Build Advice - Dual Monitors

jsgrant31 · Jan 20, 2014

Hi all,

So I've decided to build a PC (for the first time). I've settled on a $1,000 budget. I'll list the components before my question.

EVGA GeForce GTX770 w/EVGA ACX Cooler 2GB GDDR5 256bit, Dual-Link DVI-I, DVI-D, HDMI,DP, SLI Ready (02G-P4-2773-KR) Graphics Cards 02G-P4-2773-KR

Gigabyte Z87 LGA 1150 CrossFireX HDMI DVI ATX Motherboard (GA-Z87-D3HP)

Intel Core i5-4670K Quad-Core Desktop Processor 3.4 GHZ 6 MB Cache - BX80646I54670K

Cooler Master Elite 430 - Mid Tower Computer Case with All-Black Interior (RC-430-KWN1)

Corsair Builder Series CX 600 Watt ATX/EPS 80 PLUS (CX600)

Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Core i3, i5, i7 and Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache - WD10EZEX

(Insert SSD when I pick one)

Lite-On Super AllWrite 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive - Bulk - IHAS124-04 (Black)

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)

First, I'll say that I am familiar with computers, but perhaps not to the level of building one myself. That said, I welcome any comments you guys have about the components. There is some wiggle room (+$200 or so) if I think something is lacking. I picked the above components by reading a few 2013 guides and, in general, educating myself on computer hardware. What I want from the PC is:

1. Lightning speed - I'll be installing the OS (8.1 - free from school) on the SSD.
2. Multi-tasking for office/school use - more on that in my question
3. Gaming - I want it to be able to handle modern games well, but I'm not concerned with maximizing FPS and all that stuff at this time.

In #2, I mention multi-tasking. I would like to have dual monitors, and I'm not sure if that should affect how I pick the above components. Should I have two cards in SLI and plug one monitor into each card (if that's how that works), or would it be fine to just stick with the one card? I'm aware that there are other considerations when running two GPUs in SLI, so my question is basically:

"Does the listed graphics card work for what I want out of this PC, or should I consider upgrading that component (whether it be a better single GPU or two GPUs in SLI)?"

Again, I welcome any comments about the components. I've read a lot of guides, but I'll take any advice from people more knowledgeable than myself (likely everyone in this forum). I want to build a nice PC that will last awhile.

Edit:

After reading some more and taking your suggestions into account. My Amazon cart looks like this:

EVGA GeForce GTX 770 Superclocked with ACX Cooler 4 GB GDDR5 256-Bit Dual-Link DVI-I/DVI-D HDMI DP SLI Ready Graphics Card 04G-P4-3774-KR - EVGA

Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE120BW - Samsung

Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Core i3, i5, i7 and Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 - Corsair

Gigabyte Z87 LGA 1150 CrossFireX HDMI DVI ATX Motherboard (GA-Z87-D3HP) - Gigabyte

WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache - WD10EZEX - Western Digital

Intel Core i5-4670K Quad-Core Desktop Processor 3.4 GHZ 6 MB Cache - BX80646I54670K - Intel

Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold 800W 80 PLUS Gold Power Supply with Modular Cables (RS800-80GAD3-US) - Coolermaster

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2) - Cooler Master

CM Storm Enforcer - Gaming Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and Windowed Side Panel - Coolermaster

Total is $1,300. If I'm strapped for cash I could downgrade the video card to the 2 GB version and save $60 or so.

I think everything looks solid. Any comments?

houldendub · Jan 20, 2014

You can run a multi monitor setup off of a single card now, that's all good. If you DID want to go for a second 770, I'd say you'd want to upgrade your power supply, as it just isn't enough for dual cards of that power.

Saying that, with that extra $200, you could always get a slightly beefier PSU and have two 760s in SLI (or even two AMD 270Xs in Crossfire) in place of the 770. Your framerate would go up dramatically and you'd be able to put those graphics settings up higher.

Oleonius · Jan 20, 2014

It's a good build but with a 1000$ budget, you could also consider an AMD FX processor. It's not as powerful as the Intel Core i5 4670K for gaming but it's really good for multi-tasking.

If you plan to play on two screens with a single card, pick a 4 GB GPU.

Also, I wouldn't recommend Corsair CX power supplies because they are cheap and tend to break often. Take a look at a better quality unit from either Seasonic, XFX or Corsair (except the CX Series).

Have fun building !

blade of grass · Jan 20, 2014

You build looks pretty good to me.
Though I would suggest splurging abit and getting a SeaSonic X-Series or XFX ProSeries PSU. They perform very well and are usually cheaper than their counterparts (Corsair, Silverstone etc).

jsgrant31 · Jan 20, 2014

After reading some more and taking your suggestions into account. My Amazon cart looks like this:

EVGA GeForce GTX 770 Superclocked with ACX Cooler 4 GB GDDR5 256-Bit Dual-Link DVI-I/DVI-D HDMI DP SLI Ready Graphics Card 04G-P4-3774-KR - EVGA

Samsung Electronics 840 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Single Unit Version Internal Solid State Drive MZ-7TE120BW - Samsung

Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Core i3, i5, i7 and Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 - Corsair

Gigabyte Z87 LGA 1150 CrossFireX HDMI DVI ATX Motherboard (GA-Z87-D3HP) - Gigabyte

WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive: 3.5 Inch, 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, 64 MB Cache - WD10EZEX - Western Digital

Intel Core i5-4670K Quad-Core Desktop Processor 3.4 GHZ 6 MB Cache - BX80646I54670K - Intel

Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold 800W 80 PLUS Gold Power Supply with Modular Cables (RS800-80GAD3-US) - Coolermaster

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO - CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2) - Cooler Master

CM Storm Enforcer - Gaming Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and Windowed Side Panel - Coolermaster

Total is $1,300. If I'm strapped for cash I could downgrade the video card to the 2 GB version and save $60 or so.

I think everything looks solid. Any comments?

Oleonius · Jan 20, 2014

Great build. It looks solid. My last comments:

- No need to buy such a big PSU. A unit with 650W would be more than enough power for your needs. For a good deal on a great gold-rated power supply, take a look at the Seasonic G Series. You will save about 50$.

http://www.amazon.com/SeaSonic-650-Watt-CrossFire-Certified-SSR-650RM/dp/B00918N4A0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390248250&sr=1-1&keywords=G+Series+650W

- If you don't plan to game on your two screens, but only use both for web browsing or work, I suggest you pick a 2 GB video card. Otherwise, it's fine.

- For about the same price, there a better quality cases. Here is what I would recommend:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Carbide-Black-Computer-CC-9011011-WW/dp/B0055Q7BR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390248460&sr=1-1&keywords=400R

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Carbide-Black-Computer-CC-9011012-WW/dp/B005E983JW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390248488&sr=1-2&keywords=500R

http://www.amazon.com/Fractal-Design-Cases-Black-FD-CA-ARC-BL/dp/B0056AFBB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390248511&sr=1-1&keywords=Arc+midi

- If you save enough money, I suggest you buy a SSD to put your OS and security suite. This would be a great addition for your build.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-7TE120BW/dp/B00E3W15P0/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390248755&sr=1-3&keywords=Samsung+EVO

Have fun building !

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Build Advice - Dual Monitors

jsgrant31

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houldendub

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Oleonius

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blade of grass

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jsgrant31

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