New Z270 build.

I have decided to hand down my aging x58 i920 build to my son, It will be a step up for him and an opportunity to build a new gaming machine. After reading a bit I have decided to go with Core i7-7700K and the new Z270, I had considered an X99 build but eventually decided against it. I found that not only were there a lot of choices for motherboards but because they are new there aren't a lot of user reviews. I have chosen a motherboard because it had a nice balance of features and a decent price.

Spoiler: Asus ROG Maximus IX Hero.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132927&ignorebbr=1

. This morning I discovered two reviews on Amazon and one on Newegg. Two were by the same user who had some problems with overclocking. I even discovered a post he made about it here.

Spoiler: This post

https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/trouble-with-voltage-on-maximus-ix-hero-1151.229407/

. This made me think that it would be a good idea to run the list by the people here as they have been so helpful with my choice in laptops. here are a few questions I had and would appreciate and thoughts on the following.

1. I'm going to wait to see what happens with reviews of the motherboard in addition to the post made by the guy with the problem before I ditch this one but I'm all ears for any suggestions.

2. RAM, I have never paid too much attention to my choice of RAM but when I upgraded my rig at home to a larger amount of cheaper RAM it interfered with my OC. I don't want it to limit my OC. I read this article

Spoiler: DDR4 Memory

http://www.techspot.com/article/1171-ddr4-4000-mhz-performance/page3.html

my take away was to get DDR4 3000 or more if you can afford it, in this guys tests there was a gain from 3000 to 3600 then diminishing returns to 4000 so I found a pair of 3600 that seems OK. It is also on the list of supported RAM

Spoiler: RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16820232438

3. SSD, I had put the Intel 600P 500Gb m.2 SSD on the list but I then read about it lack of performance with large amounts of data, something about the cache filling up and slowing it down to where it would be better to get a Sata III SSD. A Samsung 960pro is a bit expensive but I discovered this one that I had never heard of before.

Spoiler: Mydigital

https://www.amazon.com/MyDigitalSSD...8&qid=1484008956&sr=8-2&keywords=mydigitalssd

Edit: fixed typo

 

What graphics card(s) are you putting in the rig?

If it's just one that RAM article is not useful, 2400 MHz DDR4 is within a percent or two of 4000MHz. However, that article is right on an sli system. If you are getting two graphics cards then yes, get some high clocked RAM.

For ssds, just get a SATA III ssd. A Samsung 850 Evo or Sandisk X400 will perform identically to a 960 Pro for boot times and game load times. Those pcie ssds are only useful for huge file transfers and video editing, normal usage will see 0 difference.

Edit: to clarify, a 960 Evo or 960 Pro is pcie not SATA III.

 

At first I'll have one GTX 1070, if my 1440p isn't up to my like I could get a second one but that would be down the road a ways.

I don't do a lot of file transfers so I'll look at some SATA IIIs, I'll have to see if the M.2 slots will work with SATA or if I'll get some 2.5's

 

@DukeCLR You did mean a 7700K and not the non-K version correct? Don't ever buy the non-K to save the $20.

 

It's pretty much the same conundrum, getting the newest coolest hardware means maybe getting the newest coolest *bugs*, and even if the hardware doesn't need EC's, firmware will be a gradual improvement over time.

I like Asus motherboards, but am looking at MSI and ASrock too, this one caught my eye:

CES 2017: Is the ROG Z270 Apex the most unique mobo ever?


ASUS Maximus IX Apex and Extreme Z270 Motherboards


Z270 Maximus IX Apex | Best OC performance @ 7.383GHz using i7-7700K | ROG


(Almost) All The New ASUS Z270 Motherboards!
Published on Jan 3, 2017
(Almost) All The New ASUS Z270 Motherboards! Featuring J.J.!
ASUS Motherboards from the new Prime, TUF, STRIX and ROG lines with the Z270 Chipset.
TIMESTAMPS
0:47 - ASUS Motherboard Categories Overview - Prime, TUF, STRIX and ROG
13:53 - ASUS Prime Z270-A
17:42 - ASUS TUF Z270 Mark 2
21:11 - ASUS TUF Z270 Mark 1
24:28 - ASUS STRIX Z270E Gaming
28:50 - ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero
33:23 - ASUS ROG Maximus IX Formula

 

Yes I meant the 7700K, I'm in NYC this week and I'm thinking of grabbing an Uber to Microcenter to pick it up,. It's on sale, I may also try out Neweggs new price matching policy they are advertising.

