Surrendering to Temptation - New Build

[Huberto]

After 4.5+ years I've decided it's probably time to put my i7 920 gaming rig out to pasture. What pushed me over the edge is the fact that I can't really overclock it much past 3.5 GHz on air. I have one of the early ones with the CO stepping. Anyway I get slowdowns in large battles in S2, NTW and ETW. Also I play Skyrim with mods so my current GPU setup (2x GTX 460, 1.024 GB ) just isn't cutting it. I have a bunch of other games too, Arma III, shooters like Metro and whatnot.

The only thing giving me pause are early indications that Haswell isn't much of a performance boost for enthusiasts which makes me want to wait one more year, but on the other hand upgrading from an i7 920 to Haswell will be a considerable performance boost. Plus it will be fun to build a new computer!

Here's my current rig:

CPU -- Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem clocked at 3.5 GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler -- Xigmatek Dark Knight

MoBo -- EVGA 132 BL-E758-A1 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX
Memory -- Corsair XMS3 6GB (3X2 GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel
GPU -- 2 x Gigabyte GTX 460 OC 1024 GB GDDR5
PSU -- CORSAIR 1000w HX Series 12v ATX SLI Ready 80 Plus Certified Power Supply - CMPSU-1000HX
Hard Drive -- Samsung Spinpoint F1 HD753LJ 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0 GB/s OEM
Optical drive -- Samsung 22x DVD ± with Light Scribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q OEM
OS -- Windows 7 Home Premium SP 1
Case -- NZXT Tempest Blk ATX Mid Tower Case
Monitor -- Dell Ultra Sharp 2408WFP,Wide Flat Panel AdjustableStand,24.0 Inch

Here's my proposed new rig (not paying for shipping when like an idiot I have Amazon Prime):

Monitor: I will keep my 2008 vintage Dell Ultra Sharp 24" monitor, with plans to upgrade in a year or two. This is the only component I'm holding onto. GPU selection must factor in the fact that I'll be moving to a more demanding screen resolution during this build's lifetime.

CPU:
The early reports/rumors on Haswell performance aren't very impressive (maybe 5% from Ivy?) but still might impress me coming from the i7 920. Let me know if you feel otherwise.
4570K

CPU cooler:
I guess I could go for the bigger famous one ( NH-D14), but this new model seems fine for a good overclock on air ($73).
Noctua NH-U14S for Intel LGA 2011,1156,1155, 1150 and AMD AM2/AM2+/AM3/3+,FM1/2 Sockets, U Type, 6 Heatpipe,140mm CPU Cooler Cooling

Case:
I like this understated quiet case, and I can get one for $90
Fractal Design Define R4 Cases, Black Pearl (FD-CA-DEF-R4-BL-W)

PSU:
This is the only component I've already purchased. Bit of overkill but I got it for $100 and it may come in handy if I SLI or Crossfire at a later date.
SeaSonic X Series X-850 (SS-850KM Active PFC F3) 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUSGOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply

SSD:
The Samsung 840 seem to be favorites and this one is on sale right now for $90. Granted it's not the 840 Pro but I'm not sure there's much difference? Also it's only 120 GB but I probably won't be putting any games on my SSD unless someone convinces me that makes much difference. Just OS and programs.
Samsung 840 Series 2.5 inch 120GB SATA III internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MZ-7TD120BW

HDD:
Seems like a decent deal for $64. I only recently got close to filling my 750 GB HDD after 4.5 years of gaming etc. I could always get another one.
WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache - WD10EZEX -

Mobo:
Z87 Chipset not out yet but would want to get something nice that I can SLI/Crossfire in. (~$200?)

GPU:
Not sure here. I'm going to look at the GTX 770 when it comes out shortly. I definitely like what I'm hearing about the 780 but it's about $150 more than I'd budgeted. Also would consider the 7970 GHz edition.

Memory:
I've become convinced reading that higher speed memory helps with minimum frame rates in games, so I'm willing to pay a little more for faster RAM ($83). CAS latency is 9.
G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-17000CL11D-8GBSR

DVD/CD Player:
Seems to get good reviews? Newegg for $18.
Asus 24xDVD-RW Serial ATA Internal OEM Drive DRW-24B1ST (Black)

OS: What else, Windows 8. Unless there are strenuous objections.

