A couple of PC Build questions please :)

pookie on 07/07/2016 - 18:46

Hi,

Here is a list of my first home build PC stuff:

Asus ATX Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard
Intel i6700k CPU
Corsair HX 750i PSU
Corsair 100R Mid tower case
2 x 850 Pro Samsung SSD
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 2 x 16gb Ram modules
WD Velociraptor 1TB 10000RPM internal HD
Asus PG279Q monitor 27"

Only thing is I bought a graphics card 980Ti but decided to pass it onto a friend and wait and see what the new cards are offering…

And, I still need a CPU cooler, thinking of Noctura NH-D15 but am concerned if will not fit over Ram modules :/

Can anyone please tell me:

1/ when installing the 2 ram modules do I use the first and third or the second and fourth slots on the motherboard? and

2/ will the Noctura NH-D15 cpu cooler fit with the RAM installed? I have researched and seems to be ok with RAM height of 32mm, but I am not sure where this is measured from? I measured from motherboard to top of RAM module and got 32mm…but I want to be sure b4 I buy the cooler.

3/ whats the latest news on decent graphics card? Initially I had 980ti but a friend was desperate for it so I gave it to him, now I don't have one :/ I'm way to kind …

Cheers

Pookie

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 07/07/2016 - 18:56
    +4

    Q1
    When filling the RAM slots you typically fill 2 slots of the same colour first.

    e.g If the slots are GREY BLACK GREY BLACK, fill all the GREY slots first

    Some motherboards don't make the distinction though and will happily run the RAM in dual channel mode.. but, reading the manual is the only way to be certain for a specific model.

    Q2.
    Despite what the manufacturer wants you to believe, RAM does not need heatspreaders nor any kind of heatsinking. In the previous decade, when DDR2 memory was first introduced, they ran at 1.8 volts and when overclocking they could be pushing well over 3 volts.. a lot of energy and therefore heat.

    Nowadays, DDR4 memory is low voltage (1.2v) which means they run a lot cooler and thus don't need any chunky or bulky heatspreaders strapped onto them.

    this means you should just buy the plainest, low-profile RAM you can find — no issues with heatsink getting in the way…

    Q3.
    Everyone seems to be jumping on the RX480 bandwagon at this point. I think it's a good buy, but you should also keep an eye out for the GTX 1060 which apparently, will beat the RX480 by 8 to 10 percent (leaked sources only)
    For 1440p gaming though I don't think a single 1060 or RX480 would be enough.

    • Diji1 on 07/07/2016 - 21:42
      +2

      this means you should just buy the plainest, low-profile RAM you can find

      No it doesn't lol. He/she is clearly building a system to overclock and your recommendation to buy RAM is based on what the heatsink looks like. Foolish advice.

    • Zachary on 14/07/2016 - 02:34

      Despite what the manufacturer wants you to believe, RAM does not need heatspreaders nor any kind of heatsinking. In the previous decade, when DDR2 memory was first introduced, they ran at 1.8 volts and when overclocking they could be pushing well over 3 volts.. a lot of energy and therefore heat.

      What about DDR3 @ 2400Mhz+? Surely they generate quite a bit of heat? I read someone had 2400Mhz DDR3 RAM in their system and it ran hot which was why the manufacturer supplied a fan-kit for it… Obviously if they don't think it's that hot, why would they bother supplying us a fan kit for it? I would guess over 3200 you need to water cool it or something to keep the temps low….

      Besides, it helps cool other components on the board if you're liquid cooling the CPU only, GPU only or CPU + GPU(s) only as there would be no air flow, or very limited airflow thanks to convection(unless you have a side case fan or and a monster exhaust fan).

      @ OP, build looks great! You would need to get the dimensions of the HSF and the height of the heat spreader and then calculate to see if it'll fit or not. You can also just buy it and if it doesn't fit, return it or get rid of the heatspreader but I wouldn't; they're there for a reason but if you believe you will be fine without it then by all means get it off.

      1/ when installing the 2 ram modules do I use the first and third or the second and fourth slots on the motherboard? and

      If it's a four slot ram board, usually yes, but like scrimshaw has said - it depends of the board, some board even takes two modules next to each other and still link up as dual channel.

