build planning The re-Birth of my rig

[Shiruxriu]

So I should preface with I have posted a similar topic before. 

 

Basically the gist of the situation is this, I am planning to upgrade my home computer into a powerful and potent gaming/streaming rig but in a way I am more or less building a whole new computer. 

 

So far this is the build I am thinking of upgrading to;

Spoiler

[PCPartPicker part list](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6p8ZBP) / [Price breakdown by merchant](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6p8ZBP/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/sxDzK8/intel-core-i7-8700k-37ghz-6-core-processor-bx80684i78700k) | $378.79 @ SuperBiiz 
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/4vzv6h/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhd15) | $87.95 @ Newegg 
**Motherboard** | [Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/CkCrxr/gigabyte-z370-aorus-gaming-7-rev-10-atx-lga1151-motherboard-z370-aorus-gaming-7-rev-10) | $235.98 @ Newegg 
**Memory** | [G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 64GB (4 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 Memory](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/qzJkcf/gskill-trident-z-rgb-64gb-4-x-16gb-ddr4-3200-memory-f4-3200c14q-64gtzr) | $974.99 @ Newegg 
**Storage** | [PNY - CS2030 480GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/PK448d/pny-cs2030-480gb-m2-2280-solid-state-drive-m280cs2030-480-rb) | $185.72 @ Amazon 
**Storage** | [Samsung - 850 PRO 2TB 2.5" Solid State Drive](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2TCrxr/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7ke2t0bw) | $892.09 @ B&H 
**Storage** | [Samsung - 960 Pro 2TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/FcGj4D/samsung-960-pro-20tb-m2-2280-solid-state-drive-mz-v6p2t0bw) | $1229.99 @ Other World Computing 
**Storage** | [Seagate - IronWolf 12TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/ccCD4D/seagate-ironwolf-12tb-35-7200rpm-internal-hard-drive-st12000vn0007) | $428.39 @ Amazon 
**Video Card** | [NVIDIA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/9ZYWGX/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-ti-11gb-founders-edition-video-card-900-1g611-2550-000) | $699.00 
**Case** | [Phanteks - Enthoo Luxe Tempered Glass (Black) ATX Full Tower Case](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/78zZxr/phanteks-enthoo-luxe-tempered-glass-black-atx-full-tower-case-ph-es614ltg_bk) | $188.09 @ Amazon 
**Power Supply** | [Corsair - HX Platinum 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/NGCrxr/corsair-hx-platinum-850w-80-platinum-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020138-na) | $159.99 @ Corsair 
**Operating System** | [Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/wtgPxr/microsoft-os-kw900140) | $89.89 @ OutletPC 
**Wireless Network Adapter** | [Asus - PCE-AC66 PCI-Express x1 802.11b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/qc8Zxr/asus-wireless-network-card-pceac66) |-
**Monitor** | [Acer - Predator X34 34.0" 3440x1440 100Hz Monitor](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/WDcMnQ/acer-monitor-umcx1aa002) | $949.00 @ Amazon 
 | *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
 | Total (before mail-in rebates) | $6524.87
 | Mail-in rebates | -$25.00
 | **Total** | **$6499.87**
 | Generated by [PCPartPicker](http://pcpartpicker.com) 2018-01-27 15:37 EST-0500 |

Now normally I would probably start a topic asking for help in build design. But frankly this is more or less an upgrade of my current computer. Some things to mention are simple. For video cards I am looking for a blower style cooler. Cooling is air cooled not liquid cooling so recommendation there are welcome. I am tying to make this a quiet pc due to it's location. Monitor is a placeholder and negotiable but I am looking for curved Ultrawide 1440p monitors only. This is a Gaming PC first and a streaming/recording rig second. Yes I know a second pc for streaming/recording would be desirable but is not an option at the moment. Nvidia is my graphics card vendor of choice for this build and is non-negotiable. I am debating the processor, but again gaming first. I do need help with a case, cooler, fans, power supply, ram, and more. All suggestions are welcome, but will be debated and questioned. For the ram no higher than 3200, preferably 2666. I don't intend to overclock, you can suggest a cpu with that in mind but I am likely to ignore it if it's merits only shine by overclocking. Capture cards can be suggested but will mostly be ignored thanks to my intent on using OBS. Mouse and Keyboard suggestions are welcome and desired, looking for a good mechanical keyboard. Any other questions just ask and don't hesitate to critique my current build selection. I think with all of that I've mentioned enough,the biggest things to note about my current rig is that it sports an i3-6320 and a Zotac GTX1060 6GB. So this would be a huge upgrade, oh and one of the SSDs is in my current rig.

