Semi-Pro gaming build - 3570k / z77 / GTX 670

[Alekhine]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am seeking advice on a semi-pro gaming pc build. I have been a pc gamer since 1997. My last build was a great machine with q6600 and 8800gt guts. My main interests are CS:S, TF2, Eve Online, GuildWars 2 (eventually), StarCraft 2, Elder Scrolls games, Mass Effect games, Dragon Age games, Borderlands games, with some BF3 and Crysis 2 thrown in for good measure. Of all of these, BF3 should be the most demanding. However, I would like this build to be pretty future-proof also.

Approximate purchase date: within a month of today
Budget range: $1600 - $2000 USD
System usage: Gaming (FPS, RTS, RPG, MMO)
Buying a monitor: yes
Preferred websites to purchase from: Newegg, NCIX, Amazon, etc. (any that are legit)
Location: USA
Preferred Manufacturers: Intel, ASUS, MSI, Crucial, Corsair, SeaSonic, Samsung, Benq, ASrock, Steel Series, Razer, Sennheiser, G.Skill, EVGA, Gigabyte, Seagate, Western Digital
Overclocking: yes, mild - nothing super crazy as i'll be using air cooling
SLI/Crossfire: nope single card only
Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1200 (120hz)

So here is what I initially have in mind:

CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k
MOBO: ASUS Sabertooth z77, or ASrock z77 extreme6
GPU: Nvidia GTX 670 (EVGA, MSI, or ASUS)
RAM: 16GB of Ripjaws
HDD1: Samsung 830 series 128GB SSD (Sata III) boot / gaming drive
HDD2: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB drive 7200rpm, 64MB cache / media drive
PSU: SeaSonic X650 Gold
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 or Storm Sniper
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 24inch, 120hz (1920 x 1080) 2ms GTG
Keyboard: Deck Legend or Ducky Shine - mechanical, backlit
Mouse: Logitec G9

Which of these or any other parts out there will be my best bet?

I'm sold on the 3570k. Everything else is subject to change and I'm hoping for your help to steer me in the right direction if a better part is out there!

Thanks in advance.

Edits to build based on personal research and member feedback so far:
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570k
CPU Cooler: Noctua D14 - (credit g-unit1111)
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-Z77x-UD5H - (credit g-unit1111)
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 670 OC 2
RAM: 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws Z - DDR 2133 (PC 17000)
HDD1: Plextor M3 128GB SSD (6GB/s sata III) boot / gaming drive - (credit g-unit1111)
HDD2: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200rpm mechanical media drive
Optical Drive: LiteOn IHBS112-04 Blu-Ray burner - (credit g-unit1111)
PSU: SeaSonic Platinum 860W (92% efficiency - platinum 80 plus)
Case: Silverstone Fortress FT02
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 24inch, 120hz (1920 x 1080) 2ms GTG
Keyboard: Deck Legend - Mechanical, Backlit
Mouse: Logitec G9x -5700dpi laser

Price: $2116; Currently $116 over budget, have some flexibility so not worried

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($75.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($170.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.86 @ Outlet PC)
Hard Drive: Plextor PX-M3S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone FT02B-W ATX Mid Tower Case ($239.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 860W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($170.00 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On ihes112-04 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($52.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($391.00 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G9x Wired Laser Mouse ($67.50 @ B&H)
Other: Deck Legend / Backlit, Mechanical keyboard
Total: $2116.26
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-07-21 13:50 EDT-0400)

 

[g-unit1111]

16GB of RAM won't be used on a gaming rig and sometimes can actually slow it down.

Try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($188.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Plextor PX-M3S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($417.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($189.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHBS112-04 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1672.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-07-19 19:48 EDT-0400)

The NZXT Switch 810 will allow you to install a nice liquid radiator should you decide to go the liquid cooling route. The PC Power & Cooling PSU is actually a rebranded Seasonic, and 750W will give you a bit more room to add an SLI setup. The Plextor M3 uses Toggle NAND - same as the Samsung, and is based on the excellent Marvell controller. You can add that monitor and still come in under $2K. I don't really recommend spending that much money on peripherals because you can always get those things after you get your build up and running.

 

[Alekhine]

The NZXT Switch 810 will allow you to install a nice liquid radiator should you decide to go the liquid cooling route. The PC Power & Cooling PSU is actually a rebranded Seasonic, and 750W will give you a bit more room to add an SLI setup. The Plextor M3 uses Toggle NAND - same as the Samsung, and is based on the excellent Marvell controller. You can add that monitor and still come in under $2K. I don't really recommend spending that much money on peripherals because you can always get those things after you get your build up and running.

Thanks for the quick reply g-unit1111.

I like the idea of the Plextor M3 SSD, and the PC Power and Cooling SeaSonic rebrand - great advice! Also, as you recommended, the Noctua cooler looks fantastic.

