Gaming Rig (First Time DIYer)

cone0

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Dec 17, 2012
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My five year old computer's hard drive recently died. So, I am getting ready to buy a new one, and I figured I would try to build it myself. I have never built a computer, and I was hoping for some advice from people more knowledgeable. This build is just based off of my research for the past few days (even though I still don't feel like I know what I'm doing). I could be completely wrong. Any help is appreciated.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next two weeks

Budget Range: Around $1500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Movies, Photoshop, Web Development, Web Surfing, Videos

Are you buying a monitor: Yes (2)

Do you need to buy OS: No, I will be using Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit

Location: Houston, TX

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Yes

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Intel DZ77GA70K ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($220.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.98 @ PC Mall)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($407.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Cooler Master Silent Pro M 700W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1641.33
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-17 20:31 EST-0500)
 
Solution
Looks good to me. The only thing I would change is the motherboard and the power supply.

ASRock Z77 Extreme4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

XFX 750W PRO750W XXX Edition Single Rail
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62224&vpn=P1750BNLG9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1285

The motherboard is overpriced. You'll get similar features out of the ASRock Z77 Extreme4. You'll also want to change the PSU. Crossfiring 2 7970s will require a 750w PSU. You'll want to make sure it's 80+ certified. Don't cheap out on this part.

DeusAres

Distinguished
Looks good to me. The only thing I would change is the motherboard and the power supply.

ASRock Z77 Extreme4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

XFX 750W PRO750W XXX Edition Single Rail
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62224&vpn=P1750BNLG9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1285

The motherboard is overpriced. You'll get similar features out of the ASRock Z77 Extreme4. You'll also want to change the PSU. Crossfiring 2 7970s will require a 750w PSU. You'll want to make sure it's 80+ certified. Don't cheap out on this part.
 
Solution

mrdowntownkiller

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Sep 14, 2012
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($184.43 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SN-208DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1668.31
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-18 14:01 EST-0500)
 

mrdowntownkiller

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Sep 14, 2012
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no not really just keep tide up the cables for nice airflow , and install some fans in the optional fan places.
 

DeusAres

Distinguished

No, all you need is a better power supply. If you want, you could throw in a couple extra case fans to help cool down your case. This is completely up to you; although, it really isn't needed. Your case should come with an adequate amount of fans already.
 

cone0

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Dec 17, 2012
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Is that Video card worth the extra $20 over the one I posted?
 

mrdowntownkiller

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Sep 14, 2012
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on papers they seems to be the same on performance , but me and my friend as working on hardware , we tested both the xfx was gaining 3 or 4 fps more and it was quieter than the gigabyte one , but the gigabyte was running cooler. so you are the one that will see if you can pay more $20 for these + or not , have a nice day and hope to be helped.
 

DeusAres

Distinguished
I'd recommend just staying with the Gigabyte. It already offers plenty of performance anyways. Personally, I'd rather have the extra cooling over a 3-4 fps gain. Besides, if you really need the extra performance, the Gigabyte has huge overclocking potential.