Thoughts on final build.

[Warcav]

After many weeks of looking around I'm going with:

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($62.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.64 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.75 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($47.52 @ B&H)
Total: $1117.82
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-06 21:20 EDT-0400)

This machine will be primarily used for GW2 and fraps along with WoW. Going to set it up so GW2 and fraps will be on the SSD while recording data to the HDD (money is tight so that's why I went for the 64GB SSD.) Something I'm a little concerned about is the CPU cooler (is it too big?) so any help on that would be great. I'm also going to wait on the 660 Ti and if it's $300, then I'll probably go for it over the 7870. Any feedback is appreciated.

Edit: Is compatibility usually an issue at all? Pretty sure pcpartpicker notifies if certain parts aren't compatible, but just making sure.

[demonskies]

Honestly I would just drop the SSD and save for a bigger one when money permits. I feel myself personally would fill a 64 GB in a few days cuz Id like to have 4-5 games plus essential programs on it.

[Deleted]

A few small changes and fir a 120GB SSD in there while keep the total cost at the same.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek GAIA SD1283 56.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.49 @ B&H)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($294.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ 550W ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.75 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($47.52 @ B&H)
Total: $1116.66
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-06 22:25 EDT-0400)

Better and quieter CPU heat sink.

Bigger SSD as mentioned.

Fully Modular PSU.

Low Profile RAM to make sure they fit with the CPU heat sink (Blue option if you want the colors to match).

If you have a MicroCenter near you don't forget you can get $50 off the motherboard if you purchase it with the CPU.

[Warcav]

Thanks for the responses. I like your build Notarget, the only thing bugging me is the reviews complaining about rebates on the CPU heatsink. Even though there's no rebate now it just makes the company look much less trustworthy.

[Deleted]

I have no experience with them but as there is no MIR on it I wouldn't really worry about it.