How's this build for gaming/video?

rhomancowboy · Apr 10, 2013

Well, I am in the market for a new pc, and a friend suggested I build one, but I'm not sure if the following build is right. I tried to follow the build for an Alienware, but tweaked it a bit for, what I think, would be better performance. I want plenty of storage space; ability to quickly move between programs; and killer gfx for games. I know I have other components added, but I'm looking for a balanced build. I've managed to keep this build at just under $2900. Will any of you tech guru's help a fella out? Any suggestions are much appreciated!
Thanks!

1. Z700-0674 ::Zotac GeForce GTX 680 Video Card - 4GB GDDR5, PCI-Express 3.0 (x16), 1x Dual-Link DVI-D, 1x Dual-Link DVI-I, 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, DirectX 11, NVIDIA SLI, Dual-Slot, Fan, (ZT-60103-10P)(3.45 lbs)

2. S203-8005 ::Samsung 840 Series MZ-7TD500BW 500GB Solid State Drive - 2.5" Form Factor, SATA III, 540 MB/s Read Speed, 330 MB/s Write Speed(0.15 lbs)

3. M17-8100 ::Microsoft WN7-00404 Windows 8 Operating System Software - 64-Bit, OEM(0.65 lbs)

4. A455-0770 ::ASUS Maximus V Formula Intel Z77 Express Motherboard - ATX, DDR3, 2800(O.C.), Socket 1155, Intel Z77 Chipset, RJ-45, HDMI, USB 3.0, ROG CPU-Z, CrossFireX, RAID(5.6 lbs)

5. P33-6302 :

atriot Viper 3 PV316G160C9K 16GB Memory Module Kit - DDR3, 2 x 8GB, 1600MHz, 240 Pin, UDIMM (0.25 lbs)

6. YYI1-PG9619 ::SIIG USB 3.0 Internal Bay Multi Card Reader - Card reader - 3.5" ( CF II, MS, MS PRO, MMC, SD, MS Duo, xD, MS PRO Duo, miniSD, CF, RS-MMC, MMCmobile, microSD, MMCmicro, SDHC, MS PRO-HG Duo, SDXC, MS X(0.65 lbs)

7. M69-0029 ::Intel Core i7-3930K 3.20 GHz Six-Core Unlocked CPU and Thermaltake Water 2.0 Pro CPU Liquid Cooler Bundle(3.85 lbs)

8. L49-8004 ::LG CH12LS28 12X Internal Blu-Ray/DVDRW Combo Drive - BD-ROM/DVDRW, SATA, Blu-Ray 12X, DVD-RW X16, Black(2.25 lbs)

9. U12-41878 ::ULTRA 90 DEGREE SATA CABLE KIT W/ M/M 4-PIN MOLEX(0.3 lbs)

10. C283-7002 ::Cooler Master SGC-5000-KKN1 CM Storm Trooper Full Tower Case - ATX, Micro ATX, XL-ATX, 9x 5.25" Ext Bays, 2x 120mm Red LED Fans, 1x 140mm Fan, 1x 200mm Fan, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA(34.65 lbs)

11. TSD-3000EZRX ::WD Green WD30EZRX 3TB Desktop Hard Drive - 3.5", SATA, 64MB Cache(0.1 lbs)

12. C44-3520 ::Creative Labs SoundBlaster Recon3D 70SB135000000 Sound Card - PCIe, 5.1-CH Audio, Dolby Digital Live Encoding, CrystalVoice Enhancement, THX TruStudio Prosound, Sound Core3D Processor (0.8 lbs)

Outlander_04 · Apr 10, 2013

That is a bad build and wont turn even since the processor wont fit in the motherboard

You need a socket 1155 processor like the 3570K or 3770K

Not much point in using a sound card . The mb has excellent sound
and I cant find a power supply in your list

