$2k gaming computer - 4770k + GTX770; any changes?

[eta508]

- Computer built for gaming at 1920x1080 (single 24" monitor to start, possibly a 2nd in the future)
- I'll be doing a mild overclock (~4Ghz) on air cooling
- United States
- Price around around 2k and includes most peripherals

Spec'd out this build and I think I'm usually reasonably quality parts, but I only catch up on computer parts when it's time to build a new one (current i7-920 + 5870 from 3.5 years ago is still ok for me, but I am giving it to a family member that needs it) so I don't know all the latest and greatest builds.

What changes would you make to any parts? I know the 7970 instead of 770 will probably come recommended, but the reason I'm going 770 is that it's not that much more and I get the benefit of having lightboost enabled with my monitor selection in non-3D game playing.

UPDATED BUILD through POST #26
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX4 4g Thermal Paste ($9.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.74 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($56.34 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Wired Laser Mouse ($42.50 @ Newegg)
Other: ZOWIE GEAR G-TF SPEED e-Sport Gaming Mouse Pad ($29.99)
Total: $1998.42
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-30 10:38 EDT-0400)

ORIGINAL BUILD :
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Silver Arrow CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($69.30 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill THOR V2 ATX Full Tower Case ($101.29 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Wired Laser Mouse ($42.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $2121.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 22:31 EDT-0400)

 

[Termie]

Welcome to the forums, eta508.

Looks pretty good. I'd skip the pro version of win 8 unless you're sure you need it for some specific purpose. Also, I hope you're taking advantage of a combo deal on that cpu and motherboard, which PCPartPicker apparently didn't tell you about. Also, that SanDisk SSD is truly overpriced. Go for Samsung or the Vector at that price.

By the way, you don't need more than 2GB of vram for 1080p.

 

[eta508]

Thanks! I guess the bbcode doesn't include it, but it did take off $100 for the newegg chip+mb combo.

Good advice on the windows version. Usually I always get free copies of ultimate/pro but have no such luck this time; I'll get standard version. Updated 1st post.

 

[Termie]

Thanks! I guess the bbcode doesn't include it, but it did take off $100 for the newegg chip+mb combo.

Good advice on the windows version. Usually I always get free copies of ultimate/pro but have no such luck this time; I'll get standard version. Updated 1st post.

Ok, sounds good. One last thing - that's a nice cooler, but it's overkill for a mild overclock. Maybe go for the Thermalright True Spirit instead for $50.

 

[mnewsham]

Some general notes:

1: 8GB of RAM on a $2k system? Go ahead and step it up to 2x8GB also anything over 1600Mhz is fairly useless in terms of actual performance returns for your money, you are looking at 1% difference in performance for a 15-25% difference in price, it makes no sense to get anything faster.

2: That is a very loud CPU cooler, I personally prefer the Noctua NH-D14

3: That power supply is about twice as large as you really need, look at decent quality 500w units, for example this 550w cooler master unit.

4: why are you buying a 4GB GTX 770? That doesn't make sense, you are only running a single monitor @ 1920x1080 I just don't see any reason at all for 3-4GB unless you are running 3+ 1920x1080 or 2560x1440 or something similarly large. A simple regular GTX 770 is fine, unless you think you have a specific need for more VRAM.

5: lastly, a rosewill case? i mean, they aren't BAD but there are better cases out there and cases that wont take up a ton of space like that one, you aren't running a dual CPU quad GPU rig, no need for full tower cases, mid tower is all you need. I like Fractal design.


some other smaller things I could bring up, but that's the main stuff.

 

[Cerb]

If your budget is already that much, IMO, just get a nice 2x8GB RAM kit.

SSD comaprison (but w/o any OCZ)*
The price difference isn't much, but the Neutron GTX is definitely the value pick of the bunch, if you want something really fast; while the Sandisk Ultra Plus is a good value option. The Plextor M5S is worth considering if it's physically at Microcenter, though.

Oh, and you may as well go with the WD10EZEX (Blue 1TB), unless you're buying the Black for a longer warranty.

Finally, have you handled that mouse? If not, any reason for getting it over going with Logitech+Logitech for mouse+KB?

* also, the Sandisk Extreme 1st-gen and Corsair Force series are to be ignored

P.S. Looked up the case...that looks like it be improved upon with any number of Corsair or Fractal Design cases. It's going to need way more CFM for a given temp, and will be a dust magnet.

 

[eta508]

1. I'm surprised by the 2 memory kit suggestions - I've never heard of either of those brands and always stuck to the well known names before. Any reason for these choices? Never thought I'd need more than 8gb, but I'll prob make the switch to 16 if I can drop the MHz.