Edited January 27, 2018 by Shiruxriu

[LienusLateTips]

The faster HDD you have, generally it gets slower. So I replaced with a 6TB. Add another one if you do think you need more storage.

Why 3 SSDs? Reduced to 1x 1TB. Unless you video edit in workloads above 4K (5K, 8K), the extra NVMe speed doesn't matter.

Changed PSU.

Get 32GB for now, add additional 32GB if really needed.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor  ($378.79 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: be quiet! - Dark Rock Pro 3 67.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($89.79 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($235.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($426.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($299.00 @ B&H) 
Storage: Toshiba - X300 6TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($168.88 @ Other World Computing) 
Video Card: NVIDIA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card  ($699.00) 
Case: Phanteks - Enthoo Luxe Tempered Glass (Black) ATX Full Tower Case  ($188.09 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Platinum 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($139.90 @ Amazon) 
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit  ($89.89 @ OutletPC) 
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte - GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter  ($38.99 @ B&H) 
Monitor: Acer - Predator X34 34.0" 3440x1440 100Hz Monitor  ($949.00 @ Amazon) 
Total: $3704.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-27 15:56 EST-0500

[Shiruxriu]

3 minutes ago, JDE said:

The faster HDD you have, generally it gets slower. So I replaced with a 6TB. Add another one if you do think you need more storage.

Why 3 SSDs? Reduced to 1x 1TB. Unless you video edit in workloads above 4K (5K, 8K), the extra NVMe speed doesn't matter.

Changed PSU.

Get 32GB for now, add additional 32GB if really needed.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor  ($378.79 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: be quiet! - Dark Rock Pro 3 67.8 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler  ($89.79 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 7 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($235.98 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3000 Memory  ($426.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($299.00 @ B&H) 
Storage: Toshiba - X300 6TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($168.88 @ Other World Computing) 
Video Card: NVIDIA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB Founders Edition Video Card  ($699.00) 
Case: Phanteks - Enthoo Luxe Tempered Glass (Black) ATX Full Tower Case  ($188.09 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Platinum 850W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($139.90 @ Amazon) 
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit  ($89.89 @ OutletPC) 
Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte - GC-WB867D-I PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter  ($38.99 @ B&H) 
Monitor: Acer - Predator X34 34.0" 3440x1440 100Hz Monitor  ($949.00 @ Amazon) 
Total: $3704.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-27 15:56 EST-0500

For storage, I would say I'm looking to store and upload the streams afterward. As for the nixing of some the extra storage, the NVMes are for an expanded gaming library via steam, though to that end I would nix the 2.5" SSD rather than the NVMe if that amount of storage is truly ludicrous. The PNY NVMe is my boot and assorted application drive.

For the cooler, I was looking to Be Quiet!, how is that block, and is it an aio or a strict air cooler. Also what are the benefits of a CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing Coolers?

Wouldn't the extra Ram be a large benefit to the system for the cases of video editing and possible high end gaming, I have played games like Tera before that ate my RAM like it was sugar. And is the knockdown due to the current RAM shortage? (If that's still a thing.)

[LienusLateTips]

3 minutes ago, Shiruxriu said:

For storage, I would say I'm looking to store and upload the streams afterward. As for the nixing of some the extra storage, the NVMes are for an expanded gaming library via steam, though to that end I would nix the 2.5" SSD rather than the NVMe if that amount of storage is truly ludicrous. The PNY NVMe is my boot and assorted application drive.

For the cooler, I was looking to Be Quiet!, how is that block, and is it an aio or a strict air cooler. Also what are the benefits of a CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing Coolers?

Wouldn't the extra Ram be a large benefit to the system for the cases of video editing and possible high end gaming, I have played games like Tera before that ate my RAM like it was sugar. And is the knockdown due to the current RAM shortage? (If that's still a thing.)

