Ivy Bridge i7-3770k Build

homersim10

May 4, 2012 8:51:25 PM

I've waited a long time to upgrade from my current desktop and want to future proof this build as much as possible. I'll be using it for more than just gaming: Photoshop CS5, video encoding, watching HD streaming video and some gaming. I snagged the Ivy bridge i7-3770k when they went on sale last week so that purchase is a done deal but I need almost everything else except monitor, mouse, speakers and keyboard.
I intend to OC but am aware of the heat issues with IB and will keep the OC within recommended tolerances. Since I have not played around with overclocking before, I was leaning towards a mobo that makes that task as simple as possible.
I particularly am in need of help selecting a case (mid tower vs full), choosing the best SSD around 180-240 GB, and I could use feedback on the Mobo I picked. Not sure if I should go with the ASUS P8Z77-deluxe or the Intel DZ77GA70k. If I overclock the CPU to 4.5 GHZ, should I get faster ram such as DDR3-1866 or above rather than the usual 1600? And last, whether I'd be better off getting a Radeon HD 7970 rather than the GTX 680 GPU given Keplar performance boost vs added cost.
I don't want to waste money but staying within a fixed budget is not my primary concern. Instead I want value for my money and to future proof the build so this rig lasts several years.

My parts pick so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7Bob

Any suggestions on better choices and matching parts is much appreciated.

More about : ivy bridge 3770k build

| E-mail me updates
| Report abuse

inzanebuilds9934

May 4, 2012 9:10:44 PM

If you like to OC but are worried about heat issues try liquid cooling. You can ether go the pre-built route of something like a Corsair H100 Extreme or build it yourself from a company like XSPC. as for OC'ing on the mobo try a Asus Maximus IV Extreme. If you go the watercooled route try a EVGA GTX 680 Hydro Copper. I like the Samsung 830 series SSD (128GB). i would recommend ether a Corsair 600T or Corsair 650D Obsidian if you want mid-tower if you want full tower try a Corsair 800D. As for RAM try the Corsair Dominator RAM 16GB.

| Report abuse

dead_sincebirth

May 14, 2012 8:37:49 AM

homersim10 said:

I've waited a long time to upgrade from my current desktop and want to future proof this build as much as possible. I'll be using it for more than just gaming: Photoshop CS5, video encoding, watching HD streaming video and some gaming. I snagged the Ivy bridge i7-3770k when they went on sale last week so that purchase is a done deal but I need almost everything else except monitor, mouse, speakers and keyboard.
I intend to OC but am aware of the heat issues with IB and will keep the OC within recommended tolerances. Since I have not played around with overclocking before, I was leaning towards a mobo that makes that task as simple as possible.
I particularly am in need of help selecting a case (mid tower vs full), choosing the best SSD around 180-240 GB, and I could use feedback on the Mobo I picked. Not sure if I should go with the ASUS P8Z77-deluxe or the Intel DZ77GA70k. If I overclock the CPU to 4.5 GHZ, should I get faster ram such as DDR3-1866 or above rather than the usual 1600? And last, whether I'd be better off getting a Radeon HD 7970 rather than the GTX 680 GPU given Keplar performance boost vs added cost.
I don't want to waste money but staying within a fixed budget is not my primary concern. Instead I want value for my money and to future proof the build so this rig lasts several years.

My parts pick so far: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7Bob

Any suggestions on better choices and matching parts is much appreciated.

hi,bro i will advise you to buy An Asrock Z77 extreme 6 motherboard with i7 3770k processor . there combination gives awsome results no matter if u r overclocking , gaming, video encoding or multi tasking . the motherboard suits well and it will never disappoint u . i have experianced it ...

| Report abuse

Why_Me

May 14, 2012 9:31:04 AM

Windows Home Premium is limited to seeing 16GB of RAM. That and if you go with 2x8GB of RAM you have an upgrade path for another 16GB of RAM.

Here's some items to have a look at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $159.99 FREE SHIPPING
ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Z77%20Extre... <----- another look at that board along with the latest bios update

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/z77-extreme6-z77a-g... <----- that board in a review here on Toms

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $129.99 FREE SHIPPING
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Z77%20Extre... <----- another look at that board along with the latest bios update

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/asrock_z77_extreme... <------ review of that board with benchmarks

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $114.99 FREE SHIPPING
G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C10D-16GAO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $209.99 FREE SHIPPING
Mushkin Enhanced Chronos MKNSSDCR240GB 2.5" 240GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $139.99 FREE SHIPPING
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E... <----- gtx 670 $400

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5818/nvidia-geforce-gtx-6... <---- gtx 670 review with benchmarks

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... $137.99 - $127.99 after mail-in rebate card
XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80Plus Silver 750 Watt Power Supply

| Report abuse