Gaming PC . . . ready for real this time! budget = no limit

[audiopanik]

Hello again all,

I posted before to begin gathering build info on an upcoming build but was still a couple of months out as well as having some decisions to make. I am now within two weeks of wanting to order the parts and have made some of the decisions I was lacking before. . .

Approximate Purchase Date: within the next two weeks

Budget Range: No limit. . . 4k - 5k?

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (BF3 Ultra settings, GW2, Tera Online, etc), novice audio editing / composition

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor (I believe I have decided on the Dell U3011 unless someone has a better suggestion)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: by brand or type (e.g.: I would like to use an AMD CPU & Biostar mobo with a 24" LCD and full tower case)

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe, would at least like the system to support

Monitor Resolution: 2560 x 1600

Additional Comments: I listed an unlimited budget, but I do realize that a killer gaming PC can be had for 3 to 4k. I just didn't want people to feel constrained by an artificial amount. If 3k will build an amazing machine, then so be it. Basically I am looking to build a beast, with no heat issues and rock solid stability (no crashes) and room to grow as parts evolve and the ability to play any of the current games out there at fully maxed out settings on a single 30" monitor at 2560 x 1600.

So. . . let's get this party started

 

[Thrallsman]

Case:
Level 10 GT - $250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133188

MOBO:
ASUS Rampage IV Extreme - $430
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131802

RAM:
2 x G.skill ripjaws Z series 2400 ram (4x8G) = 64G - $449 x 2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231522

CPU:
Intel Core i7 3960X Extreme Edition - $1040
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116491

CPU Cooler:
Corsair H100 - $115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181017

SSD:
OCZ Vertex 4 - $330
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227792

HDD 1:
Seagate Barracuda 3TB - $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148844

HDD 2:
Seagate Barracuda 3TB - $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148844

GPU:
2 x NVidia GTX 690, worlds most powerful GPU - Release 3rd of may, like 2 days away, so wait - Estimate price $1000 each (x 2)

Optical Drive:
LG Black 14X Blu Ray Reader/Burner - $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136249

PSU:
Thermaltake Toughpower 1375W GOLD Certified - $370
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153155

Sound Card:
ASUS Xonar Essence STX Virtual 7.1 - $168
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132010

UPS:
Universal Power Supply, dont want to fry all your equipment! APC 620VA - $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101144

Custom Water Cooling Loop:
Build your own the way you like - About $1500

TOTAL = $7796
Remove water loop and 1 GTX 690 = $5296

Ok, some things like water loop (maybe good for heat control) and sound card are unnecessary, however with your "budget" this is allowed - you want the best bang for your buck.

Good luck with this type of build - 2 GTX 690's will be overkill, 1 is enough, however it will last you years!

 

[SSri]

Thrallsman's specs are good.

I would nevertheless recommend

Samsung 830 SSD..pretty reliable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=100011689&isNodeId=1&Description=Samsung+830+256gb&x=0&y=0

i7 3930K over i7 3960X...there is no real performance gain (my personal opinion). You can save a lot of $$$ without a significant drop in performance and overclock very well....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492

or i7 3770K
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-3770K-processor-BX80637I73770K/dp/B007SZ0EOW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335951101&sr=8-2

The latter is an Ivy Bridge offering no major step up except that it is the latest CPU. Heat issues are noted overclocking the IB. Tom's hardware review shows that IB overclocked have roughly 7 - 10 deg hotter than the overclocked SB.

 

[Thrallsman]

Thrallsman's specs are good.

I would nevertheless recommend

Samsung 830 SSD..pretty reliable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=100011689&isNodeId=1&Description=Samsung+830+256gb&x=0&y=0

i7 3930K over i7 3960X...there is no real performance gain (my personal opinion). You can save a lot of $$$ without a significant drop in performance and overclock very well....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492

or i7 3770K
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-3770K-processor-BX80637I73770K/dp/B007SZ0EOW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335951101&sr=8-2

The latter is an Ivy Bridge offering no major step up except that it is the latest CPU. Heat issues are noted overclocking the IB. Tom's hardware review shows that IB overclocked have roughly 7 - 10 deg hotter than the overclocked SB.

