3770 build

[PsychoPsonic]

Thanks for looking! Your input and suggestions are appreciated in advance. So, to answer the 9 questions from the sticky:

1. Gaming, audio/video production, productivity apps
2. $3k USD
3. USA
4. Nvidia, Asus, though not to fanboy troll levels
5. Monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, SSD RAID array
7. Overclock
8. 1900x1200, maybe 3-monitor within a year or so
9. Next 2 weeks


Parts list as it stands now, pending your input:

CPU--3770K
Cooler--Noctua NH-D14
Mobo--Asus P8Z77 WS
RAM--Mushkin Redline 16GB (4 x 4 2133 CAS 9)
HDD--Seagate Barracuda XT 3TB
GPUs--Gigabyte 680 (SLI)
Case--HAF X
PSU--Thermaltake 1200W
ODD--LG WH12LS39
OS--Win7 Pro 64

Couple of questions:

Can I run both video cards at x16 on this mobo?
Is this a good RAM choice?

 

[DSF]

My quick thoughts before my BF3 game loads up:

Mobo: $340 for a motherboard seems excessive no matter what, unless I found the wrong one on Newegg. Why exactly did you choose that one? You can get SLI capability for much less money.

RAM: 4x4 GB shouldn't cost more than $90 or so. The speed of the RAM really isn't all that important. Either way, I would be looking at 2x8GB kits if I were you to leave room for future expansion. No reason to spend this much on a computer and have no upgrade path for your RAM.

GPU: It's fine if you can afford it, but I have to seriously question spending $1000+ on graphics for a 1080P setup. I know you might be moving to 3 monitors, but it might be just as effective (and less expensive, and less hot, and less of a power draw) to get a lower-class second card to drive the two auxilliary monitors, assuming they aren't running 3D stuff.

PSU: Way overkill, even for SLI 680s. You'd be fine with a quality 750W unit.

 

[krnmastersgt]

Agreed with DSF on all points, I really recommend against a 680 SLI set-up as it won't even possibly be necessary till you're on triple monitors. If you want to use all 3 monitors for gaming it might be nice but that is a lot of up front cash as well as heat/power usage for your system.

So you're going to have SSD's, and you're only asking about the parts you're going to purchase for the system yes?

 

[lehtv]

You simply don't build a $3K gaming PC for 1920x1200. You either build a 1.5K to 2K PC, or you upgrade your monitor setup and then build a 2k+ PC.

CPU Good ($350)
Cooler Get Phanteks TC14PE for $70 AP (until tomorrow!), it outperforms D14.
Mobo Agree with DSF, here are some good SLI boards: Gigabyte Z77X-UD3H $160, Asrock Z77 Extreme6 $160, Asus P8Z77-V $190, Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H $190 AP
RAM Agree with DSF, here's a good 2x8GB kit: GeiL Black Dragon $105
HDD That isn't available on newegg and it's >$200 elswhere. Here's a good 3TB 7200RPM drive for $170: Seagate ST3000DM001
GPUs 680 isn't even noticeably faster than 670 despite costing $100 more. I'd get one GTX670 now (e.g. Asus $420) and another when upgrading the monitor setup.
Case You can get equally good cooling with a Rosewill Thor V2 $120.
PSU Way, way, way overkill. You could power GTX 670 quad-SLI with that. Here: XFX 850W XXX modular 80+silver $140 ($120 AR)
ODD OK ($80)
OS OK (OEM $140)

Total about $1750

edit: At this budget I'd definitely get a dedicated sound card

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Mobo--Asus P8Z77 WS

Can I run both video cards at x16 on this mobo?

Not to be a jerk but did you even look at the specs on the board before coming to your decision on the motherboard?

If the e-tailer didn't have it listed, reference to New Egg. They usually will have the full specs plus a link to the hardware vendor.

Sorry if you already knew this: just trying to help.

Get a quality PSU. I don't remember Thermaltake as being a good PSU maker, then again I have a bad memory. I would recommend the Seasonic X 650w for a single GPU solution but since you are intending on dual GPUs I'm going to have to commit a sin around here and suggest the Seasonic Platinum 860w.

Get a GTX 670 with a 680 PCB board. I've heard they are a little bit better. The EVGA FTW 670 is a fantastic card, draws less juice under load, and cost ~ 100$ less than the 680, afaik

 

[lehtv]

but since you are intending on dual GPUs I'm going to have to commit a sin around here and suggest the Seasonic Platinum 860w.

Infidel! Heretic!

The Seasonic Platinum 860W is probably the best unit at that wattage that money can buy. If you want the best, this is where it's at, but it's not necessarily going to have any practical advantages over the XFX 850W semi-modular unit. You'll get the same amount of oomph and your components are practically just as safe with either PSU, and the difference between 80+silver and 80+platinum isn't really big enough to matter much. The Platinum unit will be fanless at low-medium loads but it's not going to make any difference in a case like HAF X or Thor V2.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Infidel! Heretic!

I sin, I sin! ()

The Seasonic Platinum 860W is probably the best unit at that wattage that money can buy. If you want the best, this is where it's at, but it's not necessarily going to have any practical advantages over the XFX 850W semi-modular unit. You'll get the same amount of oomph and your components are practically just as safe with either PSU, and the difference between 80+silver and 80+platinum isn't really big enough to matter much. The Platinum unit will be fanless at low-medium loads but it's not going to make any difference in a case like HAF X or Thor V2.

Indeed. I knew there were better price per dollar units out there but I couldn't think of one off-hand , Thanks!


Are there any other good PSU's in that watt range?

 

[mfenn]

You simply don't build a $3K gaming PC for 1920x1200. You either build a 1.5K to 2K PC, or you upgrade your monitor setup and then build a 2k+ PC.

Agree wholeheartedly. You don't drop $1K on video cards for something that you might do in a year or so.

I agree with Lehtv's and DSF's other recommendations as well.

 

[serpretetsky]

op check your private inbox.