Final thoughts on my build?

[SnakeZ]

Hey all, im from Ireland buying a gaming/future proof and long last computer. Just wondering what you guys think on it all and any suggestion or changes you would make(if you would buy or have the money to buy this setup).

MONITOR - BENQ XL2411T http://www.benq.com/product/monitor/xl2411t
KEYBOARD - Sidewinder X4 http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/sidewinder-x4-keyboard
MOUSE - Just some Logitech mouse lol
OPTICAL DRIVE - ASUS DRW-24B5ST http://www.asus.com/Optical_Drives/DRW24B5ST/
CASE - Corsair 500R http://www.corsair.com/carbide-series-500r-mid-tower-case.html

CPU - Intel i5-3570k http://ark.intel.com/products/65520/Intel-Core-i5-3570K-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_80-GHz
GPU - EVGA GF GTX 670 2GB FTW http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=02G-P4-2678-KR
PSU - Corsair HX750W http://www.corsair.com/en/power-sup...-watt-80-plus-gold-certified-modular-psu.html
RAM - Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB http://www.corsair.com/en/memory-by...-16gb-1600mhz-cl9-ddr3-cml16gx3m2a1600c9.html
SSD - Samsung 840 PRO 256GB http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/memory-storage/MZ-7PD256BW
MOBO - ASUS Sabertooth Z77 http://ie.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/SABERTOOTH_Z77/
OS - Windows 8 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/meet

I will be buying the last item later... about a month or 2 down the line for Xbox gameplay.

Speakers - Genius GX SW-G2 http://www.gx-gaming.com/?action=products&wtype=Speakers

I picked Win8 because I have Win8 phone and like the layout so... and plz gimmeh suggestions on new monitor and speakers, especially the speakers(I know nothing about speakers but these have good reviews).

Thanks in advance

 

[Sleepingforest]

Okay, so: you don't need 16GB RAM for gaming, and you certainly don't need a 750W PSU, an 840 Pro, or Asus Sabertooth board. You're spending a lot in weird places--at this point, the parts in the PC matter less and getting solid peripherals is a better use of money.

I actually approve of the Nvidia card, regardless of what others will tell you about price/performance, because it supports Lightboost (a strobing effect that makes the LCD behave like a CRT in terms of blurring). You will have to lower details to achieve the 120 frames per second to achieve the effect though.

For gaming, you should really look into a headset. They're practically a wallhack if you get a good pair.

Try to answer these questions for better, more specific advice:

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?


At the end of the day it's your money. There's only so much we can do.

Putting my advice into practice:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition 89.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Biostar TZ77A ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($103.55 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($103.65 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($61.17 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($389.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($78.00 @ Mechanical Keyboards)
Mouse: Logitech G400 Wired Optical Mouse ($21.75 @ Amazon)
Total: $1742.03
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-12 00:08 EDT-0400)

Plus a $300 AKG Q701 headset (possibly paired with the K702 Anniversary Edition's ear pads for extra base warmth)--it's ridiculously precise in sound when combined with even an average sound card like the $40 Asus Xonar DGX. (make sure you're gaming in virtual surround rather than stereo!). I can guarantee that headphones are better and cheaper for solo gaming (as in, you're the only one who needs to hear the sound--not necessarily only in the single player campaign).

The case I picked is pretty standard around here when the build price goes above $1100, as it's very quiet, cool, and pretty good looking (I mean, brushed aluminum front and black sides just scream "classy"). I made sure to pick a monitor that supports Lightboost, by the way--yours was actually not immediately capable. Getting a good gaming keyboard and mouse is actually really helpful--the mechanical switches and backlighting on the keyboard help in responsiveness and visibility, while the extra buttons on the mouse's side are pretty much universally useful (they replace hotkeys used most frequently).

 

[Torn Mind]

The many variants in Asus's P8Z77-V series are all more compelling than the Sabertooth.

 

[SnakeZ]

Ok so first of all thanks alot Sleepingforest and Torn Mind.

First of all what do you mean that the XL2411T is not immediately capable "yours was actually not immediately capable" on the Benq website it says it is. Secondly what P8Z77-V is the best? Ill be downgrading to the 8GB of RAM but the Samsung SSD is so much mor reliable and quicker. Keyboard looks good and I will be looking into gaming headsets. I already have an x11 from my xbox, is that good for pc or will the 1 u suggested be better and why?

 

[Sleepingforest]

I mean that the XL2311T can't use Lightboost. If that means nothing to you or you don't care, that panel is fine--I just recommended a monitor that can.

For you? I'd recommend a P8Z77V-LK or -LX. Much cheaper, almost all the same features.

On the issue of the SSD: the 840 isn't noticeably slower than the 840 Pro, and both are backed by the same company, so if you insist on Samsung, try looking at the standard 840.

The headset question: pretty much any set of audiophile headphones will beat a mainstream gamer headset for precision and quality of sound at the same price level. I recommend what is basically the best of the best for gaming, but you can keep looking if you'd like.

It's better because it can take more advantage of the computer hardware to make a sound EXACTLY as though you were actually in combat. So you can hear enemy footsteps behind a wall or behind you, or the sound of their fire precisely, and know where they are without actually seeing them. That's a huge advantage over simple speakers and gamer headsets (even a 5.1 set) simply because you can get more precise for less money.

Here's a review:

Fun: I want to give them an 8 for fun, and they do deserve that most of the time, but there are times when you can tell that sub bass is lacking. Don't get me wrong, they can be bassy at times, but its leaning more towards mid bass (the quick hits), than the ambient/mood setting bass that I prefer. Still, they can get very fun at times, and anyone looking for a well balanced can that can perform great overall, these are better than the PC360 and DT880 overall.