      3/ whats the latest news on decent graphics card? Initially I had 980ti but a friend was desperate for it so I gave it to him, now I don't have one :/ I'm way to kind …

      Well, I'd personally wait for the 1080Ti(if they come out or its equivalence) to come out(coz 2160p gaming and all:P), but if you just want a quick card to get you going until something new comes out that you want/like, scrimshaw's suggestion is nice.

  • Jamie007 on 07/07/2016 - 20:59
    +2

    3 / new GTX 1070 is faster than a GTX 980ti and about half the price. It's the one to go for unless you want to spend a couple hundred more for the top of the range GTX 1080 or go a bit cheaper (and with less performance) with the RX 480. There really is no logical reason to get any other card than one of those three.

  • pookie on 07/07/2016 - 21:04

    Hmmm, ok I found the following for the GTX 1070 overseas prices, converted to AU$:

    1/ Amazon UK = $639 delivered

    2/ Amazon USA = $626 delivered

    note: neither are in stock atm, about 2 weeks wait.

    Does anyone know any better deal anywhere :)

    Cheers

    Pookie

    • Ryanek on 07/07/2016 - 21:13
      +2

      EVGA GTX 1070 SC - $602 delivered https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/256365

      • pookie on 07/07/2016 - 21:25

        :) Thanks. I think I might go with this 1070 GTX one you suggest…much appreciated. My son just confirmed he is happy to play at 1440p, no need for 4k yet.. So this is good.

        Cheers

  • Ryanek on 07/07/2016 - 21:12
    +1

    Why the need for two SSD's?

    • pookie on 07/07/2016 - 21:14
      +1

      :) I got given one and I already had one, so now I have 2 ;)

    • Diji1 on 07/07/2016 - 21:43

      There is no such thing as too much storage, the faster the better.

  • Thaal Sinestro on 07/07/2016 - 21:15

    I recently built a system so I have a bit of knowledge. Your choice of components is quite good.

    1st and 3rd or 2nd and 4th slots. The Corsair Vengeance 2 x 16GB modules are new and hard to hard at a decent price (I purchased mine from PCCaseGear). I paid a bit more for 3200 MHz Ram but I had to upgrade my motherboard Bios to recognize the overclocking profile for this Ram. 24000 MHz Ram had better performance than 2133 Ram in benchmarks but performance above this speed varies. I don't think you needed a Velociraptor with 2 SSDs. I assume you will RAID them.

    I have seen benchmarks for various games and the Nvidia 1070 will have no difficulty running AAA games at over 60 fps at 1440p. For 4K monitors you would need a 1080 Nvidia and would stuggle to get 60 fps at max settings.

    The Noctura NH-D15 should be fine with the Ram but will cover the first PCI slots and you may have issues fitting a graphics card into the PCI x16 slot if it has a backplate. It is a gigantic but very effective heatsink. I opted instead for a smaller Cryorig H7 cooler from PCCaseGear. They are about the same size as the popular CoolermMaster TX2 but have a bit better cooling performance, and only cost $6 more. The Noctua NH-D15 would beat my cooler by about 4 degrees on a heavily overclocked CPU working flat out. However, very few programs or games can utilize all cores simultaneously, so you may not need the colossal and expensive Noctua.

    Here are some good comparative gaming benchmarx: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/nvidia_geforce_gtx_1070…

    • pookie on 07/07/2016 - 21:30

      I currently fitted the RAM to the 2nd and 4th slots. And just bought a GTX 1070 graphics card :)

      I'm not sure what you mean by RAID them ? Sorry, but I'm still a bit new to this :/

      How do I find out if the GTX 1070 has a backing plate? Or should I just opt for a smaller cooler like you suggested? …I doubt the system will be overclocked often…neither myself or my son are sure of what that is, or the benefits/detriments.

      Cheers

      Pookie

  • bengal tiger on 07/07/2016 - 23:13
    +1

    You should have a look at the Noctua NH-D15S which goes for around the same price as the NH-D15. It's the newer version designed specifically to give more space for RAM clearance.

