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Forums > Hardware Forum

Need opinion on new build (28 comments)

( Forum: HW)

Posted by lewl @ 13:22 CST, 3 March 2016 - iMsg

How ya doing?

I finally decided to get a new gaming rig, after sticking with my current setup for 7-8 years. I'm not as hardcore with the hardware stuff nowadays (I got lazy) and I'd just like some of your opinions on the parts I picked.

Processor: Intel Core i5-6600K 3,5 GHz
Mobo: MSI Z170A PC MATE
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 960 GAMING 4G 4096 Mt
RAM: Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 2666 MHz CL15, 16 Gt (2 x 8 Gt)
HD: Kingston SSDNow V300 240 GB SSD 2.5"
Power: Corsair CS550M, 80 PLUS Gold, 550W
Monitor: BenQ XL2411Z
Case: BitFenix Neos - ATX-case

So, some questions:

- Didn't even know about mSATA SSD hard drives before now. Is there a difference? They function as normal hard drives, yes? How's it compared to normal SATA connections?
- I think I know the answer already, but is 550W enough power for my setup?
- Does the case make any difference. It was the cheapest I could find. It only comes with one 120mm fan. What about possibly overclocking in the future, how many fans I would need? I don't wanna mess with water cooling.
- This is the first time I'm not gonna buy a separate sound card. Are the integrated ones any good?
- The monitor, I wouldn't have any doubts, but I've read some of the massive 144hz megathread by clerictgm and it made me hesitate. I don't really care for anything else than getting the fastest response time. Will this suffice?
- I also ordered my first mechanical keyboard, it was some off-brand. It said that it has POM-switches and PBT-keycaps (?). Tried to google, but all it came up with was that there are POM- and PBT-keycaps, no switches. Am I missing something?
- Still rocking my ZOWIE EC1 EVO. I've seen the button delay chart, and I'm wondering if I'm better off with a Logitech mouse? Or what about the updated version EC1-A? Is it worth to upgrade and spend 60-70e?

Hope you don't mind this flood of questions. Too busy with IRL stuff to really dig deep into this topic, but still a latency minimalist ;) thanks in advance

21814 Hits

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<< Comment #1 @ 13:51 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

>i5-6600K
I personally don't like paper hardware.

And GTX 960 is too weak and slow, you need 970 at least.
You may build some partly used rig (for example some used LGA 2011 CPU+MB+memory and other stuff from shop). And for saved money get yourself a GTX 980!
Even sandy i5 +GTX980 would be better than 6600K+960.

There are many CPUs better than this Shitlake. (2011 i7s, Xeons, even ivy/haswell is better).

Edited by clerictgm at 13:59 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #2 @ 13:53 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #1

could you explain?

<< Comment #3 @ 13:56 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

clerictgm - Reply to #2

Skylake is the worst intel CPU ever. They saved on PCBs, so your CPU may end up like this:
http://0cb8dd5d2dc142d08f0f-eb3b436d25971e586...Z96KYq.jpg
Comparison to haswell:
http://techreport.com/r.x/2015_12_4_Skylake_C...ckness.jpg

<< Comment #5 @ 14:01 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #3

Ok

<< Comment #4 @ 14:00 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #1

The cheapest GTX970 at the site I shopped at was 399e. Didn't feel like paying so much.

<< Comment #6 @ 14:07 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

clerictgm - Reply to #4

I just want to say that in that case it's better to save on something else (cpu) and get a 970. Core i5 - 4570 OEM for example.
DDR4 is gay. Skylake too.
My 2x8GB DDR3 Samsung Original 1333 works on 2600Mhz stable for 2 years already.

Edited by clerictgm at 14:08 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #7 @ 14:10 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #6

What other difference is there with GTX970 and 960?

The 4GB version I'm ordering has the same GDDR5 memory with slightly higher clock and ram speed than the GTX970.

Edit: is there any other arguments for the shitty CPU other than thinner plastic pieces?

Edited by lewl at 14:11 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #8 @ 14:17 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

clerictgm - Reply to #7

These are absolutely different cards :D
They have nothing common.

For example GTX 970 has 5200 mil transistors, while GTX 960 only 2940 mil.
GTX 970 has 256 bit memory bus, while 960 only 128.

970 is much more powerful. Check some tests.

EDIT:
> is there any other arguments
Lolyes. Every single generation after Sandy sucks hard.
Almost no boost in performance. Shitlake is the worst of them all.
And I don't get why you need this CPU? Even i5-4440 would be enough for 980GTX. 960? IMO it's not even a gaming graphics card. Kind of office.. It can handle only with with old games.
And don't forget about your 144Hz monitor... to reach stable 144 may be not so easy.