The reason I chose the 3960X was due to its outstanding performance when aligned with the mobo, one of the most powerful of these years. The 3930K would work great too, but as he was willing to spend t3h moneez I thought we may as well save him overclocking. The new ivy is great, I will be getting it in my new build, however I chose the 39XX series due to it's 2011 slot support on mobo for ASUS Rampage. But yes, if he is willing to oc, go with the 3930k

 

[Estix]

...
(I believe I have decided on the Dell U3011 unless someone has a better suggestion)
...

The U3011 is not really a gaming monitor, and has a pretty severe input lag, all things considered (IPS panel + scaler, etc)

The U2711 is a lot better about that, and a pair of them would be absolutely stunning. (Besides, 2x690s would be practically idling at only 2560x1600 )

 

[SSri]

The reason I chose the 3960X was due to its outstanding performance when aligned with the mobo, one of the most powerful of these years. The 3930K would work great too, but as he was willing to spend t3h moneez I thought we may as well save him overclocking. The new ivy is great, I will be getting it in my new build, however I chose the 39XX series due to it's 2011 slot support on mobo for ASUS Rampage. But yes, if he is willing to oc, go with the 3930k

Fair enough!

I agree that 3960X is fantastic and would go well with the mobo.

I thought he could save the difference and spend on something else....

 

[audiopanik]

Thanks for the suggestions and discussion thus far.

I have a few comments / questions.

Case: I love love love the look of the level 10 cases. However, the one concern I have is that of airflow / expandability. I have read several arguments against that case for these very reasons. I was leaning towards the Cosmos 2, it just seems like such a HUGE case.

Motherboard / Processor: I always heard / thought the Extreme processors just weren't worth it, especially for gaming. As stated I don't mind spending the money if there are notable gains to be had. However, I'd rather not choose parts simply because they are the most expensive.

RAM: 64GB, is there even a reason for that much RAM?

Cooler: I have never done any liquid cooling, and as such the whole idea makes me a bit uneasy . . . =\

Sound Card: A separate sound card?



Is there just no reason to go the z77 / IB route?

I guess I should clarify that I'd like the build itself to be rather simplistic. I plan on shelling out the dough for top tier parts, but at the end of the day I plan on using the machine and not as a conversation piece. Thus, the idea of custom cooling loops and form over function cases are the lowest priority for me. I will spend the bucks for top quality guts, but would rather leave out the bling I guess you could say.

At any rate, just hoping to get some discussion going.

Thanks again!

 

[SSri]

Case: I love love love the look of the level 10 cases. However, the one concern I have is that of airflow / expandability. I have read several arguments against that case for these very reasons. I was leaning towards the Cosmos 2, it just seems like such a HUGE case.

I cannot comment on Level 10 case. however, I would recommend SilverStone Fortress FT02 or NZXT Whisper or CM Cosmos II. If you want the flexibility of custom cooling (custom water cooling - expensive, most probably worth it if you can afford but may be difficult to maintain), please read this review.

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/switch-810-cosmos-ii-strike-x-hurrican-2000,review-32399.html

Motherboard / Processor: I always heard / thought the Extreme processors just weren't worth it, especially for gaming. As stated I don't mind spending the money if there are notable gains to be had. However, I'd rather not choose parts simply because they are the most expensive

.

Extreme processors are excellent but not worth the extra cost. I would rather choose i7 3930K (6 core) or i7 3770K (4 cores).

RAM: 64GB, is there even a reason for that much RAM?

.

For gaming, you do not need more than 8GB. If you are going to do some amount of video, probably it is worth considering 16 gb.

Cooler: I have never done any liquid cooling, and as such the whole idea makes me a bit uneasy . . . =\

.

If you do not feel comfortable with water cooling, you do not have to do it. However, corsair H100 is a closed loop cooling and it is as good as air cooling (Noctua NH-D14 or CM RR-H612).

Sound Card: A separate sound card?

.

Xonar sound cards...In my personal view, they offer the best value for money with excellent quality.

Please see this tread on this site...

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/327444-10-creative-recon3d-asus-xonar

Is there just no reason to go the z77 / IB route?

.

No. There would be overheating issues if you are overclocking the IB. Intel has acknowledged it. You may have to live with a higher temp relative to SB on overclocked CPUs. It is a latest processor but does not offer significant jump over SB.

Good luck...

 

[audiopanik]

Thanks for the response SSri.

