New PC build ideas?

[EmSti]

I was planning a 4th PC and possibly rebuilding an older PC or 2 once new CPU from Intel are released (Devil's canyon or 6/8 core Haswell). Well, BlackDragon's Sabertooth will not post and I am starting the RMA process, so I am considering building the 4th PC sooner than later. I have no particular reason to rush, so waiting on the new tech might make the most sense. The purpose of this thread is to ask, if you were going to build a cruncher, what would you use to build it?

Criteria:
3 to 4 GPU capable; to be filled with R9 295x2 and 7970s. Reminder that the 295x2 over pulls power on the motherboard.
Keeping power draw in mind, but not main goal.
Likely to be air cool, but doesn't have to be. If air cool, superior air flow in case.
Intel CPU based, I want more cores, but not extreme pricing. At a minimum, I will be putting liquid cooler on the CPU.

It will be powered by Antec HCP-1300 with Antec HCP-1000 linked (newer ones have OC communication link), a necessity given the current GPUs. But I am paying a lot for power these days, so it is time to look for ways to save on power and some of these GPUs need to get cycled out as powerful but cheaper to run GPU's come out.

Will Devil's Canyon OCed beat a 6 core Haswell in output, which would be cheaper to run? I expect to the 8 core to be expensive ($1000+) and a big power draw, it might not be worth it.
Would you wait or build now? What would you build.

[zombie67]

All the 4-GPOU mobos that I have bought in the past are really only 3-GPU mobos. This is because the 4th slot is at the bottom edge of the mobo. And in between that last slot and the edge are always a bunch of headers, usually for the front panel connectors, USB, audo, etc. And if that 4th GPU is double wide, it extends above those headers making it impossible to fully seat the GPU down into the PCIe slot without breaking something. So my question is, are there really any 4-GPU mobos out there, where you can actually use that 4th slot AND use those headers? Maybe the headers are in a different area or something?

[EmSti]

In my current 3 GPU boxes, I overcame the header issue by moving the power supply to the top of the case and moving the bottom GPU to that whole and used PCI-E extenders to hook it to the motherboard.

I am intrigued by these split PC cases like Lian Li PC-D600WB . I think Cooler Master (split top to bottom instead of side by side) and others have various versions of these wider cases. Would need to be able to handle extend ATX boards

[EmSti]

This motherboard might just be what I want (need is another matter). http://us.msi.com/product/mb/Z97_XPOWER_AC.html#overview looks like a new version on the MSI big bang

[Fire$torm]

This motherboard might just be what I want (need is another matter). http://us.msi.com/product/mb/Z97_XPOWER_AC.html#overview looks like a new version on the MSI big bang

Sweet! One personal caveat: I don't get the industry push for wireless everything. Sure cables can be messy but I prefer the security and reliability cabled connectivity provides.

Side note: Someone on eBay is out of their minds! $899.99 for the Z97 XPOWER AC? Yikes! --> http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/221442362034?lpid=82 The only thing crazier is someone actually buying it at that price...........

[EmSti]

Leaning toward Intel's Devils canyon and the MSI Z97 XPower AC when they are released. I will need a new case and I am leaning toward water cooling the cpu and gpus, which I have never done except for the off the shelf water coolers for the cpu (Corsair H100). Any advice of great water cooling setups for 3 video card setups (one card will be dual gpu)? I noticed the Xpower AC board has water cooling built into the board for the heat sinks.

