New build based off of Marest $1500

[Mezmoro]

Hey guys,

I'm throwing this out for your review, if you wouldn't mind taking a look. I've built a number of machines over the years and I normally have things work out OK, but I am no expert. I based this build off of Marest's sample $1500 machine because I liked a number of the parts, which I cross referenced with a number of tomshardware guides. Here is the template:

Gaming 1500
MoBo: ASUS Sabertooth Z77 – $239.99 Review
CPU: Intel i5 3570k – $229.99
RAM: G.Skill Sniper 1600Mhz 2x4GB – $45.99
GPU: ASUS DCII 7970 – $469.99
SSD: Samsung 830 128GB – $99.99
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint 1TB – $89.99
PSU: Corsair TX550M – $99.99 Review
Heatsink: Noctua NH-U12P – $75.99
Case: Corsair 650D – $179.99 Review
--------------------------------------------------
Estimated Total Price – $1511

Here are the differences with what I wanted to use: (I am prohibited from using links, come to find out)

MoBo:
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ~ $135 + $8 shipping
Reason: It tied for best in tomshardware's Seven Sub-$160 Z77 Express Motherboards, Reviewed. It is cheaper and probably offers less features than the recommended board. Is there any reason this is too little board for the rest of my hardware?

GPU:
GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB ~ $300 - $20 rebate
Reason: Cheaper. I don't really want to go over 300. Rated best for $ for the month at tomshadware

PSU:
Corsair Enthusiast TX V2 Series 750-Watt ~ $107
Reason: Want room to add a 2nd GPU in crossfire in the future. I currently hate dealing with 2x gpus in my double 4850HD build, but if I can future proof this way I'll do it.

Extras:
StarTech.com 12-Inch 4 Pin Fan Power Splitter Cable - F/M ~ $7
Reason: Cooler has 2 fans.

Silverstone Tek 19 Pin USB3.0 Adapter Cable ~ $13
Reason: Case has pass thru USB 3.0 with no mobo plug.

If you have made it this far, I sincerely thank you. Please let me know if I've made any bone head moves, I'm fairly confident this stuff will be OK for my needs: ~3 years of reasonably high end settings for the MMO of the day, games like Skyrim, Borderlands2, and whatever I can get off of steam for half price

p.s. I planned to use the thermal grease from Noctua. Is that ok? Also I will likely put on way too much and defeat the purpose.

Thanks!
Mez

[n0cturnal]

Looks like good changes too me, not sure if you really need a 750W PSU but that is up to you, you can skip the fan splitter since there are 3 fan headers close to the CPU socket on that motherboard. Nocuta comes with a good quality thermal paste so it is fine.

[BicycleMafioso]

If you would have to have a more powerful PSU, I recommend against the TX-series. They are fine by their own right, but they have a rather agressive fgan curve.
I'd go with a Seasonic M12II 650w or a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207014

[yurano]

If you wanted, you can swap out the Samsung Spinpoint for a WD Caviar Green 2TB for $15 more. http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita...words=wd20earx

Passmark says the WD Caviar Green is faster.

[n0cturnal]

If you wanted, you can swap out the Samsung Spinpoint for a WD Caviar Green 2TB for $15 more. http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita...words=wd20earx

Passmark says the WD Caviar Green is faster.

While the Transfer speeds might be faster since the drive is larger the access time of a 5400RPM is pretty bad. Also passmark is kind of bad.

[Mezmoro]

Wow, thanks a lot for the quick tips guys.