Then add more 6TB/8TB drives. 12TB drives are generally either really expensive or slow.

Don't get NVMe, just get SATA. Zero difference in gaming startup, windows startup.

 

It's a air cooler, like the one you included. It just happens to have around the same performance, but it's black, instead of brownish-cream, so I included that instead.

 

RAM is a benefit unless you aren't using it. If you are using 100%, then more RAM would benefit you. If you are using 60-70%, or anything below 90-95%, it won't benefit you.

It's super easy to upgrade, with no new drivers required, so I would see if 32GB is enough, and if it isn't, shipping is pretty quick and you'll just have to click it in.

Also RAM shortage too.

[Shiruxriu]

2 minutes ago, JDE said:

Then add more 6TB/8TB drives. 12TB drives are generally either really expensive or slow.

Don't get NVMe, just get SATA. Zero difference in gaming startup, windows startup.

 

It's a air cooler, like the one you included. It just happens to have around the same performance, but it's black, instead of brownish-cream, so I included that instead.

 

RAM is a benefit unless you aren't using it. If you are using 100%, then more RAM would benefit you. If you are using 60-70%, or anything below 90-95%, it won't benefit you.

It's super easy to upgrade, with no new drivers required, so I would see if 32GB is enough, and if it isn't, shipping is pretty quick and you'll just have to click it in.

Also RAM shortage too.

So then back to storage, would it be better for the system and for my wallet to nix the 2TB NVMe in favor of a 2TB SSD if I still want that huge Gaming library?

Also I am inclined to agree on the HDD argument, but how much of a price drop is it? between 6TB and 12TB Ironwolfs vs the 6TB Toshiba?

[LienusLateTips]

Just now, Shiruxriu said:

between 6TB and 12TB Ironwolfs vs the 6TB Toshiba?

12 TB Ironwolfs are $430, while the 6TB Toshiba is $170.

6TB Ironwolfs are fine.

 

I'd do it. Much cheaper. Unless it's only a slightly higher price for the NVMe, I'd get the 850 EVO.

[Shiruxriu]

1 minute ago, JDE said:

12 TB Ironwolfs are $430, while the 6TB Toshiba is $170.

6TB Ironwolfs are fine.

 

I'd do it. Much cheaper. Unless it's only a slightly higher price for the NVMe, I'd get the 850 EVO.

What are your feelings on the 850 Pro?

[LienusLateTips]

Just now, Shiruxriu said:

What are your feelings on the 850 Pro?

I don't think it's worth it over the 850 EVO considering the extra cost.

[Shiruxriu]

1 minute ago, JDE said:

I don't think it's worth it over the 850 EVO considering the extra cost.

What about the Barracuda vs Ironwolf, is the extra cache worth it?

[LienusLateTips]

3 minutes ago, Shiruxriu said:

What about the Barracuda vs Ironwolf, is the extra cache worth it?

Depends on tasks. If you are just using it for longer-term/long-term storage, no

[Shiruxriu]

4 minutes ago, JDE said:

Depends on tasks. If you are just using it for longer-term/long-term storage, no

Poitentially I would be both editing and storing to this drive for video content. Have you seen the 860 Evo would the extra storage be worth the price tag?

[Shiruxriu]

Also in the case of cooling, what are some good recommended cases for fan cooling and should I go with normal or PWM fans? Currently looking at be quiet!'s silent wings series.

[Shiruxriu]

@JDE What are your thoughts on SeaSonic's Prime 850W Titanium Power supply? It seems like for quiet operation it might be higher up there in value than the Focus 850w Gold.

[LienusLateTips]

5 hours ago, Shiruxriu said:

Also in the case of cooling, what are some good recommended cases for fan cooling and should I go with normal or PWM fans? Currently looking at be quiet!'s silent wings series.

Noctua/Be Quiet!/Fractal Design

5 hours ago, Shiruxriu said:

@JDE What are your thoughts on SeaSonic's Prime 850W Titanium Power supply? It seems like for quiet operation it might be higher up there in value than the Focus 850w Gold.

It's good, but IMO not worth extra over a HXi if you want quiet operation.

[Shiruxriu]

1 minute ago, JDE said:

Noctua/Be Quiet!/Fractal Design

It's good, but IMO not worth extra over a HXi if you want quiet operation.

