2,000$ NEW GAMING BUILD

[XTREMEMONK]

Was wanting some imput on a new gaming build, I have a 2k build budget. I will not need mouse, headset, or keyboard. Would like to run 2 led monitiors if I can fit it into the budget, but the rig has to last me a few years, so I want most of the budget focused on the rig its self. I perfer EVGA Nvida products for graphics, and want to run a Cooler Master HAF912 case. No liquid cooling, and Windows 7 64bit OS.

 

[mikerockett]

Something akin to this should be good for your needs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.06 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.09 @ TigerDirect)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($50.39 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($133.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card ($483.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1758.41
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 11:59 EST-0500)

 

[alvine]

heres my list

$20 ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

$60 COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

$105 Western Digital WD Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

$180 each x2= $360 ASUS VS Series VS247H-P Black 23.6" 2ms LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236174

$309 each x2= $619 EVGA SuperClocked 02G-P4-3662-KR GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130810

$180 High Current Pro HCP-750 750W TX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371052

$55 CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345

$188 GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545

$230 Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

$100 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

$79 ZALMAN CNPS9900MAX-R 135mm Long life bearing CPU Cooler Red LED
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118075

Subtotal: $1,996.87

Reviews say two 660ti's are on pair with the $1000 gtx titan

 

[g-unit1111]

The above build is pretty decent but in no way shape or form do I recommend getting a $50 case on a $2K budget.

3TB is also kind of overkill. The HAF XM would be a step up and is the same line of case. It will have more room and is quite a bit bigger. For gaming you want one monitor or three, two won't cut it for first and third person games.

Try this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler ($60.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($148.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($380.04 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF XM (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk III 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($145.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1513.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 12:13 EST-0500)

Then that gives you $500 to add whatever you want. As far as the monitors go I'd rather have a single, solid 1440p monitor over two 1080p ones. And then I'd SLI that GTX 670 if it were me building this rig.

 

[eyeage]

Personally, I'd step up on the case. Putting a $1500 build in a $50 case, doesn't seem to do it justice. That said, I put that case on there.

I assumed that you'll want to overclock since you mention not wanting a water cooler.

I gave you a 3570k. Unless you're doing some heavy video rendering, you won't need anything more.

The evo 212 would probably give you all the cooling you'd need, but I tossed on the noctua, as it's just a step up. (if you want to save $40, get the evo 212)

8Gb of ram will get you there. Again, unless you're using some memory intensive processes, you won't use more than that. I'd recommend getting the Samsung Green RAM, but it's likely you won't find it.

I gave the 4Gb Vram 670, as games in the future might hog it some. You said you wanted two monitors. Are you wanting to dual box, or just wanting a side monitor? This would change the setup depending on your choice here. If wanting to dual box, I'd likely suggest dual 670s.

Gave you what many consider to be the best SSD (though there are many that will not agree)

Gave you 1TB HDD. Not sure if you'd need more.

Gave you a very high quality PSU. There are others out there, but seasonic is the THE company when talking about PSUs. The X series is their top of the line.

Gave you a blu-ray reader (though this is another area to save a buck, if you don't need/want the bluray)

Monitors.... I tacked on two. One (the dell) is probably the fastest IPS atm. When considering input lag and response time it will easily be faster than many TNs, but with much better color and no viewing angle issues.

The other I gave you is the new 144Hz Asus. If you're wanting to have a side monitor, this setup works well because you can use the IPS as the side monitor when playing FPS, and the Asus as the side monitor for everything else. Again, if you are using this machine to dual box, I'd make some changes (notably, the SLI, and get two of the same monitor.)

Hope it helps.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.79 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE2 54.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($63.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.49 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($128.11 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($423.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Dell U2312HM 23.0" Monitor ($245.41 @ Mac Connection)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $2090.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 12:13 EST-0500)

 

[eyeage]

@G-unit:

I agree with the 1 solid 1440p monitor (as that's what I have), but he wouldn't need to SLI. I have a lower quality GPU (7870XT) overclocked. Since I'm running 1440p, I don't use AA, and I'm pushing 80-90FPS on BF3 on ultra settings (without AA, and I don't miss it). So with a 670, I see him having absolutely no issue running 60+ FPS on ultra with AA on (again, I don't see the need on 1440p).