2. That SSD is getting really good reviews and sites have been saying it's arguably better than an 840.

3. I have a cubic crapton of games at any one time so I prefer the performance of a black over blue drive any day for the slightly higher cost. I'm not just storing music/movies/pics on it. So, I think I'll stick with the WD black.

4. My current computer is in a HAF 932 and I absolutely love it. It's my first tower case and it was so much easier to build and route wires. Since two people brought up the fractal, I'll consider it...

5. Damn, people still recommend the D14 cooler? is that thing older than pentium chips? Given the new case, and knowing I'm only going for a 4GHz overlock, any change in recommendation?

6. I went with the HX850 just because it's currently the same price as the HX750 I was originaly going to get. I always try to over-buy on the PS just in case I ever slap a 2nd video card in it.

7. Regarding the mouse, I'm not sure yet, that's just a placeholder by I liked the shape of it with the thumb button. My current Logitech G9x is good but the thumb button doesn't fit me well when playing games.

Revised working build (also updated 1st post):
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Silver Arrow CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($449.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Wired Laser Mouse ($42.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $2121.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 23:29 EDT-0400)

 

[eta508]

Been reading reviews on the Fractal Design R4 and they don't seem all that great. Reviews are pretty much like "yeah, it's good at it's price point, but there are better choices for a +$30...).

Seems like the antec 1100 or Corsair 550D score better in OC cooling tests for a mid-tower. Noise isn't that big of an issue for me.

 

[Termie]

Been reading reviews on the Fractal Design R4 and they don't seem all that great. Reviews are pretty much like "yeah, it's good at it's price point, but there are better choices for a +$30...).

Seems like the antec 1100 or Corsair 550D score better in OC cooling tests for a mid-tower. Noise isn't that big of an issue for me.

The R4 is a case designed for silence. The 1100 and 550D are better overall gaming cases. The 550D in particular has seen some dramatic price drops lately, but the 1100 will beat it at cooling.

 

[Subyman]

Any reason that the 770 is 449? I thought they were $399 MSRP.

I definitely agree with the others. The 550D is a fantastic case. I'm sitting less than a foot from mine and it is inaudible. I saw the Fractal Design cases at Microcenter and was not impressed. Seemed flimsy compared to the Corsair cases. As for RAM, I'd do Mushkin/Corsair/GSkill/Crucial and not much else.

 

[mnewsham]

I'd do Mushkin/Corsair/GSkill/Crucial and not much else.

well considering literally every single RAM company out their is sourcing the RAM from the same foundries as everyone else, it really doesn't matter where the hell you buy your RAM from, it is almost literally all the same, there are a few out there that are total shit, but they are very rare from what I have experienced.

 

[mnewsham]

Seems like the antec 1100 or Corsair 550D score better in OC cooling tests for a mid-tower. Noise isn't that big of an issue for me.

yeah for me noise is fairly decent issue as my desktop is within 5 feet of where i sleep, so i prefer as quiet as I can reasonably get it. If sound dampening isn't on your list of priorities obviously there will be better options for you

 

[lehtv]

UPDATED BUILD through POST #7
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Silver Arrow CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($449.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech G710 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Wired Laser Mouse ($42.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $2121.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-29 23:29 EDT-0400)

CPU - excellent
Cooler - this is ridiculously overkill for a mild overclock. Just get a hyper 212 evo and call it a day, or set your mind on a bigger OC
Mobo - excellent
RAM - excellent
SSD - can't see why you'd pay 35% more for this, over samsung 840 250gb, it's just not that much better and even if it was, it would make zero difference for the average user, so it's not worth paying extra for anyway
HDD - caviar blue 1TB $66 or st2000dm001 $90
GPU - Gigabyte 770 4GB $450 - yes, I would get a 4GB card for any high performance gaming PC with SLI support. 2GB just isn't enough to take full advantage of the power of two 770's, even my single 7950 3GB can use over 2GB of VRAM in some games
Case - Great case but not optimal for SLI compatibility. I think the Thor V2 you picked originally was a good one. It's still pretty quiet and cools ridiculously well. However being a Fractal fan I also have to recommend Arc Midi R2
PSU - I wouldn't buy a HX series unit at this time, AFAIK there are some fairly common coil whine / high pitch noise issues with the new HX series. And that particular unit is overkill by 100-200W anyway (for dual 770's). Rosewill Capstone 750-M $120, no rebate hassle
Optical - good
OS - good, pick up at amazon
Monitor - excellent
Keyboard - I have it, and while it's definitely good, the paint is sub par, I've already chipped off the paint from S and D keys within 1-2 months of use. (The wrist rest is also rather useless cos it's not big enough, i.e. your wrist will rest on the table). But otherwise good
Mouse How do you know you will like this? A mouse is a personal piece of kit that must feel comfortable to use. To me, this looks quite uncomfortable, unless you have just the right size hand and grip the mouse with a palm grip instead of fingertip/claw. Also the 8200DPI just makes me laugh... oh dear. I currently use Zowie AM, but it's really expensive on newegg . Check out Storm Recon, G400s, G400
Mousepad A good gaming mouse is almost useless without a good gaming mouse mat. If you want the best, Zowie G-TF speed $30. But a CM Control RX would probably be pretty good as well

