Suggestions for new Mobo, CPU & Mem for CAD centered mATX case?

I built this machine 2 years ago as my work machine. It is primarily used for CAD and 3d visualization. (AutoCAD etc,)
After building it I pretty much stopped paying attention to the technology other than to try to get it to run cooler. It has 7 fans in the little case and still runs hot.
At any rate, I'd like to do a new build to update mainly the mobo, CPU, and Memory. I'll use the rest of the existing components. This is a small mAtx case!

Anyone have suggestions of a good Mobo/CPU combo. This build is a tax deductible expense for me, so cheap is not my first concern. However, I'm not a gamer so expensive components centered on gaming are not needed. I currently have Intel but will be open to AMD.

Again, I just don't know where things stand with the technology since 2 years ago. The one thing I would really like is a system that will run cool under load--knowing that this case will not accept liquid cooling.

Current specs are:
SilverStone Sugo SG01B-F Aluminum/Steel MicroATX Desktop SFF Chassis Computer Case
SilverStone Strider Plus Modular SST-ST75F-P 750W
ASUS Rampage Gene III
Intel i7 930
ATI FirePro V4800
12GB Kit Kingston HyperX (3x4GB Modules) 1600MHz DDR3 DIMM
Crucial SSD 128gb Drive
WD 1T drive

Windows 7 Pro 64

Thanks for your suggestions.

What are your load temps? That CPU is good up to mid-high 80s.

Budget for upgrade?

Knufire said:

What are your load temps? That CPU is good up to mid-high 80s.

Budget for upgrade?

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Currently, the machine runs in the high 40's at idle and 50's running most software. I did try some heavy 3D rendering once and stopped when it went into the 90's.

I guess the budget would be around the same for I spent on the current parts at the time. The Asus Rampage Gene III was $269. I think the processor was about the same, and the memory about $130.

CalypsoArt said:

Currently, the machine runs in the high 40's at idle and 50's running most software. I did try some heavy 3D rendering once and stopped when it went into the 90's.

I guess the budget would be around the same for I spent on the current parts at the time. The Asus Rampage Gene III was $269. I think the processor was about the same, and the memory about $130.

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When you say the machine runs at X temperature do you mean the actual CPU itself? What are you reading it with?

Theocnoob said:

When you say the machine runs at X temperature do you mean the actual CPU itself? What are you reading it with?

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I'm using RealTemp. Usually list all cores at 45-52

What cooler?

Is heat and/or noise an issue? Why not just run it as it is?

If you want to change things up I'd suggest:
$310 - i7-4770S http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116902
$175 - ASUS GRYPHON Z87 (includes 2x4GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131977
$70 - Crucial Ballistix Sport (2 x 4GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148662

That's a 65W processor that is significantly faster then what you have now, a good quality Z87 board with decent components, and 16GB of memory, for ~$550.

I just did a mITX (considerable smaller then mATX) build with an i7-3770S which runs very fast and cool (considering the heatsink I have on it) - build log here: http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731207

My build runs off a 90W power supply.

JCLW said:

If you want to change things up I'd suggest:
$310 - i7-4770S http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116902
$175 - ASUS GRYPHON Z87 (includes 2x4GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131977
$70 - Crucial Ballistix Sport (2 x 4GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148662

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Even though it has a higher TDP I'd still go with the 4770K. It's MATX not ITX and there should be space for a 4770K and a half decent CPU cooler to overclock.

I see it like this.

If the problem is heat, upgrade the cooler.

If the problem is performance, upgrade the CPU.

So far, from what the OP had said, I don't know if performance is an issue.

Knufire said:

I see it like this.

If the problem is heat, upgrade the cooler.

If the problem is performance, upgrade the CPU.

So far, from what the OP had said, I don't know if performance is an issue.

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It has been fine for most my work. But I guess, I've never got the performance I though possible. It just runs too hot, and the few attempts I made at overclocking made it worse. I removed the standard Intel cooler and replaced with the Scythe Shuriken. eventually the fan on the Shuriken began to go so I just replaced with a Zalman 8900. I asked about airflow in this thread: http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=733124

Image from that link:

In an attempt to cool more I added a SilverStone crossflow fan to the area between the cooler and the back of the case venting out. (not shown in the drawing) It's been no help. I'm willing to try other options. It is why I was asking about newer components thinking they might run cooler.

Kinda went through a cycle. The 2xxx series is ridiculously cool, the 3xxx series somewhere in between, and the 4xxx series is just as hot as the first gen CPU. They're all 600-700Mhz faster than the first gen. I don't know the IPC (performance at equal clock speed) increase between the first gen and 2xxx, but it's a little higher than 10% between 2xxx and 4xxx.

Any idea how tall of a cooler you can fit? Maybe get something like a Noctua NH-C14 that should perform much better than the Zalman cooler (they're not really known for performance). Or an all in one liquid cooler if you can fit a 120mm radiator somewhere.

Other option would be a new mATX case. There are a few that can fit full sized coolers.

Knufire said:

Any idea how tall of a cooler you can fit?.

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I believe I have 75mm clearance.

Hmm? I just noticed that I bought the Zalman 8900 Quiet. The Fan spec to spin at 1000 to 1500rpm The Zalman 8900 Extreme fan spins at 1250-2800rpm. Anyone think that might be worth the exchange?