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
• 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. 9 Expansion slots = good for many GPUs.
Cooler: H60. 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 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 for $24.99 in-store or online. And a second matching HS Fan, R4-BMBS-20PK-R0, can be had at Directron for $8.99 or TigerDirect for $9.99.
Running two PWN fans together also requires a GELID CA-PWN Y-adapter which Directron has for $2.99.

[Maxwell]

If your going to go with the 1155 For a motherboard I'm suggesting the BBM 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?

[Dandasarge]

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

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
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.

[zombie67]

This is what has been recommended so far:

• CPU: I7-2600K $315
• CPU heatsink: H60 $73, or the DIY suggested by Fire$storm.
• MoBo: BBM $400, or ASUS P8P67 WS REVOLUTION LGA 1155 $..EOL?
• DIMMs: ??
• SSD: ??
• Case: HAF-X $200
• PSU: ??