My New Toy (I'm back)

[ZachLW 37]

Hello all, and to the new faces since my hiatus. (Man have things changed, with our friend Tom being gone).

 

Since moving to Saint Louis I've discovered MicroCenter, my new favorite place to browse while on days off and not back in Charlotte, NC ("home home").  I figured since flying is a full time job now I'd be happy never flight simming again, but alas I've been sucked back in.  But all of that's a different story for another forum!  After a few trips to MicroCenter checking prices on a new system build I had researched, I pulled the trigger on the parts and watched my debit card melt (and answered my bank's fraud protection department on the cell).  I was afraid of getting mugged in the parking lot (though it's a very nice area) and I could see the face of jealousy on a few patrons. This is what I put together:

 

CORE COMPONENTS

ASUS Z97 Pro (wifi ac)

4690K (might still pick up an i7 because I'm so macho)

Ballistix Sport 1600 16GB kit

Gigabyte 980 4GB G1 (easily the most I've given for a GPU. Ever.)

Corsair H100i

Corsair HX750i

2x128GB 2x512GB Samsung Evo PROs

Windows 8.1 Ultimate

 

The pretty stuff on the outside:

Corsair 750D Case

Bargain Logitech Z506 5.1 speakers

Mix of Blue LEDs I've yet to install

I've opted for an optical drive free system. No ugly things on the front of my pretty PC, which is great and this internet connection of mine is insanely fast.

 

I'm having some issues with fan control on this board with the H100i.  ASUS insist on pumps never being hooked to the CPU fan header, apparently.  Minor problems for a new build!  No RMAs and the build was a piece of cake.

 

Pics will follow

[max2770 74]

That's a nice setup.  What sim(s) do you plan on running?

[ZachLW 37]

Hi Max,

 

Neat site you have there.

 

While I wait for a new Warthog HOTAS, I'll be sticking to FSX.  After that arrives this week I'll be installing the DCS A10C module and Rise of Flight.  I'm not too keen on learning a new platform (think P3D) or purchasing new addons I already own.  It's hard to resist but I won't do it.

[max2770 74]

DCS is great.  P3D doesn't really have a learning curve coming from FSX.  It's way easier to run, and your system will run it far better than FSX.  I highly suggest you try - if it isn't for you, they'll refund you.

 

Thanks for the comment, too!

[Djang0 1]

Enjoy your GTX980! What made you choose the Asus Z97-Pro vs other Asus Z97 offerings?

[Glynn 405]

Windows 8.1 Ultimate
[/quote

 

8.1  probably would not be my first choice

[ZachLW 37]

DCS is great.  P3D doesn't really have a learning curve coming from FSX.  It's way easier to run, and your system will run it far better than FSX.  I highly suggest you try - if it isn't for you, they'll refund you.

 

Thanks for the comment, too!

 

Yeah, It'll be greater with this Warthog! :wub:   Really the only reason I'm staying clear of P3D is the shear amount of FSX addons I have.  The higher end addons require purchasing a separate license, and I'm not okay with that (for now).  FSX is up and running beautifully as of this morning and I have a nice, pristine installation with only the addons I use.

 

Enjoy your GTX980! What made you choose the Asus Z97-Pro vs other Asus Z97 offerings?

 

Not so much as a stutter with some very aggressive AA settings!  I chose this model mobo firstly because of the onboard wi-fi, and secondly because of the higher end power delivery (12-phase vs 8).  The onboard audio codec is far superior, and the black PCB tickled my fancy. Finally, it has more SATA ports which I will be using.  I've decided to go exclusively SSD this time, and have 2 more EVO Pros on the way.  I may consider two more HDDs for bulk storage down the road if needed, so that explains the extra ports).  Did I mention I have a LOT of addons? ^_^

 

Windows 8.1 Ultimate

[/quote

 

8.1  probably would not be my first choice

 

It was my first choice.  Not a single hiccup thus far. B)

[max2770 74]

 

 

What made you choose the Asus Z97-Pro vs other Asus Z97 offerings?

 

I have to say it's one of the best mid-level Z97 mobos ever.  I built at least 50 systems with those without so much as a hiccup.

[Djang0 1]

2x128GB 2x512GB Samsung Evo PROs

... and have 2 more EVO Pros on the way

Just wondering if you'd considered possible differences in performance between the 128GB and 512GB models because they use different amounts of DRAM cache memory?

 

By the way, what made you go for the 850 Pro vs 850 Evo?

[ZachLW 37]

Just wondering if you'd considered possible differences in performance between the 128GB and 512GB models because they use different amounts of DRAM cache memory?

 

By the way, what made you go for the 850 Pro vs 850 Evo?

 

I actually thought about it, but at that level with today's software I didn't think I'd care enough or notice.  I'm currently looking into that now.

 

I also had a dead stick of RAM so sent that back.  Now I'm using 16GB of Corsair Platinum RAM.

 

Some quick and dirty shots:

 

http://s184.photobucket.com/user/Zachey2001/slideshow/New%20PC

 

I like the look I guess. The lighted RAM is a bit gimmicky but I did stick an LED bar in there, after all.  I'm really loving this case.  The SSD trays are back against the rear panel in cool little bracketed, removable slidey thingies. So nifty.