@hmscott Thanks for the linkage, the Pauls hardware one was what turned me on to Asus, I have built 7 computers and closely advised 2 friends on every aspect of their builds. 4 of those were "gaming" rigs and I used EVGA motherboards, they have lasted for years and I can go to one place for support. I have never used Asus so it will be an interesting change if I go that route. That Maximus Extreme looks really interesting, I have been toying with the idea of a water cooling system and that built in cooling block looks sleek, if I weren't on such a budget I would look seriously at that board, I'm aiming at the 250 mark for the MB and will eventually get an AIO but will use a CM H212 EVO that's in my sons rig at the moment for a short period.

 

The Asus Maxiumus IX Apex is supposed to go for $250 rather than the likely $600 for the Extreme.

The Apex doesn't have the water cooling block, and is stripped of some features to improve OC ability, but makes up as being the record setting 7.383ghz 7700k platform. And, the DIMM.2 is pretty cool too. And, it still has RGB lighting.

There are going to be so many MB's for Z270, and it's going to take a while to sort out the gold from the chaff - hopefully everything will go smoothly this generation and all will be keepers in the long term

 

If you think about it dropping 400 for a high end MB is not out of the question and with the block on the extreme I could see some justification in splurging on it.

I want to build this weekend if possible so I may just have to take a chance on one and see what happens, it adds to the excitement of it all.

 

Finding any specific Asus Z270 MB is going to be tricky this soon, here's what B&H have in stock now:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/sear...Search=yes&sts=ma&typedValue=&Top+Nav-Search=

The same 3 are at newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...TMATCH&Description=maximus+ix&N=-1&isNodeId=1

Frys.com has none...

Microcenter has the same 3 (depending on which store you select):
http://www.microcenter.com/search/search_results.aspx?Ntt=maximus+ix

Good luck

 

Thanks, there's is a lot of information out there, now I'm starting to think of getting a lower end MB and case and upgrade to a 1080, I would have to shave 250 off my build and I really want a nice case.

 

Which case?

 

This is the one I really like.

Spoiler: Phantek Enthoo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854041&ignorebbr=1&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-PC-_-pla-_-Cases+(Computer+Cases+-+ATX+Form)-_-N82E16811854041&gclid=Cj0KEQiAqdLDBRDD-b2sv6-i6MsBEiQAkT3wAkM10JnJ_V40N8T-IlbI_6Nhxgri7xyLm1MJc6YY-qQaAuVg8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm considering this one too.

Spoiler: NZXT S340 Elite

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...z4bQ97MtEWXyW6UkdQkecaAlvc8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

$80 dollars difference isn't that much but I'm still on the fence.

I have decided to go with the ROG prime board and use my 980Ti for the time being, I will buy my son a 1060 to put in the machine I'm handing down, its a major jump from his GTX 660. This will set me up for a mid summer upgrade, maybe at that time I'll go with a water cooler option and a 1080. I went with a smaller economy SSD and a partially modular PSU.

Here is where I'm at, $906.80 USD without the case. plus a $20 rebate and $15 off Windows 10.

Spoiler: Core i7 7700k

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117726&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: Asus PRIME Z270A

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132936&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: EVGA 850 BQ

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438086&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: G.SKILL Ripjaws

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232180&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: Intell SSD 600p 256

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAZU4P53467&ignorebbr=1

This is the one I really like.

I'm considering this one too.

Spoiler: NZXT S340 Elite

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...z4bQ97MtEWXyW6UkdQkecaAlvc8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

$80 dollars difference isn't that much but I'm still on the fence.

I have decided to go with the ROG prime board and use my 980Ti for the time being, I will buy my son a 1060 to put in the machine I'm handing down, its a major jump from his GTX 660. This will set me up for a mid summer upgrade, maybe at that time I'll go with a water cooler option and a 1080. I went with a smaller economy SSD and a partially modular PSU.

Here is where I'm at, $906.80 USD without the case. plus a $20 rebate and $15 off Windows 10.

Spoiler: Core i7 7700k

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117726&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: Asus PRIME Z270A

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132936&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: EVGA 850 BQ

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438086&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: G.SKILL Ripjaws

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232180&ignorebbr=1

Spoiler: Intell SSD 600p 256

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAAZU4P53467&ignorebbr=1

EDIT I had a few issues with the spoiler tags.

 

I think I like the look of the Phanteks slightly more, but they're both solid looking cases.

If you're going for water cooling, there's several GPU options where the coolant loop is built in.

 

That's what I was thinking when I decided to use my current 980ti until I decide what I'm going to do, I also think the Phantek will give me more options when that time comes. I have a gift card for Amazon so that softens to blow of that case. At this point I'm leaning toward the Phantek.

 

There's plenty of room in there for whatever you want to do with it, for sure, and a 980TI should hold you over for a while while you find the perfect video card.

 

I used that gift card I mentioned and with my Amazon Prime shipping I only had to pay $79.00 for the Phantek.

 

Nice. You're gonna post build photos when you're done with it, right?

