[US] Need some advice with new gamaing comp, please. :)

[Vynrael]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ws36
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ws36/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ws36/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($157.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Red 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Eleven Hundred ATX Full Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($49.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHBS112-04 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1937.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-07 22:16 EST-0500)

Basically what I'm trying to accomplish here is a build that can play games (WoW, GW2, Farcry,... ect.) on high/ultra settings while recording at 60fps. I'm not to knowledgeable with computers, so I tried looking into several brands/models with each of the parts, and this is the list I came up with. I'm hoping it's a little overkill, so I can save myself some cash (:P) but I'm looking to spend max around $2,000.

The monitors I don't really need, but I've always wanted a 3 screen set up, hehe. Other than that, I'm not really looking for any new peripherals, as I enjoy my set up.

Thanks for taking the time to review my soon-to-be-hopefully-future rig.

[n0cturnal]

A 7770 is not enough to run most of the more graphically advanced games at high/ultra settings, certainly not with 3 screens.

You also have a Mini-ITX motherboard and Full tower ATX case which seems a bit weird.

WD Red drives are specially made for NAS and not needed for a build like this.

------

This would be a more reasonable build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($204.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($35.57 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Eleven Hundred ATX Full Tower Case ($99.43 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($65.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHBS112-04 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($68.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1862.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-07 22:47 EST-0500)

[Idrinkwhiterussians]

Here is a revised build for you, a bit less than your budget posted, but with quite a few refinements.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($369.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case ($95.68 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($135.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Dell U2312HM 23.0" Monitor ($245.41 @ Mac Connection)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Mouse: Corsair Vengeance M90 Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $1789.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-07 22:43 EST-0500)

1. You had the locked 3570. Add the K for the unlocked processor and OC in the future.
2. MB was ITX which is meant for small builds, and typically does not fit in mid/full towers.
3. 16GB of RAM is not necessary when running a gaming rig. 8GB of LP/LV RAM is perfect for your build.
4. SSD and HDD were changed for performance/dollar ratio pieces.
5. GPU is hardly powerful enough to run games with full settings on a single monitor, let alone 3 as n0cturnal mentioned. The Gigabyte GTX 670 is a great choice for a healthy upgrade.
6. Case is all about preference, but I went with a silent case for you in the R4, which is also a highly regarded case by some people.
7. PSU on your build was a bit light, bumped to a 650W gold modular unit. This allows for addition of another GPU down the line if you are so inclined. This can also be switched for a lower wattage, namely 450-550, if you are not going down the road of dual GPUs.
8. If you REALLY need the blu-ray drive, then by all means pop it back in your build. Switched to a cheapo DVD burner.
9. Triple monitor setups really need a high powered GPU to run. I instead opted for a nice single panel for you, saving $.

Feel free to ask questions if something needs to be clarified. This build also has other things that can be tweaked to your preferences. (GPU/RAM etc)


Edit: I have still yet forgot to take Microcenter off my preferred vendors on Partpicker. If you have one near, you can save $40 on the MB/CPU combo. Yes, they reduced the discount by $10 in recent months.

Edit2: Forgot to also mention that I put a mouse and keyboard in the build. I was not sure if you had them yet or not.

[Vynrael]

Thank you both for your quick replies. I greatly appreciate the revised builds.

@Idrink, going into detail was quite helpful. I see were I goofed, this will help me remedy such silly mistakes in the future.

I'll be looking into both, to see which I feel will suit me better.

[Idrinkwhiterussians]

Again, please feel free to come back with questions. We computer peeps on these forums are always glad to help out!

Also, post what pieces you have decided on so we can have a quick look through before ordering - It is always good to get a second opinion again.

[Deleted]

OP for what do you intend to use the tripple screen setup? (also i hope you don´t want to record on all screens in some 5k resolution because you´d need some more serious hardware in order to pull that off )
also idrinkwhiterussians recommendation is spot on.

[Vynrael]

Sorry it took so long to get a reply in here, work caught up with me REAL fast.

The triple monitors is not for recording, it's just person preference. I like to have many things up at a single time without having to go through the toolbar.

I'm in no need for the mouse and keyboard, so I took those off. With the BluRay I'd like to keep, and I found a bit better of a deal with one that comes with software. (I'm using this for all my movies and such as well.)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($135.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG CH10LS28 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($59.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1395.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-09 15:03 EST-0500)

The monitors can wait, I'll just keep an eye out for deals for now. How does this look to you, before I waste all of my money? :P

Edit: Regarding a second GPU, would you recommend purchasing a second for crossfire if I do get a triple monitor set up? I've read in some cases it could increase performance by up to 80%. (Sounds like a lot, not entirely sure if that is accurate.) Also, looking at the card you've chosen, it doesn't support crossfire. If I did decide to follow that path, which cards would you recommend I use?

