Build Critique and Advice.

[HippieMagic]

I have been a member a while here but I honestly don't recall ever posting anything. I seem to enjoy lurking and reading the info here and I feel like this is the best community to get a good response to my fairly general question. I want to know if I am missing anything or if I should take a different path with a few parts. This is my first fully built system and, while I am A+ certified, I could have accidentally overlooked something.

Lets start with the simple part. This is what I own:

EVGA GTX580 Superclocked Editions x2
Asus VG236HE 23" 1080p 120Hz LCD
Gigabyte Z68X-UD7-B3 Motherboard
Samsung Blu-Ray Drive

This is my planned final order:

WD Caviar Black 1TB: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036Q7MV0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Zalman ZM1000-HP 1000w: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012WXFNE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Corsair Vengeance 8GB: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CRSM4I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Intel Core i7-2600k: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004EBUXSA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Cooler Master HAF X 942: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003S68Q0Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER


I have considered a SSD for a boot drive but I have no idea what a really safe size is for Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. RAM is also up in the air. Frankly I don't care what brand it is as long as it is good performing and is 8GB or more. This is could easily evolve over time as well but I would sort of like to keep the final parts in the $1000 neighborhood. I would be willing to maybe go as high as $1200.

I was also sort of iffy on the PSU as well. I want to keep it at around 1000w and the Zalman had good reviews. Any input on it is appreciated.

This is primarily a gaming pc/workstation. I will use it for some photoshop work, moderate video editing, and some media. I will be using it for some fairly heavy programming work as well such as Java and other web development fun.

I really appreciate your input.

Thank you.

 

[Timop]

SSD-wise, 60GB is "starter" for windows and some programs (ie. 2-3 modern games, plus firefox/office/MSE), while 120GB should fit "everything".

For the PSU, Zalman isnt great. For high-end, the AX1200 is a stellar PSU: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Professional-Performance-1200-Watt-CMPSU-1200AX/dp/B003PJ6QVU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1309024662&sr=1-1

The Nzxt HALE90 is decent for $200 also: http://www.amazon.com/HALE90-Power-Supply-Modular-HALE90-1000-M/dp/B003YFIUF0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1309024779&sr=1-2

Other than that looks good, though I would personally recommend the Silverstone FT02 or RV02 for the case.

 

[HippieMagic]

I will swap the Zalman with the Corsair. More headroom never hurts.

I will consider the case options. I am not too dead set on it yet but I do prefer a full tower.

 

[HippieMagic]

I put this together with the AX1200 you suggested and ran a 3dMark 11 benchmark with it on the extreme rating, completely stock settings, and got an X4006 and P10775. Is that where I should be?

1080p
120hz
23"