First Build - 4770K GTX780 for flight sim

[freeflight]

Hi All,

I'm planning my first build and could use some advice. The rig's purpose will primarily be to run Microsoft FSX but will be used for some gaming too.

Here's my first pass:
CPU - Intel 4770K 3.5Ghz overclocked to 4.2G (or higher)
Motherboard - Asus Maximus VI Formula or Asus Z87-A (could use advice here!)
Graphics - EVGA 980Mhz GTX780 w/ ACX Cooler
CPU Cooler - Corsair H100i
RAM - TBD but 2 8Gig sticks
PSU - Corsair TX750
Case - Cooler Master HAF932 or 922 (Full tower or Mid Tower - Could use advice here!)
OS Storage - Samsung 128G 840 Pro SSD
FSX Storage - Samsung 128G 840 Pro SSD
Bulk Storage - 1TB drive I have laying around.
monitors, kybds, mice, DVD - plenty laying around...

I'm planning to try to overclock to 4.2G or higher.

Now for the questions:
- What would you recommend changing?
- This will be a transportable rig so I'd like to get it in a mid-tower if possible. Is it reasonable to o'clock this setup in a mid-tower?
- I'd like to get this under $1500 and I'm already ~$1800 without memory (I might be getting mem for free...)
- And finally - Is there a different Asus motherboard I should look at?

Thank you very much for helping outta newb!

 

[Kingbob]

You could go with either mobo, you honestly would notice a difference for what you're doing (IE go with the cheaper one).
For your case, it really depends on how much money you want to spend. Either case you have would work great with everything, it mostly comes down to the size and price. The 932 might be better for the h100i you have. However, read some reviews of people that used it in the 922 because im sure it fits.

Honestly, if you just want it for a flight simulator and gaming, go with an i5 and maybe get a 770 (depending on what monitor(s) you have). An i5 will be just as good when it comes to gaming.

 

[AznKeo]

Motherboard is pretty much personal preference with this generation of Intel CPUs. I would say you can get away with having a CM Storm Scout 2 but if you use this case, an H100i will mount pretty oddly in it. The CM Storm Scout 2 is also MADE to be transportable. I'd go down to an H80i which will comfortably fit in this case. This also saves some money compared to HAF 932 and H100i. As of this post right now, H80i's are out of stock on Newegg(BUT NOT ON AMAZON). If your willing to stray away from Asus, the MSI Z87 GD65 board is a good choice. If you want to get even cheaper, the MSI Z87 G45 is also a great board for the money.

 

[catswold]

There's a whole thread on this topic.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/392914-33-best-graphics-card

 

[catswold]

You really need that 4770K. FSX is CPU bound, not GPU bound. It's a simulator, not a game and thus frame rate depends on CPU. The best is a highly over-clocked i7 k series.