Okay, so then basically for an 850W are the HXi, SeaSonic Prime, and SeaSonic Focus basically the same in terms of quiet operation capability?

The only other thing I can think to question is if dark base pro 900 is desk station capable. To be honest I was hoping for a bit more discourse from others. But I guess this topic was kind of simple?

[LienusLateTips]

3 minutes ago, Shiruxriu said:

Okay, so then basically for an 850W are the HXi, SeaSonic Prime, and SeaSonic Focus basically the same in terms of quiet operation capability?

The only other thing I can think to question is if dark base pro 900 is desk station capable. To be honest I was hoping for a bit more discourse from others. But I guess this topic was kind of simple?

SeaSonic FOCUS I would think is slightly worse, with HXi and PRIME tied.

Get the Dark Base Pro 700 instead, it's the same but Mid Tower rather than Full Tower.

[Shiruxriu]

3 minutes ago, JDE said:

SeaSonic FOCUS I would think is slightly worse, with HXi and PRIME tied.

Get the Dark Base Pro 700 instead, it's the same but Mid Tower rather than Full Tower.

I'm kind of inclined to agree on the terms of the case, still haven't checked the power suuplies, in what way is the FOCUS worse? Is it just it's power efficiency rating and curve?

[LienusLateTips]

Just now, Shiruxriu said:

still haven't checked the power suuplies, in what way is the FOCUS worse? Is it just it's power efficiency rating and curve?

I heard the thing has a harsh fan curve.

HXi and the Focus I linked has the same 80+ Platinum, unlike the FOCUS Gold.

[Shiruxriu]

1 minute ago, JDE said:

I heard the thing has a harsh fan curve.

HXi and the Focus I linked has the same 80+ Platinum, unlike the FOCUS Gold.

Alright then, to another point in this build then, I said the monitor was a placeholder, but now I'm debating lots of monitors for the sake of this build, what monitors would you recommend, but in asking that, I mean more of what resolution and specs would be a good prioritization?

 

[LienusLateTips]

Just now, Shiruxriu said:

Alright then, to another point in this build then, I said the monitor was a placeholder, but now I'm debating lots of monitors for the sake of this build, what monitors would you recommend, but in asking that, I mean more of what resolution and specs would be a good prioritization?

 

Do you want ultrawide/no ultrawide

High resolution/high refresh?

[Shiruxriu]

1 minute ago, JDE said:

Do you want ultrawide/no ultrawide

High resolution/high refresh?

honestly I was hoping to get curved high refresh, but part of me worries that is a bit unrealistic.

 

Also and unrelated, love your avaar, it's made me laugh more than a few times.

[LienusLateTips]

1 minute ago, Shiruxriu said:

honestly I was hoping to get curved high refresh, but part of me worries that is a bit unrealistic.

 

Also and unrelated, love your avaar, it's made me laugh more than a few times.

Yeah, curved high refresh it generally *expensive*

 

I'm known for shitposting hahaha 

[Shiruxriu]

Just now, JDE said:

Yeah, curved high refresh it generally *expensive*

 

I'm known for shitposting hahaha 

Then in regard to that, what would you recommend for a high refresh rate? To be honest I'm thinking of just shooting for 1440p high refresh. Honestly was hoping the Predator x35 would release before my build is finished, but that is unlikely.

[LienusLateTips]

Just now, Shiruxriu said:

Then in regard to that, what would you recommend for a high refresh rate? To be honest I'm thinking of just shooting for 1440p high refresh. Honestly was hoping the Predator x35 would release before my build is finished, but that is unlikely.

You could just stick with your current monitor or buy a cheap $170-180 144hz monitor for now, and use it as a second monitor when the X35 comes out. Second monitors are useful.

[Shiruxriu]

Just now, JDE said:

You could just stick with your current monitor or buy a cheap $170-180 144hz monitor for now, and use it as a second monitor when the X35 comes out. Second monitors are useful.

That is fair, any recommended brands? Current monitor would be a TV from back in 2007 and not in a good way. Also you brought up second monitors so I thought I should ask anyway. From pure specs alone, do you think this rig planning could handle streaming and gaming simultaneously?