 

[eta508]

okay, updated cooler to Hyper 212 Evo and I do like that FD Arc Midi R2.
Went back to the 4GB 770 since it's the same price as the Lightning 2GB I changed it to.

I've had bad experiences with Seagate so I'll still stick with the WD Black over the Baracuda even with it have 2x the storage for similar price.

I did add a mouse pad and AS5 to the build.

Power Supplies are a struggle for me as they all look the same. I need modular or semi-modular with either a Gold or Platinum rating. I don't like the idea of going lower than 750W so I have the option to go SLI. Any recommendations?

Also, better suggestion for the keyboard? the thought of the paint coming off is bothersome to me if you're saying that's happened to your G710. My Logi G15 is 4 years old and still as good as Day 1 (although it's backlit - thinking about this some more, I think I want to make sure I stay with a backlit keyboard). Maybe a Logitech G510 or even a MS Sidewinder x4.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($5.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.61 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.74 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($56.34 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Wired Laser Mouse ($42.50 @ Newegg)
Other: COOLER MASTER Control-RX (SGS-6000-KKSL1) Mouse Pad ($16.99)
Total: $2066.04
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-30 09:31 EDT-0400)

 

[DSF]

The AS5 is really unnecessary unless you just want to have some goop on hand for future tinkering. That can often come in handy. However, if you're thinking you'll need it for the installation, you don't - the cooler will come with some thermal paste and it's just fine.

As far as the power supply, what's making you believe you need Gold or Platinum? They're as much marketing as they are substance, and they're certainly not worth paying a price premium for. If you catch a deal on a Gold PSU that's obviously great, but there's no reason you need to be spending above $80-100 for a very nice 750W PSU. Power Supplies are the kind of part that go on outstanding sales from time to time, so there's almost always a steeply discounted PSU from a quality manufacturer that will fit your build. The key is not to get yourself locked into one brand, wattage or 80+ certification.

 

[cbk]

1. You don't need to spend $16 on a mouse pad, try this:

http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Qc...teelseries+qck EDIT: Don't buy this.


2. If you want a little more screen real estate, go for the Samsung 27' Class. It is 3" larger than the Asus monitor you have in your part list, at the same price: EDIT: Never mind, I see that the bit rate is better on the Asus

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Fe3m7AoddFwABw

If a mod is looking at this post, please delete it.

 

[lehtv]

The AS5 is a waste of money, the cooler comes with thermal paste.

The motherboard and CPU are available in a combo where you save $100, putting you below your max. budget: http://promotions.newegg.com/intel/13-2602/index.html

The PSU is still overkill, it supports three GTX 770's, you'll never use three.

The Sandisk SSD is still overpriced, it is nowhere near $60 better for the average user (yes, you are an average user).

The rest looks good tbh

You don't need to spend $16 on a mouse pad, try this.
http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Mi...ords=mouse+paf

Eh, that's ridiculously small. If there's real estate on the table, why not fill it, it's just a few dollars more. My personal experience is that size matters. Even a large pad can run out of area in fast FPS games, and my mouse sensitivity isn't very slow.

Also, Cooler Master has rounded edges. I've owned a QcK pad, the edges started to fray within about 6 months - not good. Currently I own a zowie pad, have owned for 2 years, it's as good as new.

 

[cbk]

The AS5 is a waste of money, the cooler comes with thermal paste.

The motherboard and CPU are available in a combo where you save $100, putting you below your max. budget: http://promotions.newegg.com/intel/13-2602/index.html

The PSU is still overkill, it supports three GTX 770's, you'll never use three.

The Sandisk SSD is still overpriced, it is nowhere near $60 better for the average user (yes, you are an average user).