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 10, 2013

also dont buy the samsung 840... it is supposed to be 840 pro! keep an eye on that

edit: basic and pro versions are way too different for samsung drives
edit2: also if you are not intend to go for sli/x-fire you dont need a full tower case. you can go for a mid-tower version and save some of your budget
edit3: if you are not going to do some professional music stuff you dont actually need a sound card (usually they are for professioanal purposes with extra connectors and stuff) you motherboards integrated sounds are totally fine and more than enough

whoa... so much to say about this build. you probably should go with a person who knows what he is doing. apparently you are a bit lacking information

rhomancowboy · Apr 10, 2013

Outlander_04 :

So I need to switch the processor and drop the sound card. Okie thanks!

ckholt83 · Apr 10, 2013

For 3 grand, you can definitely do much better, or you can spend a lot less for something equivalent in performance. Is that the alienware price? And are just using that as a guideline and planning to build it yourself? I'm a bit confused there.

Also, what kind of 'video' usage are we talking about? What resolution will you be running for gaming? Do you need to buy a monitor?

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 10, 2013

pcpartpicker_3000$_budgetpc

CPU Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core $309.99
CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 612 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 $174.99
Memory Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 $79.50
Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 $79.50
Storage Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM $153.30
Corsair Force Series GS 240GB 2.5" SSD $209.99
Video Card Asus GeForce GTX 680 2GB $524.98
Asus GeForce GTX 680 2GB $524.98
Case Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower $79.99
Power Supply Corsair 760W ATX12V / EPS12V $159.99
Optical Drive Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer $69.99
Operating System Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) $139.99
Monitor Asus VK278Q 27.0" $317.58
Keyboard Logitech MK550 w/Laser Mouse $55.91
Speakers Logitech Z506 155W 5.1ch $89.99

Total: $2970.67

This may help...

rhomancowboy · Apr 10, 2013

ckholt83 :

Yes the Alienware price was 2599.00 plus tax. And i was just using the specs of the Alienware rig, adding a better gpu and more HD space, and a SSD. I also have a 1000w psu, but didn't list it and will be using my 32" HD 3D flatscreen. I plan to add another gpu later, if I decide I want one. I plan to build it myself, but obviously need some direction :??:

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 10, 2013

rhomancowboy :

ckholt83 :

Yes the Alienware price was 2599.00 plus tax. And i was just using the specs of the Alienware rig, adding a better gpu and more HD space, and a SSD. I also have a 1000w psu, but didn't list it and will be using my 32" HD 3D flatscreen. I plan to add another gpu later, if I decide I want one. I plan to build it myself, but obviously need some direction :??:

you really dont need a 1000W psu... even with a sli gtx680 you wont need more than 750W...

asalikus · Apr 10, 2013

Case: Cooler Master SGC-5000-KKN1 CM Storm Trooper Full Tower Case - ATX, Micro ATX, XL-ATX, 9x 5.25" Ext Bays, 2x 120mm Red LED Fans, 1x 140mm Fan, 1x 200mm Fan, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x eSATA
Optical Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM Item=N82E16827135204
SSD:SAMSUNG 840 Series MZ-7TD500BW 2.5" 500GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
HDD: Western Digital WD Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Video Card:MSI N680GTX Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 680 2GB (2x)
Video Card: MSI N680GTX Twin Frozr 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 680 2GB (2x)
PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX850 V2 850W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz (3.9GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000
Heatsink: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel ...

Total: $2,159.90 (from Newegg US)

This will crush the other system.

thor220 · Apr 10, 2013

Outlander_04 :

Actually it's best when connected through usb, which it can out of the box.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/Maximus_V_Formula-ThunderFX/11.html

Overall though it nothing compared to:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271004

But I'm really picky about sound devices. Also note that you must have a playback device able to use
those sound cards. You would be better off getting a set of cans that would compliment the MB's sound.

