Evona Posted August 16, 2012 Posted August 16, 2012 Hi there OCC! Long time stalker, first time poster, just wanting some advice for my first build Firstly, I will be using this rig mainly for my uni project which will involve a lot of meshing's and simulations (ie. ANSYS) but I also want the option of gaming (Diablo 3 is calling...). My budget is around $3000, I might dabble in some slight overclocking and through many hours of forum searching, I've narrowed my options to the following parts: CPU: Intel 3930k - [$600] --> I've decided on this 6-core chip mainly because when my uni switched from core duo pc's to i7's the time spend in meshing/modelling was cut substantially so 6-cores..... MOBO: ASUS P9X79 DELUXE - [managed to get this for $340!] --> can handle 64GB of RAM (see RAM point further below) and fantastic included software. COOLER: Corsair H100 - [$150] --> not real watercooling but I won't be overclocking to the extreme anyway...(see nick-nacks further down) PSU: Corsair AX850 Gold - [$240] --> Solid performer from what I've read and can handle another VGA if I decide to go SLI in the future. HDD: WD Caviar Black 2TB - [$195] --> for storage SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB - [$120] --> for OS, browser, CFD programs etc CASE: Corsair 650D - [$210] --> A nice looking case and will fit everything really well. VGA: ASUS GTX 670 Directcu II - [$500] --> Not really needed for CFD but will be handy for gaming. Also, word is the airflow in the 650D is not the best so this card should work well. RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-2133C9Q-32GXH 32GB (4x8GB) - [$370] --> The RAM is the one part I'm having trouble with :/ Large amounts of RAM are used in meshing for CFD and the more the merrier, but I'm not sure if RAM speed will have a huge difference in performance when over 1600MHz... Nick-nacks --> replace the H100's stock fans with 4 x Enermax PWM Cluster 120mm white LEDs (push/pull) with case air going out. Big debate here OPTION A: bring cold outside air through the radiator (better for CPU cooling) but then the case is filled with hot air or OPTION B: bring warm case air through radiator (not as good for CPU) but better for overall case temperature. I figured I may try and replace the side window of the 650D with a mesh panel to attach more fans so more cold air can be brought into the case. Thoughts? --> cut out front mesh in front of 200mm fan of 650D for increased airflow (line cut with u-channel for prettiness). --> replace front 200mm fan with BitFenix Spectre Pro LED Any advice/feedback would be greatly appreciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_cow Posted August 16, 2012 Posted August 16, 2012 (edited) You got some good parts, I'm running 64gb with the WS version. Of that board. I also have the h100 and ending up having a hard time finding a case it worked well with . The ax850 gold is a seasonic x 850 so you May save a lot of money by getting that instead. For $240 that's way over priced. Maybe $160 Also if you are in the USA, I suggest newegg.com because everything you have listed is overpriced by a little to a lot. Edited August 16, 2012 by hornybluecow Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
El_Capitan Posted August 16, 2012 Posted August 16, 2012 Those are some expensive prices, where are you shopping from? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evona Posted August 16, 2012 Posted August 16, 2012 Sorry about that! Should have mentioned that I'm in Australia and as a result of the 'kangaroo-tax' everything is more expensive It always burns looking on newegg and seeing everything for cheaper! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
My_Inner_Fred Posted August 16, 2012 Posted August 16, 2012 (edited) uni project? o.0 Ahh Diablo 3 huh? I was told that was very disappointing. As for your water cooling it might be better for you to just step it up and get a XSPC rasa watercooling kit since your H100 puts you just a couple of dollars away from the kit. Unless you really want 0 maintenance watercooling. OCZ Vertex 4 is only going to be a boot drive correct? If not then it might benefit getting a bigger SSD. I have a 256gb Vertex 4 coming in today. Oh also I'm at a loss to where your profile pic came from. I swear I've seen it somewhere. =P EDIT: and the fan configuration for your H100 is really up to you, test it out with pushing air out of the case first while your doing modeling and gaming. If the temps for your CPU are uncomfortable for you but fine for your GPU then switch the config to suck in cool air from the top of the case, Just ramp up your GPU fans when your gaming to keep temps low. Edited August 16, 2012 by My_Inner_Fred Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_cow Posted August 16, 2012 Posted August 16, 2012 going from a full watercooled system MB/CPU and GPU to a h100, I must say its really nice not to ever have to fiddle with anything. the downside is that you basically are limited to cpu cooling only with no upgrade paths. at lest with custom WC you can add a rad or even extend your loop to include a video card. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonerboy779 Posted August 17, 2012 Posted August 17, 2012 I made a few adjustments to your list with what I would choose instead, just something for you to think about is all. Motherboard you have already found it at a great price dont change it haha I also suggest buying from PCCG as it appears you'll save a few dollard on each component by doing so. CPU - Intel Core i7 3930K - $595 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=187_346_1298&products_id=18759 SSD - OCZ Vertex 4 256GB SSD - $239 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_902_903&products_id=19999 (the extra space on a boot drive is definitely worth it) HDD - Western Digital WD Black 2TB - $285 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_344&products_id=16482 (I would consider going with a cheaper green or blue drive but if you are fine with the price stick with this) GPU - ASUS GeForce GTX 670 DirectCU II - $499 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193_1387&products_id=20212 (I love DCII cooling ) Now here is where I change some stuff. RAM - Corsair Vengeance Black 1866MHz 16GB (4x4GB) - $145 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=186_538_1301&products_id=19216 ( its only slightly more than the 1600Mhz kit but the jump to the 2400Mhz kits can't be justified imho) PSU - Silverstone Strider Plus 850W - $159.00 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=15_995&products_id=13278 (I myself cannot justify the premium for a gold PSU that will never pay itself off in efficiency and saved energy costs even if it ran 24/7 for years) Cooling - XSPC RayStorm D5 EX360 Water Cooling Kit - $189.00 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_160_45&products_id=20463 (an awesome little starting kit for custom water cooling I would look at grabbing primochill tubing for it though) Case - CoolerMaster HAF X - $189 - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_547&products_id=14840 (with the water cooling 360 rad a new case would be needed and this one more than caters for it. Styling may not be for some but it is an option) Price comes in at $2290 nearly $100 less than the parts you picked but it caters for the same GPU, larger boot drive, 32gb of RAM, much better cooling and an 850watt Silver rated PSU. Add the price of the mobo you have already and it is $2630 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evona Posted August 18, 2012 Posted August 18, 2012 For the moment, I'm happy with the maintenance free aspect of the H100 and the DirectCU II cooling seems top notch but I really would like to dabble in a proper WC loop sometime in the future, so who knows? It's a good thing to see SSDs going down in price, I'll definitely get that OCZ 256GB instead! @ hornybluecow: How does the WS version of the motherboard differ? Would the deluxe still run 64GB as well? I may need to step up to 64GB if I get impatient with meshing times. @ Stonerboy: Getting two 16GB kits of 4x4GB ram would get me to 32GB and save me quite a few $$ but I was hoping to keep the option open for a full 64GB set if I end up needing it And damn does that HAF X have some good air flow! But It is just...so...ugly.... D: @ My_Inner_Fred: Keen eye there! My profile pic is from My Neighbour Totoro, Japanese cuteness at it's best! I'll get onto PCCG next week and get shopping! Pictures to come as well Thank's again everyone! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evona Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 (edited) Apologies for the delay, I got caught up with assignments and haven't had a lot of time on my hands. So here is the finished product I wasn't liking the sag on the 670 so I propped it up with a shortened chopstick Edited October 15, 2012 by Evona Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wevsspot Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 Very very nice looking build Evona. Congratulations. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EuroFight Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 (edited) Wish I could do cable management like that Nice build Edited October 15, 2012 by EuroFight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fogel Posted October 15, 2012 Posted October 15, 2012 Very nice! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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