Keyboard:
Always curious about these, I guess it's time to take the plunge ($70).
Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switch (RK-9000)
---------
Anywho, let me know what you guys think -- and please offer suggestions.

 

[karamazovmm]

get a decent and proper SSD, either the 840 pro at 256gb or the m500 at 480gb, those 2 are at the minimum capacity to perform as intended.

I would wait for haswell there is no harm done there

 

[Huberto]

get a decent and proper SSD, either the 840 pro at 256gb or the m500 at 480gb, those 2 are at the minimum capacity to perform as intended.

I would wait for haswell there is no harm done there

Or wait for Broadwell or Steamroller. Can you elaborate on your the SSD reasoning though?

 

[Splatterfox]

Your configuration is pretty good so far, even though the new GTX 770 will be very expensive (around 400€), therefor a GTX660 or HD7950/7870 may be better (depending on your budget).
Well, I wouldn't have bought this oversized powersupply (which is rather expensive, too). 850W is even for Overclocking too much and I don't recommend SLI/Crossfire at all.
To the RAM: you can't do much wrong with this G.Skills. Even though faster RAM is always way more insignificant than more RAM, its fine.

 

[Splatterfox]

Your configuration is pretty good so far, even though the new GTX 770 will be very expensive (around 400€), therefor a GTX660 or HD7950/7870 may be better (depending on your budget).
Well, I wouldn't have bought this oversized powersupply (which is rather expensive, too). 850W is even for Overclocking too much and I don't recommend SLI/Crossfire at all.
To the RAM: you can't do much wrong with this G.Skills. Even though faster RAM is always way more insignificant than more RAM, its fine.

//sorry for doublepost, the forum isn't working that well

 

[Huberto]

To the RAM: you can't do much wrong with this G.Skills. Even though faster RAM is always way more insignificant than more RAM, its fine.

More ram has more impact when gaming than faster ram? I thought more ram was meaningless past 8 GB.
Also I got that PSU for $100 so it's a good deal.

 

[Splatterfox]

Of course not, beyond 8 or in cases even 4GB you don't feel differences anyway (in gaming). But in general, the faster RAMs usually don't make sense, regarding their higher price for a few percents more power.

 

[Totalheadache]

mmm strange u couldnt hit 4ghz with your 920. mines @4ghz and is a co, but it did take quite a whack of vcore but yeah been thinking of upgrading mine as well.

as it stands i'd go for a gigabyte or asus mobo. avoid evga (well i dont like them). crazyeye doesnt like asus but my current is an asus and it's been great. i do like giga though...

you could look at one of the h20 cpu coolers. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=2330&subid=2262

and as it stands re gpu i'd def go for the 780. tempted to upgrade my 580 but resisting temptation (just).

re case i'd look at the corsair line (just so nice to build with).

and i own a 120gb ssd (plextor). kara's right though i think the 240gb are that bit faster. to me though the odd milisecond wasnt worth the increase in cost. i'd rather spend that money on gpu/case etc..

 

[Totalheadache]

and faster ram makes little diff to gaming but it might help you push that cpu overclock more.

p.s rest of the build looks fine.

 

[Huberto]

and faster ram makes little diff to gaming but it might help you push that cpu overclock more.

p.s rest of the build looks fine.

Thanks for the insights -- the higher speed ram is like $4 extra. Versus the $80 more to go to a bigger ssd. I know it's still early, but on the mobo how much would you budget? I'm interested in good quality, overclock friendly, SLI/Crossfire ready.

p.s. on the i7 920, I remember reading this a while ago:

Not all I7s are created equal:

1. So you read on a thread that someone hit 4 ghz on a C0 stepping processor with only 1.28 vcore and you’re wondering if yours will do the same. It’s doubtful, but who knows. It may take you up to 1.4 volts at least with a C0. That’s life; if youre unhappy sell it and buy a d0.

 

[karamazovmm]

The reasoning behind the SSD preferences is simple. Controllers.