The rest looks good tbh


Eh, that's ridiculously small. If there's real estate on the table, why not fill it, it's just a few dollars more. My personal experience is that size matters. Even a large pad can run out of area in fast FPS games, and my mouse sensitivity isn't very slow.

Also, Cooler Master has rounded edges. I've owned a QcK pad, the edges started to fray within about 6 months - not good. Currently I own a zowie pad, have owned for 2 years, it's as good as new.

Oops, I meant to put this, not the Mini version, but I've heard that Zowie products are built well.
http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Qc...teelseries+qck

If a mod is looking at this post, please delete it.

 

[Termie]

lehtv - I think he found that combo deal. PCPartPicker just doesn't show it when listed here. And I agree, I'm not sure how he came upon that SanDisk SSD for $230. That's not even in the ballpark of reason.

For the record, I love my SteelSeries 4HD mouse pad - http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Pr...2600388&sr=1-4

I tend to like compact pads, and this one is a durable plastic, not foam rubber.

 

[eta508]

Okay, switched mouse pad, dropped AS5, changed to a 750W PS that is still modular and got decent reviews from a few overall PS rankings. It's a tossup whether I like the XFX or Rosewill Capstone better and the XFX is a few dollars cheaper.

I do like hard mouse pads, so that might change and the mouse as well - I'll head to microcenter and figure out which feels the best.

24" is really what I like to game at. I have a 27" at work and feel it'd be too big. I'm sold on the 120/144Hz refresh as well.

I'm amazed the SSD is getting so much hate when this site gave it such a glowing review. I definitely plan on filling it up and the reviews really stressed how this is the best card for that and beat the 840 pro.

I'll probably be placing the order today or tomorrow so get your last updates in I really appreciate the help.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($349.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Extreme II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.61 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.74 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VG248QE 144Hz 24.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($56.34 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Cooler Master CM Storm Sentinel Advance II Wired Laser Mouse ($42.50 @ Newegg)
Other: ZOWIE GEAR G-TF SPEED e-Sport Gaming Mouse Pad ($29.99)
Total: $2053.06
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-30 10:11 EDT-0400)

 

[cbk]

lehtv - I think he found that combo deal. PCPartPicker just doesn't show it when listed here. And I agree, I'm not sure how he came upon that SanDisk SSD for $230. That's not even in the ballpark of reason.

For the record, I love my SteelSeries 4HD mouse pad - http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Pr...2600388&sr=1-4

I tend to like compact pads, and this one is a durable plastic, not foam rubber.

Yeah! SS FTW!

 

[lehtv]

Okay, switched mouse pad,

Can't really agree with this, the regular QcK is only $2 cheaper than the CM pad (-15% promo), and the latter is almost definitely better and will last longer.

Good find on the XFX 750W Gold for $110 !

I'm amazed the SSD is getting so much hate when this site gave it such a glowing review.

No one's denying that it's a great SSD. The fact is, that your usage scenario does not benefit at all from the extra $60 spent on it compared to Samsung 840.

For the record, I love my SteelSeries 4HD mouse pad - http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Pr...2600388&sr=1-4

I tend to like compact pads, and this one is a durable plastic, not foam rubber.

I have that pad as well, it's horrible for me . The texture on the plastic surface causes a lot of friction on the skin if your hand sweats even a little bit. It's just uncomfortable and harmful to aiming. And it doesn't stay put as easily as my Zowie cloth pad.

 

[Termie]

I assume you're referring to Anand's findings regarding SSD consistency here: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7006/sandisk-extreme-ii-review-480gb/2

I certainly can't dispute his findings, but he really has a laser-beam focus on an aspect of SSD performance that is potentially more important to his big-buck enterprise advertisers/readers, rather than gamers.

I've been a loyal reader of Anandtech for 8 years, and I can definitely tell that the focus on gaming coverage, and frankly all build-your-own enthusiast coverage, has lessened.

 

[eta508]

okay, so the consensus is to go with the regular Samsung 840 then?

I've had good results with AS5 and the paste that comes with a cooler can be hard to apply at times (at least the 1 I tried to use 6 years ago I didn't like and redid with AS5).

I'll make a gametime decision on the mouse pad and mouse (that qck or qck+ looks huge. My current desk wouldn't even fit on the keyboard pull out. I have an 8x10" allsop hard pad that is good enough for my playing although I do run out of room occasionally).

 

[Termie]

AS5 isn't worth buying anymore. The fact that you used it 6 years ago should be a clue to that.

I'd go for Noctua NT-H1, Gelid GC-Extreme, or Arctic MX-4, although the stock Cooler Master TIM is pretty good.