Edit 2: Switched the build up a bit more. Questions in following posts.

[Deleted]

That is definitely a better build than the previous one you've listed. I have to say though, if overclocking is new territory for you then maybe it might be wise to hold off on the cooler for now and invest in it later down the line if you seriously think you need the performance. The case too is probably a bit too overkill. NZXT, Corsair, Fractal and many more have some nice alternatives.

[Deleted]

get the OEM version of windows , saves you $20.
also i'd pick a different gpu brand but that is just me.

[chazus]

if overclocking is new territory for you then maybe it might be wise to hold off on the cooler for now and invest in it later down the line if you seriously think you need the performance.

I got a 3570K with the intent to OC, and found I really didn't need it. It's nice to have that option there, though, for little extra cost.

[Vynrael]

Switched the case to something I like a bit more. I didn't realize the one I had selected was a bit to big. So I picked a smaller one and saved some money. I've never OC'd before, and I'm be kinda scared too lol. So like Drudge said, I guess I shouldn't really need the cooler for now.

@Shroud, what would you select for the GPU for this build? I also had a question in my second build post about crossfiring. If you wouldn't mind, could you take a look at that as well?

[Deleted]

Switched the case to something I like a bit more. I didn't realize the one I had selected was a bit to big. So I picked a smaller one and saved some money. I've never OC'd before, and I'm be kinda scared too lol. So like Drudge said, I guess I shouldn't really need the cooler for now.

@Shroud, what would you select for the GPU for this build? I also had a question in my second build post about crossfiring. If you wouldn't mind, could you take a look at that as well?

aah i see , you were looking for CF (crossfire) on nvidia cards. (for nvidia it is called SLI work the same but gaming performance is better optimized, higher resolutions eyefinity is a bit more powerfull)
CF/SLI scaling should in theory add a 100% performance boost but due to software/two gpu's being in sync it reaches anywhere from around 50-90% performance gain guesstimates.(wow being an exception where it won't improve performance)
personally i'd go for a MSI lightning/EVGA signature (the ones with dual fan setup) or maybe and asus one.

[Deleted]

Even though the 6xx series supports more than 2 screens, isnt AMD still better with more than 2 screens?

If so, i would get a 7970 instead of a 670.

[Vynrael]

'IF' I were to CF/SLI, it would be beneficial for my monitor set up then? Would this put more pressure on the CPU, requiring the cooler to still be purchased? Probably silly questions, I'm still fairly new to this. :P

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n660tf2gd5
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-vi...rd-03gp42665kr

How would one of these look? Or would I need to find something with a little more umph to be beneficial on a price/performance ratio?

Edit: Zeara posted before I did :P

With as expensive as the 7970 cards are, would CF/SLI be viable with this build(with the budget in mind)?

[Deleted]

i'd keep the SLI option as a future upgrade and get a good 670. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130843 for example, or would that be pushing the budget?)
also for clarification you intend to use tripple screen setup in the future, you still want to game on one or three screens?

[Vynrael]

For the time being, probably only one of the screens. As gaming on 3 would probably be out of the price range for more graphic intensive games. I'd have lighter programs up on the sides.

Edit: The 670 alone keeps me well under budget, keeping lots of room for upgrading the current build. (~1.5k/2k)

[Deleted]

For the time being, probably only one of the screens. As gaming on 3 would probably be out of the price range for more graphic intensive games. I'd have lighter programs up on the sides.

Edit: The 670 alone keeps me well under budget, keeping lots of room for upgrading the current build. (~1.5k/2k)

what are the odds you'd get moderately serious with OC'ing? (in order to pick a suited cooler )
also do you actually need a BR burner or would just a reader be fine aswell?
also 1 screen is needed now then aye?

[Vynrael]

what are the odds you'd get moderately serious with OC'ing? (in order to pick a suited cooler )
also do you actually need a BR burner or would just a reader be fine aswell?
also 1 screen is needed now then aye?

I had considered it, but I'm more afraid of damaging the parts. I don't exactly have a high income job, so it would be a pain to have to replace parts. :P

I really only need the BD reader, but it's a pain to find one that comes with software. I don't want to buy a 30$ reader, and have to pay 50 for the program, when I could pay 60 and get both.

Yes, for gaming purposes, only one monitor will be used.

[Deleted]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($106.13 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($67.41 @ Mac Connection)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHOS104-06 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Drive ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS248H-P 24.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1571.42
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-09 15:30 EST-0500)

should work then note the BR drive is read only and as far as i know you don't need any special software to play it. (never needed for my basic BR reader)

[Vynrael]

What software runs your BluRay then? I know as of right now, WMP doesn't support it for some reason.

I noticed you also added liquid cooling. I've never installed a liquid cooler before. How complicated is it? Does is need to be maintained? If so, how often?