Building Intel gaming PC.

[jimbo_limited]

I'm in the process of building my intel gaming/video editing build. I need some advice/opinions in the process of building this rig.

Few parts I'm not too fond about like the PSU.
I'm building a Black/Red theme build and want to stick with Intel and Nvidia.
I do plan on overclocking.
Plan to go SLi in the future
Not too sure with watercooling. (first time)



Here are the list of parts:

Rosewill Thor V2 Case (already have)
Asus Sabertooth Z77 Mobo
Intel i5 3570K
G.Skill 16GB 2x8GB DDR3 1866
XCLIO STABLEPOWER GOLD 1000W Full Modular (Not too sure about this PS)
Corsair SSD 60GB
WD 500GB HDD
Thermaltake water 2.0
Asus GTX680

[KarmaKiller]

Parts don't look bad, but I would make some changes.
1) You don't need that powerful of PSU even with 2x 680's and overclocking. You'd be fine on a 750watt, but here's a solid 850watt that's cheaper and better IMO.

2)With the money you just saved on the PSU, you can upgrade to a bigger slightly faster SSD.
Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC128D/AM 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) Desktop Upgrade Kit

3) I'm not sure where you planned on fitting the 2x 120mm rad that water kit comes with, but honestly just make it easier on yourself and get this. It's better quality components and with fit easily on your rear 120mm fan.

4) That's an awesome GPU you have picked out, but you could save a bit and get this:
Newegg.com - MSI N680GTX Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 680 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Comes with free Borderlands 2 game also.
The cooler on the Twin Frozr cards is amazing. It's cools amazingly well and is almost silent.

Other then that, looks good.

[jimbo_limited]

With the water cooling the case has two 120mm on top that'll replace one 230mm fan. My rear fan is 140mm thus I can't find a good water cooler in that size.

Thanks for the Psu advice. Would be nice to save some money and use a bigger SSD drive.


I can't tell but I would highly prefer a fully modular Psu. Once I'm back home I'll check out the Psu you recommend.

[RicheemxX]

The rear fan being a 140mm is a moot point it has mounting holes for the smaller 120mm fans as well. I've never used that particular TT cooler, but the other ones they have in the series work well. I've got one in my PC right now. They run nice and cool and fairly quiet.

If you do go with that cooler make sure you measure to make sure it doesn't hang down in the way. The clearances in my case are pretty tight with the standard 120mm cooler in there.

[KarmaKiller]

Part of the reason I suggest the H80 is it was cheaper, and I figured mounting would be easier. And most likely like Richeem said, you will have 120mm mounting on the rear fan.
Honestly if your going to go for a dual rad setup at the price point, I'd just get this:
XSPC Rasa 450 RX120 WaterCooling Kit Products Model: XSPC-X2OP450-RX120-D [XSPC-X2OP450-RX120-D] : Performance-PCs.com, ... sleeve it and they will come
It's a solid pump/rad/res combo that comes with everything you need. Later at any point if you ever want to upgrade/switch our parts, this system will allow for that. This is basically a custom setup pre-packaged. For the price, I would go for that over the Thermaltake setup myself.
Or you could go with the H100: Newegg.com - CORSAIR H100 (CWCH100) Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
It's a bit thinner radiator, which in turn lets you put medium/low speed fans on it, which in turn would make it more quiet. Plus it's also cheaper then the Thermaltake setup.

As far as the PSU, I agree fully modular is nice, but if the PSU is ever in use, you will be using the 24pin cable and aux 8 pin cables, so it's pretty much the same thing IMO.

[ShyguyXPC]

or if your looking for Modular: Newegg.com - SeaSonic M12II 750 SS-750AM 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Semi-modular Power Supply

that would be fine as well.


750W, and "Semi" Modular (24 pin, 8 pin and 2 primary 6/6+2 pin PCIe are not, but all other cables are)

$119 with free shipping and currently even has a 15% off Promo Code, so even more savings.

take that savings and put towards other parts IMO.

Even with 3 GTX 680's in SLI, and the parts you've selected, you could run all of that and some pretty hefty Overclocking on that 750W Seasonic easily.

