Please help with new PC build

[xbx]

Hello,

I am building a new PC and want to spend ~$1,500... Below is the current system that I have chosen thus far. Can you please comment and add/delete/change items as you see fit. I want a RAID 0 config in my hard drive to boost performance and a overclocked (10-20%) CPU.

Will be used for: Computation, financial analysis, modeling, 3d modeling, gaming

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

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 74.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($61.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($204.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($56.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($210.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair C70 Military Green (Green) ATX Mid Tower Case ($103.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Acer S200HLAbd 20.0" Monitor ($120.99 @ Adorama)
Keyboard: Logitech K400 Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Touchpad ($33.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech M305 Wireless Optical Mouse ($25.27 @ Amazon)
Total: $1569.78
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-28 10:51 EDT-0400)

 

[xbx]

TTT Trying to solve this today

 

[burritobob]

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($153.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech K400 Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Touchpad ($33.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech M305 Wireless Optical Mouse ($24.89 @ Amazon)
Total: $1412.70

Here are my line by line changes:

CPU: You wanted to overclock, but the problem with your CPU choice is that you cannot overclock it, it is not unlocked, ou are going to find that the i5 will perform top notch in every situation you throw at it.
CPU Cooler: For a 20% overclock all you need is a Hyper 212 EVO cooler, you can easily reach 4.0GHz and beyond with it. In general stay away from closed loop coolers, only open custom loop water cooling actually performs well, there are a couple air coolers better than all of the closed loop coolers.
Motherboard: The V PRO is overpriced for what you get, the extreme4 is a sweet spot with a great price and a great board that supports all you could ever want. In this budget range you really do not need anything else.
Memory: The corsair RAM is cheaper by $10 and performs at the exact same level as the Ripjaws RAM, why not get something with the same performance that saves you a few dollars.
Storage: Went with the Samsung 840 Pro for reliability and length of life though the two are interchangeable if you have a preference. Also saved a few dollars by going with seagate for the 2TB Raid 0 array because of price, again you get the same performance out of the drives at a cheaper cost. The only reason you should go with WD is because of the longer warranty must most people will never use that.
Video Card: The 660 is sadly not a top performer. You really do not get a great level of computing power out of it compared to that of the 7970, which is on a whole different level of capability than the 660. If you can get a video card that strong in your budget I do not see why not.
Case: More of a personal preference with the case, I like the 912's look, style, and capability with plenty of room and good airflow for $50 you really cannot go wrong.
PSU: You do not need 750w for a single 660, I went with 600w corsair PSU that will provide more than enough power for the 7970 and plenty of room to overclock.
And my final change the Monitor: Went with the asus monitor, it's the highest rated monitor on newegg, so it cannot be that bad right? You can switch the two out if you would like but I simply went on reliability and general rating.

To sum this up, you get the performance of a beast at a cheaper price, Have fun with your build, if you have any concerns notify me!

 

[xbx]

I forgot to mention... The monitor is just a place holder to figure out total price. I am not planning on buying a monitor without seeing them IRL

ThanksBob

 

[Marcopolo123]

Great build from burritobob. Gj

 

[burritobob]

I forgot to mention... The monitor is just a place holder to figure out total price. I am not planning on buying a monitor without seeing them IRL

ThanksBob

Makes sense, I would not buy a monitor just from a picture either, I just really enjoy that Asus monitor in terms of ratings, and price.

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($369.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($153.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech K400 Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Touchpad ($33.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech M305 Wireless Optical Mouse ($24.89 @ Amazon)
Total: $1412.70

^ This

Couple things that come to mind. XFX 7970 cards seem to have a bit of crashing problem (from what I have read no personal experience) , but they do come with a lifetime warranty. I would personally recommend the Gigabyte 7970 or Sapphire 7970. Also if you are going to crossfire later on I would beef up the PSU.

 

[xbx]

What do you feel about liquid cooling vs fan cooling?

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

What do you feel about liquid cooling vs fan cooling?

Personally I prefer Air Cooling. All that liquid on top of my $1000 + components make me want to cringe.

 

[xbx]

My plan is to increase PS to 800w. I really like the build.