Competitive: I can't directly compare the two for competitive use, but no one should pass these up for the slight decrease in score. They are essentially just as good, but the K701 lacks a warmth I deem necessary for overall use, so you end up really focusing on details, which is the main strength in the K701. The emphasis on detail retrieval is what makes the K701 just beastly. The Q701 is tuned for more enjoyment FWIH, though they are still detail monsters, just not as glaringly obvious. As far as positional cues and accuracy, they are every bit as good as the K701. Soundstage may be just a smidge smaller, but I attribute that to the fuller sound. Soundstage to me is bigger on headphones that lack a lower end, letting the space breathe more, if that makes sense.

Seriously, get the Q701 over the K701. Its just an overall better can. If you seriously just want detail whoring for gaming, the money is better spent/saved on some AD700s. The K701 is overkill for that specific need, as the Q701 can be just as good, and be enjoyable outside of gaming. I didn't like the K701 for anything other than competitive gaming. I like the Q701 for most purposes. I tend to use them over the D7000 when watching my favorite shows, due to comfort (love me open+velour pads), and voices are clearer, or playing games that aren't reliant on bass. My D7000 is mostly for music, action movies, and intense games.

As far as my second fave balanced can (DT880) compared the Q701, the DT880 slightly edges out the Qs in fun due to having a more appreciable amount of low end which makes them better to me for music and fun gaming, but falls short on competitive for the lack of positional accuracy. Still, for the uses that I need my balanced can for, the Q701 is still a better fit due to richer mids, better comfort (one of the few who doesn't take Beyers well comfort-wise), and just great all-purpose gaming cans.

Comfort-wise, quite polarizing. A lot of people have issue with the headband's bumps. I won't lie, they take getting used to. However, once you've beared with it enough, your head will get desensitized by that particular sensation. The bumps no longer affect me in the least. I find them decent to good. My main complaint now is that I wish the headband extended just a little more. I have to fully extend them to fit me properly, and it's quite noticeably felt, though it's not a real discomfort.

I need to mention that while the Q701 is a better overall can than the old K701 to me, the difference is not night and day. They essentially sound VERY similar, with a slight tonal difference. The difference was definitely enough for me to say it's worth choosing the Q701. Need to clear that up, in case people are expecting a big difference. Think of the Q701 as a very slightly EQ-ed K701, with added warmth and very slightly more bass. If anyone has ever used the Fiio E7, you can say the Q701 is somewhat like using the K701 with EQ-1. EQ-1 on the Fiio E7 is really just a slight nudge upwards for bass (slight), and a warmer/fuller sound.

Like the K701, they desire amping when using voice chat. The sound also scales with amping, but isn't really necessary.

Update 3/5/2013: So it seems that the K702 Anniversary and Q701 are essentially the same sound-wise, the difference being attributed to the K702 Anniversary having memory foam pads that alter the sound. The new sound gives these headphones a warmer, thicker body, with bass that now meets the mids, for an even more balanced sound, though not as immediately airy as the Q701 pads.

If you happen to already own the Q701, you might want to invest on some K702 Anniversary memory foam pads which will bring the sound to a new level, one I personally feel is superior in bass, balance, body, and fun. The Annie pads will still allow the Q701 to be very detailed, and amazing for competitive play, but with the added benefit of being more fun.

Which is better? Well, now that they're known to be essentially the same with different pads being what harbors the difference in sound, the K702 Anniversary still has the added benefit of a flat headband which is much more comfortable. They are also limited in quantity and aesthetics, if you are into that. Buying new, the Q701 + Annie pads will cost over $300, while the Annie is ready to go at $400 (when hunting for deals). If you are brave enough to mod the headband on the Q701, you can also pay for a K601 headband which will be flat and more comfy than the stock headband. Still, I have seen a thread on the mod, and doesn't seem easy. This will further bump up the price to perhaps about $50 less than just getting the Annie anyways. If you have owned the Q701 already, you can basically renew them for around $100 for the Annie pads and K601 headband, which is probably more appealing and cost effective than spending $400 to replace the Q701 for the Annie, barring selling your Q701 to fund for the Annie as some of us have done.

The conclusion?

Fun: 7/10 (Pretty Good. More warmth, fullness, and bass than the OLD K701. Still slightly lacking a little in bass most of the time, but engaging in other areas.)

Competitive: 9.5/10 (Amazing. The Q701 is basically about 98% as good as the K701 for competitive use. The reason it gets a lower score is because it's not as competitive oriented as the K701, though ultimately, I would suggest the Q701 anyways, as it's more enjoyable all around and still god-mode inducing.)

Comfort: 7/10 (Good, The bumps may be an issue for some people, though I say they have to let their heads adjust to the feeling.)

 

[SnakeZ]

Yeah was just looking at the standard 840 SSD there thanks. BTW im still confused on you saying that the XL2311T cant use lightboost, there is no 2311T its the 2411T (http://www.benq.com/product/monitor/xl2411t) Sry if im being an naggy on this its just i hate being unsure and confused lol. Thanks for all this help btw.

 

[Sleepingforest]

Yeah, sorry, I meant to say that the 2411T can't, only the 2420T (and some other, non-BenQ monitors) can.

 

[SnakeZ]

Yeah but it says on that link that the 11T has lightboost. On that link just ctrl-f and type lightboost to find it fast there it says certified

 

[Sleepingforest]

Oh, okay then. I was talking about this thread. The thing I'm talking about is a special hack of Lightboost to eliminate pixel persistence and motion blur.

 

[SnakeZ]

Cool thanks, but dose the lightboost work from out of the box on the 11T(or in the settings menu) or do i have to do the steps on the thread you linked?

 

[Sleepingforest]

You have to update your drivers, install an override .INF file (to trick the video card into thinking it's a different monitor), install a registry hack, and then force 3D on (even though the monitor will be in 2D.)