The Hardware of a new Build

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Being forced by the gods of Photoshop (still & video) and databases, I must speed up an existing system of six years and expand the RAM available beyond the hard limit of 4 GB in my current mobo. The size must be ATX (and NOT extended) to fit in the wonderful ANTEC P182 box I intend to keep using. I’d plan on keeping this system 5 years or more. I’d like to keep with ASUS. I’ve looked at

mobos with sockets 2011 and 1150 and believe that ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 TUF has the functionality I need/value: RAM up to 64 GB; excellent heat/fan control, mid & rear USP 2/3 plus eSATA ports, and ASUS’ BIOS. I realize this is an ‘older’ board and will need to have some BIOS updates. What impact might that have down the road?

CPUs are open. INTEL, obviously, is the manufacturer of choice. And there are several options in each socket. (The X79 choice seems to be between 3930K or 4820K.)

I have never used a liquid CPU cooler and am a bit concerned about springing a leak. With this case and this mobo and A/C-controlled air (I’m in Florida) with an external fan blowing over the back planes of both PCs, do I really need one?

With this set up, lots of fans, three 7,500 1-4 TB 7,5000 HDs and an SSD, a number of eSATA and USB drives, and two optical drives will my current FSB AURUM Gold 600 installed in June 2012 make the grade? If not, what should I consider? (This needs to be addressed earlier in the build than usual because the ANTEC routes power to the mobo & CPU under the mobo.) Does the AURUM have the right connectors?

Have I missed something critical or just helpful?

Thank you all in advance.

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mobos with sockets 2011 and 1150 and believe that ASUS SABERTOOTH X79 TUF has the functionality I need/value: RAM up to 64 GB; excellent heat/fan control, mid & rear USP 2/3 plus eSATA ports, and ASUS’ BIOS. I realize this is an ‘older’ board and will need to have some BIOS updates. What impact might that have down the road?

The X79 chipset is an older one, but it should easily get you 5 years. I’m 2.5 years into an X58 chipset and I’m not feeling compelled to rebuild as any result of hardware needs.
I’m still stuck with a traditional BIOS, but that is just fine with me and updating BIOS is not an issue.
The X79 chipset, socket 2011, is the only one out right now supporting a 6 core processor. (Intel)
If you are not going to go with a 6 core processor then choose a newer chipset, like the Z77, and go with a quad core processor.
I think the 6 core processor makes an older chipset, like the X79, worth it.

With newer hardware your most likely to have a UEFI based system and NOT a traditional BIOS.
Updating it should not be a huge concern, but ensure you do your homework when it comes to researching hardware compatibilities with your board and processor choice.
Getting a board that will need a BIOS update before you can use your CPU is rare, but with proper research, a situation like that can be avoided.

I have never used a liquid CPU cooler and am a bit concerned about springing a leak. With this case and this mobo and A/C-controlled air (I’m in Florida) with an external fan blowing over the back planes of both PCs, do I really need one?

Closed unit liquid CPU cooling is of course optional. If you have room in that Antec for a “push/pull” fan config on the radiator I highly recommend one.
I’ve been using a closed unit from Corsair for 2.5 years with no issue. Temps are a very reasonable 30C at idle. I would recommend keeping the default spare
OEM cooler that comes with many processors just for peace of mind.
Bottom line: CPU liquid cooling not mandatory.

With this set up, lots of fans, three 7,500 1-4 TB 7,5000 HDs and an SSD, a number of eSATA and USB drives, and two optical drives will my current FSB AURUM Gold 600 installed in June 2012 make the grade? If not, what should I consider? (This needs to be addressed earlier in the build than usual because the ANTEC routes power to the mobo & CPU under the mobo.) Does the AURUM have the right connectors?

When it comes to PSU’s I like to go higher by a wide margin, and not just by what some calculator shows. 750 to 800W should be your minimum PSU
power rating choice. Go with a reputable and well known maker, and as fully modular as you can get.

HERE is the best site on the web for PSU reviews.

If your current PSU is more than 6 years old I would be very hesitant to incorporate it into your new build, same goes for the GPU card.
I have a Corsair PSU rated at 1000W, Gold with a 140mm fan. But I also have 7 drives, an i7 990X 6 core CPU, a NVIDIA GTX 580 GPU card, an HT Omega Claro Halo sound card, and half a dozen fans/controller to be kept fed, not to mention a typical DVD/CD ROM and add-on wifi card.

Hope this helps,
CLiNT

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With this set up, lots of fans, three 7,500 1-4 TB 7,5000 HDs and an SSD, a number of eSATA and USB drives, and two optical drives will my current FSB AURUM Gold 600 installed in June 2012 make the grade?

Upon further reflection, your PSU should be fine. (as far as providing power)
From the specs it does have all the connectors needed, and will provide enough power provided it’s not taxed with a potent double GPU card setup.
I would consider this as merely baseline, and nothing to write home about. As far as PSU’s are concerned, much better can be had, but it’ll get the job done based on your spec.

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Thanks for working on everything, especially the PSU issues. Taking it on board!

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