Gaming Build - Buying Help

[mkelbie]

I sold my main Z97 build because I was going to make the jump to X99 but the timing wasn't right with the CPU refresh and then the Nvidia 10 series.

This gave me time to think about my needs and do I really need to spend X amount on such a high spec machine. Previously I had the Asus Swift 144hz 1440p but that went with my build because I play CS GO at varied 4:3 resolutions so SLI 980s and a 1440p was wasted.


Currently only parts I have now is my SSD (OS), BenQ 24" and my mouse/keyboard.

Desk space was always the issue with a 750D and I have been tempted by the a 350D but might settle in the middle for a 450D.

Current use is really just browsing and CS Go and for work/dev I dock my Laptop but I am toying with the idea of a Hyper V Dev VM and use my desktop full time. Might need a 2nd monitor but for now I will manage.

6700K should be enough to run a VM I am sure, if I can then I will avoid X99 but I have actually been looking for a used X99 build to get value for my money but can't see anything around.

7700K is likely Q1 2017 so now I am back looking at a new retail build;

This is what I am thinking of buying;


Asus Maximus VIII Hero Intel Z170 ATX Motherboard.
Intel Core i7-6700K Skylake Quad Core 4.0GHz (4.2GHz Turbo) CPU.
Corsair H115i + new fans
16GB Corsair DDR4 (2x 8GB)
450D
AX760
*existing SSD* M.2 eventually

GPU.... I was tempted by 1060 but SLI limit is annoying so Asus 1070 Strix ?


This would set me back around £1250-£1300 (estimate).

Any input on if this is a good move or should I continue to look for something used and jump up in cores? (Dev VM will be SQL/VS & Crystal)

I expect CS GO will bore me eventually and then I would probably for 27" 1440p or even 4K so want to give me room for SLI 1070 or might jump to 1080 from the start setting me back another £200 but for now I am sticking with my 24" 1080p


Used isn't an issue for me but OCD is..... sure some of you will have worked out the theme of my build given the parts listed above. I try to keep a match on manufacturer and colour and want this to be a Asus/Corsair RoG (Red/black) build


Also considering the X99 Strix + 6800K but not sure if it is worth the extra £££

 

[FatRakoon]

Going for more cores is a waste of time to be honest with you for almost everything.

The i7 has 4 cores plus hyperthyroidism song logical and you will find that only a few apps actually use more than the 4.

If you are doing VMs then sure, but otherwise, don't waste money... It just lovely to have bug ultimately a waste of time, as I found out with my hex core i7 ( 12 logical ) and my operon server ( 2 cpus with 16 cores each ). They are only useful when running multiple VMS and thankfully I do!

The skylake is a great cpu. But in spite of what so many people and reviews say, I have found that I prefer my AND for gaming actually, I find it more responsive, and the I
Sky lake certainly converts videos quicker than the AND, but for games, the AND feels better ( probably some fan boy bias there though ).

Getting a top end card like a 1070 would surely mean SRI would be totally ott surely? Even if you do go with 4?

Dunno to be honest, cos I'm only on 19th 100th myself and don't plan on going up at all anytime soon... or even later if I'm honest?

Anyway this post is no help I admit but I will add that you can spend far more than you need to when it comes to PCs and you would often get a better system overall if you cut the cpu back and got a better GPU instead.