Sandybridge build: need component suggestions

[zombie67]

Okay, it's time to build a SB machine. It will replace one Q9650 and two Q6600s.

I am looking for suggestions on the components. Cost is not an issue, but I don't want to pay for flash, or features I will never use. This will be a dedicated cruncher. Here is what I am looking for:


CPU: I7-2600K, $315 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070)
CPU heatsink: I may OC it mildly. But nothing extravagant. Less noise is a good thing.
MoBo: No sure what the future of the socket is, but I would like to future-proof this as much as possible. And I don't want the chipset to be the bottleneck. Also, It needs to fit two BIG GPUs. And I want it to support at least 32gb. I will be running it with 2gb/thread at first, and 8 DIMM slots would be better than 4, but not essential.
DIMMs: Again, not planning on doing much OC. I will start with at least 16gb. I think there is no point in using less than 4gb DIMMs right now. I want to make sure I am not slowing things down by not using all the channels. But it will depend on the MoBo.
SSD: I want it to be as fast as possible, without paying stupid money for the most cutting edge technology. Size should be large enough for a Win7 install, plus a VM or two, plus a dual boot install of Linux. So what is that? 125gb? 250gb? No idea.
Case: I don't have a problem spending money here. Again, I want to make sure it is future proof. Nice and roomy. Maybe even room for 3 or 4 big GPUs. Less noise is a good thing.
PSU: Efficiency is a big deal here. And it needs to be able to drive two BIG GPUs, so at least 4x of the 6+2 power connectors.
GPU: Don't worry about those for now. At first I will be re-using a 5870.
DVD: Don't worry about that either. I don't buy them for dedicated crunchers any more. I bought an external USB DVD drive, which I use on any of the crunchers as needed.

[Maxwell]

Case: HAF-X (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225&cm_re=haf_x-_-11-119-225-_-Product). 9 Expansion slots = good for many GPUs.
Cooler: H60 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015). Very effective and quiet.

Other stuff is Mobo dependent, and I'm not a Mobo expert, so I'll defer...

[Dandasarge]

If your going to go with the 1155 For a motherboard I'm suggesting the BBM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130595) Its pricy but almost unlimited on the combo. How many times have you seen people complain about something in the way? with a HAF-X anything can fit. You can even run 3 cards with a 1 slot gap between them, or 3 cards with giant heat sinks.

[Fire$torm]

If you want a less expensive CPU Cooler Micro Center is selling the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0315397) for $24.99 in-store or online. And a second matching HS Fan, R4-BMBS-20PK-R0, can be had at Directron (http://www.directron.com/r4bmbs20pkr0.html?gsear=1) for $8.99 or TigerDirect (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=16823) for $9.99.
Running two PWN fans together also requires a GELID CA-PWN Y-adapter which Directron (http://www.directron.com/capwm01.html?gsear=1) has for $2.99.

[Maxwell]

If your going to go with the 1155 For a motherboard I'm suggesting the BBM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130595) Its pricy but almost unlimited on the combo. How many times have you seen people complain about something in the way? with a HAF-X anything can fit. You can even run 3 cards with a 1 slot gap between them, or 3 cards with giant heat sinks.
I don't know about that one... you don't think zombie67 would want more PCIe slots than that? :p =))

[Dandasarge]

I don't know about that one... you don't think zombie67 would want more PCIe slots than that? :p =))

How many parishables do you think he has thats not PCI-E? If I was a betting man I'ed bet everything he plugs in is PCI-E. so why have extra slots your never going to use?

[Fire$torm]

Well, one needs to keep in mind that there isn't a single chipset on the market that can support all those slots simultaneously. I do not think the current ATX standard accommodates that. So EVGA's rationale for that many slots is simple, flexibility. To have a large number of options for different PCIe configurations not available with virtually any other MB.

[Dandasarge]

Well, one needs to keep in mind that there isn't a single chipset on the market that can support all those slots simultaneously. I do not think the current ATX standard accommodates that. So EVGA's rationale for that many slots is simple, flexibility. To have a large number of options for different PCIe configurations not available with virtually any other MB.

What he said +1

[DrPop]

What about a mobo like this: ASUS P8P67 WS REVOLUTION LGA 1155 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131714R)
Seems to me that you couldn't run more than 4 big dogs in a HAF-X anyway, not that I would even want to try...heat issues...so, i think something like this might be pretty future proof for $200.:confused:

[zombie67]

This is what has been recommended so far:


CPU: I7-2600K (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070) $315
CPU heatsink: H60 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015) $73, or the DIY (http://www.setiusa.us/showthread.php?1525-Sandybridge-build-need-component-suggestions&p=16623&viewfull=1#post16623) suggested by Fire$storm.
MoBo: BBM (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130595) $400, or ASUS P8P67 WS REVOLUTION LGA 1155 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131714R) $..EOL?
DIMMs: ??
SSD: ??
Case: HAF-X (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225&cm_re=haf_x-_-11-119-225-_-Product) $200
PSU: ??

