Need help with i7 z87 Build

doop51

I'm running into some problems putting together a build for my new pc, I was wondering if you experts could help me and give me your opinions on my hardware choices.


Processor: Intel i7 4820k
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116940

Cooler: CORSAIR Hydro Series H110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181035

Mobo: ASRock Z87 Extreme4 LGA 1150 Intel Z87
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157369

Memory: G****ILL Ripjaws Z Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1866
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231539

PSU: Corsair TX650
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020

Case: Antec GX GX 700
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1N8-001K-00002

For a graphics card I will be using my MSI 660 Ti. I am still undecided on what SSD and HDD I will be getting. I would like around a 128 GB SSD and a 100 TB HDD, but I know very little about SSD/HDD so I am still looking around.

Here are my concerns with my build so far:
1) I don't know if the quad channel memory kit is even worth the added price over a dual channel 8GB setup.
2) I can't decipher which Z87 motherboard is the best for overclocking.
3) The PSU seems a bit pricey for what it is.
4) I don't know about the case, I've seen mixed reviews. I do however need a case capable of mounting the radiator no problems. The other issue is the most I want to spend on a case is $80.
5) The processor might be overkill, but I am really interested in the hyper threading and OC ability. I plan on using this PC for around 4-6 years with the only update being a higher end GPU.
6) I really need help on SSD and HDD selection.
7) I can't decide between windows 7 or 8. I get both for cheap with my student email.

Overall I plan on playing new games at 1920x1080 with enough of the goodies turned on as my 660 Ti will allow.

CookieMunzta

It's a pretty solid all-round build.

For now, I'd stick with 8GB RAM, unless you plan on running large games on RAM disks, then up to 12GB or 16GB depending on the size of the games.

TX series PSUs are fantastic, and that's a decent price compared to EU standards. The cable lengths are a little longer than other PSUs of a similar price, so cable management is a little easier if that's your thing.

There isn't a massive amount of clearance between the top of the case, the H110, and the CPU/RAM heatsinks, but since G****ill generally use low profile heatsinks, that shouldn't really be an issue provided you buy those. A RAM cooler may be a no-no though if you plan on OCing the FSB.

The Hyperthreading of the i7 series isn't always a good thing, mind. Benches for BF3 showed a decent loss of frames while HT was enabled. That's not to say it's bad of course, but it does have it's defects. Personally I leave it enabled, but that's up to you.

For the SSD I'd recommend either a Kingston HyperX, or the Samsung 840 Evo. I use an 840 Pro myself, and behind my RevoDrive 3 X2, it's the best SSD I own.

Of course if you want to dice with potential failure, you could always pick up a cheap refurb OCZ SSD. But don't keep anything of value of there.

I'd recommend a newer gen Seagate Barracuda. Make sure you don't get a pre-2010 production multi-platter drive, as the larger models (1.5TB+) tend to vibrate/hum.

Windows 8 has been known to produce slightly better FPS, but lack of compatibility in a few departments can be an issue. For me, the horrid UI was enough for me to immediately uninstall.

I haven't checked NA prices in a long-ass time so I can't really advise off the top of my head right now.

doop51

CookieMunzta wrote: »

It's a pretty solid all-round build.

For now, I'd stick with 8GB RAM, unless you plan on running large games on RAM disks, then up to 12GB or 16GB depending on the size of the games.

TX series PSUs are fantastic, and that's a decent price compared to EU standards. The cable lengths are a little longer than other PSUs of a similar price, so cable management is a little easier if that's your thing.

There isn't a massive amount of clearance between the top of the case, the H110, and the CPU/RAM heatsinks, but since G****ill generally use low profile heatsinks, that shouldn't really be an issue provided you buy those. A RAM cooler may be a no-no though if you plan on OCing the FSB.

The Hyperthreading of the i7 series isn't always a good thing, mind. Benches for BF3 showed a decent loss of frames while HT was enabled. That's not to say it's bad of course, but it does have it's defects. Personally I leave it enabled, but that's up to you.

For the SSD I'd recommend either a Kingston HyperX, or the Samsung 840 Evo. I use an 840 Pro myself, and behind my RevoDrive 3 X2, it's the best SSD I own.

Of course if you want to dice with potential failure, you could always pick up a cheap refurb OCZ SSD. But don't keep anything of value of there.

I'd recommend a newer gen Seagate Barracuda. Make sure you don't get a pre-2010 production multi-platter drive, as the larger models (1.5TB+) tend to vibrate/hum.

Windows 8 has been known to produce slightly better FPS, but lack of compatibility in a few departments can be an issue. For me, the horrid UI was enough for me to immediately uninstall.

I haven't checked NA prices in a long-ass time so I can't really advise off the top of my head right now.

With the H110, what should I do to cool my voltage regulator. It is one thing that I am worried about with the OC, since it wont have the airflow over it like with a air cooled heatsink.

