$1,200 Gaming/AutoCad build advice

[atila]

Hi,

I'm looking for advice on a build I've been putting together. This'll be my first time building a pc.

My budget, for the pc only, not including peripherals, is around $1,200. I'll be using it for high-end gaming and CAD (autodesk inventor). I originally planned on getting the amd 8350, but I found the i7-3770k for a ridiculously low price so I decided to go with that instead. Anyway, here's the build, any advice would be greatly appreciated:

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

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.69 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($93.59 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($92.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.96 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1243.15
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-01 22:31 EDT-0400) |

 

[Sleepingforest]

It's pretty good, with only a few weak points:

• Unless you actually live near a Microcenter, you can't get that CPU at that price--it's an in-store only offer.
• The PSU is about 200W too big for what you actually need, unless you will be going with a Crossfire setting soon (and I mean WILL, not IF).
• The case is a bit outdated and doesn't offer many amenities that modern cases do, like USB 3.0. That, and the case doesn't have the greatest cooling/acoustics. Try the Fractal Design R4 for good performance and USB 3.0 (though it is pretty plain).
• Microsoft 7 Home Premium will only support 16GB of RAM. Either get Win8 or Windows 7 Pro if you intend on getting more RAM.

 

[atila]

Thanks, and to address your points.

I know about the in-store pick-up, I have a microcenter pretty close, so that's not a problem.

Regarding the power supply, I've gotten mixed opinions about power supply: some say save money and get less, while others have suggested not worrying about going a little overkill. I figure, as relatively cheap as the power supply is, I might as well have plenty of wiggle room to oc/crossfire/upgrade/etc.

Thanks for the catch on the case, how does http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3938566&SID= look?

And lastly, I thought windows 7 premium supported up to 32gb?

 

[mfenn]

I know about the in-store pick-up, I have a microcenter pretty close, so that's not a problem.

Don't forget that you can also take $40 off the price of the motherboard if you buy it with the CPU at MC.

Regarding the power supply, I've gotten mixed opinions about power supply: some say save money and get less, while others have suggested not worrying about going a little overkill. I figure, as relatively cheap as the power supply is, I might as well have plenty of wiggle room to oc/crossfire/upgrade/etc.

There's a difference between buying too much wattage and buying too little quality. A high wattage low-quality power supply is much worse than a properly-sized high quality unit.

The Corsair CX series is fine when you're paying sub-$40, but at $80 it doesn't stack up. I'd much rather have an XFX Core 550W (Seasonic built).

Thanks for the catch on the case, how does http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3938566&SID= look?

Great choice!

And lastly, I thought windows 7 premium supported up to 32gb?

Nope, it's 16GB.