Those 2 are on the top of my list, we can include the OCZ vertex 4 in there as well. And those said controllers have a number of channels that you are going to connect them with the nands. if those channels are not entirely populated you get less performance. Aside that 120gb performance is pretty abysmal since the crucial m4 launched couple of years ago.

you might say hey they lose something on those big numbers that people show on reviews, but is it worth it?

I will say that given those big numbers are sequential reads and writes the less common performed task in a HDD that those things mean nothing. What means is reliability, 4k queue depth, and consistency, and those 3 ssds have it. samsung 840 doesnt.

 

[Totalheadache]

think i am on 1.35 volts or something like. not 2 bad i suppose. (water helps). and i managed 4ghz on a noctua cpu heatsink (i swapped out one of the fans for a beastly ys-tech fans). btw they make some good ones and are a us company!

mobo...http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-516-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-388-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-219-MS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

i think i'd go with the msi board. 3x pci x16 slots in case u want to add another 780 (runs off to wipe drool from chin).

p.s am not saying you are not right kara but i like my plextor even though its the 120gb and its running in sata2 not 3 (argh i know). quick than my prev raptor by quite a bit (loading that is).

 

[Totalheadache]

ahh a new contender

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-062-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261

but isnt this somewhat subjective if you go haswell?

 

[Huberto]

Have a look here, although yeah hard to say yet:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6970/...asus-gigabyte-asrock-msi-ecs-biostar-and-evga

 

[♠ Thomas Cochrane ♠]

It's not the 4570k, its the 4670k.
I just bought the 840 from amazon last night, so looking forward to that! got hit by a buyers premium which I had no idea about on amazon, and after waiting for weeks for all 7 of my desired parts to be at the optimum sale price, I was surprised to see and extra ~5% added. still, the fact that I was able to ship 7/12 of my new computer parts to Australia through amazon for only $58 is pretty damn nice.

 

[Huberto]

I've decided to go with the Noctua D14 instead of the U14 for CPU cooling. Still waiting for Haswell and the Z87 mainboards to come out. Still undecided on GPU. Sounds like the GTX 770 will be a slightly overclocked 680.

 

[Huberto]

Any thoughts on adding a few case fans? The Fractal Define R4 (which is sitting in a box right next to me) comes with only 2 x 140 mm fans -- one in front, one in back. Was thinking of getting one more for the front and one for the top -- any brand recommendations?

 

[Huberto]

OK snagged a i5 4670 K for $199 and an AS Z87 Extreme 4 for $149 at Microcenter this a.m. (plus $20 tax). Worth a fifteen mile drive?

 

[karamazovmm]

its up to you if its worth or not, but those are actually good prices

 

[Huberto]

Just wanted to let you know I finished my build, PC up and running and I'm pleased with results. Thanks to all who provided feedback, hopefully I repped you all!

OK here are the specifics:

Spoiler

Mobo: ASRock Z87 Extreme 4 -- $149 at Microcenter. To be honest I'm not thrilled with this board. I like the price and the color scheme (black, baby) but the UEFI bios has left me a bit cold. Sometimes it freezes or it fails to recognize my boot drive when starting up-- and the voltage categories for overclocking are unclear. For example there is no vcore voltage setting that I can see, for example. It does have a lot of cool features though.

CPU: i5 4670 K -- $199 at Microcenter. Happy. Seems like a decent overclocker for a Haswell chip...the upgrade from my i7 920 is quite noticable.

CPU Cooler: Noctura NH-D14 -- $73 Amazon. Great cooler with great fans, but it's big -- and that meant that reaching under it to plug things in on the motherboard after it was mounted inside the case was a challenge. The fans color scheme doesnt bug me -- it says "high quality" all the way to me.

GPU: GTX 780 -- $649 Newegg. This was the big splurge which I vaguely justified by saving money on my other components but it pushed the cost of my build up a lot. It's an MSI card with the reference cooler on it, no factory overclock. Haven't overclocked it yet.

PSU: Seasonic X 850 Plus Gold -- $99 Newegg. Got this on sale, plus a mail in rebate. A bit of overkill but it's a lovely PSU.

