Preliminary first time build...

[ford1]

This is a machine I am putting together for gaming, video editing and multi media compilation. It will also be used by my sons from time to time for movies, games and basic computer uses. So, I want a well rounded system that I can do anything with, but am really leaning toward a high powered multi monitor system. This will be in my office and I would like it to be quiet and not be a able to fry an egg on.

Budget $2000.00 =/- Money isn't really a factor, but the laws of diminishig returns is something I believe in. I am not factoring Monitors into this build at this point, I am not sure of final configuration and realize this will probably be something that evolves into more than what it will be at first build. I do plan on overclocking at some point and want to have fun with the build itself.

Please understand, I have read a LOT but am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination and this is my first build, I want to share it with my sons as a project too. So all the help will be greatly appreciated. I am need of a review on components and any recommendations you may have. I have spent quite a bit of time putting this together and thinking it out. I am interested to see what the forum thinks...Thanks ahead of time.

I started with these components and have these items already. But I may be willing to change some of these out, I will probably build my son's a computer for the upstairs game room when I am done with this build and could use the parts for that

CASE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194

VIDEO CARDS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102951

POWER SUPPLY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171048

MEMORY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145343

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145533


Here are the parts I am considering and don't have currently...

SSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148448

CPU COOLER
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103057

OS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116717

OPTICAL BLU RAY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106348

OPTICAL DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335

And lastly the MOTHERBOARD and CPU...I want a board i can use with Ivy Bridge...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157269

OR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131760


Which brings us to the CPU...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070

Although I may opt for the 2700k depending on what price difference there is when I make the purchase.

So, there it is...please let me know what you think. I believe the case and motherboard are the biggest questions. I know the Asrock board has had a lot of people not happy, the tech support appears to be non existant, which could pose a problem for me. However, it appears to be an outstanding board based on all the reviews I have read. I may want to go to Tri Fire down the road and this looks like a great option.

The one thing I am probably not open to is changing the Video cards...I bought them about a month ago when they were in stock and probably can't return them at this point. I suppose I could use them in a second build for the boys, but think that would be overkill for what they will need in the gameroom. Thanks again and ahead of time for your feedback, it is much appreciated.

 

[Twoboxer]

First off, building with the kids is a great project. If anything, they learn to never drop a screwdriver or a screw lol. Seriously, I did one with ~10 year old grandsons, and we had a blast.

Can't quibble with the parts list - quality is certainly there. Normally don't like Coolermaster PSUs because quality varies greatly from model to model - unlike Corsair, Seasonic, and (mostly) Antec. But your specific model reviewed well (Hardware Secrets) so its OK.

You don't mention screen resolution, though you do say "monitors". You have significant monies tied up in mobo and maybe cpu that don't give significant enough improvements in real world performance. But I gather that money isn't a significant issue. So while I normally would suggest going with a single 570 if gaming at 1920 and a mobo/PSU that could support a second one, or suggest lesser mobos, I won't.

As for the case - I loved it when it first came out. Wanted one. But when it came time to build a big rig again, I opted for Silverstone's FT02. Its a case i always ask folks who are looking to OC and SLI/Crossfire to look at.

Three low-speed, 200mm bottom mounted fans draw a lot of air through removable filters. The updraft passes along and between the vid cards and out the top because the mobo is rotated 90 degrees. Temps are very good, and the air flow keeps the vid card fans quiet too This is a true positive pressure case, so there is *no* dust inside.

Have fun with the build - and the use.

 

[ford1]

Thanks, I am glad to hear you enjoyed the build with your grandsons, I am sure they were thrilled.

I have had some reservations about the Power Supply. I typically go a bit overboard on my electronics and wish I would have gone a different route, you are confirming what I suspected, but based on reviews it seemed fine at the time. This system has evolved from what I initially envisioned. I probably will upgrade to a Corsair or something along those lines, maybe even a bit more wattage just for future proofing. I can use the Cooler Master in the other build.

Monitors I am not so sure about at this point. At the very least a 27 or 30 inch maybe 2560x1440? I wouldn't mind trying to hook it up to my Pioneer Kuro and my surround sound either...don't think the wife would like it though LOL...Or possibly even three monitors??? Who knows, I just don't want to be limited by video cards or motherboards...

As far as the case, I have read quite a bit about the Silverstone and had never heard the term "positive pressure case" but I like the sound of it. I like the idea of no dust. Plus, I do know they cool well because of the 90 degree rotation on the MB. I also looked at these two in addition...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133192

OR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139005

Anyway, I will have to revist the power supply and the case choices. Thank you very much for your time and opinion. Have a good night.

 

[Twoboxer]

Your Pioneer is easy to drive - its 1920x1080. 2560x1440 is another matter, and your CF is at least the place to go for that:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/299?vs=305

Three screens is a very personal thing. As long as I also need to look at four bezels, and watch a spinning car split by two of them into two pieces that don't connect . . . I'm personally not interested. Though it is a conversation piece But if you are buying three new, identical screens, the odds are good you'll get it to work.

I run a 27" at 1920 for gaming and I could see going to 30" and 2560, but for close-in immersion IMO using a 32" or bigger monitor at 1920 is beginning to go the other way in terms of quality when viewed from 24" away. At some point it gets grainy, like watching my 65" Mitsubishi from within 8'.

The two cases you linked are fine cases, a little more stand-out than I like, but that's a personal thing. They may well be dust-free, but reviewers can't/don't run them long enough to find out. Because the only air that can come into the FT02 is filtered well, my Fortress is 11 months' dust-free - something that amazes me and my two Siberian Huskies

If you re-visit the PSU, Corsair and Seasonic can save you time searching for a positive Johnnyguru review, and wondering whether (eg) CoolerMaster changed OEM suppliers after the review.

 

[ford1]

Thanks Twoboxer, I took a step back this week, I have been busy at work. I am looking into the case issue again. I am a bit torn. The Silverstone cases look like great cases. I know they are the practical answer. But, I do have two sons who like flashy...

I think I will use the case and power supply I have already purchased to build them a computer for the playroom. I also decided to go ahead and pick up a Seasonic 1000w Platinum that they just came out with for my build. That will give me plenty of headroom for the future and should last for multiple builds.

If you don't mind me asking, what CPU cooler do you use?

Thanks for the help...

 

[ford1]

Best answer selected by FORD1.

 

[Twoboxer]

If you don't mind me asking, what CPU cooler do you use?

Thanks for the help...

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