Build from scratch, need help and advice please.

[Lsakurifaisu]

I'm building completely from scratch and I wanted to check that the build I have set up is going to be compatible with all the parts I have selected. I have checked but I'm no expert.

The build is mainly for high end graphics programming, and secondly for gaming.

CPU: Intel i7 3820 3.6GHz Sandy Bridge (£227.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASUS P9X79 PRO (£188.99 @ Amazon)
GPU: ASUS Nvidia GeForce 2GB GTX 680 Direct CUII OC ( £392.81 @ Amazon)
RAM: Corsair CMPSU HX1050 (£66.97 @ Amazon)
PSU: Corsair CMPSU HX1050 (£161.50 @ Amazon)
SDD: OCZ VTX3-25SAT3-240G 240GB (£165.59 @ Amazon)
HDD: Seagate ST20000DM001 2TB (£72.95 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal design Define R4 Black Pearl (£89.90 @ Amazon)

Here is a part picker link as well: pcpartpicker

Couple of questions:
1. I think my PSU is too big, but if I wanted to use SLI in the future is this a worthy buy?
2. What type of cooling should I go for if I want to overclock at a later date?

 

[Wolfshadw]

It all looks compatible. No glaring errors that I can see.
I'd agree that the PSU is too much for even an SLI system. Drop down to the 850 watt Corsair.
If you're going to over-clock at a later date, worry about cooling at a later date. Not even sure over-clocking is an option with that processor. Wouldn't it have to be the Core I7-3820K for over-clocking? (seriously don't know so if someone else could answer, that'd be great!). For now, just stick with the stock cooler.

-Wolf sends

 

[g-unit1111]

It all looks compatible. No glaring errors that I can see.
I'd agree that the PSU is too much for even an SLI system. Drop down to the 850 watt Corsair.
If you're going to over-clock at a later date, worry about cooling at a later date. Not even sure over-clocking is an option with that processor. Wouldn't it have to be the Core I7-3820K for over-clocking? (seriously don't know so if someone else could answer, that'd be great!). For now, just stick with the stock cooler.

-Wolf sends

The 3820 has a limited unlocked multiplier. That means it can be overclocked but it's not easy to access. There's no 3820K.

1. I think my PSU is too big, but if I wanted to use SLI in the future is this a worthy buy?

You can get by with 850W or 750W.

2. What type of cooling should I go for if I want to overclock at a later date?

What's the primary use for this build going to be? If it's gaming you should be getting the 3570K. If you're multimedia authoring either go with the 3770K or the 3930K.

 

[nix327]

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

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor (£245.40 @ Aria PC)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE2 54.4 CFM CPU Cooler (£46.23 @ Ebuyer)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard (£101.98 @ Dabs)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£72.69 @ Dabs)
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk (£147.40 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£67.68 @ Aria PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 680 4GB Video Card (£446.02 @ Scan.co.uk)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case (£86.63 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: SeaSonic M12II 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (£114.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer (£12.98 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total: £1341.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-22 19:55 GMT+0000)

 

[Lsakurifaisu]

@Wolfshadw - Thanks for checking it over and for the advice, I'm probably going to go with the HX850 now. With that in mind would you have any recommendations for an 850W PSU other than the HX850?

What's the primary use for this build going to be?

The main use will be for games programming/3D graphics so I guess it falls under multimedia authoring. If I went for the 3770K what motherboard would you recommend? Also I should mention that overclocking is not a priority, I would just like the option to overclock at a later date. With that in mind would you recommend that I stay with the 3820?

@nix327 - Thanks for the build recommendation.

 

[g-unit1111]

@Wolfshadw - Thanks for checking it over and for the advice, I'm probably going to go with the HX850 now. With that in mind would you have any recommendations for an 850W PSU other than the HX850?

What's the primary use for this build going to be?

The main use will be for games programming/3D graphics so I guess it falls under multimedia authoring. If I went for the 3770K what motherboard would you recommend? Also I should mention that overclocking is not a priority, I would just like the option to overclock at a later date. With that in mind would you recommend that I stay with the 3820?

@nix327 - Thanks for the build recommendation.

It's difficult to overclock the 3820 - it can be done though but it's not easy. If you want the option of overclocking then go with the 3770K where it's easy to get to the multiplier. I'd suggest a board like this if you want to use the 3770K: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

 

[Wolfshadw]

Thanks for the info, g-unit1111. I've always loved the way repliers can tag-team responses to get right answer for the poster.

If over-clocking is never going to be an issue (guys/gals like me just don't do it), then stick with your original build. If over-clocking is even a remote possibility (among system builders, guys/gals like me are in the minority, I think), then I'd listen to g-unit1111's suggestions.

-Wolf sends

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks for the info, g-unit1111. I've always loved the way repliers can tag-team responses to get right answer for the poster.

If over-clocking is never going to be an issue (guys/gals like me just don't do it), then stick with your original build. If over-clocking is even a remote possibility (among system builders, guys/gals like me are in the minority, I think), then I'd listen to g-unit1111's suggestions.

-Wolf sends

Overclocking the 3820 is similar to overclocking a Xeon - it's not easy to do but can be done. I think if you just change the multiplier it can be done that way but changing the voltage is the hard part.

 

[g-unit1111]

Instead of using a Barracuda HDD, use a WD Caviar Black. I hear they are more high performance drives. Also, no need for a 256GB SSD. A 64GB M4 is enough for boot, and just purchase a separate 128GB M4 for programs and stuff. That way, you will never get a decreased boot time and your programs will still run fast.

I will disagree with that - it's stupid to purchase two drives for the same purpose when you could purchase one and be done with it. Get the 256GB for boot, programs, and games. Use the HD for everything else.