[joker]

Maybe some of this for memory????: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231455

Good feedback.

[valyn42]

This memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231461

has been tested to work with this board http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229

or this memory for the BBM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Looks to me the best bang for the buck on a SSD is this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227726

On PSU's I typically overkill so I would go for this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171055

I'll be building the ASRock board with an i5 2500k, memory and SSD in a few days for my Dad's machine, I went with this heatsink http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

Once I finish his(and do a side job or two) then it's time to start my own build and this is very close to what's in my cart now :-"

[joker]

Sorry, I was going for the high end stuff (at least I think I was).

[Maxwell]

On PSU's I typically overkill so I would go for this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171055
This is zombie67 - that's not even CLOSE to overkill...

But I like that PSU - energy efficient and could run 4 big cards (lots of PCIe connectors). It has my vote.

[Fire$torm]

It is kind of hard to recommend a PSU based on performance/value.quality without knowing your long range build plan for this puppy. So to help with that, take a look at this chart ---> Intel Core i7-2600K Idle/Peak Power Consumption (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/sandy-bridge-overclocking-efficiency,2850-9.html)

For Memory I prefer Corsair as I have never had a single issue with their products.
So for a 16GB setup i would recommend the CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB Kit - CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233143) for $179.99.
This Kit can also be had with pretty blue Heat Spreaders, Kit CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145347) for an additional $15.00.

To answer your question concerning storage....
I have Win7 Home premium x64 on my 40GB C: partition and still have ~24.5GB of free space. note that I keep the system pagefile in its own partition as well as another partition for the system Temp folders. I'm sure you know the storage requirements for your preferred VMs but I would guess 15~20 GB each. And Linux would need approx the same amount for a Dual Boot. So a SSD in the 125GB~200GB range. Since I have never personally owned one I will refrain from making a particular make/model suggestion.

[zombie67]

It is kind of hard to recommend a PSU based on performance/value.quality without knowing your long range build plan for this puppy. So to help with that, take a look at this chart ---> Intel Core i7-2600K Idle/Peak Power Consumption (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/sandy-bridge-overclocking-efficiency,2850-9.html)

Heh. I think the CPU will be the least of the worries. But that is a good chart! Max on that chart is 238w at almost 4.6ghz. I will never OC it like that, but let's assume that number anyway.


For Memory I prefer Corsair as I have never had a single issue with their products.
So for a 16GB setup i would recommend the CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB Kit - CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233143) for $179.99.
This Kit can also be had with pretty blue Heat Spreaders, Kit CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145347) for an additional $15.00.

To answer your question concerning storage....
I have Win7 Home premium x64 on my 40GB C: partition and still have ~24.5GB of free space. note that I keep the system pagefile in its own partition as well as another partition for the system Temp folders. I'm sure you know the storage requirements for your preferred VMs but I would guess 15~20 GB each. And Linux would need approx the same amount for a Dual Boot. So a SSD in the 125GB~200GB range. Since I have never personally owned one I will refrain from making a particular make/model suggestion.

Thanks for the recommendations and info!

[Fire$torm]

It is kind of hard to recommend a PSU based on performance/value.quality without knowing your long range build plan for this puppy. So to help with that, take a look at this chart ---> Intel Core i7-2600K Idle/Peak Power Consumption (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/sandy-bridge-overclocking-efficiency,2850-9.html)


Heh. I think the CPU will be the least of the worries. But that is a good chart! Max on that chart is 238w at almost 4.6ghz. I will never OC it like that, but let's assume that number anyway.

Thanks for the recommendations and info!

Anytime. Glad you found it useful.

OK, In your original post you mentioned that you will currently using a HD 5870 but I gather you will be add/upgrading so I will persume the goal to be dual 6970s. :P

So.....

Component Max power draw:

CPU = 238W
(2x) HD 6970 GPU = 306W * 2 = 612W
MB/SSD/HDD/Case Fans/Accessories = ~100W (Not really but Just think BIG)

Total = 950W

Now my usual rule for PSU is to get a PSU large enough so that it will never be pushed over 80% rated capacity. A 70% limit is even better.

70%) 950W/7 * 10 = 1,357W. Ouch! sorry....

80%) 950W/8 *10 = 1,188W.

So a PSU rated at 1200W or better is rquired. And at these power levels a high quality PSU is IMHO mandated.