Edited by clerictgm at 14:22 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #9 @ 14:19 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #8

Got it.

Edit: Yeah dunno why I need that CPU. Like I said I stopped keeping up with all things techy way back. Which processor, mobo, ram would you recommend with a 970 card?

Edited by lewl at 14:28 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #18 @ 01:45 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

noacc - Reply to #9

CPU - something on Haswell - i5-4460 for example. Motherboard - just buy cheapest MSI/ASUS/Gigabyte mATX with PCIe 3.0, Gigabit LAN and USB 3.0. If you do not record some studio grade stuff you will be absolutely fine with integrated audio. Kingston SSDs are solid. Also all saved money spend on GPU which will really make a difference in your expirience. As cleric wrote GTX970 is prolly the cheapest you can go for modern games. Anything lower than 970 is really not a gaming grade I must admit, as it will struggle to keep even 60 FPS in modern titles at low settings.

about xl2411z - if all you want is lowest response time - go for it, like cleric already found out all the panels are roughly the same and none of them will fit color eletists anyway. Although I would strongly recommend checking dead pixels at store so you can grab another one immideately.

<< Comment #10 @ 14:35 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

nsx0r

If it is for gaming only, I suggest you get:
- a non-K CPU (non-overclockable) like the i5-6500 -> cheaper
- a motherboard with a H170 chipset (same as Z170 but without the overclocking stuff) -> cheaper
- a better GPU like the GTX970 which can be found under 300�, but if the money's too tight, a 4GB 960 will do for now
- a 400W PSU will be more than enough even with a GTX970, just check for 80+ compliance -> cheaper
- RAM : 2x 8GB of DDR4 at 2133Mhz will do -> cheaper
- SSD : i'd recommend putting some extra bucks and go for the Samsung 850 EVO series
- Monitor : I personally recommend Iiyama monitors, good and cheap 144Hz
- Case : your style/taste :)

edit: onboard sound cards are fine.

Edited by nsx0r at 14:35 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #11 @ 14:48 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #10

Yeah I'm getting the feeling GTX970 + some other CPU is the way.

One thing though, I thought RAM speeds 1600+ needed an overclockable processor?

Edited by lewl at 14:53 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #12 @ 14:54 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

nsx0r - Reply to #11

not for DDR4 -> 2133 is the standard frequency

<< Comment #13 @ 15:54 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #12

I just did the changes you suggested. Cheers man :)

<< Comment #16 @ 00:23 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

cumrag - Reply to #10

I'd spend $100 more for the K CPU and motherboard for gaming and futureproofing.

<< Comment #14 @ 18:34 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

GTX970 for sure (i'd take a 970 with an i3 over a 960 with i5)

SSD - samsung 250Gb 850 Evo (shouldn't be much more money but imo should be more reliable and faster, i've used plenty of samsung drives and they are flawless so far in laptops or desktops)

PSU - don't go as low as 400w, 550 and decent quality for reliability, the one you chose originally is good... people forget, it's about current on the rail and how stable it is. you can get shit 800w psu for less than decent 550w, quality is key here for a stable system for years to come

Additional HDD - consider chucking in a WD blue 1Tb drive as opposed to filling the SSD too much, they slow down if for example you put 180Gb on it, I am running an 850 pro 120gb and just have programs on it, all other shit on regular hdds.

Edited by squadmeta at 18:41 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #15 @ 23:36 CST, 3 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #14

I changed the PSU to Corsair CS450M, 80 PLUS Gold, 450W. You think that's enough? Additional HDD's I don't need. I got enough external and old internal ones already.

The complete new changed build is:

Processor: Intel Core i5-6500 3,2 GHz
Mobo: Asus H170-PRO Intel H170
GPU: Asus STRIX-GTX970-DC2OC-4GD5 GTX 970 O.C. DIRECTCU II 4096
RAM: Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 2133 MHz CL14 16 Gt (2 x 8 Gt)
HD: Samsung 850 EVO SSD 250 Gt 2,5" SATA3
PSU: Corsair CS450M, 80 PLUS Gold, 450 W
Monitor: AOC G2460PF
Case: BitFenix Neos - ATX-case

Edited by lewl at 23:40 CST, 3 March 2016

<< Comment #19 @ 01:47 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

nsx0r - Reply to #15

I have a Corsair RM450 (80+ Gold 450W PSU) in my PC right now which is an overclocked i7-6700K with a GTX980, so I confirm 100% that a 400W quality PSU is enough for i5+GTX970, get a 450W for futureproof.

