hold certifications from Apple and CompTIA. However, I have never actually put any kind of system together from scratch, and my low-level specification knowledge is sadly lacking (e.g. the importance of advanced overclocking options such as voltage per cpu). I am not always in-the-know about the latest technologies and trends, as most of my time is spent learning about and fixing existing systems, many of which are well beyond their best-by date (some of my clients still have printers running on Parallel to USB adapters, but I digress); and I have an only rudimentary grasp of value-per-dollar when it comes to computing components. As such, I have no idea if this "dream" build of mine is actually any good, or if I've just gone way beyond the mark and can get as-good performance for less money, but I also like a lot of the "wow" factors that I've put into it. My main goal here is not necessarily to build this in the very near future, but more to gain a better understanding of component relationships and what makes a genuinely good build.

 

/* This list has been edited since the time of the original post, based on suggestions in this thread. Further refinements are of course welcome. */

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/vaughnldsthomas/saved/JQZccf

 

Here are my answers to the guidelines in the pinned thread:

1. Budget & Location:

Idaho, USA. Budget is not unlimited but also not a primary concern, as this is mainly a hypothetical build. Currently the parts list comes in at nearly $4000 USD, but a lot of that can be trimmed by excluding peripheral devices and unnecessary components. Trimming it down to what I would call the "essentials" brings it in a bit over $2000 USD, so let's call it a $2500 budget for the main build.

2. Aim

Mostly gaming. The most demanding games in my Steam library are the Batman: Arkham series, Borderlands 2, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, and others of similar caliber. Also, Diablo 3 and StarCraft 2 are high on my priority list. I can provide a more complete list if that would be helpful. This would also become my primary home computer for basic tasks such as internet browsing, document processing, Netflix, etc. I also occasionally like to tinker and experiment with setting up a series of virtual machines to teach myself how to set up a Linux server-client business environment and other oddball computing-hobbyist type stuff.

3. Monitors

Currently included in the parts list, I am currently planning on running one monitor at 4K. I may in the future want to upgrade to three monitors (not two, I hate the idea of having a vertical split right in front of me during gaming and would not want to awkwardly turn, or have my desk with an asymmetrical layout to have a solid screen comfortably in front of me), and in that case I would definitely add another graphics card and learn how to run SLI.

4. Peripherals

Also included in the parts list, and I would like to have a new set as what I currently have is very basic home-computer type stuff. I have a valid Windows 7 license and install media but would like to get up to 10 for a new build.

5. Why are you upgrading?

Because I think the idea of building a custom computer is awesome, and my current computer is a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) with lovely Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics that run the aforementioned games like a potato. If you're asking how I came to acquire and even play these games in the first place, the answer is Humble Bundle and Steam sales, and I have a brother that often travels for work and lets me use his pretty good computer that he bought pre-built from some kid trying to make money by doing builds for people.

6. Case Preference

I know this isn't one of the official points, but I saw the suggestion and I liked it. I would like the case to be unique without being flashy, simple enough without being dull, and kind of understated. I do like the cube-style, but have found not many options that fit a full ATX board along with the components I'm planning, and out of those, I liked the one in the parts list the best.

 

Other questions I anticipate:

Why AMD instead of Intel? I like feeling like I'm supporting the under-dog, and I feel like it adds to the uniqueness of my build. But no real technical reason beyond that it seems like the multi-threading performance is better, so my VM tinkering might be smoother, although again that is a tertiary purpose.

Why two 2TB drives? To set up in a RAID-1 to hold my game libraries and system image backups of my boot drive on the SSD.

Why AIO cooling instead of custom-loop? Because I'm a bit too lazy for that, and it seems that the gains wouldn't be worth the trouble.

Why an integrated AIO cooler on the graphics card? Because it just seems so awesome.

 

Thanks again for advice and opinions, and please ask any questions you need to!

[HZapperz]

What are you asking??

[vaughners]

2 minutes ago, HZapperz said:

What are you asking??

I want to know if what I've put together is a good value for performance, or if I've picked components that are too expensive, and if this is a good combination of components or does something I've picked out degrade the overall build? I just want opinions and suggestions, I'm completely new to this scene and have done the best I can with the research that I've done, and now I'm looking for more expert advice.

[Himommies]

13 minutes ago, vaughners said:

$2500

You should not be spending that much on a desktop(Excluding Mac's)

At that point you'll be better off burning money

Unless you care about aesthetics a lot.Which I assume you do judging by your current build

 

Also don't buy Razer stuff as they die quickly and then you have to deal with a 6 month RMA

Watercooled GPU"s are also pretty unnecessary

You also do not need a UPS unless you live in Wyoming

 

Get this

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/4mG93F

And this

https://www.jdslabs.com/products/151/the-element/

and you'll be good to go

 

 

 

[brob]

@vaughners

 

A six hyperthreaded core i7-8700K will provide much better gaming performance than the R7-1800X. That said, the Ryzen cpu is no slouch and should not disappoint. The extra two simultaneous multithreaded cores will allow for more concurrent vm.

 

It is not accurate to say that Ryzen cpu are better at multithreading. I don't believe anyone has published an investigation into the task switching efficiency of these cpu.

 

CPU coolers come with either a pre-applied thermal compound pad or a small tube of compound. There is generally no need to buy a tube. 

 

I generally like to leave open memory slots when possible. This allows for an upgrade without replacing parts. You might consider a 2x16GB memory kit instead of 4x8GB. Given same speed and timings, there is no real difference between the two schemes.

 

Ryzen cpu perform significantly better with faster memory. Generally something around DDR4-3000 - DDR4-3200.

 

If hdd are going to be in a RAID array, use units designed for the purpose.

