X99 Gaming Build - Requesting Opinions

[Dirk Diggler]

I've got the CPU decided, and just looking for opinions on the MoBo and RAM. I'd like the board to facilitate 2-way SLI on slots 1 and 3 for maximum heat spacing. I believe if they both run at x8 then that's fine, as in there's no real need for them to be running at x16 on 1 and 3?

For the RAM, I'm looking for the best for gaming (not really sure what that currently is). Could probably do with a choice between the best there is in general, and the best there is in terms of bang for buck?

So far, I'm looking at :


My basket at Overclockers UK:

• 1 x MSI X99A Gaming 7 Intel X99 (Socket 2011) DDR4 ATX Motherboard= £224.99
• 1 x Intel i7-5820K 3.30GHz (Haswell-E) Socket LGA2011-V3 Processor - Retail (BX80648I75820K)= £329.99

Total: £565.48
(includes shipping: £10.50)
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[Dirk Diggler]

You could save some by getting a bundle deal.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

• 1 x Gigabyte X99-SLI - Intel Core i7 5820K Six Core CPU & Motherboard Bundle ***£30 Saving***= £479.98

Total: £490.48
(includes shipping: £10.50)
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I don't think that MoBo fits the bill for 2 way SLI on 1 and 3?

* When an i7-5820K CPU is installed, the PCIE_2 slot operates at up to x8 mode and the PCIE_3 operates at up to x4 mode

 

[Dirk Diggler]

32GB for future proofing?

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cors...el-kit-black-cmk32gx4m4a2400c1-my-422-cs.html

 

[Dirk Diggler]

The MSI MoBo boasts the following :

Delivering speeds up to 32Gb/s using Gen3 x4, Turbo M.2 is more than 5 times faster than a regular SATA III connection! Enjoy a blazing fast system boot up and insanely fast loading of applications and games with MSI motherboards.

What SSD would I use for that? I don't really understand the M2 tech.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

This!

That's looking like a lovely little boost!

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Yep, I went 32GB RAM as well, but it was more to do with my OCD and using up all the RAM slots!

You used 8*4? Which type?

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Yeah, I have an Asus X99 Pro with 8 slots.

I went with these (x2), it suited my white and black build and the performance is great for the price.


Quick money shot!
** Image removed from quote **

I have spec'd the same amount but 4*8GB sticks. Works out almost £50 less... and leaves room for when 64GB of RAM is being utilised (probably the next Assassins Creed offering )

I take it I would be loading up one set of 4 on say the right hans side, with the left hans side empty? I see what you mean by OCD... that just won't look right!

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Nice build BTW.

Have you OC'd your CPU? Would I get much headroom if I OC on air?

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Depends on your motherboard but usually the slots are numbered, look in the manual and it will tell you the optimum slots to use if not using all available slots! On mine for example (Going from memory here) - you would put 2 slots in the left hand side, 2 in the right if you were using 4*8GB.

That's not so bad. I just noticed the timings are tighter on the 8GB sticks, so that would probably sway me too.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Does the ASUS RAMPAGE V EXTREME/U3.1 support that Samsung M.2 drive at the rated speed?

Having looked at the Rampage, it supports the SLI config of x16/x16 on slots 1 and 3.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

It does, yes BUT what CPU are you planning on running? An -i7 5820K will support a maximum of 28 lanes, so if you're planning on using m.2 and SLI, think again - to get full speed for everything you'd need a minimum of an -i7 5930K as that can support up to 40 PCIE lanes.

Each GPU will take 16 lanes (Or will try to)
M.2 at full speed will need 4 lanes.

Yep, going to upgrade the CPU as I had noticed the lane restriction.

Cheers.