My Build... Please Answer Some Q's

[QwertyMusicMan]

Here's my build for BF3, UDK, and Finale:

Note: To max BF3, DICE has tweeted that it takes SLI 580s.
Also, don't worry about the prices, as they are all from microcenter, Newegg, or Amazon -- and all missing parts (RAM, Monitor) are intentional, as I already have them.


GTX 570: $325
i5 2500k: $180
P8P67 Pro: $175
Spinpoint 1TB: $60
CPU Heatsink: $30
CoolerMaster 850w PSU: $125
NZXT Phantom: $125
DVD: $20
Win 7: $90
Fans: $30
RAT7 (mouse): $70
V7 (keyboard): $70

Total:
$1300
$1400 with 580
$1500 with 580 + i7 2600k
$1625 with 570 SLI
$1800 with 580 SLI
$1900 with 580 SLI + i7 2600k

Questions:

1) Will the i7 2600k make a noticeable difference over a 4.4 Ghz i5? (probably not)

2) Would maxing BF3 make a noticeable difference at 1080p over just running it on high? (probably not, but I want to max it anyway)

3) Do I need a 1000w PSU for SLI 580s? (I've heard that a 850w could, but it would push it)

4) Do I need a sound card, for the sound-intensive BF3 and Finale? (probably not)

5) Any other suggestions?


Thank you all so much. You're the best.

 

[Outlander_04]

1/ for gaming there is ZERO advantage in using the 2600k

2/If the game is good enough you dont ever notice the difference , if the game sucks then no amount of detail will make it more fun

3/Are you going to install GTX 580 sli?

4/ probably not , and definitely not unless you are spending a LOT on a speaker system

5/ Be kind to old people . You will be one one day

 

[Sky03]

1. No
2. Maybe max literally means max? Meaning ultra settings, AA, 2500x1600 resolution. So by only having 1080p, you're required gpu should be lower.
3. I haven't researched that psu but so far i haven't seen any coolermaster psu being recommended, nor have i read a good review for one of their psu.
4. Are you an audiophile? If no you most likely won't notice.

 

[lozz08]

On the sound card front, my purchase of the Asus Xonar Essence STX was the best purchase I ever made, but I am sort of an audio enthusiast as well. If you do not have very good speakers or headphones, a good sound card won't make a difference anyway.

My setup is a pair of Sennheiser HD600 headphones with the STX. With Dolby Headphone enabled, the surround-sound experience does add another dimension to the game and it was worth it to me, especially with the added boon of beautiful performance for music listening.

 

[QwertyMusicMan]

On the sound card front, my purchase of the Asus Xonar Essence STX was the best purchase I ever made, but I am sort of an audio enthusiast as well. If you do not have very good speakers or headphones, a good sound card won't make a difference anyway.

My setup is a pair of Sennheiser HD600 headphones with the STX. With Dolby Headphone enabled, the surround-sound experience does add another dimension to the game and it was worth it to me, especially with the added boon of beautiful performance for music listening.

Can you easily add a sound card in later? At the moment I only have Turtle Beach's and Skullcandies... hahaha

 

[QwertyMusicMan]

1/ for gaming there is ZERO advantage in using the 2600k

2/If the game is good enough you dont ever notice the difference , if the game sucks then no amount of detail will make it more fun

3/Are you going to install GTX 580 sli?

4/ probably not , and definitely not unless you are spending a LOT on a speaker system

5/ Be kind to old people . You will be one one day

I think I've talked myself into the SLI 580s, so yeah. Here's my current build's PSU, would that be pushing it if I OC'd the i5? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139022 (Corsair, not coolermaster )

I will keep this in mind!

 

[QwertyMusicMan]

Best answer selected by QwertyMusicMan.