I also agree with the case bit.

In general, I agree with most of your build. The only thing I might not agree with, would be the 9 timing RAM. Even then, it might be splitting hairs.

I also gave him a bit nicer MOBO, but (like anything) it is likely unnecessary.

@OP

There are a lot of options here. One thing you should probably do is fill out the form that's a sticky at the top of this forum. Repost it in here, and people will be able to give you a more dialed-in build.

 

[g-unit1111]

Personally, I'd step up on the case. Putting a $1500 build in a $50 case, doesn't seem to do it justice. That said, I put that case on there.

Yes, I'd agree there 100%.

Gave you a blu-ray reader (though this is another area to save a buck, if you don't need/want the bluray)

I never include BD-R on builds because the playback software isn't included and costs an extra $100. Plus it's far from the most reliable method of watching movies on PC. I usually watch the iTunes files that are included with the BD-Rs anyways. :lol:

 

[phx08]

How about this for the monitor...probably one of the best S-IPS (What iMac has) displays out there...

HP ZR2440w 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($379.99 @ Mac Mall) Total: $379.99

 

[eyeage]

Gave you a blu-ray reader (though this is another area to save a buck, if you don't need/want the bluray)

I never include BD-R on builds because the playback software isn't included and costs an extra $100. Plus it's far from the most reliable method of watching movies on PC. I usually watch the iTunes files that are included with the BD-Rs anyways. :lol:

Didn't realize the software entailed extra cost (probably because I'd never put one in my own PC... I have a movie theater and a very nice TV in the family room when I want to watch a movie), so good call there.

 

[eyeage]

How about this for the monitor...probably one of the best S-IPS (What iMac has) displays out there...

HP ZR2440w 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($379.99 @ Mac Mall) Total: $379.99

If we're stepping up the $400 area, I'd suggest the 27" Auria IPS from microcenter. It's the one I have, and I'm quite pleased. I have no panel issues, no noticeable input lag, no noticeable ghosting/stuttering. The only issue (that comes up) with this panel is the aggressive AG coating. That said, once I calibrated my monitor I no longer notice the AG. Even when looking for it, it's not that bad once calibrated.

 

[g-unit1111]

Didn't realize the software entailed extra cost (probably because I'd never put one in my own PC... I have a movie theater and a very nice TV in the family room when I want to watch a movie), so good call there.

Yeah. The one I use is Arcsoft's Total Media Theater but it's really picky when it comes to displays. It gives me error codes almost every time I try to watch a movie and Google searches turn up nothing on how to correct the problem. If you check it out the software goes for like $100 a license.

I agree with the 1 solid 1440p monitor (as that's what I have), but he wouldn't need to SLI. I have a lower quality GPU (7870XT) overclocked. Since I'm running 1440p, I don't use AA, and I'm pushing 80-90FPS on BF3 on ultra settings (without AA, and I don't miss it). So with a 670, I see him having absolutely no issue running 60+ FPS on ultra with AA on (again, I don't see the need on 1440p).

Yeah that's true. I probably don't need to run Crossfire on my 1080p display but the rates I get on BF3 and Borderlands 2 are pretty sweet. I'm probably going to get a 1440p display when I get my tax refund. I saw the Crossover 27Q going on eBay for $248.

In general, I agree with most of your build. The only thing I might not agree with, would be the 9 timing RAM. Even then, it might be splitting hairs.

You probably won't notice that much of a difference but it does help.

 

[XTREMEMONK]

My mistake the case I was after was the HAF X-942

 

[phx08]

Yeah. The one I use is Arcsoft's Total Media Theater but it's really picky when it comes to displays. It gives me error codes almost every time I try to watch a movie and Google searches turn up nothing on how to correct the problem. If you check it out the software goes for like $100 a license.

I agree with the 1 solid 1440p monitor (as that's what I have), but he wouldn't need to SLI. I have a lower quality GPU (7870XT) overclocked. Since I'm running 1440p, I don't use AA, and I'm pushing 80-90FPS on BF3 on ultra settings (without AA, and I don't miss it). So with a 670, I see him having absolutely no issue running 60+ FPS on ultra with AA on (again, I don't see the need on 1440p).

