Aesthetically pleasing and powerful PC (Help wanted)

[James Musacchio]

Just as the title says, my goal is to build both an aesthetically pleasing and powerful PC. I have a question about the monitor, if my GPU's are good enough to get more than 60 (like 144 for instance since the monitor is 144hz) will they automatically put out that frame rate? or do i have to specify through individual games or settings or gfx settings to unlock the framerate to reach 144 fps? Also here are the specs. If you have any opinion on it let me know or if you see something that can be improved.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT HAVIK 140 90.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 12g Thermal Paste ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($192.15 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: NZXT FS-200RB 89.5 CFM 200mm Fan ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 1000W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($159.98 @ Outlet PC)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($279.00 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Wired Gaming Keyboard ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $2444.93

 

[properbuilds]

Hi, you can stay with the case, but some changes were made, still it's as good as you initial setup, you'll not notice any performance difference and with the auria ips monitor :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT HAVIK 140 90.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: NZXT FS-200RB 89.5 CFM 200mm Fan ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($122.75 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Wired Gaming Keyboard ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Other: AURIA EQ276W 27" IPS LED Monitor IN MICROCENTER ($400.00)
Total: $2384.56
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[camohanna]

Hi, you can stay with the case, but some changes were made, still it's as good as you initial setup, you'll not notice any performance difference and with the auria ips monitor :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT HAVIK 140 90.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: NZXT FS-200RB 89.5 CFM 200mm Fan ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($122.75 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Wired Gaming Keyboard ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Other: AURIA EQ276W 27" IPS LED Monitor IN MICROCENTER ($400.00)
Total: $2384.56
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Nice build, but just get the Extreme4 for $70 cheaper? And i suggest the HAF X which is $60 cheaper.

 

[James Musacchio]

Hi, you can stay with the case, but some changes were made, still it's as good as you initial setup, you'll not notice any performance difference and with the auria ips monitor :

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT HAVIK 140 90.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: NZXT FS-200RB 89.5 CFM 200mm Fan ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($122.75 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Wired Gaming Keyboard ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Other: AURIA EQ276W 27" IPS LED Monitor IN MICROCENTER ($400.00)
Total: $2384.56
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

wow I really like the changes you made, but i rather have the i7, i know its necessary for gaming but I'm not just a gamer. I also model in 3DS max and do video and audio editing etc. thats also why i'm going for the 16 gb of ram.

 

[James Musacchio]

Nice build, but just get the Extreme4 for $70 cheaper? And i suggest the HAF X which is $60 cheaper.

extreme4 and HAF X?

 

[properbuilds]

Hi, if you can get the i7 on microcenter, get change for it then, you can find the same ram in microcenter with 16GB for less than 80$, so it still fits the budget, if you're going to a microcenter store, you'll get a discount on the motherboard of 50$.

 

[camohanna]

extreme4 and HAF X?

ASRock Extreme4 Motherboard and Cooler Master HAF X Case

 

[blazorthon]

extreme4 and HAF X?

ASRock Extreme 4 Z77 is one of the most underrated boards around. It's a very excellent board that's often priced very low. HAF X is a great case too.

 

[James Musacchio]

Hi, if you can get the i7 on microcenter, get change for it then, you can find the same ram in microcenter with 16GB for less than 80$, so it still fits the budget, if you're going to a microcenter store, you'll get a discount on the motherboard of 50$.

oh wow, thank you so much man, i didn't know 😀

 

[blazorthon]

and thus the reason blazorthon is titled as an "Expert"

But a friend of mine told me I'll have to turn off v-sync to get more than 60fps, but if i turn it off, i could get screen splicing/shredding. So what am i supposed to do? He also said more than 60FPS could make it blurry but i thought it would make it smoother and more clear, any ideas?

Your friend is wrong. V-Sync is limited by your display's refresh rate. Most monitors are 60Hz or at least are ran at 60Hz even if they're capable of more, so that's what most people are limited to, but you'll have no such problem with your monitor.

 

[blazorthon]

wow thanx dude for all the info, especially on the SSD.
Also, i don't like the idea of using multiple displays because of the spit in the screen where the screens meet. but i dont have money for a good 1440p or 1600p display so thats why I choose this one. plus i like the idea of being able to experience games at more than 60 FPS.

The only thing that I'm worried about is the manufacturer of that SSD, I've never heard of them.

Also I read up on the M4 bug. it has to do with its firmware, was it ever fixed or fixable?

You do have the money for a decent Korean IPS panel if you want one, but it'd be a very different experience from your display. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. For example, instead of high refresh rate and 3D, you'd have a somewhat larger screen with better picture, viewing angle, and denser pixels.

