Please critique my new build list; former builder here!

[jfreeman175]

Hey all--

I've been out of the game for while, built 10+ PCs over 5 years ago. Now I'm looking to build a beast of computing power.

The primary function is gaming - hands down. I will also be occasionally using CAD/Simulation engineering software and of course, movies/music.

I will be using my 32" 1080p HDTV as my display.

After a few hours of research on the latest tech, heres my build list:

COOLER MASTER CM Storm Series Trooper (SGC-5000-KKN1) Black Steel / Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case
Model #:SGC-5000-KKN1
Item #:N82E16811119245
Return Policy:Iron Egg Guarantee Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)


ASUS P8Z77-V PRO LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Model #😛8Z77-V PRO
Item #:N82E16813131819
Return Policy:Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
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EVGA 02G-P4-2680-KR GeForce GTX 680 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Model #:02G-P4-2680-KR
Item #:N82E16814130768
Return Policy:VGA Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card
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SeaSonic M12II 650 SS-650AM 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Semi-modular Power
Model #:SS-650AM
Item #:N82E16817151106
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
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Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz (3.9GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I73770K
Model #:BX80637I73770K
Item #:N82E16819116501
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
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OCZ Vector Series VTR1-25SAT3-256G 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC
Model #:VTR1-25SAT3-256G
Item #:N82E16820227916
Return Policy:Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-16GXM
Model #:F3-1600C9D-16GXM
Item #:N82E16820231568
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock
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ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Model #😀RW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS
Item #:N82E16827135204
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
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3 of my concerns are:

Power supply: enough power? reputable brand? Antecs were always popular when I started building but it doesn't seem that way any more...

SSD: New tech to me. Spec numbers blow the competition away. Will be for OS+Applications only - I have 3 TB of storage on my network for music, movies, picture and work. If more internal storage is needed, I will buy a hard disk drive after the fact.

Heat: 2 out of 7 high performance/gaming (not overclocked) PC's I've built in the past have run hotter than normal in a case with nice airflow. Should this be a concern? is the stock CPU cooler good enough to dissipate the heat?




A side note: I realize most gamers go for the i5. I'm willing to pay the premium for the extra, "non-value added" computing power.

Another side note: I also realise 3770K and Z77 board are for overclocking. I will not be doing this but would like to pay for the option in the future.

Last one, I promise: Using Win7 and/or 8.



Thanks for the help!
Justin

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

There is no advantage in getting an i7, just for with a 3570k.
Don't get a 680, they are overpriced awful cards. If you really want nvidia, get a 670. AMD is currently the better value, and it would be best to get a 7970.
get rid of the asus board and go with asrock z77 extreme4.
Only do 8gb ram. yes your psu will easily work, you could probably use less if yyou wanted to.

 

[jfreeman175]

"There is no advantage in getting an i7, just for with a 3570k."

Why? Please explain your thoughts.

"Don't get a 680, they are overpriced awful cards. If you really want nvidia, get a 670. AMD is currently the better value, and it would be best to get a 7970"

I'm not building a best-bang-for-your-buck machine. I have the money and I want top of the line [within reason]. I have always had issues with ATI cards in the past and have had absolutely zero with nVidia.

"get rid of the asus board and go with asrock z77 extreme4"

Again, why? Please provide insight as to why I should do this.

"Only do 8gb ram"

I have always regretted cutting corners on RAM in the past. Plus the engineering software I use is very memory-demanding software.

 

[smorizio]

i would drop the 680 for a 670 gpu. the 670 is only slightly slower then the 680 but at a better price point. (also your buying a card near the end of it life as nvidia and amd in the next few months going to refresh there line up with new gpu).
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5818/nvidia-geforce-gtx-670-review-feat-evga/17
with the 670/680 around 400w at full load i would look at a 750-800w ps as the min for your rig. it not the total output you need to lok at but the wattage rating and amp rating of the 12v rail. the intel cpu going to add 77w or more to the 12v load. looking at 42 amps just ball parking the 12v load. for the ssd try using a brand name ssd. a lot of times now it the firmware that make or break an ssd.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341052
62amps on 12v rail.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

A 3570k will see no loss in performance and costs $70 less, that is why. A 7970 ghz edition is actually more powerful and costs less than a 680. That is why I say it is an awful card. Also, it is AMD, not ATI. Radeon is good now, even though I heard about issues from them when ATI was the owner. Get rid of the asus board because you're buying the same features for more money. 8gb ram is more than enough for any build. Battlefield 3, which is currently the one of the most graphically intensive games out there, recomends 4gb ram.

 

[Z1NONLY]

Most games don't use the hyperthreading in the i7, so many recommend the i5 for gaming. However, the hyperthreading will give you a boost in performance anytime your software can make use of the extra thread.

The 670 is within a simple overclock of the 680's performance and costs less.

I have no idea why he recommended getting rid of the Asus board for an ASRock. I'm guessing it's pricing, because Asus boards are generally quality stuff.

8G of RAM is more than enough for gaming, but more can help in other applications and won't hurt anything but your budget.

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

Yeah, I generally see asus boards as super over priced. Then there are asrock, msi, and gigabyte boards which work just as well.

 

[jfreeman175]

All - thanks for the replies. And I pose these questions to all of you...


For the CPU: will an i5 blatantly outperform an i7 on games alone?

For the GPU: Same question for the 670 vs. 680 - which outperforms which? (totally disregarding price). Also - was the HD 5700 series developed and launched under the AMD or ATI reign?

For the MB: the Asus vs. ASRock argument just seems to be brand favoritism. I've used Asus for at least 5 builds and have never had a problem with their stuff.

Also - good insight on the PSU advice. I will continue to research this.

EDIT: 16GB of RAM is a must. Siemens NX and Teamcenter CAD packages are that big of RAM hogs (the software is used to design cars). 8gb may be fine for games, but not for this software. appreciate the advice though

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

The i5 won't outperform it, but is will get the same performance, so why spend money where it isn't needed.
The 5000 series was AMD I believe, trust me AMD is a reputable brand and makes good products. The 7970 ghz edition is a better card than the 680, especially if you overclock, which I don't know why you wouldn't.
The asrock vs amd isn't favoritism. I buy things based on what is currently the best value. I don't see any advantage to getting that Asus one, unless you hate money.
About the RAM, you have never mentioned that before. You made it sound like you were getting to much memory for no reason. If you have a design software, that is a different story.