Yeah that's true. I probably don't need to run Crossfire on my 1080p display but the rates I get on BF3 and Borderlands 2 are pretty sweet. I'm probably going to get a 1440p display when I get my tax refund. I saw the Crossover 27Q going on eBay for $248.

In general, I agree with most of your build. The only thing I might not agree with, would be the 9 timing RAM. Even then, it might be splitting hairs.

You probably won't notice that much of a difference but it does help.

Not a bad price for a 27"...I'm wary of LED displays since they don't match high end LCD's (from personal experience..not based off of statistical research)

To OP, if you're not doing heavy and I mean heavy daily editing of videos. The power of the i7 won't really help you unless if you play a CPU extensive game such as flight simulater X or something. This was one of the main reasons why I wanted an i7 is because I like to play FSX alot. Just food for thought.

 

[AleisterCrowley]

This will destroy any other build, but you may want a "beautiful machine"

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G8Ys
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G8Ys/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G8Ys/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Green 1.5TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($55.14 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Raidmax 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.50 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1959.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 13:31 EST-0500)

 

[g-unit1111]

This will destroy any other build, but you may want a "beautiful machine"

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G8Ys
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G8Ys/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/G8Ys/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Green 1.5TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($55.14 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Raidmax 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.50 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1959.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 13:31 EST-0500)

That looks good except Raidmax power supplies are absolute garbage. They're a brand you should stay away from at all costs, especially on a $2K build with dual 7970s. And there's no reason - no reason to get a $50 case on a $2000 build, it just cheapens the whole thing.

My mistake the case I was after was the HAF X-942

Get the HAF XM instead - it's not as expensive as the HAF X and it's a good halfway point between that and the HAF 912.

 

[eyeage]

That looks good except Raidmax power supplies are absolute garbage. They're a brand you should stay away from at all costs, especially on a $2K build with dual 7970s. And there's no reason - no reason to get a $50 case on a $2000 build, it just cheapens the whole thing.

Beat me to the punch.... lol.. Not to say it wouldn't work, but I wouldn't push a $2k system with it.

Dual 7970s, sure, though the OP said he wanted EVGA Nvidia cards. It was one of the only specifics he gave. I have an AMD card in my system, yet still built to users specs.

In the end, I don't think he needs two cards. A 7970, or 670 would be fine for nearly all contingencies. There are a few exceptions, and I probed the OP for more details regarding this.

Why would you put a green drive in a $2k build?

Back at the $50 case, that the OP didn't suggest? Since the case is a subjective part of the build (for the most part) and he's stated what he wants, if you're going to change it, at least make it nice.

Also, I'd look at this RAM after considering it a bit more CLICK . It's low profile, so it won't cause issues with the heatsink, and it's 1.35v so it has some OC headroom. I'd still say Samsung 1.35v RAM if you could find it (but you probably can't... I'd look though).

You also gave him a microcenter price on the CPU, and he isn't likely to get that. If he is close to a microcenter, my build wouldn't change, but the price would

In the end, seems you skimped on some things to fit 2 GPUs, that probably aren't required unless he's running 5760x1080. He'll be able to max out any 60Hz monitor with a single 670.

 

[XTREMEMONK]

Yea besides gaming and web surfing, I do not do any video rendering etc. in the end Eyeage and G-unit1111 builds are so similar I think, I will go with them. I am still in question about the monitors....If it were your build what would you guys go with the duel monitors or the single 1440?

 

[AleisterCrowley]

That looks good except Raidmax power supplies are absolute garbage. They're a brand you should stay away from at all costs, especially on a $2K build with dual 7970s. And there's no reason - no reason to get a $50 case on a $2000 build, it just cheapens the whole thing.

You are right, Raidmax PSUs have bad reputation, and the case is a little cheap, I made some improvements.

I think this build should do a very good work, sometimes people just want to use certain brands but i think this is pretty close to the best you can get for that money if you really want to find performance (thats all that matters after all).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Eleven Hundred ATX Full Tower Case ($112.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro Hybrid 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1977.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 15:01 EST-0500)

 

[eyeage]

@Xtreme

What type of gaming are you wanting to do? If you're an MMO/RTS kinda gamer, I'd go with a 1440p main monitor and grab a small 17-20 inch (cheap) monitor as a side monitor to look stuff up on while playing. If you're a FPS kinda gamer, I'd go with a 120Hz (BenQ2420 or Asus144Hz) panel and not worry about a second monitor.

