Hello community!
I'm planning to upgrade my current desktop rig in steps - PSU, CPU cooler, GPU, case and extra fans plus maybe some RAM sticks...
Current rig specs below (in italic soon to be upgraded/exchanged parts):
Monitor: Trying to find best issue-less 34" ultra-wide - more info below
CPU: i7 4770K @4.00GHz + stock cooler
RAM: Kingston 16GB (2x8GB) 1600MHz HyperX Black CL10
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 770 OC 4GB WindForce 3X
MOBO: Asus Z87-DELUXE Intel Z87 LGA1150
SSD: Samsung 850 PRO 256GB
HDD1: WD Black 6TB WD6001FZWX
HDD2: WD Black 4TB WD4003FZEX
HDD3: WD Black 4TB WD4003FZEX
HDD4: WD Black 2TB WD2002FAEX -> to be replaced due to Raw Read Errors (probably another WD6001FZWX)
HDD5: WD Black 1TB WD1003FZEX -> after getting new replacement for FAEX, this one will be packed and replaced by Samsung 850 Evo 1TB
PSU: Thermaltake Toughtpower 750W
OS: W7 64bit PRO
ODD: LG BD-RE LG BH08LS20
Case: Chaser MK-I VN300M1W2N
/Monitor/
The monitor will be 3440x1440 - still unspecified model and manufacturer due numerous issues with X34s and P348Q - had two X34s (returned due BLB, visible vertical tearing despite G-SYNC, overheating causing unit shut-down and LED under-bar flashing) and one P348Q (to be returned due BLB, ROG logo turning off itself without a reason and those
built-in speaker really sucks - so quiet that can't watch youtube while eating) - will try over and over again till I'll find near perfect one for this buck, but I'm pretty sure to stick to Ultrawide.
/PSU/
Firstly I'd like to switch that pretty antique (~7 year old) PSU for something better with more wattage. Final config (for now just one 1080) would consist of 2x GTX1080s or yet unreleased 1080Ti in SLI so some more power is needed. So far I have no plans for switching CPU&MOBO at least till Skylake-X/Kaby Lake-X will be released (with native hardware x265). Storage will finally consist of two SSDs (256GB 850 PRO and 1TB 850 Evo from GS60) plus four HDDs - 2x6TB and 2x4TB in black flavor. Honestly I'm pretty puzzled which one should I choose - something with about 1000-1200W, Gold or Platinum efficiency (Titanium is way over my budget) and a price tag of roughly 250-300USD - I know that taking that PSU for single or even two 1080 is a bit overkill but I'd like have nearly silent build with PSU fan spinning only during load. Ah and long warranty is welcome (like with EVGA ones). And probably there might be some availability problems in my home country (PL) so presenting few models to choose from is welcome.
/CPU cooler/
Don't kill me for still using Intel stock cooler - didn't have money to spare on it as my main gaming rig was GS60-2QE (970M) and it was used rather as storage machine and incredibly rarely as gaming tool. But as that laptop is getting more and more rusty after ~18 months I'm preparing to ditch it for desktop and getting it replaced or cashing it back (numerous flaws under warranty like dying screen with whitespot/overheating/fan failing/issues with power section causing screen flashing etc.). So its time to fix cooling issue. Did some research about CPU cooling and after some
brainstorming, measuring and wallet checking crossed out AiO LCS as a bit too pricey for me (taking into account other mods), so only air based ones are left - do you think that Dark Rock PRO 3 would be the best choice in terms of lowest noise levels? And no more than 90-100 USD price-tag. And of course no puke-shit colored Noctua's - something
black or with metallic accents.
/GPU/
As far for GPU I'm not eager to spend ~700 USD for it but I'd prefer one but powerful one (DX11 wise) than getting SLI or CrossFire at start (taking into account power-draw and emitted heat into room) so I'll probably stick to cheapest non-referent 1080 with as little as possible color accents (eg. no red MSI's but maybe ZOTAC's) and longest warranty.
/CASE/
About a case, current one is becoming more and more overcrowded (eg. SATA drives) and thought about ditching it for something more roomy - by a chance I managed to see one from Thermaltake - Core x9 - got amazed by three things vertical MOBO placement, great access to component from any side and stack-ability. But after some time I'm getting doubts - fans from current case (200mm ones) are a bit noisy so I don't think that x9's ones would be less audible... Other option is soon to be released DG-87 - great looking and future-proof for my distant LC plans... What do you think about that in ~250 USD range?
/other stuff/
As for extra fans and RAM, it all depends how much will be left in my pocket after all these mods and which case I would choose - DG-87 in stock have nearly all fans already installed - only 2 140mm can be installed later. For RAM I would either add two more 1600 8GB sticks or swap old ones for higher clocked 4x8GB DDR3s but it is way to soon to
anticipate course of action (why I need so much RAM? Like running few VM simultaneously).
/sidenote aka server-NAS plan/
Got an idea how to reuse my old X58 build or rather MOBO itself and some other scrap parts - as second-hand E5620 is extremely cheap (~$12) combining it with leftovers from this system (GTX770, PSU, case) and old Intel 520 120GB SSD might be a good start. All I need is some cheapo cooler and ECC RAM, some NAS-friendly drives and 10Gbit card... But it's for a different time...