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iracing build - comments?

Post Date: 2011-11-25
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quickxotica View Drop Down
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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: iracing build - comments?
    Posted: 25 Nov 2011 at 1:04pm

Hi, first time build, guidance would be much appreciated.

Usage: Replace aging desktop for general computing, occasional video rendering, and one specific game: “iracing” (with the ability to play across 3 screens).  No other gaming needed.

Guidance from folks who play iracing is that it plays across 3 screens better on a single Radeon GPU (like the 6950 and 6970) rather than multiple Nvidia cards in SLI.  Not sure why this is true, but nonetheless that’s what existing iracing players/rig-builders indicate.  So, that has motivated my choice of GPU.  The Raven 3 case choice is based on Tom’s Hrdwr. review indicating it’s very quiet and has good natural airflow. Everything else is just a guess & budget/performance compromise trying to keep the total build under $2500 (w/o monitor).  I have not purchased monitors yet, but will likely lean toward three medium-cost 24’s.

Please let me know where I can improve this build (within my budget).  Thanks.

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - SilverStone Raven 3
Processor: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.40GHz (Unlocked CPU for Extreme Overclocking) (Quad Core)
Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe (Intel P67 Chipset) (New & Improved B3 Revision Without SATA 3G Issue)
System Memory: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 750W Corsair HX (Dual SLI Compatible) <b></b>
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (120GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: 320 Series)
Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Western Digital Caviar (7200 RPM) (64MB Cache) (Model: Black Edition)
Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x ATI Radeon HD 6970 2GB <b></b>
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Corsair A70 Dual 120mm Fans High Performance Cooler
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Boost Processor: FREE: Overclock the processor between 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz
Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
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 7 Professional (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD)
Office: Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Student (PC Attach Key PKC)
Surge Shield: APC SurgeArrest Personal PER7 (7 Outlet) 120V Surge Protector
Keyboard: Logitech Media Combo MK200 Keyboard and Mouse
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Alex View Drop Down
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Posts: 16314 		  Quote Alex Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2011 at 1:13pm
You're going to get different recommendations based on peoples tastes here. As an official response, your system looks good to me, however, if you would like some suggestions, you don't really need the Raven 3, the HAF X is a popular and good choice as well.
 
Other than that, it looks good!
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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 25 Nov 2011 at 2:38pm
Thanks.. couple final questions...
 
Would the below be a better/quieter cooling option thant the AIR 2 Corsair A70 shown in my config above?
H20: Stage 2: Digital Storm Vortex Liquid CPU Cooler (High-Performance Edition)
Also, is the below worth doing on this relatively simple build, or unecessary?
Noise Suppression Package Stage 1 (Optimized Airflow & Fan Speeds Only)
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 26 Nov 2011 at 1:28am
Here is your problem, how do you know which of those people really has/had a 570 sli and a single 6970/6950 and really saw which is better instead of regurgitating something they heard somewhere, the net is full of them.

second problem is that you listen to tom's, never listen to tom's they have no creditability in the community.

Here is what I can tell you, ati cards with eyefinity can run 3 monitors easier, but it does not mean that sli or cf will not do it better, so I guess what I'm saying is that if iracing supports sli/cf then perhaps you want to look at cf 6970.

we need to change a few things to get you same better perfomrance and save you some money in the process.

so let me know if you want cf 6970 or not.


a70 and noctua are king in performance till you get to stage 4 cooling.

the noise package at best get rid of 10% of noise and its totally not worth it IMHO, plus it slows down your fan, aka you endup with less airflow.

95% of your noise comes from gpus's fan when underload, and only way to deal with that is to put them under lc.

Edited by DST4ME - 26 Nov 2011 at 1:30am

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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 4:11pm
I'm reviving this thread as I am now ready to buy and I have done a little more research on cases and the iracing sim's GPU preferences.  I have changed my config a bit as a result and would appreciate any final guidance you guys can offer.
 
GOAL: Iracing to be played on 3 screens (probably the 23" Dells recommended in other threads)

These are my potential resolution targets:

5760 x 1080
5040 x 1050
4320 x 900
GPU:  I have asked 2 reputable sources (not just players, but one guy who builds full-motion sim rigs specifically for iracing and another who actually works for iracing -- neither of whom have any incentive to sell me one GPU over another).  They both agree using a single ati card in eyefinity mode is simpler and more stable when playing iracing across three monitors (or three TVs) than 2-card SLI setups, and that as long as the CPU is fast, playing at the higher resolutions above works great.  They also both said that (alternatively) by running two Nvidia cards in SLI it is possible to squeeze out even more performance, but that is generally more expensive and less easy for an average consumer to optimize and so not really worth the hassle.  FYI they also state that running multiple ATI cards in crossfire doesn't work well with iracing (this appears to be a game-specific issue the developers are currently trying to solve for future releases), and similarly that 3 & 4 card SLI arrangements currently don't work.
So... I plan to stick with my originaly choice of a single ATI Radeon 6970 to run 3 screens using eyefinity.
 
CASE: I am on the fence between the HAF X and the Raven V3.  I've read multiple online reviews, and they both seem good... the HAF X being better at cooling the GPU, while the Raven seems slightly quieter with no front vents and 2-speed fan control.  Both are apparently equally good at cooling the CPU (and equaly ugly).  The 6970 is not a particularly hot card (or so I've read) so may the Raven V3 would be fine.  I'm on the fence here and would appreciate input.
 
PS:  Is the Corsair Pro Silver 1050HX overkill??  Would it be worthwhile to save $103 without a big tradeoff by going with the Corsair 750HX given that I'm unlikely to ever need multi-gpu levels of power?
 