NZXT Switch looks pretty good.

The Gigabyte mobo, is that going to offer me a better value over the ASrock or ASUS?

Thanks again!

 

[g-unit1111]

The NZXT Switch 810 will allow you to install a nice liquid radiator should you decide to go the liquid cooling route. The PC Power & Cooling PSU is actually a rebranded Seasonic, and 750W will give you a bit more room to add an SLI setup. The Plextor M3 uses Toggle NAND - same as the Samsung, and is based on the excellent Marvell controller. You can add that monitor and still come in under $2K. I don't really recommend spending that much money on peripherals because you can always get those things after you get your build up and running.

Thanks for the quick reply g-unit1111.

I like the idea of the Plextor M3 SSD, and the PC Power and Cooling SeaSonic rebrand - great advice! Also, as you recommended, the Noctua cooler looks fantastic.

NZXT Switch looks pretty good.

The Gigabyte mobo, is that going to offer me a better value over the ASrock or ASUS?

Thanks again!

It'll certainly be a better value than the Asus Sabertooth and has some really nice features that the Sabertooth doesn't have like dual LAN.

I really like the NZXT Switch 810 - if that had been around when I got my Graphite 600T, I would have the Switch 810 instead. I'm planning to get an M3 for my system as well. It was originally going to be the OCZ Vertex 4 but I have yet to see a positive review on any of the recent firmware updates.

 

[hellfire24]

The NZXT Switch 810 will allow you to install a nice liquid radiator should you decide to go the liquid cooling route. The PC Power & Cooling PSU is actually a rebranded Seasonic, and 750W will give you a bit more room to add an SLI setup. The Plextor M3 uses Toggle NAND - same as the Samsung, and is based on the excellent Marvell controller. You can add that monitor and still come in under $2K. I don't really recommend spending that much money on peripherals because you can always get those things after you get your build up and running.

switch has just *average* air cooling potential, if OP is not going to install a custom loop,then phantom with n extra 200mm fan would be a better choice..the power supply you suggested is good but never heard that it's made sesonic,i think it's a rebranded sirtec(sorry if am wrong).

 

[Alekhine]

switch has just *average* air cooling potential, if OP is not going to install a custom loop,then phantom with n extra 200mm fan would be a better choice..

Thanks for the input hellfire24.

I am looking to go full air cooling, as I have had great success with air in the past, and don't care for the added complexity, and potential liability of liquid. Plus i'm ignorant of liquid cooling, and frankly don't want to mess with it on this build.

For an air cooling solution, which case will offer the best possible air cooling ability? I know theres more to it than just bolting on as many fans as possible (intake and exhaust) and hoping for the best.

The phantom looks as though it can be a decent air cooling case, but i'm not sure about the looks, personally, but I'll rethink that if it offers supreme air circulation.

Thanks again!

 

[g-unit1111]

switch has just *average* air cooling potential, if OP is not going to install a custom loop,then phantom with n extra 200mm fan would be a better choice..

Thanks for the input hellfire24.

I am looking to go full air cooling, as I have had great success with air in the past, and don't care for the added complexity, and potential liability of liquid. Plus i'm ignorant of liquid cooling, and frankly don't want to mess with it on this build.

For an air cooling solution, which case will offer the best possible air cooling ability? I know theres more to it than just bolting on as many fans as possible (intake and exhaust) and hoping for the best.

The phantom looks as though it can be a decent air cooling case, but i'm not sure about the looks, personally, but I'll rethink that if it offers supreme air circulation.

Thanks again!

I always point people to this article as it's extremely helpful before they go splurging on fans: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-airflow-heatsink,3053.html

 

[hellfire24]

switch has just *average* air cooling potential, if OP is not going to install a custom loop,then phantom with n extra 200mm fan would be a better choice..

Thanks for the input hellfire24.

I am looking to go full air cooling, as I have had great success with air in the past, and don't care for the added complexity, and potential liability of liquid. Plus i'm ignorant of liquid cooling, and frankly don't want to mess with it on this build.

For an air cooling solution, which case will offer the best possible air cooling ability? I know theres more to it than just bolting on as many fans as possible (intake and exhaust) and hoping for the best.

The phantom looks as though it can be a decent air cooling case, but i'm not sure about the looks, personally, but I'll rethink that if it offers supreme air circulation.

Thanks again!

500r or phantom,both are great cases for their price tag.

 

[Alekhine]

Thanks for the article link g-unit1111.

That was a great info, and I like the fact that the case you used in your system is the one they say is nearly perfect for air cooling. My last case was an antec 900, which worked great, however, I did not have the luxury of air filters. Six months, and the interior had dust everywhere. I am interested in a case with maximum air circulation efficiency with filters on the intakes.