 

The psu is beyond overkill. PCPartPicker estimates the MAX power draw at 503W. This means that even when pushing the system, it is likely going to draw well under that. Something around 750W would be more appropriate.

 

A version of the motherboard is available with a WiFi card comparable to the one in the OP list. 

 

The case comes with three fans. Add to that the two fans on the H100i v2. Five fans are more than enough to establish good airflow.

 

Sadly there do not appear to be any 2x16GB DDR4-3000 or DDR4-3200 memory kits on the motherboard's QVL.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1800X 3.6GHz 8-Core Processor  ($319.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Corsair - H100i v2 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($109.99 @ Amazon) 
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver - 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste  ($5.55 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: MSI - X370 GAMING PRO CARBON AC ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($179.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LED 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory  ($379.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Samsung - 960 EVO 250GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive  ($127.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Hitachi - Deskstar NAS 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($123.95 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Hitachi - Deskstar NAS 4TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($123.95 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB SEA HAWK X Video Card  ($749.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Corsair - Air 740 ATX Full Tower Case  ($124.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Platinum 750W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($116.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit  ($138.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Monitor: Asus - PB287Q 28.0" 3840x2160 60Hz Monitor  ($393.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
Keyboard: Razer - BlackWidow X Ultimate Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($99.36 @ Amazon) 
Speakers: Razer - Leviathan 60W 5.1ch Speakers  ($169.88 @ Amazon) 
UPS: CyberPower - CP1500AVRLCD UPS  ($144.95 @ Adorama) 
Other: Atlas Graphics Card Brace Support. A Video Card Holder, GPU brace, for custom Deskto Pc Gaming. a GPU stand case mod.  ($19.00 @ Amazon) 
Other: Razer Basilisk ($69.99)
Other: Razer Invicta Mouse Mat ($59.99)
Other: AM4-AMD Retention Bracket Kit for Hydro Series Coolers  ($4.99)
Total: $3464.51
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-19 22:36 EST-0500

[vaughners]

@Himommies

What you've recommended is roughly a $2100 desktop, which is only a couple hundred lower than my "essential" build, so I'm failing to see where I would be "better off burning money" between the two.

 

I admit, the water-cooled GPU is unnecessary, but it is hardly any more expensive than a high-end air-cooled equivalent. Are there any compelling reasons not to get one?

 

Yes, the UPS is optional, which I believe I covered in my original post. However, power outages and surges can occur anywhere at anytime, and I have seen first-hand the kind of damage sudden power loss or restoration can do to computer equipment. So it stays in my wish list.

I haven't seen enough reviews that match your statement about the quality of Razer products, could you point me to some?

Why would you recommend $750 in audio equipment over an all-in-one sound bar?

[Himommies]

9 minutes ago, vaughners said:

Why would you recommend $750 in audio equipment over an all-in-one sound bar?

because i work in a audio field and I am relatively biased and it'll sound better

 

9 minutes ago, vaughners said:

I admit, the water-cooled GPU is unnecessary, but it is hardly any more expensive than a high-end air-cooled equivalent. Are there any compelling reasons not to get one?

More points of failure for pretty much the same temps

 

9 minutes ago, vaughners said:

@Himommies

What you've recommended is roughly a $2100 desktop, which is only a couple hundred lower than my "essential" build, so I'm failing to see where I would be "better off burning money" between the two.

You can save a lot of money by getting a 1700 and you'll be getting similar performance at 1440p

[vaughners]

@brob

 

Thank you for your correction regarding what I said about Intel vs AMD.

 

I came to the conclusion during my research that a specialized thermal compound such as Arctic Silver performs better than what is usually included, and is therefore worth a few extra dollars. Is that not correct?

 

What HDDs are designed to be used in desktop RAID schemes as opposed to these? NAS/SAS drives?

[vaughners]

@Himommies

 

I understand. Thank you for your input!

[Himommies]

2 minutes ago, vaughners said:

such as Arctic Silver performs better than what is usually included, and is therefore worth a few extra dollars. Is that not correct?

they'll help by like .01 degrees

 

3 minutes ago, vaughners said:

What HDDs are designed to be used in desktop RAID schemes as opposed to these? NAS/SAS drives?

it dosen't really matter

[brob]

Just now, vaughners said:

@brob

 

Thank you for your correction regarding what I said about Intel vs AMD.

 

I came to the conclusion during my research that a specialized thermal compound such as Arctic Silver performs better than what is usually included, and is therefore worth a few extra dollars. Is that not correct?

 

What HDDs are designed to be used in desktop RAID schemes as opposed to these? NAS/SAS drives?

 

You are correct about there often being better thermal compounds available. Generally the differences are reasonably small. If you do intend to replace the thermal pad on the H100i v2, you might consider getting a kit with compound remover. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIADA26FF7638&cm_re=thermal_compoound_cleaning-_-9SIADA26FF7638-_-Product

 

I'm in the process of creating a build list that highlights my suggestions. I will edit my original post once it is done.

[vaughners]

15 minutes ago, brob said:

You might consider a 2x16GB memory kit instead of 4x8GB. Given same speed and timings, there is no real difference between the two schemes.

Ryzen cpu perform significantly better with faster memory. Generally something around DDR4-3000 - DDR4-3200.

 

The psu is beyond overkill. Something around 750W would be more appropriate.

 

Five fans are more than enough to establish good airflow.

I've adopted these suggestions and updated my part list to reflect it.

[brob]

8 minutes ago, vaughners said:

I've adopted these suggestions and updated my part list to reflect it.

i have edited my original reply with an edit of your build list containing my suggestions. Principally use of the WiFi version of the motherboard, an excellent 750W psu, and Hitachi Storage Solutions Deskstar NAS drives. 

 

Other suitable SOHO NAS drives are WD Red and Seagate Ironwolf.