I agree with you on split displays (I just can't stand bezels for multi-monitor gaming).

Plextor is not heard of a lot in the consumer area because they're a more professional brand. I guarantee it to be one of the most reliable SSDs ever. It even has a controller from the same company as the Crucial M4's controller, Marvell, granted it's a higher performance drive.

I don't know if the bug has been fixed yet, but I recently read someone talking about it, so I don't think so.

 

[James Musacchio]

You do have the money for a decent Korean IPS panel if you want one, but it'd be a very different experience from your display. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. For example, instead of high refresh rate and 3D, you'd have a somewhat larger screen with better picture, viewing angle, and denser pixels.

I agree with you on split displays (I just can't stand bezels for multi-monitor gaming).

Plextor is not heard of a lot in the consumer area because they're a more professional brand. I guarantee it to be one of the most reliable SSDs ever. It even has a controller from the same company as the Crucial M4's controller, Marvell, granted it's a higher performance drive.

I don't know if the bug has been fixed yet, but I recently read someone talking about it, so I don't think so.

Thanx again for telling me all about this. Ill go with the SSD you mentioned b4. I like how you explained the difference between the two monitors too. very informative.

 

[James Musacchio]

Best answer selected by James Musacchio.

 

[James Musacchio]

You do have the money for a decent Korean IPS panel if you want one, but it'd be a very different experience from your display. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. For example, instead of high refresh rate and 3D, you'd have a somewhat larger screen with better picture, viewing angle, and denser pixels.

I agree with you on split displays (I just can't stand bezels for multi-monitor gaming).

Plextor is not heard of a lot in the consumer area because they're a more professional brand. I guarantee it to be one of the most reliable SSDs ever. It even has a controller from the same company as the Crucial M4's controller, Marvell, granted it's a higher performance drive.

I don't know if the bug has been fixed yet, but I recently read someone talking about it, so I don't think so.

I'm just not sure what I want now, high refresh rate or better quality picture...

 

[blazorthon]

Thanx again for telling me all about this. Ill go with the SSD you mentioned b4. I like how you explained the difference between the two monitors too. very informative.

Glad to help.

I'm just not sure what I want now, high refresh rate or better quality picture...

Yeah, IDK which way to suggest going. The higher resolution may be nice outside of gaming, but in gaming, I find it difficult to objectively argue one over the other.

 

[EzioAs]

Personally, I'd go with higher res and better quality picture and color. Having been using 1080p TN monitor for quite some time, I personally would not settle for another TN panel for my next monitor. Viewing angles are horrible (I knew that before buying but on a bigger screen, it'll be even more pronouce). And I was able to be more productive (for work) with higher res coming from 17" 1280x1024 to 22" 1920x1080, so I can get the gist working with an even bigger screen and higher res. That's my preference though.

 

[James Musacchio]

Personally, I'd go with higher res and better quality picture and color. Having been using 1080p TN monitor for quite some time, I personally would not settle for another TN panel for my next monitor. Viewing angles are horrible (I knew that before buying but on a bigger screen, it'll be even more pronouce). And I was able to be more productive (for work) with higher res coming from 17" 1280x1024 to 22" 1920x1080, so I can get the gist working with an even bigger screen and higher res. That's my preference though.

I'm going to get the ASUS PB278Q 1440p one 😀 I'm not much of a competitive gamer (depends though) and i love a crisper display 😀 thank you all so much for helping me to decide.

 

[James Musacchio]

Glad to help.



Yeah, IDK which way to suggest going. The higher resolution may be nice outside of gaming, but in gaming, I find it difficult to objectively argue one over the other.

Here's what I've got now, any suggestions? try to keep aesthetics in mind too

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT HAVIK 140 90.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 12g Thermal Paste ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($182.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 820 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($249.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case Fan: NZXT FS-200RB 89.5 CFM 200mm Fan ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: NZXT FX-140LB 98.3 CFM 140mm Fan ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 1000W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($159.98 @ Outlet PC)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor ($649.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Razer DeathStalker Wired Gaming Keyboard ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2816.75

 

[blazorthon]

It looks good to me

 

[camohanna]

Looks good.

 

[James Musacchio]

It looks good to me

Thanx, just what i wanted to hear. The o ly problem is that ive never pasted a processor. Anygood tutorials or tips?

 

[blazorthon]

Putting the paste on is easy. You just put a drop or two of paste on and if you want to, spread it a little with a piece of paper or something like that. Heck, it's usually fine to just put the drop or two on the CPU and attach the cooler without manually spreading the paste. Pressing the cooler down should spread it just fine so long as its near the center of the CPU's IHS.