What brands? 2 loops? radiator sizes? that sort of thing. I have some researching to do. I think I even recall reading someone came out with full water cooler block for the r9 295x2

[EmSti]

dang it September for Devils canyon cpu http://wccftech.com/intel-paper-launch-devil-s-canyon-2nd-june-retail-availability-planned-late-september-desktop-broadwell-pushed-q2-2015/

[John P. Myers]

dang it September for Devils canyon cpu http://wccftech.com/intel-paper-launch-devil-s-canyon-2nd-june-retail-availability-planned-late-september-desktop-broadwell-pushed-q2-2015/

Don't know how much of that article is actually true. They're saying Broadwell has been pushed to Q2 when Intel's CEO *just said* they'll be available before the holidays: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/18/us-intel-chips-idUSBREA4H08P20140518

Also, Iris Pro on Broadwell has 48 EUs, not 40, though HD 4600 does only have 20. I find it very difficult to believe they'll release Devil's Canyon and Haswell-E at the same time, and also release Devil's Canyon that close to the release of Broadwell. No one in their right mind would spend a single dollar on Devil's Canyon if Broadwell were coming out a month later. I'd take that WCCF article with a grain of salt.

[Sarge104]

I was planning a 4th PC and possibly rebuilding an older PC or 2 once new CPU from Intel are released (Devil's canyon or 6/8 core Haswell).


When you get to building please grace us with some pictures! :D Good luck!

[EmSti]

I have decided a few thing and will continue to look over the next few weeks/month. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Decision 1: Name LavaDragon (it's a theme baby, what can you do)
Decision 2: Obsidian 900d, got one for under $300. (the name and the case go hand in hand)
Still a lot for a case, but it is a lot of case.

Other decision amde, just not purchased yet:
MZ97 XPOWER AC (XL-ATX MB with water cooling PMW)
Devils Canyon
Swiftech APOGEE XL PPCS Custom Dragon II Edition (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_971_498_493&products_id=40873&zenid=4d474dbbf371317bfdc6cd04e4190c1f) (I can't help myself)

Decision's in flux:
Thinking 480 radiator and 360 radiator; loop running from pump to cpu to 360 (top) to 3 gpus (r9 295x2, 280x and/or 7970, still deciding) to 480 (in case bottom) (no brand picked yet) might leave 295x2 on its own water cooler until x-mas time.
Dual D5/MPC655 with Bitspower BP-2D5TOPP-BK Dual D5 Mod Top
2 Antec Power supplies link to start together
1/2 ID tubing

Undecided:
Pump controller: use MPC655-B (controlled on the pump) or Koolance CTR-SPD1224M or the like
MCP35X2 might be better option, it has PMW control via motherboard fan header
Tubing color, clear seems appealing to check for air in the tubes or red for style.

Have not look into:
fittings
fans
gpu water blocks (leading towards Aquacomputer cooper waterblocks, especially for 295x2 (http://www.aquatuning.us/product_info.php/info/p16579_Aquacomputer-kryographics-Vesuvius-for-Radeon-R9-295X2-acrylic-glass-edition.html))
memory
SSDs c: and d: with hard drive backups (I have spares for that)

[Fire$torm]

Hey EmSti,

Well you got my attention... lool

Love the hardware you've decided on. Way kool choices! I really dig the New Apogee XL blocks. Didn't know Swiftech had anything like those. So my mediocre checking account is now in fear for it's existence.

I checked out a few reviews of the 900D and I think your going to run into a problem. Using a dual PSU setup will not allow anything longer then a 240mm rad in the lower compartment. The front mounts also only allow for a 240mm rad, unless your willing to mod the case. As an alternative to modding the front, you could just go with two 240mm rads in those previously mentioned locations. Or, you could do a 240mm in one location and use a 140mm rad at the rear exhaust mount. I would also suggest setting up two independent cooling loops. Loop #1: 480 rad with the triple GPUs. Loop #2: Dual rads cooling everything else.

For tubing, I have only one recommendation. Primochill's PrimoFlex tubing. [1/2" x 3/4" in clear or colors (http://www.frozencpu.com/cat/l3/g30/c99/s1614/list/p1/Liquid_Cooling-Tubing-12_x_34_Tubing-Page1.html)]

For rad fans I have three you may wish to consider:
1) Silverstone - Air Penetrator 120mm fans [w/o LEDs (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=-1&IsNodeId=1&Description=Silverstone%20AP&bop=And&SrchInDesc=120&Page=1&PageSize=20)] or [w/ LEDs (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=-1&IsNodeId=1&Description=Silverstone%20AP&bop=And&SrchInDesc=led&Page=1&PageSize=20)]. These offer good static pressure and are very quiet.
2) Akasa - Apache 120mm fans The Apache has a ton of static air pressure and moves a ton of air, but will be noisy at high rpms.
3) Cooler Master - Blade Master 120 The Blade Master has very good static pressure and moves a good amount of air. But, it is a louder then both the Air Penetrator (a lot) and the Apache (a little) over most of it's comparable rpm range.

