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PC parts advice for friend

2K views 59 replies 11 participants last post by  steelbom 
#1 · (Edited)
My friend wants to build a new PC. He bought a GTX 1080 like a couple months ago and just has it sitting in a box next to his existing computer -- an alienware prebuilt with a GTX 745 or something and an i7 4970X (4-core CPU). He's going to buy some sort of 27"~ 1440p 60Hz monitor so he'll be gaming at that res. He won't be overclocking anything. Air cooling.

Parts:

CPU: Intel Core i7 7700K
GPU: GTX 1080 (bought already)
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD
RAM: 2x8GB (undecided)
MOBO: Undecided
PSU: Undecided (~800w is okay without OC?)
Case: Undecided (Full or Medium size.)
CPU CLR: Undecided (Air cooler.)
Monitor: Undecided (1440p, 60Hz~, probably IPS.)



Any suggestions / advice would be appreciated.

Update: Current Parts:

CPU: Intel Core i7 7700K
GPU: GTX 1080 (bought already)
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD
RAM: 2x8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 2400
MOBO: MSI Z270 Gaming M3 Motherboard
PSU: Seasonic G-550 Gold 550W Power Supply
Case: NZXT H440 Mid Tower White
CPU CLR: Cooler Master Hyper 612 V2
 
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#3 ·
As said you dont need that huge amount of wattage
As for the other parts it depends on how much he can spend
 
#4 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoCables View Post

Regarding the PSU, a nice 550W PSU would still be more than enough.
Good to know, thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by shilka View Post

As said you dont need that huge amount of wattage
As for the other parts it depends on how much he can spend
I think middle of the spectrum in terms of pricing is probably quite good, more or less. Good value appreciated.
 
#5 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by steelbom View Post

Good to know, thanks!
I think middle of the spectrum in terms of pricing is probably quite good, more or less. Good value appreciated.
Middle of spectrum is not all that helpful but i can make some suggestions and let him decide
For the air cooler how about a Noctua NH-U12S a Phanteks PH-TC12DX or a Cryorig H5?

For the case the Phanteks Enthoo Pro or Pro M which is the mid tower version
For the monitor the Asus PB278Q or the MG279Q, there is also the Asus PG279Q and the Acer Predator XB271HU but those are not cheap monitors by any means
 
#6 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by shilka View Post

Middle of spectrum is not all that helpful but i can make some suggestions and let him decide
For the air cooler how about a Noctua NH-U12S a Phanteks PH-TC12DX or a Cryorig H5?

For the case the Phanteks Enthoo Pro or Pro M which is the mid tower version
For the monitor the Asus PB278Q or the MG279Q, there is also the Asus PG279Q and the Acer Predator XB271HU but those are not cheap monitors by any means
Yeah that'd be great, thanks. Will check those out. Don't worry too much about budget. Just some suggestions will help us sort out what he wants exactly
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#7 ·
While they are the most expensive the last two monitors are also the best as they are 165 Hz and they have Nvidia G Sync
The MG279Q is 144 Hz and has AMD Freesync instead

The PB278Q has no AMD or Nvidia sync technology and is only 60 Hz
I used to have a PB278Q before i bought a PG279Q and while its not a bad monitor its not a gaming monitor so my advice is not to consider it if he can afford one of the other 3

Just threw it in there because itrs cheaper
 
#8 ·
I wouldn't recommend your friend to give up cores and threads. The i7-7700K has better IPC than the i7-4960X, but fewer cores and threads. It makes much more sense to go with an i7-8700K. I personally think changing the motherboard and CPU isn't worth it since the goal is 1440p60 gaming. The video card upgrade alone should accomplish that.
 
#9 ·
i7 8700 + cheap cooler. Cryorig h7 or i like the little bit cheaper m9i.
3200mhz memory with 16-18-18-38 timings or better. Gskill owns. Memory prices are threw the roof!
Z370 mobo. Any will do. Asrock extreme 4 or k6/ asus prime-a. Gotta keep an eye out for sales.
Fractal design meshify c or phanteks enthroo pro m with arctic f14 value pack fans. comes to like $5.50 a fan!
Seasonic focus gold plus power supply. 550-850w will do fine!
Dell and acer makes 1440p gsync gaming monitors. TN panels. IPS is more $$$.
Samsung ssd...
thumb.gif
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by chessmyantidrug View Post

I wouldn't recommend your friend to give up cores and threads. The i7-7700K has better IPC than the i7-4960X, but fewer cores and threads. It makes much more sense to go with an i7-8700K. I personally think changing the motherboard and CPU isn't worth it since the goal is 1440p60 gaming. The video card upgrade alone should accomplish that.
This guy's on the right track. At 1440/60hz that GPU would probably push it on a potato. Put the GPU in the current system and buy an appropriate monitor, like a 1440/144hz and then see where any deficiency is and go from there. Things like an SSD, better air cooler, new power supply etc, could (probably) all just be retrofitted into the existing case, or retrofit the core components into a new case. Whatever works.
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by shilka View Post

While they are the most expensive the last two monitors are also the best as they are 165 Hz and they have Nvidia G Sync
The MG279Q is 144 Hz and has AMD Freesync instead

The PB278Q has no AMD or Nvidia sync technology and is only 60 Hz
I used to have a PB278Q before i bought a PG279Q and while its not a bad monitor its not a gaming monitor so my advice is not to consider it if he can afford one of the other 3

Just threw it in there because itrs cheaper
Thanks! I think he'll probably stay away from high Hz and 4k monitors.
I think he's thinking around $450 for the monitor. So just a good 1440p 60/75Hz 27-32" IPS monitor would be good.