    Main difference is the slimmer design and it only has a single AF15 fan compared to the two fans on the D15. Have a read of the D15S reviews, they generally conclude that it's cooling efficiency is about the same as the D15 in terms of temperature (maybe 1-2 degrees higher as it only has one fan) and noise (maybe 1-2 dB quieter with one less fan).

  • ProjectZero on 07/07/2016 - 23:33
    +1

    Having used a d14 i can say from experience that vengeance ram usually doesnt fit since the cooler is taller… however this may have changed. Check the ram compatibility list on noctua

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2016 - 13:31

    If you had a 980Ti then why not go GTX 1070 or even 1080 ?

    Watch a REPUTABLE youtube video on doing your first build and read your mobo instruction manual.

    Also, being drunk and in an angry mood will make it easier to force some of the more frustrating components in to their tight rightful places.

  • pookie on 18/07/2016 - 18:43

    I was about to order the Noctua NH-D15 when I thought I better measure the room inside the case…max cpu cooler room is 150mm :( 15mm short of the Noctua D15 or even D14 :( damn.

    Btw my EVGA GTX 1070 8gb GPU will be here this week :)

    So I better find a cooler less than 150mm tall.

  • pookie on 18/07/2016 - 19:26

    Can anyone suggest a CD/DVD drive for us to be able to load windows and other software from a disc ? I did find the following but got a bad comment for posting it in the wrong area ??

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/161296999906

    Cheers

    • nocure on 18/07/2016 - 19:34

      Are you going to be burning blurays?

      If it's just for loading software the LG @ $18 will suffice

      • pookie on 18/07/2016 - 19:42

        Hi, I don't think we would be burning BluRays, just loading software and maybe burning the odd photo of the family dog to DVD.

        So in that case $18 sounds alot better than $85 :)

        Thank you :)

        Cheers

        Pookie

  • pookie on 18/07/2016 - 20:09

    ALSO

    Can anyone also recommend what cooling fans I should get to put in the Corsair 100R Mid-tower case?
    I am thinking I need 4 more. It comes with one at the back, however there is space for 2 more at the top and 2 more at the front. Do I need some sort of dust filters for the fans ?
    The specs say 120-140mm. So I have had a look on MSY but there are so many fans….I don't know which is better etc…

    • scrimshaw on 19/07/2016 - 00:00
      +1

      You can watch this and then decide for yourself
      "Premium Computer Fans Tested: Do They Keep Your Computer Cooler?"
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu7wI4Kn6sc

      For my gaming system, I just bought the normal stuff… two $8 dollar Coolermaster fans, although I did eventually replace them with Coolermaster Turbines for $15 each which are reportedly better, but that was just me with money to spare and wanting to spend it on something 'cool' (pun intended).

      I'm sure they might be 1-2 percent better… but in most cases that tiny increase in efficiency is accompanied by a disproportionate price increase, so it's usually never worth buying the real expensive stuff.

      Bigger fans equals to more airflow at a lower RPM, so if you want less fan noise you can buy the 140mm ones and then go into your motherboards fan tweaking utility to lower or raise the fan speeds to your liking.

      Dust filters are also appropriate for any fans sucking air into the case (it doesn't matter at all for fans pointing outwards, because dust is exiting that way anyway). Dust filters can be bought cheaply on ebay for just $1 dollar a piece.

  • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 22:15

    I finally put it all together, took all bloody afternoon and most of the night:

    Asus ATX Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard
    Intel i6700k CPU
    Cryorig H7 CPU Cooler
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 Graphics Card
    Corsair HX 750i PSU
    Corsair 100R Mid tower case
    Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 2 x 16gb Ram modules
    WD Blue 2TB internal HD
    1 x 850 Pro Samsung SSD
    3 x Corsair AF140 case fans (2 at the front sucking air in, 1 at the back blowing air out)
    DVD Optical Drive LG

    So now I just have to work out how to best tidy up all the damn cables and load on an operating system and all the drivers etc…

    I have it plugged in currently testing the airflow and have noticed that the 2 x fans on the 1070 don't do much, they just seem to do a 1/4 turn now and then, they don't actually keep spinning like the other fans inside the system. I hope it's not stuffed ?