If I do decide to go the water cooling route I will likely do one of the closed loops kits like the Corsair H100. Otherwise I will likely go with what seems to be the defacto standard these days (Noctua NH-D14).

So here is where I stand thus far,

Case: I am leaning strongly towards the Corsair 600T

Motherboard: I guess IB just doesn't make much sense afterall, especially if I plan on doing some overclocking. I have read some fantastic reviews of the board that was suggested earlier. Asus Rampage IV Extreme so unless there are any better suggestions I will likely go with this board.

Processor: If the Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition is truly worth the extra money I will go that route, but I believe I am leaning more towards the Intel Core i7-3930K

RAM: 16GB seems like it would be plenty amount-wise with the ability to go to 32GB if needed. However, which brand / kit? Who makes the rock solid performance and stability RAM these days? I have read good things about Corsair Vengeance RAM.

GPU: I am leaning towards a single GTX 690 for now, with the ability to grab another if more power is needed. I am assuming a single 690 would be preferable to 2 680s in SLI?

PSU: No idea here. I would like plenty of power, with modular configuration to cut down on clutter. . . opinions?

SSD: I will likely go the OCZ Vertex 4 VTX4-25SAT3-256G route, for OS / Games

HDD: 2 x 2 - 3 TB drives in RAID 1 configuration for file storage (does anyone have any experience with setting up a RAID array using the aforementioned motherboard? Comments?)

The rest:
Optical Drive: I will likely go with the one suggested before

Sound Card: Is there really a reason to use something other than the integrated audio?



Again thanks for all the comments and suggestions thus far. Hoping to get a little more input before I get everything ordered (which will be within the next two weeks, once the parts list is finalized).

-c

 

[SSri]

Processor

The price of i7 3960X does not justify the performance over i7 3930K. You won't lose out on performance in you take i7 3930K. Tom's says it is not worth the extra $450.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i7-3930k-3820-test-benchmark,3090-15.html

RAM

RAM: If I am not wrong, Rampage IV extreme can go up to 64 GB ram. You may have to take an 8GB stick to ensure you do not lose out on expansion by taking 4GB sticks. The difference between 4 x 4GB and 2 x 8GB is $30.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006650%20600006072&IsNodeId=1&Description=g.skills%20ripjaws&name=16GB%20%282%20x%208GB%29&Order=BESTMATCH

single GTX 690

It is a good choice.

PSU: No idea here. I would like plenty of power, with modular configuration to cut down on clutter. . . opinions?

Please check if this suits your requirements.

Seasonic Plantinum 1000W.

Please use this to calculate power requirements.
http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=264

OCZ vertex 4

It is very important to throw-in a reliable SSD. I recommend Samsung 830. Prices of 256 GB have come down.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147138

HDD and RAID

Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145473

Rated as a solid all-round performer with 24/7 availability at Tom's

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/4tb-3tb-hdd,review-32430-16.html

RAID: You have a choice of Raid 5 (Parity redundant array) or Raid 1. It depends on what you want. I have a 4 x 0.5 TB raid 5. Running solid 24x7 for 3 1/2 years (touch wood). You need a hardware RAID. ASRock x79 extreme 4 M has a built in RAID 0, 1, 5, 10. You need to check if any of ASUS mobo has a RAID. Otherwise, I wonder if you have to buy a separate RAID controller. Please give a call to one of the sales desks regarding this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157283&Tpk=asrock%20x79%20extreme-M

sound card

:

Depends on your need. I may tend to say no unless your gaming needs a sound card or you are going to throw-in a high spec stereo system.

 

[BuBzXXL]

Ew... I don't like the Cosmo D:

 

[audiopanik]

So would you recommend G.Skill over Corsair? and if so, which specific kit. What do I gain (if anything) by buying one of the more expensive kits from your link over the lesser?

 

[azeem40]

If you can, buy the Crucial Ballistix sport 2x4GB RAM from the online microcenter store. It is $8 cheaper than the G.Skill and Corsair RAM on newegg.

 

[BuBzXXL]

Corsair everything = FTW ;D

 

[azeem40]

Spamming = FTL.

 

[Tavo_Nova]

thermaltake level 10 gt case is good I have it on my 3930k gaming system ^_^. airflow is awesome

and check out my sig, and replace the mobo and cpu t0 asus IV extreme and 3930k.

