Project : 2K Regen

Dirk Diggler

Dirk Diggler

Dirk Diggler

Soldato
Joined
6 Jan 2013
Posts
22,170
Location
Rollergirl
This project has been inspired by the realisation that I've got far too much tech lying around not being used much, if at all. So the thought struck me, why not just sell it all off to a good home and put some cash to the proceeds and get a better single system to enjoy...

I've got a heap of exising kit to sell in order to fund the build, and I'll put some cold hard cash in to take the budget to 2K. :cool: I may keep some of my existing kit and incorporate into the new build, simply because there's no reason to replace some of it.

The build: It needs to provide a facility for small business use, be a media server and provide a fantastic gaming experience. It will not be water cooled as I chop and change parts too much and the water aspect is just a hassle when you want to change things. I've also realised over time that overclocking isn't all that when it comes to a machine for 24/7 use, so GPU and CPU will run at stock settings or be mildly overclocked.

I currently have:

4670k/GTX 970 system that I use for media/business/2nd gaming system.
4790k/GTX 980Ti gaming system.

I suppose the main question is, should I keep the 4790k system and spend the money on GPU/monitor... Or should I keep the current GPU/Monitor and upgrade the CPU setup?

******************************************************************

Exempt from budget (already owned):

  • Case
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • PSU
  • HDD
  • SSD
  • Case fans
  • OS.

Temporarily exempt (May consider replacing) :

  • GPU - currently have a 980Ti so no need to change... For now. Been switched for a Classy!
  • Monitor - Currently have a ROG Swift and don't see the need to upgrade as a single card can't drive 4K.

Stipulations:

  • Air cooling only
  • Single GPU only.
  • mAtx MoBo - Choice is rubbish, so ATX it is.
  • Allowance for SLI in future, just in case devs decide to actually support it properly.

I would like to invite you all to have a little daydream and imagine you had 2K to spend, apply the above criteria and put forward any ideas on what your machine would consist of. I am totally undecided right now, so need your help and advice!

Existing parts list:

  • Corsair Gaming Mouse
  • Corsair Gaming Keyboard
  • Asus 247H 24" 1080p monitor
  • Asus PG278Q ROG Swift 27" 1440p Gsync Monitor
  • 1200w Superflower Platinum PSU
  • Parvum S2.0
  • 4TB Red HDD
  • Various SSD's
  • Various case fans
  • Win 10 (hopefully the key can transfer to new MoBo)

Link to sales threads on MM


Budget: £2000

Cash raised so far: £1597.50
Cold hard cash required: £402.50

Bought so far:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £1,828.04
(includes shipping: £11.10)
​


​
Click to expand...

Wishlist:

...TBC...
Click to expand...

Budget: £2000

Cash spent so far: £1828.04
Planned spend: £0.00
Total projected spend: £1828.04

Balance left to allocate: £171.96



* Like any good project, coming in under budget will not be viewed as a bad thing!

TLDR photos:

Before

HN6zjJrh.jpg


After

Nothing to show yet! :p
 
Last edited:
But lost as to why you want to sell the 980ti? You're only option past that is a Titan x which imo isn't worth it.

Maybe sell everything bar the 980ti and go x99?

Tbh if you like to swap parts often just build a drain in the loop then you get the peace and quiet of a loop.

Maybe get a caselabs?
 
I'd be happy to have the 970 until something better comes along, but by the looks of it I won't get the price I want for the 980Ti so will just sell the 970 instead.

I'm having a good look at X99, but folk who have moved from 4790k are calling it a side grade!

What's the caselabs you're thinking of?
 
Better off with the 980to at 1440p anyway.

It is pretty much a side grade for gaming but depends what else you do.

The make some great cases give them a Google. Or parvum.

Or better yet get one of the 34 inch insane monitors either the aver x34 or the rog one. Can't remember the model name.
 
980Ti sold!

I'm quite happy to toddle along with the 970 for the moment as this reshuffle is going to take a while.

I'll get a look at the caselabs gear... And the monitors you mention are awesome, but I don't like the fact they require overclocking to get above 60Hz, it really puts me off.
 
My buddy has a caselabs and it's gorgeous. His is mATX but I do much prefer the big massive ones. But I'm guessing you want a smaller case.

