First gaming PC build, looking for feedback!

[stopthat]

Hi,

I'm looking to build my first gaming PC. The last build I attempted kind of fell through, so I thought I'd start from scratch. My budget allows for more than the total cost of what this came out to, but I'm hoping to not run into any errors hardware-wise.

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: $1,200-$1,500

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon (Prime account allows for free 2-day shipping)

Location: Baltimore, MD

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe down the road.


PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/J2sB
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/J2sB/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/J2sB/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($392.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Arctic White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 750W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($84.48 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1164.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-11 17:17 EDT-0400)

 

[stopthat]

I will also need a monitor for this....I'm assuming there's no such thing as a 24" that supports 2560x1440? Seems like 1920x1080 would look stretched out on a 23" or 24"

 

[plankingdom]

The build looks fine.
The monitor situation is a bit different.
The standard 2560x1440 is between $600 and $1000, and is 27 inches. If you really want a smaller monitor go for a CRT. Fugly as hell, but they usually reach your desired resolution. Or if your heart is set on a 23-24 inch at that resolution be prepared to spend your entire budget on one. I saw one once ONCE online for about 1800.
I currently use a 23.6 inch at 1920x 1280 at home, and a 19 inch 1280x1024 at work. I'll use the same programs/websites on both and the only adjustment I ever make is to adjust the scale of the page.
1920 only looks bad if you set it to the wrong resolution, or are playing a game at a lower resolution to increase frames.

 

[stopthat]

Cool, I'll settle for 24" then. Thanks! I'm coming from a 27" AIO @ 2560x1440 so I think I may just have my hopes a bit too high for a standalone monitor.

Is there anything you'd add/change with my part list? My budget allows for a little more, if there's something worth adding.

 

[stopthat]

Nothing?

 

[djangoringo]

I recommend an air cooler over the aio watercooler, like the noctua nh-d14 or phanteks(not with the corsair vengeance ram though), you can try to fit a larger ssd if your budget allows it, like the samsung 840 pro or the cheaper plextor m5s at 256GB.
Also i'd get the seasonic m12ii 750W for the same price(or about it).
Here's what i suggest : http://pcpartpicker.com/p/J5IZ

Edit : added also a 2TB hdd, if you don't need it, you can ditch it.

 

[Boxasauras]

Add in a mechanical HDD, like this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST3000DM001/dp/B005T3GRLY

 

[stopthat]

Thanks guys. I actually already have an externel 1TB I was planning on using for media storage.

Any reason why you'd recommend standard air cooling over liquid? I'm kind of clueless in this department, was under the impression that it was more effective for some reason though.

 

[djangoringo]

The top/mid end air coolers are often more efficient in terms of cooling and more quiet, it's cheaper(mostly), you have good cooling with those without any risks of leaks.

 

[stopthat]

Gotcha. Thanks dude.