Prices for the case can be anywhere from $100 - $200. Also, as a secondary objective, (air circulation being top priority) I would like decent cable management. Being quiet and good looking also get points! So far the Corsair Graphite 600T looks to be the best to fit this description.

Any idea how the Silver Stone Raven RV-02 stacks up? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163154

 

[raytseng]

looks good, i also wouldn't worry about 16gb slowing you "down".

Sure, to address 4sticks perhaps you cannot overclock as high as if you only had to do 2sticks; or perhaps the timings will go slower; but it's not going to be a big difference. The benchmark article show you really don't lose much by buying ram for faster timings, so that works both ways, so slower timings aren't holding you back that much either.

As you know, everything is video card bound for games. So don't sweat over optimizing that last 2% when there are bigger knobs that will double or halve your performance.

 

[daamz]

It'll certainly be a better value than the Asus Sabertooth and has some really nice features that the Sabertooth doesn't have like dual LAN.

I really like the NZXT Switch 810 - if that had been around when I got my Graphite 600T, I would have the Switch 810 instead. I'm planning to get an M3 for my system as well. It was originally going to be the OCZ Vertex 4 but I have yet to see a positive review on any of the recent firmware updates.

Thanks g-unit.. u give me alot knowledge.. damn good explaination and good list of hardware..

 

[Alekhine]

looks good, i also wouldn't worry about 16gb slowing you "down".

As you know, everything is video card bound for games. So don't sweat over optimizing that last 2% when there are bigger knobs that will double or halve your performance.

Thanks for your response raytseng.

I have read conflicting information on the 8GB vs 16GB ram issue. I have also read that some games like BF3 use a ton of ram. What is the slowdown of going from 8GB to 16GB - are we talking a couple frames per second with everything turned to ultra?

Also at 1920 x 1080 (or 1920 x 1200) is the single GTX 670 with a mild overclock going to serve me well, assuming max settings in all current gen games? I am shying away from sli/crossfire due to the perceived micro stuttering.

Thanks!

 

[epoon317]

16GB of RAM won't be used on a gaming rig and sometimes can actually slow it down.

Try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($188.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Plextor PX-M3S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($417.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($189.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHBS112-04 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($76.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1672.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-07-19 19:48 EDT-0400)

The NZXT Switch 810 will allow you to install a nice liquid radiator should you decide to go the liquid cooling route. The PC Power & Cooling PSU is actually a rebranded Seasonic, and 750W will give you a bit more room to add an SLI setup. The Plextor M3 uses Toggle NAND - same as the Samsung, and is based on the excellent Marvell controller. You can add that monitor and still come in under $2K. I don't really recommend spending that much money on peripherals because you can always get those things after you get your build up and running.

Thank you for providing this build - I really enjoy it and I might purchase this exact setup. Do you think this will help me achieve my goal to play BF3 at a consistent 60+ FPS during online multiplayer matches? If not, what changes would you make? Is the upgrade to GTX 680 worth it?

 

[g-unit1111]

Thank you for providing this build - I really enjoy it and I might purchase this exact setup. Do you think this will help me achieve my goal to play BF3 at a consistent 60+ FPS during online multiplayer matches? If not, what changes would you make? Is the upgrade to GTX 680 worth it?

670 and 680 are essentially the same GPU but the main difference (I think) is the higher clock ratios and VRAM speeds. But that build will max out anything you can throw at it for the next couple of years.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Such an expensive mobo isn't needed when the OP isn't interested in SLI'ing.

 

[hellfire24]

Any idea how the Silver Stone Raven RV-02 stacks up? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163154

that is one of the best aircooled case out there but it's kinda expensive IMHO,as i said earlier,500r will serve you very well.

 

[hellfire24]

@g-unit-

switch has just *average* air cooling potential, if OP is not going to install a custom loop,then phantom with n extra 200mm fan would be a better choice..the power supply you suggested is good but never heard that it's made sesonic,i think it's a rebranded sirtec(sorry if am wrong).

 

[epoon317]

670 and 680 are essentially the same GPU but the main difference (I think) is the higher clock ratios and VRAM speeds. But that build will max out anything you can throw at it for the next couple of years.

I enjoyed reading the statement, "that build will max out anything you can throw at it for the next couple of years."

Please share your thoughts on the build below. It is significantly cheaper, but does this mean that it will performance less. Will the above statement hold true for this setup? I really hope that the build below will allow me to play BF3 at max settings with a minimum 60+ FPS... Thank you for your time.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/czz5
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/czz5/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/czz5/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($141.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.86 @ Outlet PC)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VW224U 22.0" Monitor ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.65 @ Amazon)
Total: $1386.41

(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-07-19 21:27 EDT-0400)

 

[hellfire24]

^everything is cool but-
board does not supports SLi
get a better monitor.

