Gaming Build - RAM, CPU Cooler, & Video Card Help

MakingTrevenue

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Jul 6, 2012
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Alright, so I plan on building a computer this summer (first time ever) and I'm hoping to get started as soon as possible. I guess my budget goes all the way up to $2,000. This system needs to last at these next four years of college.

Primary Purposes: Video Editing, Gaming, Entertainment, Basic Stuff

Here is the link to what I've selected already. I'm pretty committed to what I've picked, unless one of you believes I should change it. I'm open to any advice.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/105sl

First item of business is RAM. I've heard great things about Corsair, so that's my primary choice. Currently, I plan to buy two (2) 8GB sticks and then purchase another two down the road. I really need help selecting some RAM here because I don't really know what the best overall choice is. I'm more concerned with performance than price, but I want something reasonable. I know that a lower CAS performs better, and a higher speed does too.
Someone please just help me here.

Next thing to attend to is the CPU cooler. I know nothing about these and just want something quality, once again for a reasonable price. I don't know if I'll be overclocking; I feel as if I should, but don't know much about it.

The last and most important matter is the video card.
Definitely going with NVIDIA here. I will be doing some heavy video editing and plan on running three monitors. I'd be fine with editing my videos on only two monitors, but for other general activities, I like to have three. Now, should I go with two decent video cards or one really good one? Any suggestions? Please and thanks.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($309.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.12 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($272.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($194.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define XL R2 (Titanium Grey) ATX Full Tower Case ($122.03 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.94 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Total: $2799.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 02:57 EDT-0400)

CPU cooler NHD14, keep temp cool while gaming/rendering
ram must be Low profile, to avoid clearance issue with cooler
actually you can save budget on mobo, asrock extreme4 or extreme6 is better price/performance
for GPU, you can use only 1 GTX 780, if you play games only on 1 screen, not across 3 screens. meanwhile video editing need only 1 of them (one card can be connected to 3 screen)
 

MakingTrevenue

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Several questions.
#1 - For what reason did you choose that memory? I've heard Dominator is better than Vengeance. I may be wrong.

#2 - Any reason you changed the optical drive?

#3 - I cannot afford those video cards at all and I do not need that much power. I was thinking maybe just one GTX 680 or even less. Possibly two cheaper ones combined. Can you explain the pros and cons of a two cheaper ones and a single really good one? I can tell you're an expert at this stuff and I'd really appreciate it. I'm most concerned with the video card.

PS - Once we get this figured out, would you mind checking over everything so I get the right power supply and case? I'm a rookie! Thanks!
 
Few comments, and sorry if it sounds a little bit harsh.

First off, I don't suggest getting ROG boards. They're ridiculously overpriced for what they are. Yes, they are the best boards out there, but it's a waste of money over something like a GA-Z77X-D3H, which will work just as well and be much cheaper.

RAM wise, I suggest 2x8GB DDR3-1600 CL9 1.5V. Leave the extra slots open for 32GB (note that Win HP only handles 16GB of RAM, so you'll want to get Professional). Anything above -1600 is into diminishing returns, and over 1.5V voids your CPU warranty. Any brand is fine, and currently Crucial are cheap.

Unless you want to go for a really crazy OC on it, a CM Hyper 212 Evo is a pretty good choice, and not too pricey.

The M500 isn't that fast. Suggest a Samsung 840Pro.

Not sure why you are so brand loyal here. If you don't need CUDA and can use OpenCL, a GCN card wipes out anything Kepler.

Always go for one GPU if you can - leave out the whole SLI/CF can of worms. If you do have to go with two, SLI generally is better in regards to microstuttering.

You may want a case and a PSU; at least 500W for one GPU (550W+ if a GK110), 750W+ if you go for two mid-high end cards. 850W+ if it's a pair of 7970GHzs or GK110s. Go for one of the brands in my sig, you don't want it to blow up and take the rest of your rig with it.

EDIT: Waiting for Haswell and GTX770 would be a good idea.
 
it is the ideal price/performance build for your need

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($309.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($194.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.94 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Total: $1789.58
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 03:15 EDT-0400)
 
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 ($29.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($347.48 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($347.48 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($102.69 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($95.01 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Total: $1855.32
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 03:21 EDT-0400)

EDIT: Sorry, it keeps on wanting to go for MicroCenter. Total should be 1935.32
 

MakingTrevenue

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Okay, you will all have to explain to me what OpenCL is. I appreciate all this advice, I just need to go through and figure out what you all are talking about. My main two programs I'll be using are Photoshop CS6 and Sony Vegas 11. We really need to figure out this video card too - I definitely want to go with one.
 
openCL is CUDA alternative for software optimization.

CUDA dominates on adobe software, especially on premiere and after effect. other than that, radeon's OpenCL stomps nvidia card!

so if you use vegas, it is better to use 7970 :)
*Photoshop CS6 use both CUDA and OpenCL :)
 
Three times likely for one to go wrong, maybe. But the chances of everything being loss with three drives is lower than with one. So if your one 3TB drive dies, well ... you won't be so happy. And it works in RAID setup.

Over by 100W is overkill? It really doesn't matter. If a good quality 850W PSU is on sale for $65, I would recommend it. It isn't like your 550W or 600W PSU are much cheaper than the 650W I have up there.
 

MakingTrevenue

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Jul 6, 2012
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http://pcpartpicker.com/p/106bd

Hopefully the final one here. I put the ASUS motherboard on because I have a little more money to invest and I guess I'm probably being stubborn.

This motherboard right here:
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz77xud3h

This one runs CUDA?


And the ASUS Motherboard:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-maximusvformula

This one runs OpenCL?

Will I see a significant difference in video editing if I choose the ASUS one? Like I said, I'm probably being stubborn but I just like it.
 

MakingTrevenue

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Jul 6, 2012
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Oh, I finally figured out how you all were doing your list. Thank goodness.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($309.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($272.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White/Red) ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor (Purchased For $0.00)
Total: $1855.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-26 04:03 EDT-0400)
 
It's GPU not MB that has anything to do with CUDA support. nVidia does CUDA+OpenCL, but OpenCL is crippled and CUDA is somewhat slower than what AMD's cards can do. AMD is OpenCL-only. Whether it is an Asus, Gigabyte, MSi, or Sapphire GPU has nothing to do with it. MB likewise makes no difference. It's simply AMD vs nVidia.

You could go for one of these if you are set on Asus: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-p8z77vleplus
 
1. Between the motherboards, even if you do notice a difference, it's not worth the money. That is a +$130 increase. That alone is enough for another good motherboard.

2. I don't know what you mean by motherboards running CUDA or OpenCL. Any motherboard can run CUDA with the necessary software, a CUDA video card, etc. So it's not really motherboard-specific.

3. Get the Sapphire card that I had. It has way better cooling than Gigabyte's Windforce. And it is insignificantly cheaper.

4. Your choice between 1x 3TB or 3x 1TB HDD. I think more is better because you won't depend on just one drive not dying. And RAID setup may be useful to you.
 

MakingTrevenue

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What is the difference between that motherboard and the one I chose? Obviously your choice is much less expensive, I'm just trying to figure out what big differences there are because mine costs double yours.

By the way, thank you for all of your help so far. You've been absolutely wonderful! :)
 

MakingTrevenue

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Jul 6, 2012
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I'm going to have to think or research more on this one. If I get the cheaper one, should I invest in an audio card? It's important to me to have high quality sound. That may be why the more expensive one struck me - it's got great onboard audio.