Here is one of the highest rated(for it's price and then some) headphones:

audio technica ath-m50s
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B000ULAP4U%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJ7VMODKUTIUWFY2Q%26tag%3Dheadfiorg-pro-mct-lo-t-d-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB000ULAP4U

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 10, 2013

asalikus :

well...
1. hyper 212+ is an old version of hyper 212evo. its not a really good choice. its either 212evo or 612
2. 850w is an overkill you dont really need that your maximum usage will be around 600-650w
3. asus 680's I linked was a 1.14GHz versions and much stable and faster than msi twin frozr
4. yea you may choose to get 2x8gb memory insted of 4x4gb memories, its just a preferance
5. you should choose a 840pro not a basic 840 cause difference is huge

i guess you will get to the point

edit: typos

Outlander_04 · Apr 10, 2013

One GTX 680 is more than enough for gaming with a single monitor . Only consider two if you have multiple screens or want to wear 3D glasses

asalikus · Apr 10, 2013

1.My mistake,
2. No it is not since I telling him to buy 2x 680s and having some extra Watts wouldn't hurt. But if he wants to push it then it fine.
3. If you say so, I didn't make a lot of research about it.
4. Hw wants a monster PC with a humongous budget and getting 2x8 is much more smarter than getting 4x4 because you save memory slots for future updates and the motherboard I showed him doesn't support 4-channels.
5. If he's willing to spend $200 more, he can...

n1ghtr4v3n :

asalikus :

well...
1. hyper 212+ is an old version of hyper 212evo. its not a really good choice. its either 212evo or 612
2. 850w is an overkill you dont really need that your maximum usage will be around 600-650w
3. asus 680's I linked was a 1.14GHz versions and much stable and faster than msi twin frozr
4. yea you may choose to get 2x8gb memory insted of 4x4gb memories, its just a preferance
5. you should choose a 840pro not a basic 840 cause difference is huge

i guess you will get to the point

edit: typos

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 10, 2013

asalikus :

1.My mistake,
2. No it is not since I telling him to buy 2x 680s and having some extra Watts wouldn't hurt. But if he wants to push it then it fine.
3. If you say so, I didn't make a lot of research about it.
4. Hw wants a monster PC with a humongous budget and getting 2x8 is much more smarter than getting 4x4 because you save memory slots for future updates and the motherboard I showed him doesn't support 4-channels.
5. If he's willing to spend $200 more, he can...

n1ghtr4v3n :

i was already, exclusively talking for 2x overclocked gtx680's already but w/e if you dont care about utility bills... more power is always good lol

asalikus · Apr 10, 2013

n1ghtr4v3n :

asalikus :

1.My mistake,
2. No it is not since I telling him to buy 2x 680s and having some extra Watts wouldn't hurt. But if he wants to push it then it fine.
3. If you say so, I didn't make a lot of research about it.
4. Hw wants a monster PC with a humongous budget and getting 2x8 is much more smarter than getting 4x4 because you save memory slots for future updates and the motherboard I showed him doesn't support 4-channels.
5. If he's willing to spend $200 more, he can...

n1ghtr4v3n :

i was already, exclusively talking for 2x overclocked gtx680's already but w/e if you dont care about utility bills... more power is always good lol

The system takes what ever amount of DC power it needs from the PSU. The efficiency of the PSU determines how much AC power it draws from the wall socket to meet that DC power draw.

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 11, 2013

actually it makes sense

well i was refering to pcpartpicker reference power consumptions which shows like ~650W in total with double 680's in the whole system. its always safer to have some reserve power in your psu. but it may be an overkill where you could get 700W instead of 850W. thats all im saying. it comes actually much cheaper...

n1ghtr4v3n · Apr 11, 2013

whole system 590W in total... 700W psu bronze+ comes for 70$ only...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($135.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Corsair Force Series GS 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($610.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($610.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Raidmax 700W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($70.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.96 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional (OEM) (64-bit) ($139.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VS247H-P 23.6" Monitor ($150.98 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech MK550 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard w/Laser Mouse ($55.91 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Creative Labs Inspire T3130 25W 2.1ch Speakers ($39.14 @ NCIX US)
Total: $2474.83
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-11 05:00 EDT-0400)

rhomancowboy · Apr 27, 2013

Thanks to ALL of you for your help! I'd have never been able to figure out what I needed without it!

How's this build for gaming/video?

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