Building New Game System - Target is ~$1350

[Forni]

NOTE: This is not a double post. I am building 2 systems. One for my wife and one for myself. I have separated it into 2 posts, since my goals and desires are different for each system.


Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: This week, before the weekend

Budget Range: $1,350 before shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: I will be using this for gaming. I want the ability to expand to be able to run 3 monitors for 2D widescreen gaming. I imagine a single GTX 670 may not handle this well, so I would like a chance to possible add another one in the future.

Are you buying a monitor: No


Parts to Upgrade: Mobo, CPU, RAM, GPU, Cooling fan(s), SDD, 6.0 SATA HDD, possible a new case, PSU

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: This build will all be from Newegg.com, since we have an account there

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU preferred, otherwise open to other brands

Overclocking: Maybe, but from what I have read, OCing what increase FPS dramatically for World of Warcraft (which is about all that will be played on this build)

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1680 x 1050 (one screen); 5040 x 1050 (three screens)

Additional Comments: The primary use for this build will be to play World of Warcraft. I want to play it on three screens (2d widescreen gaming) if possible. If FPS falls below 70 @ 5040 x 1050 I will cut it down to 1 screen until I can afford to SLI a 2nd or 3rd GPU. I will also play some high end FPS games, or perhaps games like Anno 2070. Warcraft will not be the only entertainment I seek. It would be nice to play newer games at a decent FPS with high-max settings.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My current computer is over 4 years old and is having difficulties running Warcraft at modest settings. I want a computer that will last for 2-4 years (with upgrades to vid card and maybe CPU in 2 years) to last for the entire Mists of Pandaria expansion. I also want to be able to play newer games like Ghost Recon at a decent FPS. Max settings isn't essential, but high settings at around 70 FPS is preferred.

I am open to any criticisms. Though I consider myself highly skilled in building a PC, I haven't done so for over 4 years which means my hardware knowledge is far behind what I need it to be for a decent build.


Current Build:


Mother Board

GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545


CPU

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I72600K

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070



RAM

Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 997046

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226296


GPU

GIGABYTE GV-N670OC-2GD GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423


CPU Cooling

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099


SDD

Mushkin Enhanced Chronos Deluxe MX MKNSSDCR120GB-MX 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226318


HDD

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533


PSU

Please see question #3 below; I am considering this one though:

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021


Case

Please see question #4 below


Questions:

1.) I went with an i7-2600k Sandy in hopes of OC'ing one or 2 steps. Will this net me much of an FPS gain in Warcraft across 3 screens compared to an i5-2500k?

2.) Will I see much of a performance upgrade moving from 3.0 SATA to 6.0 SATA? We have plenty of 500 GB HDD's we could use and save some money. But, the 6.0 SATA's are not all that expensive. However, if I need to save money this could be one place to do it, -IF- there would not be that great / noticeable of a performance increase moving to the new 6.0

3.) My PSU is 550W. Can I keep that and make it work with this build, or should I buy a 750W if I plan on expanding to dual or triple SLI? Could i make the 550W work for now and upgrade when/if I move to dual+ SLI?

Current PSU is this:

Antec True Power Trio TP3-550 550W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply with Three 12V Rails

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371002


4.) My case is an Antec 900 and I hate it. It gets dusty way too easy and is a pain to clean. However, it works fine, beyond aesthetics. Cooling also seems to be adequate. But if needed, I could cut costs and just deal with a dusty, nasty looking case. Would you suggest anything else? I love the Antec Sonata III http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024 but it comes with a PSU I wouldn't need. I would like to consider moving to a case that was easy to clean, looks great but also cools well. However, to stay in budget and afford a more powerful system, this is also an upgrade I can wait for.

Here is my current case:

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Upgraded USB 3.0

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

 

[FinneousPJ]

1. no, I don't think so. As before why not go with the new 3570K?

2. none with HDDs and barely with SSDs

3. your current one would work until SLI but then I'd gp with 650W or more.

4. I love my Define XL

 

[Forni]

1. no, I don't think so. As before why not go with the new 3570K?

I didn't like what I read about using Radeon for 3 monitors. From what I read, the software package for the GTX series handles widescreen gaming much better

 

[skaggy]

1/ no in fact sometimes the virtual cores hinder gaming ( go 3570k or 2500k which dosent get as hot)
2/no
3/ good enough for now
4/ i have a fractal design xl as well

 

[FinneousPJ]

I didn't like what I read about using Radeon for 3 monitors. From what I read, the software package for the GTX series handles widescreen gaming much better

I don't know what Radeon has to do with the 3570K but historically AMD has offered better multi monitor support, not worse.