 

Most definitely! The forums that my gaming friends use have a smiley stating "This thread is worthless without pictures"

 

I was just reviewing my order and I just realized that my RAM is not on the list, there are no G.Skill Dual channel 2x8Gb 16Gb kits. The numbers are close butnot exact, Shoudl i order a new kit or will it probably work.

 

Check with the vendor, sometimes they have specific products that are not otherwise available.

 

I guess an email to Asus won't hurt, thanks.

 

G.skill 3000mhz SODIMM memory was causing problems for Clevo P870's, not sure how the desktop chips are related, but thought I would mention it.

Also, I am looking at the G.skill TridentZ Series, available at various higher speeds, depending on your budget you might look at those.

Here are the G.skill TridentZ sku's at newegg, check to see if they are on the list, or higher/lower speed sku's:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611 50008476 601203950 600561665 600561666 600561667 600561668 600561669 601203949 601203952 601203953 601203954 601203955 601203956 601203957&IsNodeId=1&Manufactory=8476&bop=And&SrchInDesc=tridentz&PageSize=36&order=PRICE

The list from Asus is a good reference, but check the timing/speed and usually you can use off list memory from the same make's. I usually have a selection of memory to try as I've found over time that some make's / chips are better in some boards than others, and especially early on it's hard to get solid info on newest memory in newest MB's.

FYI - been looking for in depth feature descriptions for new Z270 MB's, found this new one from MSI about their new MB's, might find some tidbits of info of interest. I'll post other makes similar info if I find any.

#AskThePros - CES 2017, everything you should know! - starts at 3:28


Streamed live 3 hours ago
In this livestream episode we discuss all the new MSI Gaming motherboard and desktop products announced during CES 2017.
Join the live chat and ask your question! If you are watching the replay, ask your questions through the comments.

They start out with a Q&A answer back of 30 submitted questions.

 

There is a lot of information surfacing here, I hope I do OK with my Asus.

I take off from Zurch in a few hours, get to JFK around 0130PM, catch my commuter flight home (hopefully) and should walk into my house around 7PM, I'll be jet lagged and tired but with that pile of shinny computer parts waiting for me as well as my son who is anxious to get my old rig running there will be no rest formne, lol. I have been reading manuals in preparation and I have a few questions.

1. I bought Windows 10 from Newegg, I assume its a DVD and I wont be installing an optical drive, as opposed to borrowing one from another rig could I use the Windows USB drive I made last week and just enter the code form the DVD version?

2. There is a CPU over voltage jumper, I plan on moving it to the enable position right away, I don't think it a problem but is there any negative effect to this? It's in a tricky spot so I wouldn't want to have to switch it after.

3. Along the same lines, there is a EZ_XMP switch, its disables by default but I was thinking that having it on would allow the timings to set themselves better. I still have some homework to do about RAM, the settings, timings etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

The GSkill issue was a cock up by GSkill while programming the XMP.. Not related to desktop RAM..

I would not go for anything more than 3200MHz RAM with the 7700K as the IMC will struggle with it although the 7 series IMC seems to be stronger then the 6 series one..

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

 

Ugh man commuting sucks, I only had to endure that a couple of months before I got home based. Grab another cup of coffee and keep us updated on the build!

 

I managed to get home and assemble everything, At first the RAM was not at the correct settings but after a Rebbot it set itself at 3000 15-15-15. I borrowed a DVD player to install windows and the drivers, what a mistake running the setup program on the Asus disk was , even after unchecking Chrome it installed it anyway as well as Norton and a few other useless programs, I should have just went to the site and downloaded everything. I'll post some more information and pictures tomorrow.

 

The last Asus driver / apps interface I used allowed Customization, you checked the box of the apps / drivers to install, and then it went ahead and did it. I didn't run across any situation where it installed things I didn't want. Maybe there is an upgraded app?

That being said, yes, I didn't use the app at first because I have found over time that it's best to use the CD/DVD as a reference as to what to look for on the support site download areas - I look for the newest versions of motherboards per chipset or newest laptops using that chipset or OEM part and download the latest and install that.

After a while I noticed Asus also had a Folder at the top level of C: (can't recall the name atm) that also had all the apps / drivers available at the time of boxing.

That saved me a couple of times when I went too far uninstalling stuff, and I used the app to select 1 item to reinstall. It's nice to have it on the disk, which means it's on image and folder backups I take, so I don't need to keep hands on the DVD/CD.

I even copy that folder to a recovery USB drive to use pre/post install or supporting other Asus based desktops / laptops.

So, I guess I am saying, it's not useless, but maybe buggy in the version you have if it's forcing install of crap you don't select - watch for accidental selecting of things by checking the top level checkbox - that may be what did it for you too - if I do that I do it to select a few things by selecting all then unselect the few things I don't want installed.