This is true but I don't thing I've seen one hit below 95Hz which isn't too bad still. Lucky for me I've never really had to compare to higher refresh rates so I'm still oblivious to the benefit of 144hz. Just plodding along happily at 1440p @60hz.

Will you not feel some struggle though with a 970 at 1440p? Depends what you play I suppose.
 
I'm going to be a party pooper and suggest you stick with two systems: one as your business & gaming workstation and one as your media server. The latter just needs to be tucked out of sight somewhere and can be headless. You'll want a low power CPU in it so it can run cool and quiet.
 
Quartz said:
I'm going to be a party pooper and suggest you stick with two systems: one as your business & gaming workstation and one as your media server. The latter just needs to be tucked out of sight somewhere and can be headless. You'll want a low power CPU in it so it can run cool and quiet.
Click to expand...

Not ruling anything out, mate. In fact, I'm sure I've got a Celeron and MoBo kicking about the garage!

Will get the tech sale under way, and then try to firm up some decisions.
 
I think I'll need to abandon this!

There's no point in switching out the 4790k as gaming gains are minimal.
There's no point in switching out the Swift as I need more than 60fps and nothing can push 4K that well right now.
Widescreen 1440 monitors aren't native 120Hz and its putting me right off.

It's looking like I'd need to go 980Ti SLI and see how it pushes the Swift before deciding on a new monitor. I'd need reference coolers for that, and even then I'd probably end up having to put them under water.

I think tech has hit a ceiling. :mad:
 
Just forget the hardware, keep playing until midsummer and then take a look at the GPU landscape again. Barring some unexpected delays, new generation of GPU's should be very close to being available and then you can search for single-gpu 4K stuff.

If there is something I'd consider getting it is oculus rift. Your rig fills the spec requirements as it is, so you could just enjoy it when it comes out and be ready to upgrade GPU when the new gpu's come out.
 
Yea, I might just pick up a reference 980Ti and see how I feel about SLI further in the year. I lost a bit by selling my MSI 6G 980Ti, but I couldn't SLI or put a block on it due to case restrictions.

Maybe the EVGA ref card would fit the bill due to the step up program, which would hedge my bets for 3 months just in case something big hits in April. It would also open up my options for SLI if Pascal turns out to be over rated.

Total dilemma right now!
 
Arinargo said:
Looks epic
Click to expand...

Cheers.

I've decided to do the build in my Air540 because the mAtx mobo choice for X99 is woeful. This has meant that I no longer have case restriction in terms of GPU size... I could have kept my MSI 6G... But never mind, I just bought myself a 980Ti Classy! :cool:

So, first lesson learned... Don't make decisions too hastily!

I've also decided to stick with air and bin water cooling. So I've ordered a Noctua NH-D15S.

I'm going to put my system back together temporarily with the 4790k and Classy on air, and have a proper think about what direction to go in before pulling the trigger on any more goodies (although gut feeling tells me I'm gonna go X99!) :D

** edit **

What's a project log without pictures?

Here's the current state of play: It's all looking abit barren... for now... :p

HN6zjJrh.jpg
 
Last edited:
Sales of surplus items has been going well, so I've took the plunge...

X99 seems the way to go, and I don't expect Broadwell-E to provide much boost over Haswell-E, and even if it does then the MoBo and RAM are still valid.

I went for the 5930k to ensure x16 bandwidth on both GPU's if I go SLI, and this will be maintained even with the Samsung M.2 drive running at x4.

I also pushed the boat out for the Rampage Extreme because it has lots of toys, and also allows x16 SLI on slots 1 and 3, so big air gap for the cooling.

Bought so far:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £1,828.04
(includes shipping: £11.10)
​


​
Click to expand...

Wishlist:

...TBC...
Click to expand...

Budget: £2000

Cash spent so far: £1828.04
Planned spend: £0.00
Total projected spend: £1828.04

Balance left to allocate: £171.96


Should have it all put together by midweek next week. If MM sales continue to go well, I might find I'm not having to invest much of my actual cash here... which could mean funds for a second Classy to go SLI.... :eek:

I honestly think I'll need to see how Pascal shapes up before committing to another 980Ti. I'd rather stay single card, but if Pascal doesn't provide at least 50% over a single 980Ti then SLI could be the way to go, especially if prices drop on Maxwell.

I'll update with photos of the build next week.

It's been a fun week! :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom