Ivy/Z77 1500$-ish Gaming build

[broomhandle]

Approximate Purchase Date:
I plan to build a new comp in the next few weeks, I am looking for input on parts quality and compatibility and would like to have a quieter set up. I am open to changes and suggestions.
Budget Range: up to $1600

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming/school/web

Parts Not Required:
keyboard/mouse/monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Who ever has best sale when its time to buy...Newegg is a favorite

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: none aside from function over form of moderate or better quality

Overclocking: Probably

SLI or Crossfire: in the future

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: strongly considering a second monitor to run a dual monitor set up. Below is a list of item I have compiled, please let me know what you think.

GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H 179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545

EVGA 02G-P4-2678-KR GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 409.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130787

CORSAIR Professional Series HX750 (CMPSU-750HX) 750W ATX12V 144.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz 229.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148518
(I may just pick something off the QVL list depending on the case I go with)

OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-180G 2.5" 180GB SATA III 149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227789

TOSHIBA DT01ACA050 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb 69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822149380

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner 16.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

ZALMAN CNPS9500A-LED 92mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler 44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118223

For the case I am looking at two atm:
Thermaltake Armor Revo VO200M6W2N Snow Edition 179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133202

NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Steel 119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067

I like white cases(but not restricted to)...I like the area the Thermaltake provides for the PSU and its large fans with dust shields, I like the price of the NZXT if anyone has some input to other good options, please let me know


I am at about 1296.00 before towers.

 

[manofchalk]

Pretty much got it dead on, I would only change some minor things.

Get a cheaper 670 with much better cooling. Overclock it yourself for free performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423

Agility is the mid-range SSD in the OCZ lineup and uses a Sandforce controller (whether this is good or bad vary's according to opinion, I personally dont care). OCZ's premium drive, the Vertex 4, is faster and uses a custom Everest 2 controller made by OCZ in house. Essentially means they have more control and that equals faster, which equals a recommendation!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227791&Tpk=Vertex%204%20128gb

Why such a small Hard Drive? You'r not exactly strapped for cash and more capacity on the one drive is more cost efficient than getting another HDD later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

As for cases, reliable bets are the Coolermaster HAF range and pretty much everything by Corsair (Some of them are white too).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

 

[broomhandle]

Thanks for the suggestions, I understand the point about overclocking a 670 on my own, I also like the cooling system of the EVGA, that it blows all the heat out the back of the case.

I will take your advice on the SSD, thanks.

I went with the smaller HDD because it is less expensive and the 500 I have now I have yet to fill up.

As far as the case goes, I would like a full tower, and the one you linked has rubber feet glued to the paint for the PSU, about no dust shields and few fans. I do appreciate the link.

Any thoughts on a second monitor for under 200$? I have a 23 inch currently

 

[mustangjbld]

Bumping because I was about to ask about a build just like this, but with an Asus mobo. As far as a solid monitor under $200 i was looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236049&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Monitors%20-%20LCD%20Flat%20Panel-_-ASUS-_-24236049&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID= . Would like some other opinions as well.

 

[manofchalk]

Reference cooling does have that advantage. If you'v got an oven style box with no airflow, a reference cooler will work better. But in a proper case with good airflow, custom will give you better cooling than reference. Reference coolers are also loud when things get hot. Considering that a $150 case will have good airflow, get the non-reference model.

I just linked to that case just to show you a Corsair option that seems to be in your case price range (and white). The amount of fans doesnt really indicate its cooling ability, and it has space for more if you wanted to add them. Dust filters only need to be on the intakes.

Cases are largely a personal choice, just make sure it has good airflow, cable management and a decent front I/O panel, and you'l be set.

The monitor that Mustang has found seems so be pretty good. I don't know much about monitors but I cant see anything wrong with it.