First Desktop Build

[dark_knight17]

Hey guys, I was looking to build a gaming desktop around $1000-1200. What I really want out of it is to play most games 1920x1080 at 60fps (and no less than 30fps). I usually prefer games at the highest settings, but I don't mind dropping AA if that gives a better framerate (but I love maxed AF). I realize that with this budget I can likely make a rig that won't necessarily run into these problems.

I'm not planning on building it soon, I can definitely wait until the new CPUs come out (Haskill?). However, would these new CPUs require a new motherboard?

Anyway, if you could let me know how my current configuration is set up (compatibility issues, cheaper/more efficient part/wrong part) that would be great!

P.S I already have a Seagate Momentus 750 HDD (7200rpm), and I plan to use that in addition to the SSD
P.S.S I might be interested in SLI in the future, so I made sure to pick a motherboard that supported it. Does that mean I need to change my PSU, in case I use dual GPUs?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($226.99 @ Newegg Canada)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.05 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($98.87 @ DirectCanada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($215.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N600UBE 802.11a/b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.80 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Canada Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VE228H 21.5" Monitor ($136.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1171.62
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-20 13:55 EDT-0400)

 

[Swordkd]

If you are going to wait until the next-gen Intel chips are out(Haswell), then this is mostly just an exercise to determine cost. Your exact parts will be determined by when you buy for the best prices since there are quite a few parts that get swapped around between builds based solely on their current price.

Yes, the Haswell Cpu's will require a socket 1150(i think) motherboard. More than likely a z87 chipset board when they release.

If you are planning on being able to SLI in the future, then yes, you'll want a higher wattage PSU. Probably something in the 600w to 700w range. Other than that, your build looks solid. Post your budget again when you are ready to buy and we'll see exactly what we can do at that time to maximize performance for your money.

 

[DarkSable]

Someone's done their homework!

Yes, Haswell will use a different chipset, but I wouldn't worry about it - it'll only be about a 10% increase in speed, clock-for-clock.

I suggest you do a couple things. The first is don't go with SLI, but put a little more into your budget now and try to afford a 670. It'll be powerful enough to max pretty much any game, and won't give you the issues associated with an SLI setup - plus, you'll only need a 550w power supply instead of a 750s.

Only thing I'd do is reconsider the wireless card - I can tell you from personal experience that gaming on wireless is absolutely horrid; it's slow, unreliable and laggy. If there's any way to run with an Ethernet connection, do so.

 

[dark_knight17]

Someone's done their homework!

Yes, Haswell will use a different chipset, but I wouldn't worry about it - it'll only be about a 10% increase in speed, clock-for-clock.

I suggest you do a couple things. The first is don't go with SLI, but put a little more into your budget now and try to afford a 670. It'll be powerful enough to max pretty much any game, and won't give you the issues associated with an SLI setup - plus, you'll only need a 550w power supply instead of a 750s.

Only thing I'd do is reconsider the wireless card - I can tell you from personal experience that gaming on wireless is absolutely horrid; it's slow, unreliable and laggy. If there's any way to run with an Ethernet connection, do so.

With the SLI I was more thinking about the future, where adding another GPU might be cheaper than a new one flat-out.

As for the wifi card, I don't tend to game online, it's just to access the internet/download things. I think the motherboard has an Ethernet port anyway, so if I really wanted to, I could just use a wired connection

 

[DarkSable]

I'm saying instead of adding a new one flat out, just switch out your 660 for a 670 if you can. It costs a little more up front, but gets you amazing performance without the issues of SLI.

If that's so, then you're fine!