Gaming and Programming Build

liquidbytes

Honorable
May 3, 2013
24
0
10,510
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Swiftech H220 55.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($139.99 @ Microcenter)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX-2 4g Thermal Paste ($4.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($130.34 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($224.99 @ Mac Mall)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2 ATX Full Tower Case ($110.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($263.00 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($263.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $2335.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-01 06:04 EDT-0400)

I need some help deciding on a build which will be used for gaming and programming. My main concerns are with the graphics card and monitors. I am not sure if the 4GB 770 is the right choice here. I would like to run most games at full settings but will only be gaming at 1080p. Also I will only be gaming on 1 monitor believe that 2 144hz monitors is overkill but am not sure of another cheaper monitor of the same size. Any advice or feedback is appreciated.
 
Solution
Monitor is crucial. Instead of those gaming ones get something different. You aren't going to get 120FPS+ with single GTX770 anyway.
I suggest getting something PWM free to lessen eyestrain. I would consider getting single 1440p or 1600p display, 27 or 30". With these resolutions you can comfortably use two windows side by side.
Other option is to get two smaller displays (24") and have one application window on each.

Also, consider going with 4670k instead of 4770k. This will save you some money, which you can invest in better display(s). In gaming there will be no difference. Compiling and multiple virtual machines can benefit a little from more power and HT, but I think it's not worth the money.

Rest of the build looks good...
Looks strong!

Why not get a single 2TB or 3TB Seagate Barracuda and partition it if you want separate locations?

If you're only gaming at 1920x1080 then the 770 will be more than up to the job.

I'd recommend the Asus VE247H as a good 24" monitor.
 
Monitor is crucial. Instead of those gaming ones get something different. You aren't going to get 120FPS+ with single GTX770 anyway.
I suggest getting something PWM free to lessen eyestrain. I would consider getting single 1440p or 1600p display, 27 or 30". With these resolutions you can comfortably use two windows side by side.
Other option is to get two smaller displays (24") and have one application window on each.

Also, consider going with 4670k instead of 4770k. This will save you some money, which you can invest in better display(s). In gaming there will be no difference. Compiling and multiple virtual machines can benefit a little from more power and HT, but I think it's not worth the money.

Rest of the build looks good, except PSU. If you are not going for SLI in the future get something around 600-650W.
 
Solution


One 1TB drive will be a backup of the other.
 


Can't you achieve the same thing using a drive partition?
 


Yes but then if the drive failed you would lose both partitions. It would work if you accidentally deleted the data on one of the partions and then you could retrive the data from the backup partition. If the drive were to stop spinning due to a mechanical failure, you would lose both partitions.