Quote:
Originally Posted by chessmyantidrug View Post

I wouldn't recommend your friend to give up cores and threads. The i7-7700K has better IPC than the i7-4960X, but fewer cores and threads. It makes much more sense to go with an i7-8700K. I personally think changing the motherboard and CPU isn't worth it since the goal is 1440p60 gaming. The video card upgrade alone should accomplish that.
Perhaps I named the wrong one, but it's a 4-core with 8 threads. So the i7 7700K should be plenty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kd5151 View Post

i7 8700 + cheap cooler. Cryorig h7 or i like the little bit cheaper m9i.
3200mhz memory with 16-18-18-38 timings or better. Gskill owns. Memory prices are threw the roof!
Z370 mobo. Any will do. Asrock extreme 4 or k6/ asus prime-a. Gotta keep an eye out for sales.
Fractal design meshify c or phanteks enthroo pro m with arctic f14 value pack fans. comes to like $5.50 a fan!
Seasonic focus gold plus power supply. 550-850w will do fine!
Dell and acer makes 1440p gsync gaming monitors. TN panels. IPS is more $$$.

Samsung ssd...
thumb.gif
Thanks! Do the Z370's work with the i7 7700K, etc., I assume it does?

Will check those out!
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaFirnz View Post

This guy's on the right track. At 1440/60hz that GPU would probably push it on a potato. Put the GPU in the current system and buy an appropriate monitor, like a 1440/144hz and then see where any deficiency is and go from there. Things like an SSD, better air cooler, new power supply etc, could (probably) all just be retrofitted into the existing case, or retrofit the core components into a new case. Whatever works.
The current system is a very slim form factor and putting parts into it would be an absolute pain. We discussed keeping the current CPU and just refreshing some other components but he wants a new system. Gaming wise I don't think there's a big difference between the i7 4970X and the i7 7700K so it'd save like $600-700 AUD if we kept the mobo and CPU but then we need to buy older RAM as well.
 
#12 ·
A Z370 board will as far as i am aware not work with 6 and 7 series of CPU´s which means you need a motherboard with a 200 series chipset
 
#13 ·
If you're not adding cores or threads, I don't think an IPC upgrade is worth it. Your processor is either Ivy Bridge-E or Haswell. Skylake and Kaby Lake aren't enough of an architectural improvement for me to think the upgrade is worth the money spent. Coffee Lake would at least give you more cores.
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by shilka View Post

A Z370 board will as far as i am aware not work with 6 and 7 series of CPU´s which means you need a motherboard with a 200 series chipset
OK good to know. Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chessmyantidrug View Post

If you're not adding cores or threads, I don't think an IPC upgrade is worth it. Your processor is either Ivy Bridge-E or Haswell. Skylake and Kaby Lake aren't enough of an architectural improvement for me to think the upgrade is worth the money spent. Coffee Lake would at least give you more cores.
According to Intel the fastest RAM is 1600MHz for the i7 4790K. Isn't it worth moving to i7 7700K and getting ~3200MHz?
 
#16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoCables View Post

That's the fastest native support, but enthusiast motherboards extend that support very far.
I see I see. What sort of mobo should I be looking for? For the 4790K? Is that still 1151?
 
#17 ·
No, LGA1151 is Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake. Haswell and Broadwell use LGA1150.
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by chessmyantidrug View Post

No, LGA1151 is Skylake, Kaby Lake, and Coffee Lake. Haswell and Broadwell use LGA1150.
Good to know, thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by spinFX View Post

Yeah throwing in another vote for either going to 8700K or stick with the current gear and spend all the money on a new GPU and some flashy peripherals (new case, nice monitor etc).
I don't think he wants or needs a 6-core so thinking perhaps keeping the existing CPU and mobo is a good idea.
He's already picked himself up a 1080.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoCables View Post

A nice Z97 motherboard would be a good, but all you really have to do is look at the motherboard's specs to see what the memory support is.
Ahhh I see.

Perhaps keeping his current i7 and mobo is a good choice. That'll mean new PSU and case and probably a decent cooler. He doesn't need too much else.
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by steelbom View Post

I see I see. What sort of mobo should I be looking for? For the 4790K? Is that still 1151?
A Z97 motherboard.