CPU Cooler:  Is the Noctua NH-D14 overkill?  Would it be worthwhile to save $81 by switching to the Corsair A70?
 
Thanks for your advice!
 
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 4:47pm
the haf x will do much better in airflow forget reviews, they are dime a dozen and don't mean nothing since biggest factor is room temp first then everything else.

For mulit monitor ati's eyefinity is better but if sli can bring more power then trust me when I tell you that sli 570 will kill single 6970 in performance specially at higher res.

You will find most times tell people run eyefinity for 3 monitors or more, but I also recommend cf if it can be used. If sli is supported then you can expect double perfomrance of single 6970 at your res.

So you have something to think about, however forget what makers say, ask people who actually play the game, the makers give you theory, the players will give you actual fact, for example player can tell you if sli is worth it or it bring no performance gain or very little or if it brings a lot.

the 1050hx is only if you want dual sli/cf ability, if you have no need for that go with 750hx its the next best psu thats lower.

for your config you can go with a70 and get great performance.

you don't need win 7 pro.

up your oc to stage 2.

Ask DS specifically for this fan to be added to the top, so you endup with 4 x 200mm fans:

haf 200mm non led fan

Ask for vcore lower then 1.4 for your oc.

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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 5:49pm
DST - Thanks.
 
With the cheaper 750w PS and a70 cooler, my total build prices just under $2400 with the current discounts (& no shipping since I am local and plan to pick it up in person).
 
Does that seem like a reasonable config/value compromise?  I looked at the SLI 2x 570 and the price increase is not worth it to me.
 
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 5:54pm
Show me your config (post ticket number), what happened to the days when we could have a good single gpu for right under $2000.


if you are gonna go the ati route then I suggest you wait for the 7970 that should be coming out in jan, if you gonna go single gpu and want ati, might as well pack as much power in it as you can since you got 3 monitors.


I strongly advise you to check with players also before you make your decision, I can help you if you like, just ask users these info and let me know them:

1. cpu/platform (for example 2600k/p67, or 950/x58)

2. resolution they game at

3. Refresh Rate of monitor (60hz or 120Hz)

4. gpu setup (sinlge gpu or dual gpu), if dual gpu then is cf/sli enabled,

5. vram of gpu.

if you can get us few people to answer those 5 questions we can get a pretty great idea of what is what and which is best.

Edited by DST4ME - 28 Dec 2011 at 6:01pm

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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 6:03pm
build# 334818  (I kept Win7 "Pro" b/c I need it for work & it's not big $).
 
Re: the ati 7970... What's the concensus on the  expected price of that card when it comes out?  More than the 6970 I'm guessing...? And the DS holiday sale will likely end before then...so all said  & done it might be quite a bit more expensive.  I don't mind waiting a month, but I'm trying to keep costs reasonable.
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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 6:56pm
Correction:  build #637146
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 7:31pm
Well in all fairness, jan is here in like 3 days, so its not exactly a month, prices would be pure guess but based on past it could be more expensive or the 6970 could drop in price and the 7970 could take over its old price maybe a little more.

we are not sure when DS's promo will be gone.


why the deluxe mobo if just going single and why the 800w, the 750whx is a better psu and great for single gpu.

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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 7:43pm
Re the PS change: I talked to a DS rep on the phone.  He suggested that the 850W Corsair TX850 V2 offered a little more headroom than the 750HX for the same price & no real downside.  That's why.
 
As for why the delux mobo.... no idea.  Just seems to be an area where it doesn't make sense to skimp since not easy to upgrade the mobo down the road.
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 28 Dec 2011 at 9:50pm
OK now let me give you some info.

the tx line for corsair does not have a great track record.

the hx and ax models are their top of the line and have a much better track record, at the end of the day

1. the 750hx is a much better psu

2. for a single gpu system the 750w has more then head room then you need.


3. the 750w hx has a 7 year warranty.
for a single gpu system you don't need the deluxe mobo, other then sli you can do any future upgrades you like with the p8p67 or the z68.

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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Dec 2011 at 7:02pm
Update: my order is confirmed: Stage 1.
 
I switched back to the 750w HX, switched to the non-delux p8p67 mobo and then doubled the ram to 16gb just because I want plenty of cowbell for my non-gaming work & occasional video rendering (& future-proofing).
 
Thanks for all the help DST.  Now the tortuous waiting begins.  Fun!  :-)
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Dec 2011 at 7:19pm
LOL well yes Congrats Let the torture begin

can't wait to see how it does for you.

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Posts: 13000 		  Quote Tidgxor Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 29 Dec 2011 at 11:26pm
Congrats! Awesome
My Two Digital Storm Rigs: Mr. Bojangles (HAF-X, 2010) & Mrs. Bojingles (Bolt I, 2013).
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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Dec 2011 at 12:17am
Stage 3 already!  Woohoo!
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Posts: 13000 		  Quote Tidgxor Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Dec 2011 at 12:30am
Originally posted by quickxotica

Stage 3 already!  Woohoo!


Moving right along Strong
My Two Digital Storm Rigs: Mr. Bojangles (HAF-X, 2010) & Mrs. Bojingles (Bolt I, 2013).
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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Dec 2011 at 2:51pm
Stage 4! Drooling
 
It's like waiting for Christmas when I was 5.
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 30 Dec 2011 at 3:26pm
This is one of the best part of owning a DS pc, the torture and excitement

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Posts: 17 		  Quote quickxotica Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 03 Jan 2012 at 12:08am
Stage 7 QA check passed.   Seems like record time. Happy New Year!
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Posts: 36758 		  Quote DST4ME Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 03 Jan 2012 at 1:31am
Happy New Year

Now its time to pray to the shipping gods

Don't forget to post review and pics of it when you get it

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