$1500-$1700 Gaming Build, help?

[candlelarbra5212]

Looking to buy in the next week, I'm not sure about heaps of things, here is my build

Case CoolerMaster CM 690 II Advanced with Window 125
CPU Intel Core i5 2500K 219
Motherboard ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Motherboard B3 205
Graphics Gainward GeForce GTX 570 1280MB Dual Fan 349
RAM G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM (2x4GB) DDR3 109
HDD Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB WD1002FAEX 95
Power OCZ Technology ZX Series 850W Power Supply 199
Optical Samsung SH-B123A 12X Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive 99
CPU Fan CoolerMaster Hyper 212+ CPU Cooler 33
Thermal Paste Arctic Silver 5 (3.5g) 9
Keyboard Das Model S 139
Mouse Mat Razer Goliathus Alpha Control Edition 27
1608
1) is that case alright? I hear its a bit of a legend, but will I be needing a full tower? I also wanted a built in USB 3 intenal header but then I realised that my mobo comes with one.
2) I'm not sure about graphics, I have a 1900x1080 Asus VE276Q moniter, from what I gathered the GTX performs better at lower res with a single card and the Radeons perform better at higher res and scale really well in Xfire (I would prefer a single card setup with the option of SLI in 3 to 6 months if I can get enough money) so what setup would be best?
3) I know my PSU is overkill so if anyone can recommend a modular 80 plus gold power supply for less then I will get it.
4) Are SSDs worth it? The latest versions are roughly 250 for a 120gb. but you can bet prvious versions for a little less.

 

[epmcn124]

I would say that you dont need a z68 motherboard since you arent buying an SSD which is the only real reason to get a more expensive z68 over a p67 board, try something like an asus p8p67 pro etc.

The PSU is a bit of overkill a 750w PSU would run that fine aslong as its a reputable name (corsair, antec, coolermaster etc.)

The Arctic silver paste is unnecessary, the thermal paste that comes with the hyper 212+ is more than adequate

The case comes right down to taste and what features you want (size, usb 3.0, Top or bottom mounted PSU etc.) that case seems to have good airflow.

and unless your watching blu ray movies i dont see why that drive is necessary when you could save 80 bucks and buy a modular PSU

And personally for me i think SSDs are a bit overpriced for something that makes your computer boot and write faster, i think it would be good when it comes down in price

thats my .02

 

[candlelarbra5212]

Thanks for the tip about the paste.
The reason I went Z68 was because it has a few more feature, i may get an ssd in the future and there is only about $5-$10 difference in price anyway.
The power supply is the cheapest 80 plus gold, modular and 750W + PSU i could find
BTW I am buying from australia that is why some of the prices may seem different.

 

[Formata]

Hi ya.
Das Keyboards = you're hardcore

I have that case (not the window model), it's solid for the money. One thing I would note, if your going with a Hyper 212+ CPU cooler, you won't be able to get a fan on the top mounting spot on the side panel, (incase you were wanting additional cooling). A no frills, well constructed case that has many of the features of more expensive cases, and doesn't look like a toy box.

Not sure about the OCZ PSU, I would even go a lower rated PSU from a more reputable manufacturer. Antec, Seasonic, Corsair. I think you'll struggle to find a good model gold rated for less than the one you list. See article:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-psu-efficiency,2796-29.html

For your HDD Samsung Spinpoint F3 is very popular around here, and will save you a few bucks:

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=210_344&products_id=12711

 

[candlelarbra5212]

Thnaks I did have a look at the F3 but I wanted a SATA III HDD, but I'm not sure if it makes that much of a difference, do you know if there is a noticable difference between SATA II and SATA III?

 

[patti88]

just want to know the answer to taht ^

 

[candlelarbra5212]

yes is there a noticable difference in performance between SATA II and SATA III

 

[Formata]

Is the primary use for this system going to be gaming?

 

[manu 11]

if he is going to buy a gtx570, i have a pretty accurate thought that he is gaming. and i5 2500k makes it much clear.

 

[Formata]

CPU - i5 2500K =$225 (As chosen)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16531

MOBO - Asus P8P67PRO = $195 (Add $55 for Z68 V Pro)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16808

GPU - 2 x Asus 560 Ti = $518 (Quality manufacturer, good warranty)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16652

HDD - Samsung Spinpoint F3 $59 (Add $40 if you really want WD Black)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12711

Case - CM 690 II Adv = $115 (As chosen)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13772

RAM - 8GB GSkill Ripjaws X - $79 (Not CL8 as you chose but...)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16509

PSU - Antec TP750 - $139 (See article posted earlier)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11005

Optical - LG Bluray Combo - $79 (Cheaper than Samsung, much different?)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16920

CPU Cooler - Hyper 212+ - $33 (As chosen)
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=12544

Total - $1442

If you're gaming... spend it where it counts. 2 x 560 Ti will leave a 570 for dust
You can always add SSD's, fancy keyboards, etc, later, but you'll never regret investing in the strongest GPU setup you can afford at the time of building.

If your local MSY store is any good you will save money buying from there over PCCASEGEAR too! http://msy.com.au/

Just download their pdf price list and give them a call to see if they can sort you out.