Did you take a look at the BIOS interface, and depth of options? Fun stuff

 

I'm warming up to the apps I kept and as time goes on I'll get to use most of them, I have never used a BIOS like this and it is quite fun. I used the auto tuning to get to 4.8, and it ran for a while then I tried Prime 95 and after 4 minutes the temps got up to 91, I stopped the test and will get a better cooling solution down the road. The paste job was sloppy to begin with then, when moving cables around, I bumped the cooler and it rotated a bit so I think a re paste may help a bit.

I made a photo album on Imgur and I have never tried this before be patient if the link doesn't work.
View post on imgur.com

 

That's a great MB, in the budget line, but with all the cool stuff from the ROG line

Newegg Insider: ASUS Z270 PRIME-A Motherboard
Published on Jan 7, 2017
The latest prime series from ASUS's Z270 series of motherboards offers up an impressive set of features and functions for gamers, content creation professionals and PCDIY enthusiasts. Whether looking for robust but simple Auto Overclocking, Outstanding Fan Controls, Improved Audio and Networking or high quality design with superior reliability and the PRIME makes a great foundation for your next Z270 build. Last but not least the PRIME also fully support ASUS AURA SYNC with onboard LED lighting as well as AURA RGB header for connection to compatible LED enabled items that can be fully synchronized. This video covers all the latest set of features & functions the PRIME Z270-A. A board that while entry in price does not compromise on enthusiast class design, performance or features & functions. Check out the ASUS PRIME series here: https://goo.gl/9LS6Xv

 

I was looking at the MSI Gaming M7 and the ASUS ROG Maximus IX Hero but I decided at the last minute to change my budget, The Prime Z270-A seemed the best choice, The only thing I have read, I can't remember where, is that each category of motherboards at Asus have a different BIOS team. There is already another BIOS but I'll hold off until I have an issue, I won get into serious overclocking until a few months from now when I get a better cooling solution, I may even got full H20.

 

I just ran Firestrike, here are the results compared to my old desktop with the same GPU and my GT73VR with a 1070.

http://www.3dmark.com/compare/fs/11436557/fs/11089832/fs/11090155

 

I invested in two PWM fans for better control, a 120 for the cooler and a 140 for the exhaust. I couldn't resist a RGB LED strip too. Now I'll see if I cna get to 5.0 on air.

 

So far 4.8 is all I can get to without changing anything other then the multiplier, I do have some weird temps though.

 

I have been trying to see how far I can push the CPU , I can't get past 4.9 with my current cooling situation, If I lower the voltage I get errors when Prime95 runs, if I bumpup the voltage it gets too hot. I I was able to run firestirke with 4.9 on the CPU and +100/+150 on the 980Ti.

http://www.3dmark.com/compare/fs/11504316/fs/11436557#

 

Yup, that's the point of maximum potential, on air.

Move to water-cooling, that might help enough to let you push past 5.0ghz.

Sometimes, disappointingly, even with water-cooling the CPU just won't play above a certain point, so time to swap in another CPU, and another, etc.

Or buy a SiliconLottery pre-tested and verified to function at a certain speed, like 5.2ghz - only 5% test to that speed:

https://siliconlottery.com/collections/lga-1151/products/7700k52g

As of 1/13/17, the top 5% of tested 7700Ks were able to hit 5.2GHz or greater.

Your 4.9ghz:
https://siliconlottery.com/collections/lga-1151/products/7700k49g

As of 1/13/17, the top 74% of tested 7700Ks were able to hit 4.9GHz or greater.

You had a 50/50 chance, approximately for 5.0ghz
https://siliconlottery.com/collections/lga-1151/products/7700k50g

As of 1/13/17, the top 56% of tested 7700Ks were able to hit 5.0GHz or greater.

 

Interesting facts I guess 4.9 isn't so bad, down the road I may try out a full water system and see how much farther I can get it. Overall I'm really happy with the build and it's performance.

 

After removing my H212 I noticed some pitting, I lapped it smooth and applied some Grizzly Kryonaut, that got my temps down about 5 degrees which wasn't enough to get below 90 with a 5.0 OC. This all coincided with my wife desiring the "same TV thing we have in the living room" in our bedroom, So I used the H212 on the new HTPC, I know it's overkill but it's the only I had on hand that would fit that socket. This gave me an excuse to grab a Cosair AIO from BB, which allowed me to run a t 5.0 for 15 minutes with the ROG RealBench. It was also stable with Prime95 but the temps would peak around 90. I was also able to game 3 rounds(Approx 1.5 hours) of BF1 with he temps peaking at 86 but averaging much lower. I know may I would need to do soem longer stressing for it to become official but I'm pressed for time at the moment.

For the basic Z270 Asus board I'm satisfied with it as well as my I7 7700k.



Here it is with the AIO.