64gb is good you can make huge ramdisk or even if you don't use ramdisk it's ok, no one is going to B*t*& slap you or sue you in court. go with what you can afford so long as your willing to pay for it and it makes you ipeen.

go with g.skill ripjaws Z it's what I went with any of my x79 system but corsair vengeance is a good choice if your going to use corsair h100

imo go with noctua nh-d14 se2011 (for lga 2011 only) or you can get those 1155 d14 and get a stand off for lga 2011.

I would opt for a gtx680 zotac(reference for the games)/msi twin frozr 2gb/4gb whichever you can get, but if you can get your hands on a single gtx690 it's all good.

imo I suggest a 1500VA APC-UPS in your build as having a sexy rig like this you need a hunk of a guard.


for ram

G.SKILL Ripjaws Z 16GB/32GB/64GB (4X4GB) (8X4GB) (8X8GB) 1600Mhz CL9

Samsung 830 ssd or crucial m4 or intel 510 ssd are the best IMO right now for reliability.

Samsung spinpoint F3 1tb or those F4 2tb for storage and extra stuff.

for ODD(optical disk drive)

go with Samsung I love samsung ^_^ but asus or liteon ain't so bad.

 

[Tavo_Nova]

Here is a list of my X79 Platform you can just go and mix and match and just take out a certain part and replace it with another part. all these components are sure to work together ^_^

Workstation
I7 3960X|Noctua NH-D14|ASUS Rampage x79|g.skill ripjaws Z32GB (8X4GB) 1600Mhz CL9|Intel 510 120GB x2|WD Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache x4|Samsung blu-ray drive|PNY Quadro 5k|Seasonic X-1050 80PLUS Gold|Cosmos II|Ducky Shine MX Black|Roccat Kone+|Roccat Alumic

Test bench
Intel i7 3930K|Noctua NH-D14|ASUSX79 rampage|G.skill ripjaws Z 32GB (8X4GB) 1600MhzCL9|LiteOn 24X dvd|Crucial M4 128GB x2|WD Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache|Sapphire HD 7970 crossfire Reference|Seasonic X-1050 80PLUS Gold|Thermaltake Level 10 GT|Ducky Shine MX Black|Roccat Kone+|Roccat Alumic

Main Gaming PC
Intel i7 3960X|Noctua NH-D14|MSI X79A-GD65 (8D)-g.skill Ripjaws Z 32GB (8X4GB) 1600Mhz CL9|sapphire hd 7970 x3 tri fire dual x|Crucial M4 128GB x2|WD Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM 64MB Cache|seasonic x-1250 80plus gold|cosmos II|corsair vengeance k90|roccat kone+|roccat alumic

Secondary Gaming PC
Intel i7 3930K|MSI X79A-GD65 8D Frio Adv|Thermaltake Frio ADV|G.SKILL Ripjaws Z32GB (8X4GB) 1600Mhz CL9|Corsair Force 3 120GB|Samsung F3 1TB|Thermaltake Level 10 GT|MSi GTX580 3GB Lightning Extreme Edition x2 sli|Seasonic X-1250 80PLUS Gold|Razer lachesis|Razer kabuto

Third Gaming PC
Intel i7 3820|Noctua NH-D14 Se2011|MSi X79A-GD45|Corsair Force 3 120GB|Seagate Barracuda 1TB|G.SKILL Ripjaws Z 16GB (4X4GB) 1600Mhz CL9|Sapphire HD 7870|Seasonic X-760 80PLUS Gold|NZXT Phantom White|Razer Hydra|Razer Vesplula

note: for those people wondering why I got lot's of lga2011, well most of those are free the only stuff I paid for are my main gaming pc and the workstation pc(the gpu and some parts) and those crucial m4 and intel 510 ssd.roccat kone+ and roccat alumic on my main and work.

so far performance go it's awesome, now I'm just waiting to get the stuff for my soon to be ivy bridge build

and I'm still waiting for the 8x8gb rams i'll be getting this july as my gift ^_^ should be awesome can't imagine on going above 26gb on my work related stuff but for gaming might go make a huge ramdisk or something

 

[Why_Me]

