CamF
Description
Scored a snowblind case on sale from iBuypower for $100 including shipping (https://www.ibuypower.com/gaming-gear/computer-cases/ibuypower-snowblind-noctis-n450-case) ~ I couldn't resist and now I have a beast of a machine that serves as a PLEX server, gaming & streaming machine, and workstation! Icluding the side panel of the case, I run 3 screens although the case panel is mosly cosmetic and not the msot functional. Also the white card is an Asus 1070 Dual, fit's perfectly while the MSI 1080ti Trio requires removal of drive bay #4.
Temps: CPU GPU
idle - 33C - 40C
Prices Paid:
- GPU: 1080ti MSI trio, craigslsit ~$400
- CPU: intel i7-8086k, intel anniversary giveaway ~$0
- RAM: 4x8GB Vengeance Pro, amazon ~$110
- SSD: WD SN750 1TB, WD holiday ~$100
- HDD: WD EASYSTORE 8TB, bestbuy ~$120 (Shucclyfe)
- KeyB: K95 PLATINUM, amazon ~$120
- MON: AOC CU34G2X, amazon ~$450
CPU:
i7-8086k 6 core 12 thread 5.2 gHz You know when you tell yourself, "I never win giveaways," and then you don't win. Well that's why it's good to have all of your friends enter too! I was lucky enough to have a friend win one of the i7-8086k giveaways from Intel this summer. He was in a bind financially, so I gave him $250 for it. We both came out happy in the end. This chip OC's itself to 5.2 gHz and runs at max of 86 Celsius under load. Couldn't be happier with my 200+ fps in most titles and a seamless 144hz at 1440p.
GPU:
MSI 1080ti Gaming Trio 11gb vram I'll chalk this up to dumb luck, but one day - as I compulsively check for PC part sales - I came across a 1080ti graphics card and 32GB of 3200mhz DDR4 for sale on craigslist. I instantly thought this can't be real, but then noticed it had only been posted for 10 minutes! I quickly responded to the seller and met him an hour later to pick up the parts. I then took the card home and tested it. This thing is a monster: it has 3 fans, 3 zone RGB, takes up 2.5 expansion slots, and is over 12.6" (340mm) long. It also has no problem crushing every game I play while also powering 2-3 displays (1080p 24",1440p 27", and 4k 43"). The only thing I would change about this card is it's RGB software. Mystic light is pretty far behind as far a usability goes and I often found the program non-functional for short time periods. But it's fine if you like to set it and forget it.
Motherboard:
THIS BOARD HAS A KNOWN BLUETOOTH ISSUE Asus ROG Strix z370-e gaming The Asus ROG Strix z370 board that I went with was found used on r/Hardwareswap for $120. I chose it primarily for its addressable RGB, Silver accents, and multiple M.2 NVME slots. The onboard wifi is a tad wasted on me, but is still nice for resale or future builds. Also no issues whatsoever with overclocking. I'm even letting the board OC itself rather than manually and it's working great!
HDD:
Think I've shucced a total of 5 easystores (4x8TB and 14TB) which turned out to mostly be RED drives and all have idenitcal performance. No reason to buy NAS unless you're a pro. Plex users celebrate!
Monitor:
Typical curved 34" 1440p 144hz VA panel that is found in other models like the Monoprice Dark Matter and other similarly priced products. No complaints but I am hoping one day to get a curved ips ultrawide with high refresh rate like the Alienware or LG ultragear.
Part Reviews
Motherboard
Does it's job, but the bluetooth is defective.
Memory
Added 40% fPS, but only while wearing cat ear headphones.
Storage
My game vault. Most cases don't even need anything faster! Less than $100 per TB to boot.
Video Card
Crushes 1440p/144hz pretty good workhorse too, for you know... "productivity."
Case
Dropped this thing, full of drives, on my foot. Not a single hiccup. Thing's a TANK.
Wireless Network Adapter
I didn't think this was really possible... Supports streaming and gaming wirelessly through at least 1 floor/1 wall and full width of my house. Has worked flawlessly for 2 years now, bought it used too!
Monitor
The stand is a b**** to remove. >:( You've been warned. Has been working well for 5 years. Not bad for an entirely plastic enclosure.
Keyboard
Only recommend under $150, even then it's not the best. I have grown to enjoy the mx speed switches although expect a learning curve, especially for typing. The aesthetics are pretty great, the hardest part to give up sometimes.
Mouse
That 3rd click is worth a star all on its own.
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