Hope this project turns out totally [B][I]awesome!!! :-bd

[EmSti]

Thanks for the thoughts, it is appreciated. I will look into the part you suggested.
For the 900D, if it comes down to the 480 vs second PSU in the case, the PSU may loose its place. I already have one PSU housed outside of a case, not a big deal. The Antecs and the case are the only 2 things I have so far, I will find a way to make it work out. Thanks for pointing it out, as you mentioned, I can also change radiator plans, lots of shopping to do there yet.

I am fairly sure one loop should be okay, but I will keep reading. Having one loop with redundant pumps provides some safety if a pump fails, especially if I can auto control the pump output. Each individual pump I am looking at should be able to handle the loop, dual will make it easier. With cooling between the cpu and the GPU, I should be okay unless it gets to restrictive. With all of the money going to antminers at the moment, this project will be delayed a little bit. The cost to credit ratio of the ants was enough reason to delay this project. Gong to shop for bargains for weeks to months and pick up parts here and there like the deal on the Obsidian.

[John P. Myers]

I highly recommend these pumps: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_201&products_id=28303

There's also this version if you need your pump threaded for fittings: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=59_201&products_id=33677

Or these fully modded Swiftech pumps if you're wanting to add some bling to your system :D http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=uber655+d5

[EmSti]

Thanks for the input JPM. I have been looking at those, I was even considering bling bling of the dual uber 655, but I suspect I can do the dual header block and the fitting of my choice cheaper (looking at doing compression fittings, but not decided). The pump will be hidden in the bottom of the 900d, so the bling isn't really needed. I am on the fence on the MPC35x2 with the PMW control v.s. the dual 655. If I can find a flow control or temp control method of controlling the dual 655, I might go that route depending on cost difference. If a pump quits I would want to make sure the other increases output.

[EmSti]

Well what do you know mcp655-pmw (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/17549/ex-pmp-214/Swiftech_MCP655-PWM_12v_Water_Pump_Module_-_PWM_Enabled_Single_Version.html)

[Fire$torm]

Some more options to consider.

If you want PWM control and MCP655 pumps then have a look at FrozenCPU's offer (Here (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/17549/ex-pmp-214/Swiftech_MCP655-PWM-DRIVE_12v_Water_Pump_Module_-_PWM_Enabled_Single_Version.html))

For fan speed control via temp monitoring give SpeedFan a try (Here (http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php)). Even though your choice of MB will have it's own software util for fan control, it will most likely not be as flexible as SpeedFan.

EK does make several waterblocks for reference design Radeon 295X2 cards (Here (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=EK-FC+R9-295X2)).

If you want to go hog wild on a tricked out reservoir, check out Primochill's new CTR Phase II series (Here (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=Primochill+CTR+Phase+II)). For a detailed, and therefore lengthy, video overview of what can be created using Phase II components, check out Primochill's YouTube post (Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nAAGjQHfJM))

Compression fittings: For my first, and so far only custom WC build, I used Monsoon Free Center fittings (Here (http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=MON-FC)). Although I love the style of these fittings and would use them again, there are are a couple of things to be aware of, if you choose to use them in your build. First, avoid using the Monsoon designed wrench to turn the compression ring. It can easily ship out of the slot on the ring and scratch the rings finish. Tightening the compression ring with your fingers is all that is required for a secure fit. Second, all Free Center fittings are anodized inside and outside. On both the barb and ring. Which means when using them, you will wind up with some of the anodizing flaking off into your loop. Washing the barbs before first use will greatly reduce the chance of this happening.