This build allows you to push three gtx 680's or three AMD 7970's. Choose your weapon.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225 $199.99 - $179.99 after mail-in rebate FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case

http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PRO1250W-Edition-Compatible-P11250BEFX/dp/B0066AH4L6/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1336156003&sr=1-5 $266.97 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
XFX PRO1250W Black Edition Full Modular 80PLUS Gold PSU Compatible with Intel Core i3, i5, i7 and AMD Phenom, FX (P11250BEFX)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131822 $339.99
ASUS P8Z77 WS LGA 1155 Intel Z77 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard PCI Express 3.0 x16: 4 (x16/x16/0/0 or x16/x8/x8/0 or x8/x8/x8/x8)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501 $349.99 FREE SHIPPING
Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz (3.9GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I73770K

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103176 $69.99
Cooler Master TPC 812 RR-T812-24PK-R1 120mm Sleeve with Dual Vertical Vapor Chamber TPC 812 CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+

Add this fan down below to that CM cpu cooler up above for a "push - pull" effect to help bring cpu temps down even more.

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-BladeMaster-Silent-R4-BMBS-20PK-R0/dp/B0030DL37I/ref=sr_1_14?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1335803233&sr=1-14 $11.06 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
Cooler Master BladeMaster 120mm PWM High Air Flow Silent Case Fan R4-BMBS-20PK-R0

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231550 $59.99 FREE SHIPPING
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C9D-8GAB

or...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231552 $59.99 FREE SHIPPING
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-2133C11D-8GAO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820239050 $289.99 FREE SHIPPING
Kingston HyperX 3K SH103S3B/240G 2.5" 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (Upgrade Bundle Kit)

or...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226255 $499.99
Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR480GB-DX 2.5" 480GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-AD-7280S-0B-Internal-Drive-Black/dp/B0057FRTPW/ref=pd_cp_e_0 $21.27 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
Sony AD-7280S-0B 24x SATA Internal DVD+/-RW Drive (Black)

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=pd_cp_e_2 $99.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack



http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600315498%20600311819&IsNodeId=1&name=GeForce%20GTX%20680 <---- GTX 680's. Look for one with non reference cooling. Not in stock atm

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600286767%20600286740&IsNodeId=1&name=Radeon%20HD%207970 <----- AMD 7970's. Look for the ones with non reference cooling like the Gigabyte card for example

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007617+600060968+600255030&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&IsNodeId=1&Subcategory=20&description=&hisInDesc=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&AdvancedSearch=1&srchInDesc= <----- LED and 120Hz refresh rate monitors...some with 3D.


http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2654 <----- that's a review on that cpu h/s

 

[audiopanik]

thermaltake level 10 gt case is good I have it on my 3930k gaming system ^_^. airflow is awesome

and check out my sig, and replace the mobo and cpu t0 asus IV extreme and 3930k.

64gb is good you can make huge ramdisk or even if you don't use ramdisk it's ok, no one is going to B*t*& slap you or sue you in court. go with what you can afford so long as your willing to pay for it and it makes you ipeen.

go with g.skill ripjaws Z it's what I went with any of my x79 system but corsair vengeance is a good choice if your going to use corsair h100

imo go with noctua nh-d14 se2011 (for lga 2011 only) or you can get those 1155 d14 and get a stand off for lga 2011.

I would opt for a gtx680 zotac(reference for the games)/msi twin frozr 2gb/4gb whichever you can get, but if you can get your hands on a single gtx690 it's all good.

imo I suggest a 1500VA APC-UPS in your build as having a sexy rig like this you need a hunk of a guard.


for ram

G.SKILL Ripjaws Z 16GB/32GB/64GB (4X4GB) (8X4GB) (8X8GB) 1600Mhz CL9

Samsung 830 ssd or crucial m4 or intel 510 ssd are the best IMO right now for reliability.

Samsung spinpoint F3 1tb or those F4 2tb for storage and extra stuff.

for ODD(optical disk drive)

go with Samsung I love samsung ^_^ but asus or liteon ain't so bad.

I will give the Level 10 GT another look.

What is the benefit of creating a RAMDISK and how does one do so?

So you think air cooling over the H100?

I will definitely be grabbing a decent UPS.

I am going to read up on the SSD models you suggested see which ones sound best. Should I grab 2 SSDs for mirroring?