Quote:
Originally Posted by steelbom View Post

Good to know, thanks!
I don't think he wants or needs a 6-core so thinking perhaps keeping the existing CPU and mobo is a good idea.
He's already picked himself up a 1080.
Ahhh I see.

Perhaps keeping his current i7 and mobo is a good choice. That'll mean new PSU and case and probably a decent cooler. He doesn't need too much else.
Oh. What motherboard does he have?

And yeah, that CPU is still formidable.
 
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by TwoCables View Post

A Z97 motherboard.

Oh. What motherboard does he have?

And yeah, that CPU is still formidable.
Not sure it's a pre-built alienware. The X51 R2 or R3 something. 2-3 years old.
 
#23 ·
Hi everyone,

Just updating this thread. So he wants a new CPU and all that so thus far this is what we have:

CPU: Intel Core i7 7700K
GPU: GTX 1080 (bought already)
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD
RAM: 2x8GB Corsair Vengeance LPX 2400
MOBO: MSI Z270 Gaming M3 Motherboard
PSU: Seasonic G-550 Gold 550W Power Supply
Case: NZXT H440 Mid Tower White
CPU CLR: Cooler Master Hyper 612 V2

He'll either buy 2x 23"~ 1080p monitors or 1x 27-32" 1440p monitor. No overclocking or anything...

Any thoughts on these parts? (Besides CPU and SSD).
 
#24 ·
He can do better than the MSI board.
ASRock has some good offerings to consider, this being an example: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157754&ignorebbr=1
More expensive than the cheap MSI but you get what you pay for plus this board has a fairly good rep overall.

Even this would be better than the MSI you have listed: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132931&ignorebbr=1

This board for a budget build is pretty good too: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157746&ignorebbr=1

Stuck with Z270 suggestions here but there are some good Z170 boards out there too.

I'm wary of MSI because of their past history of problems with VRM failure plus the fact they use really cheap Nikos MOSFETS and other components, the same stuff used in Biostar boards.
In fact I've have no less than 3 MSI's here of various models that's dead because of that exact cause with all of them, only one left running is a fourth one that's not used much..... For good reason.

If you really want ot risk it with MSI it's his money however it goes.

I know if you gotta go cheap so be it but it's not worth spending money twice instead of once and you're done. May cost a little more up front but worth it for the peace of mind.... And dodging the headaches.

I don't think that 550W PSU would do very well with a 1080 GPU and the 7700K combined, I'd suggest something a little larger there too.
 
#26 ·
Thanks for the input.

I thought that too but I've had several people say 550 is sufficient.
What about the Z270 AsRock Pro 4? I have the Z170 board and have found it to be good so far... it's pretty affordable too.

He does not need a bigger PSU its more than enough power so you think wrong

As for the SSD dont bother with the 850 Evo when the 860 Evo is out and is cheaper is places, another option is the Crucial MX500 which is also cheaper
Last is the CPU cooler and you are better off with a Cryorig H7 which costs the same
Thanks for the input. May go with the Crucial or the 850 as they're cheaper than the 860 at the store he's buying from.
I'll check the Cryorig out too.
 
#25 ·
He does not need a bigger PSU its more than enough power so you think wrong

As for the SSD dont bother with the 850 Evo when the 860 Evo is out and is cheaper is places, another option is the Crucial MX500 which is also cheaper
Last is the CPU cooler and you are better off with a Cryorig H7 which costs the same
 
#27 ·
I'll agree to disagree with you on that but certainly not saying you're actually wrong here.

Personally I'd go with at least a 650W with all the high-end components he's gonna have in it to ensure adequate power delivery under any conditions the system would ever see.

@ The OP: Whatever you get don't cheap out on the PSU itself, at least make sure it's a good quality unit.

The ASRock Pro 4 in itself is a better board than the MSI so if he wants, go with that.
Just remember the board is the foundation of any build and like the foundation of a home it has to support everything - This is why I'm stressing quality to what board is used for the build. You have alot of high-end pieces going into it, don't fumble at the goal line with something that's cheap and gonna crap out and kill stuff in the process.
 
#28 ·
Just checked pccasegear and the the Seasonic Foucs Plus Gold is actually cheaper then the old Seasonic G
https://www.pccasegear.com/products/41497/seasonic-focus-gold-550w-power-supply/

The Seasonic G is a ripoff at $135 when the Foucs Plus is both newer better as well as cheaper and the warranty is longer
As for the amount of wattage there is no need to buy a 650 watt unit for a system that draws 350 wats
 
#29 ·
This is on Nvidia's site concerning the specs of a 1080 GPU - Scroll down the page and look for the "Full specs" tab. Click onto the tab and scroll all the way down to see their suggestion.
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/products/10series/geforce-gtx-1080-ti/

Factor in that a 7700K is a 91W chip and you can see why I'm "Iffy" about a 550W really being enough here. Note that specs listed are for being at stock for both, not OC'ed in any way.
If OC'ed the power demand naturally goes up.

A 550W would probrably do it for all stock use as described by the OP but still falls short of what's suggested.

Just sayin.
 
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