Also in regards to first use of any custom loop, it is always a good idea to flush it after completing your leak test. This is necessary as most of the components of any custom loop will have some form of residue/material left over from the manufacturing processes of said components.

[EOF]

[Sarge104]

Cooler Master - Blade Master 120 The Blade Master has very good static pressure and moves a good amount of air. But, it is a louder then both the Air Penetrator (a lot) and the Apache (a little) over most of it's comparable rpm range.

Hope this project turns out totally [B]awesome!!! :-bd

IRT the Cooler Master (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030DL37I/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) fans, inserted a link to the Amazon page I pulled mine from. If you are still looking for some fans and price is an issue, 9.94 vice 11.99, with free shipping over $35. I've been running these fans in my tower for a few months now and can verify they do create some noise under full load. Anything under 60%, though, is pretty silent. The fans come with stubby screws and corner pads as well for vibration.

Compared to my NZXT case fans I've been pleased with the amount of airflow the Cooler Master fans have provided considering the amount of flow being exhausted from my H100I at full bore.

Good luck with the build!

[John P. Myers]

Also take a look at the Cooler Master Jetflo fans. They're pretty good as well

Sent from my Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk Pro

[EmSti]

I am leaning towards these NoiseBlocker fans (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/21291/fan-1262/Noiseblocker_Phobya_NB-eLoop_120mmx25mm_Ultra_Silent_Bionic_Blade_Fan_-_1600_RPM_-_225_dBA_Black_Red_Edition.html). Initial reading on the eloop with rads didn't seem promising until I started reading more resent reviews and particularly these variants. There is also a black version that goes to 1800. Either would work for my Lava theme.

[EmSti]

For rads, I am tending toward the alphacool ut60 series. 480 in the top, 360 in front and 240 or 2x240s in the bottom. That is a lot of heat eaters and fans shouldn't need to run hard at all. I don't think there will be a need for a push/pull setup, looking to do just push. I really need to start making a list and see what the prices will be. Sticker shock will probably change my mind. I should also do a watts calc, but I was looking at the simple idea of 240 of radiator per o.c. item that I will be cooling. 2 x 7970s, i7-4790k, 295x2 (counting as 360 with slow fan speed) would be 1080 of radiators. Looking at my intended buy 480 + 360+ 240 = 1080, so that should be more than enough to keep the fans running low. So, I will start with just the one 240 in the bottom and use the other side to exhaust. To cut cost I could always go with the alphacool xt45 and and still have plenty of cooling.

[John P. Myers]

I am leaning towards these NoiseBlocker fans (http://www.frozencpu.com/products/21291/fan-1262/Noiseblocker_Phobya_NB-eLoop_120mmx25mm_Ultra_Silent_Bionic_Blade_Fan_-_1600_RPM_-_225_dBA_Black_Red_Edition.html). Initial reading on the eloop with rads didn't seem promising until I started reading more resent reviews and particularly these variants. There is also a black version that goes to 1800. Either would work for my Lava theme.

Just for comparison purposes, the Jetflo fans i suggested have double the air pressure (VERY important when using as a radiator fan), a MTBF 20,000 hours longer and move 50% more air and cost the same. Slightly louder though, but not terribly. http://www.frozencpu.com/search.html?mv_profile=keyword_search&mv_session_id=69qhL3mu&searchspec=jetflo&go.x=0&go.y=0

[E-30]

like it so far

[EmSti]

Glad I am taking my time on this, decided to do some checking on thickness allowed the front radiator and it turns out that a 360 on the front will not work with rads on the bottom. So I need to go 240x30mm in the front.

JPM, I did look into the jetflos as you had previously recommended, after a few videos and reviews of them I am not convinced they are the fans I want. You are correct that they can push more air, they have a higher top end for speed, but at those level they are very noisy. At lower speed levels the nb-eloop and the jet flows seem like a pick-em to me, so I went with style. The phobya version of the fan has had good reviews. Either should do the job.