$3K Gaming Build help

I recommend using the Z170 platform over the X99 for gaming uses. It has better single threaded performance, better I/O, and when more games are developed for DirectX 12, explicit multi-adapter will give you an extra GPU for free with the one integrated into the processor that is otherwise unused.

I put together the configuration below. I like the AIO coolers on the CPU and GPU's...they'll give you consistent performance over long gaming sessions, as well as run quietly. They should overclock nicely, too, and not need the maintenance that custom loops need (not to mention the lower cost).

Configuration URL:     https://www.digitalstorm.com/configurator.asp?id=1322433
Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Digital Storm Coridium
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 6700K 4.0GHz (Codename Skylake) (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS Z170 PRO GAMING (Intel Z170 Chipset) (Up to 5x PCI-E Devices)
System Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series
Power Supply: 1000W Corsair HX1000i (Digitally Controlled Power)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Optical Drive: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Storage Set 1: 1x SSD (250GB Samsung 850 EVO)
Storage Set 2: - No Thanks
Storage Set 3: - No Thanks
RAID Config: - No Thanks
RAID Card: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Graphics Card(s): 2x SLI Dual (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB (EVGA HYBRID Edition)
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
HPC Processor: - No Thanks
Extreme Cooling: H20: Stage 2: Corsair H110i GT - 280mm Radiator Liquid CPU Cooler (Extreme Performance)
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a custom HydroLux liquid cooling system selected
Chassis Fans: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Airflow Control: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 2: Overclock CPU - Up to 4.8GHz (Depends on Cooling and Motherboard)
Boost Graphics Card(s): Yes, Overclock the video card(s) as much as possible with complete stability
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows CD)
Virus Protection: FREE: McAfee AntiVirus Plus (1 Year Service Activation Card) (Not Pre-installed) ($35 Value)
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
Portable Gaming: - No Thanks
Branded Gear: - No Thanks
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty (3 Year Labor & 1 Year Part Replacement)

Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that if you need a Wi-Fi card, take a look at the ASUS PCE-AC68 or TP-Link Archer T9E. You'll have to buy and install it separately, but it will be a better 3x3 802.11ac connection.

The Apollo is very similar to the 450D. Both are mid-tower cases and have similar air-flow to one-another. The aesthetics are the major difference. The Apollo has the large side window and is smooth white plastic vs. the 450D that is black and the window isn't quite as large, but has the brushed exterior to it. If you're moving the case around at all, I'd suggest the 450D, as it won't scratch as easily; plus it is a little cheaper.

Non-hybrid cards work well, too; especially the Strix cards. Keep in mind that they are dumping the hot exhaust into the case, which can potentially cause throttling of the GPU during long high load use. The advantage that the hybrid cards have is they are drawing in fresh air directly into the radiators to cool them. You could cut out $82 out of the price going to the 850W PSU...cutting it close depending on the quality of the silicon you end up with (how much voltage it needs to push the speeds), but definitely doable. There will also be a little bit better special offer by DS on Friday, too, so that can help a little.

The H110 is completely separate from the GPU. You wanted a quieter system, so larger, slower fans help with that.

The Titan is a fully enabled GM200 chip. It has approximately 10% more compute power than a 980 Ti (cut-down GM200 chip), but is real-world use the difference is down around 1-3% better. The cost, however, is a 50% premium over the 980 Ti, so it isn't a good value.

Originally posted by db188 do you already have  the monitor you listed the specs for?  if not, better reserve ~$800-900 of your budget for that.  i don't see how you can sli and stay within your budget if you also need the monitor.  however, you don't really need to sli either for that resolution.  if it cam down to a choice between an extra vid card and the monitor, i'd go with the monitor.

Right, was initially going to budget the monitor separately... however, looks like going with a single Hybrid 980 with forward planning to add a second for 4k will be the way to go-read somewhere that one is very good for 1440, and two would 'tear up' 4k. guessing the Swift or Predator for monitor. Could anybody tell me if I'll be able to leave all panels on the updated suggested build before I pull back the hammer on this one?