First Build!

[MrSethward]

So, I am looking to get back into PC gaming after a long absence and want to make my first PC build to do so. I am looking to try my hand at OCing as well, first with CPU, and then go on from there. Here is just an overview of parts being considered.

CPU - Intel i5 3570k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Motherboard - MSI Z77A-GD65 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130643

GPU - 2x GeForce GTX 670: Gigabyte N670OC-2GD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423&Tpk=gigabyte%20670

Memory - G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231548

SSD - 120gb Pyro SE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-220-624

HHD - For now, stock 160gb drive in my home computer

Heatsink - CORSAIR H100 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181017

PSU - Thermaltake Toughpower Grand TPG-1050M 1050W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153144

Case - NZXT Phantom 410 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146087

DVD Drive - Just pulling from current home computer

So, basically, I have no true budget, I just plan on buying items over a period of time. I have already gotten the 120gb Pyro SE for 100 and the G.Skill Ares 8gb for 47. Then, after that, I smartened up and realized I should be consulting for some help. So, I have a couple questions about my build.

Should I continue with 2 GTX 670s? From what I understand, they have better stock performance than the 7970, but the 7970 OCs better. So in a few years when I may need to OC these cards, would it be best if I have two 7970s or is it not worth it at this point to worry about it and stick with the 670s? (To note, I have found 7970s now at the same price as the 670.)

As well, I would hope everything would fit in a mid-tower, but should I get a full tower? My choice for CPU seems to be pretty frequently recommended for OCing, but I had more trouble deciding on a board. Should I spend more to upgrade from my current choice? Also, any other suggestions people have I would love to take. Thank you.

 

[g-unit1111]

I think I'd switch out that whole build - I personally wouldn't bother with closed loops like the H100 when strong air fans like the D14 will give you the same results. Either go with a real liquid loop or don't do one at all. Sandforce drives like the Patriot Pyro are known to have lots of issues and errors associated with them. Thermaltake PSUs have horrendous reliability issues and the GTX 670 is so energy efficient that you'll never need a 1KW+ PSU anymore.

I'd go for something like 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-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($188.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($189.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1997.38
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-07-24 12:24 EDT-0400)

 

[DavidY]

Isn't a 1000+ watt PS is a bit much? A 750-850 watt PS would be plenty IMO....at less than half your $220 price. Brands include XFX Core Edition Pro Series, Antec HCG, Corsair TX, etc.

Dave

 

[Shockattackr]

if you want a cheaper tower, Antec makes a nice roomy case, Antec Eleven Hundred

 

[MrSethward]

Cool! Thanks all. The suggestions will definitely help me out.