Wonko's Amazing Build Log 2.0!!!

[wonko]

Wonko's Amazing Build Log 2.0!!!​

INTRODUCTION


About four or so years ago, I decided to build a stupifyingly beautiful, ultra-incredible gaming rig that would make people drool, weep, laugh, cheer, or otherwise do something that would take their lecherous little minds away from streaming free porn long enough to allow me to binge-watch Archer on Netflix without it skipping.

Instead, I built something that looked kind of okay, but has performed beautifully for me since then. But, it's time to do it again.



COMPONENTS (So far...)



Case – CaseLabs Magnum SMA8
PSU – SeaSonic Prime 1200 Platinum
Mobo – ASUS ROG STRIX X99
CPU – Intel Core i7-6800K
RAM – 8 x G.SKILL TridentZ Series (64GB total)
Video – 2 x EVGA GTX 1080Ti FE (SLI)
SLI Bridge - EVGA Pro SLI Bridge (2-Way)
SSD (OS/Utility) – Samsung 950 Pro 512GB (NVMe M.2)



It's 4:50AM and I need to crash. More to come...

 

[trents]

The i7-4770k will not work in socket 2011-v3. These are your CPU options for that board: https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/ROG-STRIX-X99-GAMING/HelpDesk_CPU/

If you want to use the 4770k CPU you would need a socket 1150 motherboard.

Are you reusing some existing components? Just trying to figure out why you are not moving up to newer technology. The CPU you have listed is now four generations old. The eight generation Intel gaming CPU just came out last week, Coffee Lake.

 

[wonko]

trents - Thanks for pointing that out.

I went back and edited the original post and discovered that I also had listed the wrong memory and the link to the CPU was different than the CPU I had listed.

This is what happens when you're cutting and pasting when you've been up for 20 hours, LOL.

 

[wonko]

So, a couple of things about this build, and a couple of tips for novices...

I started building computers about 25 years ago for both personal use and for my customers. This is my second time trying to do water-cooling, sleeving, lighting, etc.

I'm an independent IT consultant and sit at my desk staring at my monitors about 12-20 hours per day, 6 or 7 days a week and the equipment is never powered down. So, I try to buy the highest quality stuff I can.

Unfortunately, I'm also one of those types who can justify pretty much any purchase I make by coming up with some very, very thin excuse for why it's appropriate for me. ("I really, really need two 1080 Ti GPUs... I mean, that new World of Warcraft patch is going to be a killer!")



SUGGESTIONS AND THOUGHTS


- Try to look four or five years ahead. No matter your budget, this is going to be a huge investment, so try and build something that will last.
- Think about whether or not you can reuse things for future builds. One of the reasons I bought the CaseLabs case is because it's 100% modular... I can replace parts as they're updated. I plan on using this case for as many future builds as I can.
- While you're at it, see if there's anything on your current build you can reuse. I plan on reusing almost all of my current water cooling parts, the optical drive, front panel stuff, fans, etc.
- I started buying parts for this build in January 2017 and am just starting to put it together in October. I've spent all that time researching and trying to find the best deals:

- The Samsung M.2 SSD lists for something like $500-600. I bought one refurbished on Amazon for $200 with full warranty.
- At the time I bought the motherboard and CPU, the board was something like $400 and the CPU was around $350. A local electronics store had a bundle deal where I got them both for $500.
- I totally indulged in the GPUs, but didn't buy them until I saw them bundled with free games. I ended up with 2 games worth a total of $120. (See? I told you I can justify anything with the flimsiest of excuses.)
​

- I keep looking at my current build and seeing all the mistakes I made. This has also slowed me down... I keep rethinking things so I can avoid those mistakes.

 

[wonko]

CaseLabs Magnum SMA8



I'll admit... this was a very, very difficult purchase for me. This case is stupid expensive and there are really, really good cases out there that cost 1/2 or 1/3 of this one.

Here's why I bought it:

• My existing case (Obsidian 800D) is one of those really good ones, and cable management on the back side was way too restrictive.
• The SMA8 can literally be taken apart piece by piece and any part can be replaced if you screw something up.
• Since it's 100% modular, I can reuse this case for probably all future builds.
• The reviews are stellar. Every single review I read said it was worth the money. As it turns out, I agree.

When the case arrived, I was pretty confused. The box was flat... not tall. Here's what was inside:



To be clear, the box did not include the paper towel holder, soap, sink, towels, etc.

But, check out the way this thing was packed. Every single part was separated by foam and wrapped in very thick plastic. Very, very impressed by that.

Assembly took about an hour and here are the results:



Front



Rear



Display Sidet



Display Side Open



Back Side Open




The case is absolutely massive. Seriously... space for two PSUs?

For its size, though, it's surprisingly light.

So far, I love this thing.

 

[trents]

The case panels make nice place mats in the kitchen picture.