Personally I would stick to brands like Antec (Fanboy here), Cooler Master, Corsair or Thermaltake.

Take a look at this 1200W list (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%20600014027%20600014113&IsNodeId=1&name=1200W&Order=RATING&Pagesize=20) and this 1350W list. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%20600014027%20600014117&IsNodeId=1&name=1350W&Order=RATING&Pagesize=20)

I would recommend making warranties a primary consideration. Also some of the PSUs use a single rail to draw all their power from. The main advantage for single rail is in never having to worry balancing power draw between rails, and only needing to consider power load on any one power output cable from the PSU.

[zombie67]

I would recommend making warranties a primary consideration. Also some of the PSUs use a single rail to draw all their power from. The main advantage for single rail is in never having to worry balancing power draw between rails, and only needing to consider power load on any one power output cable from the PSU.

Thanks for the info again! Now, how do I tell if a PSU is single rail?

[Dandasarge]

Thanks for the info again! Now, how do I tell if a PSU is single rail?

They will say in the something like "+12V Rails: Single"

Please remember that easier isn't better. Single and split both have Good and Bad.

[Mr. Hankey]

I would like to add on the PSU side.

Single 12v rail is the way to go for sure. I would personally never purchase anything else. One other thing that you might look for that I have found quite nice is for the PSU to be modular. Using only the cables you actually need is nice, and helps keep the system airflow unobstructed.

[zombie67]

If I were to go with single rail, then which PSU? For the 1350s, the choices are 2 or 6. For the 1200s, there are three with single rails. This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139014) one looks nice.

[Mr. Hankey]

If I were to go with single rail, then which PSU? For the 1350s, the choices are 2 or 6. For the 1200s, there are three with single rails. This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139014) one looks nice.

Very nice.... that looks good.

[zombie67]

Okay, this is what I have: wishlist (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17684766)

Thoughts? Changes I should make?

Edit: Question about the heatsink, the H60. Where does the fan/radiator mount? In place of the rear fan? If so, is it compatible with the HAF-X? The H60 uses a 120mm fan. The fan used in the FAF-X is 140mm. I assume the mounting points for a 120mm fan are different from a 140mm fan.

[Maxwell]

Okay, this is what I have: wishlist (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17684766)

Thoughts? Changes I should make?

Edit: Question about the heatsink, the H60. Where does the fan/radiator mount? In place of the rear fan? If so, is it compatible with the HAF-X? The H60 uses a 120mm fan. The fan used in the FAF-X is 140mm. I assume the mounting points for a 120mm fan are different from a 140mm fan.
You could mount up and have it vent out the top (not sure if you can do this based on where the top fan sits). And looking at the back of the HAF-X case, it looks like it has mounts for 140mm and 120mm fans, so you should be fine there.

[Fire$torm]

Okay, this is what I have: wishlist (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=17684766)

Thoughts? Changes I should make?

Edit: Question about the heatsink, the H60. Where does the fan/radiator mount? In place of the rear fan? If so, is it compatible with the HAF-X? The H60 uses a 120mm fan. The fan used in the FAF-X is 140mm. I assume the mounting points for a 120mm fan are different from a 140mm fan.


You could mount up and have it vent out the top (not sure if you can do this based on where the top fan sits). And looking at the back of the HAF-X case, it looks like it has mounts for 140mm and 120mm fans, so you should be fine there.

Ok, I checked the specs for the case on NewEgg and DL'd the user manual to double check and it turns out you have a little problem.......
The HAF-X does not have any 120mm fan mounts. Anywhere. Oooops. Maxwell's suggestion of using the the rear mount location is the right one, with the addition of one of these --->>> Bgears Fan Adapter 140mm-BK. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811995076&cm_re=140mm_fan_adapter-_-11-995-076-_-Product) I know it states that it is for a 140mm fan but it will work just fine on a 120mm fan.

Your wishlist looks great. I really like that PSU \m/ BTW I did realize that those two 1350W PSUs were multi-rail, I just didn't want to bore anyone with a protracted theory on the design for them.

@Mr Hankey: Thx for that reminder about modular cabling. I totally spaced that Most Excellent point.

[Maxwell]

That's weird - I was nowhere near that dedicated, but when you look at the back of the HAF-X case, there are two screw mounts very close to one another. With the 140mm fan in there, the outer mounts are used - i assumed the empty inner ones were 120mm mounts.

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/upload/product/2988/gallery/full/9b.jpg?943066372

But yea - go with that adapter. Better safe than sorry... ;)

[joker]

Dear Diary: Today Max was wrong about something.............................. :p

[Fire$torm]

That's weird - I was nowhere near that dedicated, but when you look at the back of the HAF-X case, there are two screw mounts very close to one another. With the 140mm fan in there, the outer mounts are used - i assumed the empty inner ones were 120mm mounts.