[jimbo_limited]

KarmaKiller - I've never setup a watercooling configuration like that. Is it pretty simple? That honestly looks better than the thermaltake I'd pick out but I'd like to stay under newegg's service.

ShyguyXPC- That looks perfect for me. Single 12V rail, plenty of power, and its simi modular. I'll make sure I add this to my cart. Is seasonic a really decent PSU?

[ShyguyXPC]

just remember the Promo Code is only good till the 10th.


Seasonic also makes the internals for the Corsair KK posted, as well as Antec and XFX units, and the NZXT Hale82 and Hale90 Series Units (have a Hale82 850W which is just a rebadged Seasonic M12 II 850W with different modular cables).

I agree with KK on going with the True Water/Liquid Cooling kit as well, if your going to spend that much on it, as they are better and more customizable than the all in one units like I use (Corsair H60).

But the H100 and even 80 are perfectly fine units as well.

Also just a heads up, Performance PC's is based out of Florida, so shipping shouldn't be as much, albeit a long drive from Pensacola, but still in the same state.

[jimbo_limited]

just remember the Promo Code is only good till the 10th.


Seasonic also makes the internals for the Corsair KK posted, as well as Antec and XFX units, and the NZXT Hale82 and Hale90 Series Units (have a Hale82 850W which is just a rebadged Seasonic M12 II 850W with different modular cables).

I agree with KK on going with the True Water/Liquid Cooling kit as well, if your going to spend that much on it, as they are better and more customizable than the all in one units like I use (Corsair H60).

But the H100 and even 80 are perfectly fine units as well.

Also just a heads up, Performance PC's is based out of Florida, so shipping shouldn't be as much, albeit a long drive from Pensacola, but still in the same state.

Im a noob when it comes to watercooling. What fluids do I use and where can I aquire it?

My home of residence is in Pensacola, FL but Im military and stationed at Fort Polk, LA. Its quite the drive down there.

I may have clearance issue with the Thermaltake.

How about this:
Newegg.com - Thermaltake WATER2.0 Pro Closed-Loop All In One Liquid CPU Cooler Dual 120mm PWM Fans 120x49mm Radiator CLW0216

[KarmaKiller]

KarmaKiller - I've never setup a watercooling configuration like that. Is it pretty simple? That honestly looks better than the thermaltake I'd pick out but I'd like to stay under newegg's service.

ShyguyXPC- That looks perfect for me. Single 12V rail, plenty of power, and its simi modular. I'll make sure I add this to my cart. Is seasonic a really decent PSU?

Honestly setup of a loop is pretty easy. There are a bunch of different methods to go about it. Here's a good guide: How to setup and install a water cooling setup/loop 3 parts
I can answer more specific questions later if need be.

As far as what kind of liquids, that varies I suppose. Most people use just basic distilled water, with a biocide to prevent algae growth. There are also pre-mixed liquid solutions out there, that have dye in them to match a color scheme you have going in your case. So whatever you feel is the best solution for yourself really. It's all subjective...

As far as the newegg support thing, I can understand that. But there are other VERY good shops out there that watch out for the customers. PerformancePcs is one of them I wouldn't hesitate to order from, Sidewinder and Jab-Tech are also great. And honestly, for getting a custom loop, I'd stick to one of those shops.

EDIT:
Also I'll just go ahead and say this, Corsair all in one units are better then the Thermaltakes. Not saying Corsairs will cool better, but at this point they are proven products. They've been selling the Hxx line of coolers for a few years now, and Themaltake can't really say the same thing with the line you have been looking at. But again, I would really suggest you get the XSPC setup. It's worth it.

[ShyguyXPC]

LOL, thats why I have the H60, I'm totally inexperienced when it comes to Liquid cooling and the fact I KNOW I would screw something up and destroy my hardware.

besides, the H60 is my first time doing anything liquid cooling beyond the tried and true Active air cooling.

KK would be the one to ask about the fluids, but Performance PC's, FrozenCPU.com and several other sites sell what you need.

Ah, I see, on the location and where your at now.