 

[Forni]

1/ no in fact sometimes the virtual cores hinder gaming ( go 3570k or 2500k which dosent get as hot)

I was trying to avoid going with Ivy Bridge and wanted to use a Sandy, due to this article:


Intel's Ivy Bridge Chips Appear to Run Hotter Than Sandy Bridge Chips When Overclocked

http://www.pcworld.com/article/254713/intels_ivy_bridge_chips_appear_to_run_hotter_than_sandy_bridge_chips_when_overclocked.html

 

[Forni]

On another note:

1a.) Will the GPU I picked do well if I go with SLI? With the bottom facing fans, how will it handle cooling if stacked?

2a.) Will my Mobo handle 3 GTX 670's well?

 

[bigcyco1]

Your Price: $94.99
With Promo Code
EMCNCJN29
$79.99 After $15.00 MIR COOLER MASTER HAF 922 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL071012&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL071012-_-EMC-071012-Index-_-ComputerCases-_-11119197-L07C#top

 

[bigcyco1]

for mobo i highly recommend any of these mobo:ASUS P8Z77-V PRO LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131819#top

mobo:GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545#top

mobo:ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Motherboards%20-%20Intel-_-ASRock-_-13157295&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=#top

 

[bigcyco1]

For a PSU get one of these while they are on sale OCZ OCZ-ZT750W ZT Series ATX Modular Power Supply - 750W, 80 Plus Bronze, 140mm Fan, Active PFC "jonnyGURU Recommended".... http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=262 <----- review/benchmarks
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1393382&CatId=5440


PC Power & Cooling PPCMK2S750 Silencer Mk II Power Supply - 750W, 80 Plus Silver, 135mm Fan, SLI Ready, CrossFire Ready, Active PFC
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=927377&CatId=2533 "guru3d.com recommend" ----> review/benchmarks http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CE8QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guru3d.com%2Farticle%2Fpc-power-and-cooling-silencer-mkii-750w-psu-review%2F&ei=I1X8T8rYDoTy2gXIi9jSBg&usg=AFQjCNGwgIxPrCzGvP7qPK1d5iIXZo5t2w&sig2=ZTVrhsnfWZw4w5Ffn_QpMg

 

[FinneousPJ]

On another note:

1a.) Will the GPU I picked do well if I go with SLI? With the bottom facing fans, how will it handle cooling if stacked?

2a.) Will my Mobo handle 3 GTX 670's well?

Re: both - depends most on case and adequate airflow. In a big enough case and proper cooling, yes, I think it'll be great. However it seems that mobo doesn't support 3-way SLI properly, the last slot is x4.

 

[Forni]

Re: both - depends most on case and adequate airflow. In a big enough case and proper cooling, yes, I think it'll be great. However it seems that mobo doesn't support 3-way SLI properly, the last slot is x4.

Do you have any suggestions for a solid mobo that does support 3x SLI? I plan on buying 3 GTX 670's; 2 for me, 1 for the wife, and when I upgrade her GPU I would move to 3x SLI hoping that it will stave off an upgrade for a little bit longer.

Is that even sound thinking or is it best to just plan on dual SLI and upgrade later? I don't see a drastic increase in FPS from 2x to 3x SLI unless working in high resolution. Since I want to game on 3 screens at 5040 x 1050, I thought moving to 3x SLI sounded like a good choice. I am looking at all mobo's on Newegg that support 3 PCI 3.0, and none seem to offer true 3x SLI. I am not opposed to moving to 2x SLI if it is still viable for 3 screen gaming.

 

[Forni]

Apologies for the double post, I was not able to edit/amend my last post.

With some digging, I am guessing I can't get true 3x SLI unless I upgrade to a LGA 2011. But the increased cost of a LGA 2011 mobo+CPU and a 3rd GPU makes it tough to justify. Moving forward perhaps I should plan on 2x SLI

 

[FinneousPJ]

Honestly I'm not sure 3x SLI is really worth it. BTW, a factory overclocked 670 can run WoW over 3 screens:

So I figure 2 way SLI is enough for a while and then you could just upgrade to whatever's new.

EDIT: Yes, please note, that's a single GTX670.

 

[Forni]

FinneousPJ:

I can't thank you enough for your fast replies, assistance and patience. You have helped me tremendously with my decisions.

I am now looking for a board with 2x SLI @ 8x | 8x. It's the last piece of the puzzle.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Here's a great rebate offer going on: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

 

[dalmvern]

FinneousPJ:

I can't thank you enough for your fast replies, assistance and patience. You have helped me tremendously with my decisions.

I am now looking for a board with 2x SLI @ 8x | 8x. It's the last piece of the puzzle.

The only hangup with the mobo you chose was if you were doing TriSLi. Since you have dropped that and are just doing 2 cards, your mobo will work just fine. One card in the x16 slot and one in the x8 slot just means it will be running as if it were x8 | x8.

There are mobos out there that have two x16 lanes...for example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157322

Is it a good cost/benefit...eh, maybe not, but its an option.

 

[Forni]

Dalmvern:

Thanks for the response. After seeing some benchmarks for what I want to do, I decided to give up on triple SLI and went with this motherboard:

GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128544