Memory: 2x4 GB GSkill Sniper RAM rated speed 2133 CAS 9 -- $84 Newegg. Paid a little extra for fast RAM and it has a silly gun design at the top, but so far it's running well at rated speed with a CPU overclock.

Storage: Samsung 840 250 GB SSD --$171 Amazon. Love this and the lightning boot times. I'm glad I took the advice to spend more and get more room on the drive because it reduces the anxiety about filling it up too fast. Got a 1TB Western Digital Caviar Blue HDD for my data storage drive, probably should have gotten more but it was only $65.

Case: Fractal Design R4 Black Pearl w/ Window -- $90 Amazon. I love this case! It's very quiet and looks great, feels substantial. Everything fit nicely. The two 140 MM case fans it came with are great too.

Miscellaneous: Optical Drive -- Lite On $14.99 Newegg; Mechanical Keyboard: Rosewill Cherry Blue Switch $70 Amazon (I love this thing!); Windows 8 for System Builders -- $91 Amazon; Case Fans: 2 x Noctua NF-A14 140 mm fans -- $36 Amazon. These fans are great, they run quiet as a mouse. I put one in the top in front of the CPU cooler and one on lower front intake of my case to pull in extra air.

Total Cost: $1736. (Would have been around $1500 if I'd gone for a cheaper video card!)

Sorry for the info overload!

 

[Crazyeyesreaper]

the reason theres no vcore adjust is because things are labeled differently you dont adjust vcore statically everything needs to be done with offset voltages unless you want to degrade or kill the chip.

 

[Totalheadache]

nice build! think the 780 is a tad overpriced. i went with a 770 but havent tested it yet....

re case fans i like ys tech fans and they are an american company but any low decebel fan is ok. ideally you want all case fans similar airflow so you dont need a beast for a case fan (they generally arent anyways).

one more might make a difference...$5-10 no more.

 

[Huberto]

the reason theres no vcore adjust is because things are labeled differently you dont adjust vcore statically everything needs to be done with offset voltages unless you want to degrade or kill the chip.

I realize that things are labeled differently, and that things are done with offset voltages. It's just not clear to me which voltages need offsets and how much. Do you know of a guide for overclocking with this board yet?

nice build! think the 780 is a tad overpriced. i went with a 770 but havent tested it yet....

I agree it's over priced but

Are you doing a Haswell build?

 

[Huberto]

[delete]

 

[Totalheadache]

I realize that things are labeled differently, and that things are done with offset voltages. It's just not clear to me which voltages need offsets and how much. Do you know of a guide for overclocking with this board yet?

no kept my 920 for awhile longer. replaced my 580 with the 770 but drivers wont install on it so am rmaing it back. have checked my bios is recent, re-downloading newest drivers and tried 2 others. weird cards fans are working and it shows up in hwmonitor just "hardware isnt recognised".

my first dead card i feel
Are you doing a Haswell build?

 

[Huberto]

no kept my 920 for awhile longer. replaced my 580 with the 770 but drivers wont install on it so am rmaing it back. have checked my bios is recent, re-downloading newest drivers and tried 2 others. weird cards fans are working and it shows up in hwmonitor just "hardware isnt recognised".

Sorry to hear that. Are you getting a 2GB or 4GB version of the 770?

 

[Totalheadache]

Sorry to hear that. Are you getting a 2GB or 4GB version of the 770?

sending it back tomorrow. is a msi gaming edition 2gb.

gonna wait now for something more powerfull..(unless i really struggle with some titles).

 

[Crazyeyesreaper]

I dont know why you bothered with te 770 to begin with Total? its a 680 with higher clocks, since you passed on the 680 i dont see the reason to jump on the 770.

 

[Huberto]

The 780 is a very nice card.

 

[Totalheadache]

I dont know why you bothered with te 770 to begin with Total? its a 680 with higher clocks, since you passed on the 680 i dont see the reason to jump on the 770.

well 30 fps faster than my 580 and would cost me around £200 (after selling the 580). not a bad upgrade...but yeah am glad am waiting a bit longer. i wasnt completely set on it...(upgrade bug it's a sickness u know!)

p.s crank up skyrim huberto!!! max out that vram....