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks for the article link g-unit1111.

That was a great info, and I like the fact that the case you used in your system is the one they say is nearly perfect for air cooling. My last case was an antec 900, which worked great, however, I did not have the luxury of air filters. Six months, and the interior had dust everywhere. I am interested in a case with maximum air circulation efficiency with filters on the intakes.

Prices for the case can be anywhere from $100 - $200. Also, as a secondary objective, (air circulation being top priority) I would like decent cable management. Being quiet and good looking also get points! So far the Corsair Graphite 600T looks to be the best to fit this description.

Any idea how the Silver Stone Raven RV-02 stacks up? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163154

Silverstone makes some pretty quality products - the Raven looks like a really nice case.

I enjoyed reading the statement, "that build will max out anything you can throw at it for the next couple of years."

Please share your thoughts on the build below. It is significantly cheaper, but does this mean that it will performance less. Will the above statement hold true for this setup? I really hope that the build below will allow me to play BF3 at max settings with a minimum 60+ FPS... Thank you for your time.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/czz5
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/czz5/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/czz5/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($141.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($45.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.86 @ Outlet PC)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VW224U 22.0" Monitor ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.65 @ Amazon)
Total: $1386.41

(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-07-19 21:27 EDT-0400)

That looks really good as well - I would personally put a bit more into the case on a $1400+ build - if you want to get something around the $100 mark go for the Corsair 400R or NZXT Phantom 410. Also get the Ares low profile RAM - the Ripjaw's heat sinks will make installing coolers difficult.

 

[FinneousPJ]

That mobo does support SLI actually, which the OP wasn't interested in so I wonder why he's spending more money to get an SLI board. BTW the 7970 Black Edition 1 GHz is only $20 more here and get more performance: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_7970_GHz_Edition/9.html

 

[epoon317]

^everything is cool but-
board does not supports SLi
get a better monitor.

Thanks - I value your input. Should I switch the MB to the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)?

Please recommend me a monitor in the same price range!

 

[raytseng]

Such an expensive mobo isn't needed when the OP isn't interested in SLI'ing.

well if you're going to pick up on that, you should also pick up that you don't need to spend $85 on a cpu cooler either (1/3rd the price of the cpu).

i would've saved $50 and go for the 212 evo, but that's my 2cents. 212+ if you want to save another $10

Since OP is already spending the money, assume there's going to be at least some overclock.
If's spending that much for the d14 and the mobo, he better be overclocking otherwise that's money wasted just to show off benchmark numbers.

 

[Alekhine]

well if you're going to pick up on that, you should also pick up that you don't need to spend $85 on a cpu cooler either (1/3rd the price of the cpu).

i would've saved $50 and go for the 212 evo, but that's my 2cents. 212+ if you want to save another $10

Since OP is already spending the money, assume there's going to be at least some overclock.
If's spending that much for the d14 and the mobo, he better be overclocking otherwise that's money wasted just to show off benchmark numbers.

There are some good observations going on here, and I thank you for that.

The idea of the Noctua d14 is maxing out the air cooling ability. The cooler the better - even with a mild 4.1 ghz overclock. I've spent more on Zalman CPNS copper coolers in the past so $85 isn't an astronomical number to me. The surface area of the Noctua is quite large, and based on a few reviews it offers both near silent operation, and massive heat dissipation.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Noctua/NH-D14/6.html

I want to stay open for SLI capability, even though the build calls for a single gfx card. I guess I should have stressed this more in the initial post - quality and performance matter to me, which is why I was initially thinking ASUS Sabertooth z77. There will be cheaper ways to go about doing a 3570k/z77/GTX670 build, such as the $1300 build posted above. That's not the same objective here. I like quality cases, heat sink fans, motherboards, video cards, etc. So for me cheaper doesn't equate to better, and I have some budgetary flexibility.

Thanks everyone for the input, lets keep it coming!

2 unresolved issues are which GTX 670 to buy specifically, and the whole 16GB vs 8GB issue. Any advice would be helpful. Also anyone have experience gaming with 120hz monitor?

 

[g-unit1111]

I want to stay open for SLI capability, even though the build calls for a single gfx card. I guess I should have stressed this more in the initial post - quality and performance matter to me, which is why I was initially thinking ASUS Sabertooth z77. There will be cheaper ways to go about doing a 3570k/z77/GTX670 build, such as the $1300 build posted above. That's not the same objective here. I like quality cases, heat sink fans, motherboards, video cards, etc. So for me cheaper doesn't equate to better, and I have some budgetary flexibility.

The Gigabyte UD5H and Asus P8Z77-V LX will both give you the same options as the Sabertooth for like $50 less and you won't sacrifice quality. Trust me I know what it's like to be burned by bad computer hardware and as a result I don't buy or recommend crappy components.