That Thermaltake is basically the same kind of Cooler the Corsair and Antec units are, not sure who makes the Tt ones, but Corsairs is actually made by CoolIT systems, they used to make cooling kits for home users, but mainly server cooling hardware.

back last year, Corsair and CoolIT entered into a business arrangement, Corsair would sell their Liquid cooler kits with the Corsair Name, and made by CoolIT.


Not sure where or who makes Antec's, but Tt is new to this type of cooling kits, but they have had all in one systems for years, just resembled traditional Liquid kits is all.

I'm not sure on Tt's Warranty, but I know Corsair will replace any and all hardware damaged by any sort of leaks that happen with their coolers, I'm sure Antec would as well, but I know Corsair will for sure.

the Tt is thicker than the Corsair units, which should equate to more surface area for cooling, but You'd want some good fans with really good Static Air Pressure to push the air through the rad.

I don't know how well those stock Tt fans really are, and I would be afraid to use them.

Buying 2 new additional fans like a Pair of Scythe Gentle Typhoons, or even the Noctua NF-P12's I have, would cost an extra $30-50 on average over the cost of the cooler.


Even Intels kit is half way decent: Newegg.com - Intel BXRTS2011LC Liquid-cooled Thermal Solution For the LGA2011 Socket

It says Socket 2011, but it also works on 1155, 1156 and 1366 (Basically any and all Core i7 platforms), its only a single fan, but it does a decent enough job cooling.


It all comes down to price, and how much you think you will need it (as in Overclocking), for most mild to moderate OC's the all in one kits are usually pretty sufficient if set up right (airflow intake/out, etc), paired with good fans, and good thermal paste.


I'm having issues with my CPU (running hotter than it should, with the kit running) but I'm pretty sure its an issue with the CPU itself, otherwise it seems to be running very cool, and quiet (with the Noctua Fans I have on the H60).

I think if I remember right Carl D that posts here has one of the Antec Kuhler Series in his Socket 2011 System I helped suggest parts for from one of the other forums I know him from.


seems to be cooling his system pretty good as well, Dual 120mm fans on it like most of us run.

as to Clearance issues with the Tt, it depends, my H60's Rad is 27mm thick and I have Dual 25mm thick fans on it, here's a pic of what Mine looks like with both fans installed, it would give you and idea of how far into the case the Tt would mount (about one more or so fan thick).



So depending on the room you have in the case (mines a Coolermaster 690 II Advanced), it should be able to fit no problems.

[ShyguyXPC]

I see Karma replied while I was trying to figure out what to type LOL.


This is the company Corsair Partnered with for their 2nd Generation Hydro Cooler series (H40, H60, H80 and H100 are 2nd gen. H50, H70 are 1st Gen Hydro Series):

CoolIT Systems - CoolIT Systems

[ShyguyXPC]

You could also look through FrozenCPU.com's list of Liquid Cooling Stuff:

Computer Water Cooling - FrozenCPU.com *

Coolant and Additives:

Coolant - Brand | Page 1 | Sort By: Product Title A-Z - FrozenCPU.com *

Coolant | Additives | Page 1 | Sort By: Product Title A-Z - FrozenCPU.com *



but my 2 Preferred Specialty Sites are FrozenCPU and Performance PC's, though I have used some others like SVC.com, and the old CrazyPC.com (no longer around), and the original Xoxide.com (not the revived site currently around).

[KarmaKiller]

I use Sidewinder probably the most often. You get hand written thank you notes for your business, and cool swag with most orders. On top of that, Gary the owner is just an awesome guy to deal with.
Jab-Tech is great because they are located out of OK, which is close to me. I get my orders normally the next day from them.
FrozenPC is also good, I've only used them once or twice, as I normally go to one of the other sites I mentioned first.

[ShyguyXPC]

MNPC Tech is a local one to me, but unfortunately they don't sell a whole lot of things, mainly case modding supplies and thats about it.

PC Case Mods Store & Professional Case Modding

Could literally be on the road for 2 hours and pick up the goods if I wanted to.



