Return to Building - Will you check my build?

[Jonathonc]

So, I am a newbie to the OC3D community, I actually came across Tom's reviews while putting together hardware for my future rig.

A little bit of my history, I've been tinkering with computers for about 15 years and have done 4 complete builds since I turned 18 (I'm now 27). The problem is, I haven't done a build since 2005. Now that I am beginning to settle into my new position as the head of an IT department, I think it is time for a new powerhouse. I've been without a Desktop machine since 2007 and am really missing the ability it gives me.

So, without further ado, let's get into the Hardware.

Case: CoolerMaster Cosmos II
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme
CPU: Intel i7-3930k Sandy Bridge-E
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100
RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum 1600 (32GB)
GPU: nVidia GTX670 2GB card - haven't decided on the manufacturer yet, still weighing options
PSU: Corsair AX850
SDD: Corsair Force Series 240GB SATA III
HDD: 1 or 2TB data drive - again, still weighing options on the brand

Any recommendations on the GPU or HDD would be appreciated. Also anything about the hardware config that seems off or problematic, I would appreciate any advice. As I've said, I'm a little out of practice.

The similarities to Tom's Orca hardware were not lost on me. I had the majority of my hardware choices made before I found Tom's reviews, they just helped to solidify my direction.

Thank you in advance and again, I appreciate any suggestions.

 

[jamesriley94]

What's the rig actually going to be used for?

I'd change the case - just because I think unless you're doing full system watercooling the Cosmos II is way too big - and too expensive.

As for the GPU - KFA2, Gigabyte windforce or Asus DCII (non-TOP) are the best choices.

HDD - Western Digital Green if it's for storage - Blue or Black if you intend on putting any programs on it.

Also change the SSD to a Crucial M4 or Samsung 830 as they're more reliable.

 

[Jonathonc]

The rig will primarily be for video production/rendering. One of the first side-tasks I've been assigned in my new job is to put together a mock-up for a video production lab for the school and to show a reduced cost of doing everything in-house, however, because the school isn't set on spending the money without proof of benefit, I figured the easiest way to do this was to build my own rig and use it as an interim until they either give me the go ahead to equip a lab or scrap the idea all together.

Once the system is done with it's initial purpose, it will be coming home with me, at which point I intend on water-cooling it, which is why I am going with the Cosmos II now instead of something smaller that I have to change out at a later date. I also intend then to equip a second GPU in SLI. At that point, the purpose will still be used for my own personal video work, or anything I bring home with me, as well as a primary gaming machine.

Truth be told, everything is a guise to finally put together my first true enthusiast build. My other builds were either on an extremely tight budget or to serve an immediate purpose. This one I have a lot more freedom with. If I had the money, I'd be doing a lot more, but because I'm doing this all out of pocket with very little to no reimbursement (I've been told they'll cover any shipping costs and that I can use an educational discount where applicable), I have to stick with what I can do.

I was debating between the Crucial and the Corsair SSD. I've had bad luck with Crucial in the past, but it has been a while since I've used any of their drives, so I could be convinced to give them another shot. Past experience is the same reason I'm going with a nVidia GPU instead of AMD.

Speaking of watercooling, any recommendations for components there? It has evolved quite a bit in the last few years and I'm just not as familiar with the players as I use to be.

 

[CPMFW]

id also change the case... same reason as above
evga 670 ftw if you want to watercool it some day
hdd wise id go for western digital
i use a corsair force gt myself no problems what so ever, but the m4 is deffo cheaper

 

[The Orange One]

Are you planning on Watercooling it?

 

[SnW]

Are you planning on Watercooling it?

I would say so, as he is getting a H100....

 

[jamesriley94]

You could get all the watercooling for SLI and a 3930k in something like a Switch 810 at half the price of the Cosmos - and it will probably be better for watercooling too.

I probably wouldn't think of full watercooling until you're actually ready to do it. Things change too fast with computers to plan that far ahead.

Maybe get an EVGA 670 FTW so you can watercool it with a 680 waterblock - but that's about the only planning ahead you can do

 

[ruairi.C]

^must of seen about 3 people above me who did not read his 2nd post and maybe he likes the look of the cosmos2 and not many other cases and cases are sort of weird like that sometimes you just like one and want it and if it fits in your budget then then why not. I recommend the Samsung SSD if you don't really want a Crucial

 

[jamesriley94]

^must of seen about 3 people above me who did not read his 2nd post and maybe he likes the look of the cosmos2 and not many other cases and cases are sort of weird like that sometimes you just like one and want it and if it fits in your budget then then why not. I recommend the Samsung SSD if you don't really want a Crucial

Yeh but the Cosmos was meant to be a case built for high end watercooling - yet you can get smaller cases half the price that do the job better...

If he wants it - then it's his choice.
We're just saying that there's better alternatives.

 

[Jonathonc]

Thank you for the suggestions into GPUs and HDDs, I'll be sure to look into those.

As to alternatives to the Cosmos II, what do you suggest? I've looked into the Switch 810 and I don't know if it is because of my bad experiences with NZXT products and support in the past, or something else, but I just don't like it. About the only NZXT case I have considered is the Phantom, and there are just some design things, like the hinged panel over the front bays, that turn me off to it.

The reason I am considering the Cosmos right now is in part because of the appearance, but most because of it's ridiculous size. I intend for this build to grow an evolve over the next few years, and I'd rather have a case that can handle that now and pay the extra cost than end up having to replace it when it gets too big.

Is that to say the Cosmos is future-proof? Of course not, I've worked with computers long enough to know better than that. Is the case overkill? Probably, but remember, at the heart of this build, it is an enthusiast build, and for me, overkill is kind of the point. If I could swing it, I'd be doing a full watercooling loop right out of the gate and throwing a 3960x in instead of the 3930k, even though performance between the two is so close it doesn't really merit spending twice as much for one over the other. This is going to be the machine that I tinker with and change for the foreseeable future and the case is one of the things I'd rather avoid switching if possible.

Now I hope that doesn't come off as me saying, "I'm going with the Cosmos and that's it!" because that isn't my intention at all. All I'm saying is that right now I haven't found a case that fits the "feel" of the build like the Cosmos II. Sadly I can't articulate what that "feel" is exactly, but I hope you understand. I am open to any suggestions to alternatives to the case and will look into them all.

 

[jamesriley94]

I do understand completely.
The case is big - agreed - but it isn't laid out particularly well.
The only real upgrades you'll be making that will need a larger case will be watercooling - and as things are getting more and more power efficient, I can't see you'll really be able to make use of all the space in the future.

Have you looked at any of the offerings from silverstone? TJ-07 or TJ-11 I think would suit you better. Similar kind of size to the cosmos II but laid out better for watercooling.

 

[Jonathonc]

I'll have to look more into the TJ-07. The TJ-11 is priced a little too high for a case with similar spacing to the Cosmos, especially considering I could mod the Cosmos to get the same qualities as the 11 and still stay under that price point, but the 07 is a definite possibility, thank you.