Next question. Windows 8 or 7........

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

Tough question. My gaming rig is Windows 8 Pro OEM with Start8, my laptop is Windows 8 pro & my workstation is Windows 7 Pro. Performance wise they are very similar when it comes to games. Start8

P.S: The metro UI is pretty cool on my laptop but annoying on my gaming rig which is why I have Start8 installed (which basically disables the Metro UI.

 

[burritobob]

Windows 7 64bit is the way to go, I have windows 8 I know this from experience, it is the most buggy un-intuitive annoying bad incompatible operating system I've ever used. That about sums up my windows 8 experience, it is simply not worth it, there a lot of compatibility issues and most programs take a large time investment to get to work. Many programs still are not even compatible with windows 8. The metro interface is a pain in the but and if you like having a desktop DO NOT GET WINDOWS 8. It is a plague.

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

Windows 7 64bit is the way to go, I have windows 8 I know this from experience, it is the most buggy un-intuitive annoying bad incompatible operating system I've ever used. That about sums up my windows 8 experience, it is simply not worth it, there a lot of compatibility issues and most programs take a large time investment to get to work. Many programs still are not even compatible with windows 8. The metro interface is a pain in the but and if you like having a desktop DO NOT GET WINDOWS 8. It is a plague.

I should have specified my laptop is a touchscreen which is why Metro UI suits me just fine on the laptop but I prefer W8 w/ Start8 on my gaming rig.

 

[xbx]

Can you recommend an alternative case? Something more unique but still functional and not ridiculously expensive

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

Corsair 300R :d. But seriously lot of great options. CM Haf 912 is about $60. Corsair 300R is around 70, 200R is $60. Antec Three Hundred Two Around $70.


Ooops didnt see the unique part. CM Storm Trooper, Storm Scout, NZXT Phantom 410 can be found for $80 ocassionally.

 

[xbx]

How does this look?

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($389.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I Epic Edition (Black/Red) ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.58 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($132.69 @ Outlet PC)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer S200HLAbd 20.0" Monitor ($120.99 @ Adorama)
Keyboard: Logitech G510 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech M500 Wired Laser Mouse ($28.99 @ Mac Mall)
Total: $1550.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-28 21:36 EDT-0400)

 

[burritobob]

Looks good to me, everything checks out just fine and you are on track to your new gaming rig.

 

[xbx]

Thanks. I am ordering soon. Will let you know how it goes.

I appreciate the help.

 

[xbx]

Updated: Changed some perifs, the case, about it i believe

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($389.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: NZXT HALE 90 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($132.69 @ Outlet PC)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer S200HLAbd 20.0" Monitor ($120.99 @ Adorama)
Keyboard: Logitech G510 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Logitech M500 Wired Laser Mouse ($28.99 @ Mac Mall)
Total: $1545.51
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-29 01:22 EDT-0400)

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

Solid build.

 

[xbx]

Solid build.

Do you believe this will be a fast, efficient computer with the ability to do pretty much most things? I just don't want to buy something that will have to be scraped in a year. I'd rather spend more on a better CPU/MB and have them last.

Anything you'd change?

It looks like you have a very similar build, what are the specs and how is it performing?

 

[Marcopolo123]

This is a good build
The only thing i would replace is the power supply to this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151102
Gives you the larger headroom for overclocking if you want to add a second card.
And its from seasonic 80+gold, full modular, best brand when it comes to psus.

I5-3570k and this asrock motherboard will do fine. Dont worry

 

[Gennaios]

in case you take the 3770 its meant you are not going to oc the cpu so in real you dont even need one z77 but one h77!also with the gtx 660 you want one 23 or 24 inch screen otherwise the graphics card will be wasted!you take the card and the screen or not get the card!

 

[n3cw4rr10r]

I am sorry. Didnt notice your monitor. Gennaios is right. Your 7970 would be wasted on a 20" monitor. You can pick up a 23-24" monitor for the same price from Amazon. I recommend ASUS monitors. They run around $120-$170.

 

[xbx]

Ok so I added a 23" monitor. Everything else is the same. Also an HAF case... I just want to double check this is good to go