    Also, there is some holes in the top of the case apparently for another 2 fans…should I bother putting 2 x 120 fans in there blowing out perhaps? Just an idea… I like fans :)

    Anyway, I wish I could upload a pic for some ideas but not sure how or where to upload here..

    Cheers

    Pookie

    • nocure on 01/09/2016 - 22:50

      "my account" > "settings" > "view" > "files" > "upload" 👍

      • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:07

        Thanks :)

        I uploaded a pic I took how do I post it in a message ?

        , looks fairly untidy but I just also realised I put the H& in backwards hahahahaha the fan facing wrong way. I wonder if I can just turn it around or do I need to completely re-install :(

        • nocure on 01/09/2016 - 23:12

          Paste the link in a message

    • scrimshaw on 01/09/2016 - 23:38

      Looks like your system has enough fans. You've got two intakes at the front, and a fan on the rear. More fans means more dust and more noise, so there is actually a downside in having too many fans.

      Heat naturally rises to the top of the case, where they simply exit the vent naturally. It's not really neccessary to have a fan pulling the heat out, unless your case has really bad airflow. Bad airflow can happen when there's too many obstructions in the case, or when you use a case that has a poor layout.

      You can improve airflow by doing some cable management. At this moment in time your cable management is virtually non-existent :)

      Hide those cables behind the motherboard. Route longer cables through the holes and make them go behind the motherboard tray, then back out again. An example and example

      • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:43

        Hmm ok. Yer I know my cables are messy, I just wanted to get all the gear in and check if it ran. I have tomorrow planned for cable management and trying to find Windows to install , then all the drivers that came with the bits and pieces :)

    • nocure on 01/09/2016 - 23:16

      👍

  • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:16

    There seems to be heaps of sockets for cables that I have no idea what they are for…eg: ROG , and something about a m2 socket etc….WTF, too much crap on here I don't know…

  • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:17

    Ill prob spend all day tomorrow trying to tidy the cables, I hate things untidy… a bit OCD I believe :(

  • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:18

    Any idea about this:

    I have it plugged in currently testing the airflow and have noticed that the 2 x fans on the 1070 don't do much, they just seem to do a 1/4 turn now and then, they don't actually keep spinning like the other fans inside the system. I hope it's not stuffed ?

    Also, there is some holes in the top of the case apparently for another 2 fans…should I bother putting 2 x 120 fans in there blowing out perhaps? Just an idea… I like fans :)

    • scrimshaw on 01/09/2016 - 23:28

      dude, the fans don't need to turn because the 1070 is currently idling and conserving power. It's a feature, not a bug!

      Once you fire up a game, the GPU will start sweating and the fans will start to spin faster.

      • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:29

        :) Ok thanks…I just wasn't sure..now I can relax a bit and have another Sambucca :)

        Cheers

  • pookie on 01/09/2016 - 23:31

    I have 1 other question….does anyone know where to get Windows 10 for best price so I can get this thing working? I have Apple Mac so no Windows CD :(

    • the frost on 05/09/2016 - 12:11

      https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

      Just choose someone who has a fair few positive comments. Should work well. Looks like maybe you've already solved this question though.

      • pookie on 05/09/2016 - 19:30

        Cheers…yer I got Windows 10 to install, still need to grab a key/licence from a reputable source.. :)

  • pookie on 04/09/2016 - 08:21

    Ok i solved it :)

    Bootable usb stick with windows 10 .iso file installed to it.

    System booted up and seems to run ok.

    Just one thing….no wifi :(
    Apparently the motherboard doesn't come with wifi…omg another thing to research and buy. Ideas welcome. My router is an Apple Airport Extreme Basestation dual band.

    Thanks

  • jsb on 04/09/2016 - 10:26

    Hi Pookie,

    I was looking to build a similar i7 6700 machine myself. Thanks for doing the hard work. I think I will go with this configuration with just minor changes like ati 480. Please let me know from where you sourced the stuff and if you do get a deal for windows license, let me know, please.