Edited by nsx0r at 01:50 CST, 4 March 2016

<< Comment #21 @ 02:12 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

noacc - Reply to #14

i3 is a bad idea for gaming, I tried one with GTX780 it just wont keep up.

<< Comment #17 @ 01:07 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

I wrote a fuck-ton, skip to tl;dr at bottom if u wish ;)

Your original cs550m was imo the correct choice, yes the card and cpu will run within the limits of the 450 psu and please don't think you can't run the 450 version because mathematically you can. But nvidia specs say 500w minimum, some might say this is to cover their ass for cheap psu's, but... I have read plenty times that the coil whine issue with this card can be caused by running a weak psu.

The decision is probably easier to make yourself as you know what you intend to play, and whether the tower will be in a warm or cool environment etc.

If you intend to play gfx intensive games at high settings and you have a warm room, i'd go for the 550.

I am reminded of your original comment about your last system being run for 7 years, my last system was similar time frame, it's like an extra �30 or so i'd guess, but for me i like to have a bit of overhead left in things, prefer not to run things anywhere near their full load. Plus if you decide to change gfx card in 5 yrs maybe you'd need to change psu too, for sure a 450w won't run a high end amd card, it's just luck that you chose nvidia.

Nice system btw )))

p.s. i used to be an electronics engineer, i prefer to overspec things when at all possible, currently running a 750w gold psu (ocz) with an i3 and a 7850hd, but fully intend to upgrade and didn't want to have to buy another psu lol

------

TL;DR..........

If you can stretch the extra �30 get the 550, if you can't then the 450 is fine but doesn't allow for adding or changing much of the devices you might have installed or wish to install in future. Also with the 450 under load you might get the fan spin up much more than the 550 would, if noise is a consideration for you.

just noticed for an extra �35 over the 450M you can get RM550X, fully modular and a 7yr warranty instead of 5 years

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/550w-corsair-...an-atx-psu

Edited by squadmeta at 01:28 CST, 4 March 2016

<< Comment #20 @ 01:59 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

lewl - Reply to #17

Yeah I paid already more than I'm getting now as I changed the monitor afterwards, gonna spend the extra on better PSU. What's the difference between RM550X and CS550M?

The games I had in mind are GTA V, Fallout 4 and The Division. Dunno how demanding they are compared to other games. To me everything after year 2005 graphics wise is enough :D

<< Comment #22 @ 03:29 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

ardor - Reply to #20

RM = fully modular
CS = semi modular

<< Comment #23 @ 12:29 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

squadmeta - Reply to #20

RMx = 7 year warranty
CS = 5 year warranty

so i guess some better components in general

scroll to comparison
http://www.corsair.com/en-gb/power-supply-units

make sure to get RM550X not the RM550 which is only 5 year.

<< Comment #24 @ 16:52 CST, 4 March 2016 >>

By

cha0z_ - Reply to #20

Yes, 550 and even a good 650W PSU won't hurt... future proof, quiet work state. :)

<< Comment #27 @ 08:43 CST, 5 March 2016 >>

By

thuNDa - Reply to #20

gta 5 and the division run better on R9 390
FO4 runs remarkably better on the gtx 970

<< Comment #25 @ 04:14 CST, 5 March 2016 >>

By

lewl

I changed the PSU to RM550X.

I noticed that the R9 390 is exact same price as GTX970 at the shop. Should I switch? Is the 550W enough for that? What if I don't really like to get Win10, and stay on Win7, is the 390 only good if I utilize DX12? Am I handicapping myself if I won't use DX12?

<< Comment #26 @ 08:36 CST, 5 March 2016 >>

By

thuNDa - Reply to #25

R9 390 is the way to go if you want to upgrade right now(even when i personally just got an gtx 970, but i have a g-sync monitor, so AMD wasn't in question).
In DX11 it's on par with the gtx970, but you get more VRAM and supposedly better DX12 performance, if you upgrade to win10 eventually.

But for the R9 390, it's important to get a good model, otherwise it could get pretty loud.
Either this: PowerColor Radeon R9 390 PCS+
or this: Sapphire Radeon R9 390 Nitro + Backplate

The PSU will do.

oh, while we're at it, you could also get a different monitor with freesync instead of the xl2411z.
It shouldn't be much pricier, but this free/G-sync is a feature i wouldn't wanna miss again in single player games.

Edited by thuNDa at 08:52 CST, 5 March 2016

<< Comment #28 @ 15:23 CST, 9 March 2016 >>

By

squadmeta - Reply to #25

sapphire card has good reviews, psu is still ok for that card as you don't have much else in system or any overclock etc

seems you need to choose the best card for the game, and also to suit monitor, i use crt still so can't offer any advice.

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