I figure HT will help with large assemblies in autocad / solidworks.

i5dK

Dude if your only gaming then all you need is an i5. Get a better graphics card if you dont have the 660 ti yet. Unless your gonna be editing, rendering, or that kind of stuff the processor is way overkill.

CookieMunzta

kingdooper wrote: »

With the H110, what should I do to cool my voltage regulator. It is one thing that I am worried about with the OC, since it wont have the airflow over it like with a air cooled heatsink.

I figure HT will help with large assemblies in autocad / solidworks.

The ambient cooling of the fans drawing air may provide enough to efficiently cool. You could always look for a case that has a left panel fan mount similar to the Antec 1100:



Another option would be to have the rear fan as a push fan to draw air in, over the components. The H100 fans set to pull could act as a decent exhaust.

doop51

i5dK wrote: »

Dude if your only gaming then all you need is an i5. Get a better graphics card if you dont have the 660 ti yet. Unless your gonna be editing, rendering, or that kind of stuff the processor is way overkill.

I use solidworks, autocad, and aspen alot. I already own the 660 Ti.

i5dK

kingdooper wrote: »

I use solidworks, autocad, and aspen alot. I already own the 660 Ti.

Oh okay then. Id still suggest a 4770k but its your choice. Have fun with it. Are you making money off of it?

doop51

Wasn't paying attention and the mobo I was looking at was the wrong socket, but it would work with the 4770K and then I would get a dual channel kit.

The x79 boards seem to be about $20 more.

The 4670K is $100 cheaper as well.

Grabster

4820K is on the X79 platform, not Z87...
Hope you haven't ordered you're parts yet because you would most likely break the pins on the socket and also kill the CPU if you tried to jam it in.

over_rated

Lets start with the i7-4820K is Ivy Bridge E on the 2011 Socket and X79. Z87 is 1150 haswell. The 4770K is the quad core CPU right now and works with Z87.
You either need an X79 motherboard or a Z87 CPU like these
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-X79-DELUXE-DDR3-1333-Motherboards/dp/B00F6EAXV6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381112811&sr=8-1&keywords=X79-Deluxe
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4770K-Quad-Core-Processor-BX80646I74770K/dp/B00CO8TBQ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381112824&sr=8-1&keywords=4770k
Quad channel memory is only supported by X79, if you run 4 sticks on Z87 it'll run at dual. It won't make a difference most of the time though.
The PSU isn't that great and if you really want to OC high on Z87, build a custom WC loop and delid the CPU. Haswell runs extremely hot
A 4670K is the same as the i7 but doesn't have Hyperthreading.
Each motherboard pretty much overclocks the same, it just depends on how well the CPU overclocks.

over_rated

Grabster wrote: »

4820K is on the X79 platform, not Z87...
Hope you haven't ordered you're parts yet because you would most likely break the pins on the socket and also kill the CPU if you tried to jam it in.

It would just sit on top of the socket LGA 2011 is huge.
The CPU won't die because Intel doesn't use pins underneath the CPU.

over_rated

kingdooper wrote: »

With the H110, what should I do to cool my voltage regulator. It is one thing that I am worried about with the OC, since it wont have the airflow over it like with a air cooled heatsink.

I figure HT will help with large assemblies in autocad / solidworks.

You don't need to cool your voltage regulators with anything other than the included heatsinks. They are fine passively cooled.
Sorry for triple post, too lazy to edit.

doop51

over_rated wrote: »

Lets start with the i7-4820K is Ivy Bridge E on the 2011 Socket and X79. Z87 is 1150 haswell. The 4770K is the quad core CPU right now and works with Z87.
You either need an X79 motherboard or a Z87 CPU like these
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-X79-DELUXE-DDR3-1333-Motherboards/dp/B00F6EAXV6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381112811&sr=8-1&keywords=X79-Deluxe
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i7-4770K-Quad-Core-Processor-BX80646I74770K/dp/B00CO8TBQ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381112824&sr=8-1&keywords=4770k
Quad channel memory is only supported by X79, if you run 4 sticks on Z87 it'll run at dual. It won't make a difference most of the time though.
The PSU isn't that great and if you really want to OC high on Z87, build a custom WC loop and delid the CPU. Haswell runs extremely hot
A 4670K is the same as the i7 but doesn't have Hyperthreading.
Each motherboard pretty much overclocks the same, it just depends on how well the CPU overclocks.

over_rated wrote: »

You don't need to cool your voltage regulators with anything other than the included heatsinks. They are fine passively cooled.
Sorry for triple post, too lazy to edit.

What about waiting till x99 Haswell-E?

over_rated

You'll be waiting a loong time. Ivy Bridge E only just launched. I would just get a 4770K it's the fastest for gaming right now.