    • pookie on 05/09/2016 - 19:29

      Hi jsbhatia

      Most of my stuff was from PCCG , with a few items from other places e.g.: (GTX 1070 = USA)… I just ordered a Wifi adapter Asus PCE-AC68 from PCCG. Sometimes the prices are a little higher by a couple dollars usually due to fright, but I don't mind because I have had good service/communications from them and the equipment is genuine.

      I will let you know about the Windows key/licence.

      My son is really happy, no issues so far after a couple days of hard-core gaming at excellent FPS and graphics settings :)

      Cheers

      Pookie

      • jsb on 06/09/2016 - 09:20

        Thanks :)

  • pookie on 31/12/2016 - 16:30
    Merged from My recent Gaming PC Build…a big THANK YOU :)

    Hi All

    Just wanted to thank everyone whom gave me advice regarding my recent gaming PC build for my son. So far the system has run flawlessly and not missed a beat.

    My son plays in Ultra High detail and he says it plays extremely high FPS, whatever that means….

    Anyway, those of whom helped me with advice/opinion etc… know who you are….so a big THANK YOU :) to you all.

    Have a great New Year…

    Cheers

    Pookie

    • currentfad on 31/12/2016 - 16:36

      Congrats! Any pics? ;)

    • portraitly on 31/12/2016 - 17:04

      Great! Pics and configuration please?

    • pookie on 31/12/2016 - 17:17

      As it's my first PC build I didn't really bother with pics..but I will take some pics in an hour or so and put up the configuration too :)

      but it's nothing special to look at really..

      Cheers

      Pookie

    • pookie on 31/12/2016 - 17:25

      Hi

      I found a list of the stuff I built it with:

      Asus ATX Z170 Pro Gaming motherboard
      Intel i6700k CPU
      Cryorig H7 CPU Cooler
      EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8gb Graphics Card
      Corsair HX 750i PSU
      Corsair 100R Mid tower case
      Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 2 x 16gb Ram modules
      WD Blue 2TB internal HD
      1 x 850 Pro Samsung SSD
      3 x Corsair AF140 case fans (2 at the front sucking air in, 1 at the back blowing air out)
      DVD Optical Drive LG
      Wifi adapter Asus PCE-AC68

      If I think of anything else I will add it in :)

      Pics l8r tonight..

      Cheers

      Pookie

      p.s. - My next build will be starting soon, it will be a PC for myself, but it has to be faster, and better than my sons :) ideas ?

      • currentfad on 31/12/2016 - 18:30

        That computer is a beast. The only thing that comes to mind to be better than your son's is to get a 1080 instead haha. And watercooled ;)

        • pookie on 31/12/2016 - 18:36

          Yer I had intended a 1080. But not sure about water cooling, as the air cooling in my sons seems to do a really good job and it was fairly inexpensive :)

          Can I possible put 2 x 1080's together? Would it be beneficial? Or is there a better CPU ?

          Cheers

          Pookie

        • [Deactivated] on 31/12/2016 - 18:46

          @pookie:

          I would watercool the CPU
          Corsair Hxx series work well

          Don't bother with 2 1080s tbh
          One should do you fine, but if the price is allright then by all means

        • pookie on 31/12/2016 - 18:52

          Would not water-cooling risk a leak ?? LOL would be just my luck.

          OK, I won't bother with 2 x 1080's, might be better to get more RAM or better monitor :)

        • currentfad on 31/12/2016 - 20:31

          @pookie: That's why you test for leaks after setup initially. 32GB+ RAM isn't going to be beneficial unless you do RAM-intensive work (data analysis/editing etc) You're better off with a better monitor that can make use of a 1080. 4K/VR gaming for example.

        • pookie on 01/01/2017 - 00:28
          +1

          @spaghettiman:

          Thank you :)

          Happy new year :)

        • currentfad on 01/01/2017 - 02:46

          @pookie: No problem! Enjoy your beastly computers this year :)

  • pookie on 31/12/2016 - 17:38

    Oops, looks like I posted this Thank You in the wrong place :( It's now been moved to here….my bad .

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