Thanks for your suggestions.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Tavo_Nova]

well I suggest getting a bigger ssd.

example:

120gbx2 = bad no trim for now(unless they updated without me knowing)
240gb = good no problem

reason why i use 2 ssd on my work system is because I need the speed and so far no problem arises.

for SSD if money allows go intel 510 but the samsung 830 or crucial m4 are a good contender and also one of the most reliable ssd

I use aircooling due to a bad experience on custom water cooling on my previous main gaming system and it's also my fault due to me carrying it around.

for UPS don't go for like just what you need, it's better to get a bigger bad boy than regret it later. go with APC they are expensive but they are good, besides that a cyberpower 1500va UPS is a good choice sadly they don't sell them here so I don't have real life experience with them.


about these 2 case

Level 10 gt = I liked the looks and cooling is great too. it's quite heavy at 12kg
cosmos II = looks nice cooling is also good like level 10 gt but only reason I went with this is because 1st =can get it free so I went with expensive one and 2nd = it's heavy I like heavy stuff.

IMO I got a silverstone tj11 and I actually like it better than those 2 above. but the level 10 gt is no push over it's a great case and the looks is refreshing not your usual tower look.

for ram disk take a look at this it's JJ from asus


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cqfhZvyE80

note: H100 corsair closed loop liquid cooling is good but a friend of mine had a bad experience with his but no problem at least that big is made. so far aircooling has served me well always have and always will ^_^.

but if your going for H100 I do advise on buying those g.skill turbulence (ram cooler) they give nice cooling to the ram and they make your system looks awesome,

also normally when people look at your case specially those without knowledge, whenever they see a noctua nh-d14 "wow monster cooler, you mean business" well not exactly but something along the line.

 

[audiopanik]

Thanks again for everyone's help thus far.

I believe I have a list of preliminary parts that I will be ordering (with the exception of and wanted to get everyone's opinions . . .

Motherboard: ASUS Rampage IV Extreme LGA 2011

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14

GPU: EVGA 04G-P4-2690-KR GeForce GTX 690

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Z Series 32GB

Case: Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T

Power: SeaSonic X-1250 1250W

SSD: Intel 510 Series (Elm Crest) SSDSC2MH250A2K5 2.5" 250GB
The question is should I get 2 of these to put into a RAID configuration for the OS / Games to be installed on for speed / redundancy?

HDD: still unsure here, I was thinking about just 2 x 2TB drives mirrored for redundancy for file storage

Monitor: Still torn between the Dell UltraSharp 27" and 30". The GTG response time on the 27" is 6ms and the 30" is 7ms. Will that make that much of a difference?



Opinions on my preliminary parts list are greatly appreciated!

 

[SSri]

SSD: Intel 510 Series (Elm Crest) SSDSC2MH250A2K5 2.5" 250GB
The question is should I get 2 of these to put into a RAID configuration for the OS / Games to be installed on for speed / redundancy?

HDD: still unsure here, I was thinking about just 2 x 2TB drives mirrored for redundancy for file storage

Monitor: Still torn between the Dell UltraSharp 27" and 30". The GTG response time on the 27" is 6ms and the 30" is 7ms. Will that make that much of a difference?

Good choices there. Well done

I would keep 1 SSD for OS/Games and reserve the RAID (Preferably RAID 5) for storage. Check your mobo regarding RAID controller.

27" and 30" are excellent monitors. If you can afford, go for 30.

 

[audiopanik]

Good choices there. Well done

I would keep 1 SSD for OS/Games and reserve the RAID (Preferably RAID 5) for storage. Check your mobo regarding RAID controller.

27" and 30" are excellent monitors. If you can afford, go for 30.

Ok makes sense, I will get 1 250GB SSD for OS / Games and set up an array using HDDs for file storage.

According to the ASUS / NewEgg websites, the motherboard supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 using the black 4 x 3Gb/s SATA ports.

I will probably spring for the 30" Dell monitor. However, I keep hearing grumblings of issues with the 7ms response time on the 30" monitors. But the 27" is only 1ms less. Is 7ms REALLY that big of a deal, even for FPS?

 

[SSri]

I do not think a ms would make a noticeable difference. Active gamers would be able to confirm this.

 

[SSri]

Consider investing in a UPS....I have anAPC BACK-UPS RS 1500 (UK model). It saved a few times from a sudden power cut. It will also help prevent a system damage. With this, you would be able to safely shut down the system.