But yea - go with that adapter. Better safe than sorry... ;)

It looks like you might be right Max. No way to tell for sure without measuring it, but since I don't own one..........

good call though. \m/

[zombie67]

Adapter! I didn't think to look for something like that, because I didn't know there was such a thing.

Okay, unless anyone has any more suggestions, I will order this later tonight.

[Maxwell]

It looks like you might be right Max. No way to tell for sure without measuring it, but since I don't own one..........

good call though. \m/
Well, seemingly blind to the obvious, I just remembered a HAF 932 is similar to a HAF X. So I looked at the back of mine, and the 140mm fan there is mounted to the outer brackets, and the diameter for the inner brackets is ~1" less (my stupid ruler doesn't have metric on it - WTF?). With that, I'd bet those inner mounts are for a 120mm fan...

[Maxwell]

Adapter! I didn't think to look for something like that, because I didn't know there was such a thing.

Okay, unless anyone has any more suggestions, I will order this later tonight.
Run through their list of promotions for Memorial Day (http://promotions.newegg.com/neemail/may-0-2011/Memorialsale27/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL052711&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL052711-_-EMC-052711-Index-_-E0-_-All) and see if you can't save yourself a few bucks. If nothing else, I know the HAF X is in there with a promo code...

EDIT: And be sure to head to Newegg through Ebates (http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=I58d9HpmtbhISlA9r17WlQ%3D%3D), if that's not your normal procedure. 1% cash back isn't a lot, but it does add up over time...

[zombie67]

For the HAF-X, it looks like you can install a second 200mm fan in the top. Is it necessary? Would it add much noise? Can someone recommend a quiet one?

[Maxwell]

For the HAF-X, it looks like you can install a second 200mm fan in the top. Is it necessary? Would it add much noise? Can someone recommend a quiet one?
I would say that that is something to address down the line. It probably would be necessary (or advisable, at least) if your cards vent inside the case. If they vent (mostly, at least) outside the case, it may not be needed so much...

[Shadow]

For the HAF-X, it looks like you can install a second 200mm fan in the top. Is it necessary? Would it add much noise? Can someone recommend a quiet one?

I've got two cards with Accelero's on them inside mine, still only using the original fan configuration, but I did buy the extra fan to install up top. I haven't found a need to actually install it though. The case fans are barely noticeable as far as noise goes.

[Fire$torm]

For the HAF-X, it looks like you can install a second 200mm fan in the top. Is it necessary? Would it add much noise? Can someone recommend a quiet one?


I would say that that is something to address down the line. It probably would be necessary (or advisable, at least) if your cards vent inside the case. If they vent (mostly, at least) outside the case, it may not be needed so much...

Yeppers. With only one GPU in the case that 2nd top fan isn't required. Just keep it mind and don't forget that larger fans make less noise, usually, then a smaller fans moving the same amount of air.

[zombie67]

Order placed. $1720, including tax and shipping. I also added a USB wifi adapter for $20.

[valyn42]

Looks like that is going to be a sweet rig. I'm going to build one awfully close to that in about a month.. if you have any comments during or after your build, I would love to hear about it :ar!

[Shadow]

You'll be happy with that Corsair 1200 watter, mine handles everything I can throw at it with no problems. It was running 3 6970's with no power issues, had to drop to two because of heat issues with the center card. Looks it'll be a screamer when you get it built. :-bd

[Fire$torm]

Oh Yeah, can't wait to see what that puppy can do. Congrats.

BTW: Welcome to the 1K Klub. :D

[zombie67]

Somehow, when I hit "order" on my wish list, the PSU didn't get added. So a mad dash to FRYs got me this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171055&Tpk=RSC00-80GAD3-US).

It has been on line for a few days now. I've had some BSOD issues. But it has run steady for the past 24 hours now. Maybe growing pains. Anyway, the second GTX 590 (OC from the factory) arrived today, and is now installed. You can see it here (http://www.primegrid.com/show_host_detail.php?hostid=205600). I am going to leave it 100% on PG for a few days, just to see what kind of stats it will produce. And damn, that SB CPU is fast! FWIW, the CPU is still running stock. I don't want to add OC to the mix until it is stable as-is.

[John P. Myers]

Very nice indeed.
i know this is quite late, but as for the 2nd 200mm fan on the HAF X, you won't hear a thing. The standard CoolerMaster fans only spin at 900 RPM. Whisper quiet.

[YoDude9999]

Well, that PS will make you golden fer sure. You're making it awful difficult for me to try to catch you!