Gaming Rig...Opinions?

[Old_Larson]

That's the CPU fan I have - I can vouch for it. Works wonders! Haven't risen above 135degrees fahrenheit (granted I have 8 fans )

[Adams]

Considering that an i5's clock is 3.5Ghz im looking to at least OC to 4.0 Ghz and remain at a stable temp. And I did read that this specific cooler is very large, and I will have to not be able to use a few RAM slots, but that should not be a problem currently because I'm only running two slots to begin with, height wise I'm hoping there is no issue, didn't think there would be on account of it being a HAF case, and right now im running two 120mm inductions and 1 120mm expulsion plus the cpu fan to keep a 'pressure' in the case.

[Adams]

I was seriously split between the cryorig and that exact cooler Eversmann, I ended up going with the cryorig bc it looked nicer, and its significantly quieter. And im new to OC, you wouldn't call OCing an i5 6600k from 3.5 to 4.0GHz heavy?

[Ampers]

Looking good. If you need to cut some fat then you can comfortably do the following:

- Get CPU Cooler Eversmann linked (~$20)
- Cut the optical disc drive (~$20)
- Go for an ASUS Z170-A (~$40)
- Get Windows from somewhere shadier. You have until Aug 29 to use Microsoft's free upgrade to windows 10

[Adams]

LMAO, so I can buy any old windows and upgrade to 10? And unfortunately I need the optical drive for school, or else id cut it. And I've already purchased the MOBO, I might post some pics under the other thread (battle station) once I'm done

[Old_Larson]

Warning - Win10 is terrible for gaming (or so in my experience it has been). A few games won't launch and a few of the ones that do perform horribly. I'm running win7 on my new PC right now and it's worked like a charm. Also, the RAM slots your CPU fan blocks off. Yeah, it's an issue. I am also only using 2 cards (2x8gb, win7HP x64 only supports 16gb sadly) but I did test it and if you remove the case from a stick of ram and just have the ram itself, you can still fit it.

[Ampers]

Windows 10 is ok here, and I did the dirtiest non-clean install ever. I had 7, did the upgrade. Then when I did my CPU/mobo/RAM upgrade, I was fully expecting to reinstall, but it just went straight into my existing install when I booted. So I just rolled with it. Uninstalled old drivers and put new ones on.

[Adams]

I used win 10 last year in the unit had no issues with any of my games. And would I have to move my sticks all the way to the right, if so do you think it will affect the RAM performance or how the MOBO uses it? Here's a few pic's of roughly where I'm at now. Best place to get win 10 for cheap? And should it be disk or email purchase? Or should i say could i setup win 10 when im in Bios using email?

[Old_Larson]

Looking really nice so far, Adams! As you see, your RAM is in Dimm 2 and Dimm 4, which are the preferred slots. Your CPU Fan shouldn't interfere (at least mine didn't and we have same base model of boards, the Z170 - mine is an MSI Z170-A Pro however, not sure if any noticeable size difference) Dimm 2 and Dimm 4 are definitely preferred though, so you've got them in good placement. As I said above, if your fan does go where your RAM sticks go, you can remove the metal casing from them (Seen above marked "G.Skill" and they should still snap right in and manage to go under the fan. Might not look the best, but still works.

[Ampers]

If you have a retail windows 7 or 8 key you can just install windows 10 using that. If you need to buy a new one then check out https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

[Old_Larson]

If you have a retail windows 7 or 8 key you can just install windows 10 using that. If you need to buy a new one then check out https://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

I've heard a few people sharing horror stories of admins taking amazon gift cards and going offline (the reddit page admins scamming is an ordeal in and of itself), however many claim to have had perfect service. I suppose the same could be said about http://www.kinguin.net and http://www.g2a.com

[Adams]

I haven't booted up yet (other than a few bread-boarding activities), I don't really understand how the installation of win 10 would work 'physically' speaking. Do I purchase a disk and then install it via disk drive, or is there a way to use a digital key through BIOS like a digital download? And I don't have a key.....I'm assuming the listed links are less than 'absolutely trustworthy' sellers?

[Truly]

If you want to upgrade, you just install your current Windows and use an option that pops up on the bottom left "upgrade to Windows 10". It will lead you step by step.

[Ampers]

Download Windows 10 here https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/softwar ... /windows10
Use Rufus to make a USB drive into a bootable install media https://rufus.akeo.ie/
Plug in the USB drive and boot from it.

[Adams]

I would do all that and then purchase a key is what I'm determining from that Ampers?