Class Project, What to Buy

[james1701]

Ok, in about 6 weeks, I need to build a new pc for a class project. I have about $800.00 to spend, and can reuse any current hardware I have if I wanted.

I currently am running a 980X, but this might be the time to upgrade to a 3770K and sell the 980X and RE3 board and pocket a few bucks.

I plan on using my HX1000, my SSD and HD's and two 7970's. I am on the fence on using my HAF X or trying something new.

My biggest question is what mobo to go with. I am thinking about an Asus P8Z77-V Thunderbolt. Does this board have any advantage over the Pro model?

The very downside to this as I am limited to only Tiger Direct as a supplier, because its through the school, and we are doing the class about 1 term too early to get a Haswell rig going.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

My biggest question is what mobo to go with. I am thinking about an Asus P8Z77-V Thunderbolt. Does this board have any advantage over the Pro model?

No, they're pretty much identical except for Thunderbolt. So it depends on weather or not you need TB...

 

[james1701]

Thanks. Is there anything that is head and shoulders better than what I am looking at out there?

 

[Sleepingforest]

Yes, there is a better option. A P8Z77-V LK has all the Crossfire ability you need for $100 less.

 

[james1701]

It looks like that does not have the Intel Nic, or some of the wireless tech. Any other brands I should think about?

 

[Insert_Nickname]

It looks like that does not have the Intel Nic, or some of the wireless tech. Any other brands I should think about?

If you want an Intel NIC, Gigabyte also has them on the Z77X-UD5H and higher. Lower end boards usually only have a Realtek/Atheros/Broadcom NIC. If you add the cost of a standard Intel 82574 card, the "expensive" board usually ends up cheaper...

As for WIFI, that's a cheap commodity upgrade in either PCI/PCIe/USB package. But again check pricing.