 

[bodeen2012]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GaL3
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GaL3/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GaL3/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($55.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: OCZ Synapse Cache 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($87.92 @ Mac Connection)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($423.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 ATX Full Tower Case ($174.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1986.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 15:56 EST-0500)

 

[g-unit1111]

That looks good except Raidmax power supplies are absolute garbage. They're a brand you should stay away from at all costs, especially on a $2K build with dual 7970s. And there's no reason - no reason to get a $50 case on a $2000 build, it just cheapens the whole thing.

You are right, Raidmax PSUs have bad reputation, and the case is a little cheap, I made some improvements.

I think this build should do a very good work, sometimes people just want to use certain brands but i think this is pretty close to the best you can get for that money if you really want to find performance (thats all that matters after all).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($445.91 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Eleven Hundred ATX Full Tower Case ($112.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro Hybrid 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1977.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-26 15:01 EST-0500)

Cooler Master isn't much better - check out some of their reviews on Jonnyguru and Hardware Secrets. They don't seem to like CM that much. :lol:

 

[eyeage]

Cooler Master isn't much better - check out some of their reviews on Jonnyguru and Hardware Secrets. They don't seem to like CM that much. :lol:

I think in general this statement is correct. However, the only negative thing they had to say about this particular unit was the price ($199). With the instant discount and the $60 rebate card, I'm sure they'd have no problem with it. That said, I'd still go with the big names.

 

[AleisterCrowley]

I think in general this statement is correct. However, the only negative thing they had to say about this particular unit was the price ($199). With the instant discount and the $60 rebate card, I'm sure they'd have no problem with it. That said, I'd still go with the big names.

Come on guys!! that PSU is solid! and that price...

 

[g-unit1111]

Come on guys!! that PSU is solid! and that price...

Apparently CM didn't lie about this power supply's output but this was extremely telling:

The solder side of the PCB revealed decent soldering and a big oversight - a missing heatsink screw. I mean, totally missing. Like it was never there. Quality control for the win. Lack of it for the lose. Thankfully, that is not a big heatsink so we don't have to worry much on this unit. If the heatsink were bigger though, or there were fewer parts bolted to it to help hold it in place... look out.

More thankfully, the two heatsink screws used on the PFC sink were threadlocked. The hole for the missing one had no threadlocker, so we can be pretty sure that screw didn't just jump out of the hole and go rattling around the guts of the unit. It has been missing since the unit was assembled. It's probably backpacking around China as you read this, just screwing around making a nuisance of itself. No, that sentence doesn't make sense to me either. Let's carry on.
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=166

So apparently CM skipped on some of the unit's more critical components - especially the screws holding down the heat sink.

And then this:

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-Silent-Pro-Gold-800-W-Power-Supply-Review/1028/10

Hardware Secrets found that the "Japanese capacitators" advertised on the box were manufactured in Taiwan. Oops! :lol:

And then the identical unit manufactured by Corsair also puts out an additional 50W on overload tests where the Cooler Master doesn't.

You can't really trust a company that deliberately lies about its' products and then skimps on crucial components like that.

 

[awesomedude911]

the corsair memory wont fit under the d14 (the heatsink is to big), you will need low profile heatsink if your going I like the kingston memory that I have. looks really cool in person unlike the pictures on newegg. Or you could get the h100i and get slightly better performance.

ax850w (get 800-950W with 7970 cf/ 670 sli (I like gigabytes windforce cooler, i have a 670)

make sure to get a good monitor (im regreating buy a cheap monitor). get 120Hz monior if your going to play fps, or a korean 1440p if your going to play rts and rpg.

dont cheap out on a case unless you want to buy a new one. I would recomend the HAF 932, NZXT 810, 650D.... lots of good cases out there

wouldnt recomend OCZ SSDs (tons of one star reviews) but kingston and samsung look like they are good brands, DEFINITELY do Not get OCZ psu, their power supplies (WAY to short cables)

if your going to get 2 monitors might just as well get a third...