With FrozenCPU, some of their pricing can be a bit higher, but they get stuff shipped out ASAP, no dicking around like Newegg and some other sites. Email Notifications at every step from Order confirmation, to processing of order, to packaging, to shipping, and though its not hand written notes, each person packing the items has their own name stamp on the invoice.

for example If I were to order something small right now, like a tube of paste, it might not be entirely processed until early/mid day Monday, but I would most likely have it in the mail by Wednesday morning sometime. Shipped out from New York to Minnesota. granted most of my stuff as of late from them has all been USPS Shipping, so maybe FedEx or UPS is slower, but not sure really.

I know I have gotten things from them via UPS faster than I have from Newegg's Tennessee Warehouse or New Jersey Warehouse also using UPS.

Performance PC's is a tad bit slower for me, but still much better than newegg with some similar items.

[jimbo_limited]

So now my new line up is almost the same except for these following items:

Seasonic 750w similar modular Psu $120 shipped
MSI twin frozr GTX 680/OC $520 shipped
OCZ 120GB SATA3 SSD $ 80 shipped
Coarsair H100 water cooler $110 shipped.



How do these look?

[ShyguyXPC]

Looks good.


On the HDD, I'd recommend a better performing one, for games (Some games can be installed on the 120GB SSD though), especially if your running STEAM, you don't want your Steam Folder on the SSD (unless you had a substantially large enough SSD, or a Multi SSD RAID setup for the storage), depending on how many games you install off it, as it can grow quite large quickly and take up valuable OS Drive space.

If you only have a few games on STEAM, then its not a big deal, but like some of us, we have 30-80 or more games on the service, not including DLC and add ons, it can eat up a good chunk of drive space.


the WD Blue you have listed is a decent average spec drive, but if you can afford it, I'd recommend a 32-64MB Cache 7200RPM Drive, either WD or Seagate.


or if you can a 1TB size, like this WD Black Series 64MB Cache: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive



Or for less, this Seagate: Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

the WD Blacks are considered some of the best, but realistically the Seagates aren't that much slower if at all. That particular Seagate if I remember is a single platter drive, they have gotten their tech down so they can stuff 1GB per platter on their drives now.

So its a single platter, less mechanical moving of the reader/head, and should be faster searching and read/write of files, as well as a bit more power efficient, and cooler running. Add to that the thinner profile.

For $10 more than the WD Blue, with superior specs and double the storage its the best deal IMO.

[jimbo_limited]

Thank you for great info. With money already saved I can easily do that

I do use steam and I have a few steam games, CS, HL, batman, and some others. Most of my games are non steam. D3, Skyrum, BF3, and my wife's WoW

[ShyguyXPC]

LOL, Skyrim is Steam, its required to register the game with it, so its technically a Steam game.

it may be installed seperately, but its still a steam game, though you can install it separate from the Steam folder.

Duke Nukem Forever pulled the same crap with me, can install it separately but Steam is required to run the game for registration and all that crap.



But Buying a hard copy of Skyirm is what I'm thinking of doing soon, I have Skyrim bought from steam so it HAS to be in the steam folder, and honestly it lags the game down sometimes loading, saving, and what not.

I like the online syncing and saving of game settings and profiles/game saves via Steam, so if I uninstall the game and reinstall on another PC or later down the road on same PC, all my saved data is still there.

But it can be a pain in the ass while running the game, causing lag and what not.

Eventually plan on getting an SSD and cloning my OS Drive to it, and then use the WD Velociraptor drive just to install some games and stuff to.


but I got a good deal on Steam for Skyrim back in the spring for like $30 or so, and couldn't pass it up, considering it was still $50 in stores.


yeah, I have Skyrim, Portal 2, Just Cause 2 and a bunch of others that take up space.

JC2 I bought hard copy and registered with Steam.

Going through my List right now...

Cave Story+

Dead Island

EDGE

Skyrim

LIMBO

Metro 2033

MS Flight

Portal 2

Serious Sam 3: BFE

Sleeping Dogs Demo

TF2

Terraria

Worms Reloaded

Just for whats installed currently...

I have about 5 times that in games that are currently not installed. (my Profile shows about 59 Games total on my account)

[jimbo_limited]

Games through steam are games bought on it. Rest were hard copies. Should of clarified.

I have a current rig with AMD fx4100. It's an ok rig but would love to run multi monitors and any game with ultra settings and with AA. Btw, my amd rig has a amd 6870 GPU