Need $2500 Build Advice

[ArtisanV]

Hello everyone,

I'm a software engineering student (although terrible at hardware) looking to build a reasonably powerful PC to help me through the next couple of years. I'm building an entirely new machine, only reusing my speakers and web cam from my last machine.

I'm going to be doing a lot of exploration with algorithms and really getting in to depth with Graphic and Animation Algorithms, UDK and trying my hands at modding an existing 3D game. I'll also be partitioning the SSD to run Linux and Windows 7.

The heavy software I'll be using includes (in no particular order): Matlab, Visual Studio, UDK and Adobe Photoshop.

I'm from Canada, I'd like to stick with Canadian sites and items available for domestic distribution on newegg.ca.

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Approximate Purchase Date: By the end of the week

Budget Range: ($2500-$2700) Before Rebates; Before Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Machine Learning and Graphic Algorithms, UDK, Game Modding and Gaming

Are you buying a monitor: Yes (3 monitors)

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.ca (not .com, preferably the ones available through domestic shipping), http://www.memoryexpress.com/ or http://ncix.com/

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU, Nvidia graphics card

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments:

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My old machine is 5 years old, its hard drive failed and performance is terrible compared to what I need.


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After reading a lot of builds on here, this is what I came up with thus far:

CPU: i7-3770k
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501

CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE_BL
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=73197&vpn=PH-TC14PE_BL&manufacture=Phanteks&promoid=1449

Motherboard: P8Z77-V Deluxe
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX38187

Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB DDR3
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX39097

GPU: GTX 670 2GB FTW
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130787

SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 128 GB
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX38936

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=65701&vpn=ST1000DM003&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1034

PSU: Corsair HX850
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=38650&vpn=CMPSU-850HX&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1034

Case: Thermaltake Chaser
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX35085

OS: Dual Boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu(free)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX32998

Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P x 3
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236174

Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191

Mouse: Logitech G500
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104318

Total: $2593.00

Only thing I'm set on is 16 GB of memory. Outside of that I'm open to any changes. I really like the way the case looks but its not a must. I plan on buying one more GTX 670 by next year for SLI. I don't think I'll be doing a 3-way SLI until my next build. I feel my chosen motherboard and PSU might be a bit overboard.

 

[allanitomwesh]

motherboard yes,psu no. Take a look at the Asus Sabertooth z77. http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX38605
and 4gb version of your card. It'll help in rendering http://m.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130785

 

[aqualipt]

ok, first of all Check your messages (top right column) i left something in there that will come in handy


Buy this:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.02 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.06 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.06 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.06 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $2444.12

Edit: add this ----> Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg Canada)

 

[allanitomwesh]

You love that case aqualipt. lol. Can't complain,it's excellent. Could you find the 4gb for $400 theres?

 

[aqualipt]

You love that case aqualipt. lol. Can't complain,it's excellent. Could you find the 4gb for $400 theres?

Yep i love it... i was thinking about buying it and place my current rig in it and build a small box for the WC system.

I was also thinking about modify it a little by making a side windows shaped like the Lamborghini and paint it yellow

 

[allanitomwesh]

Yep i love it... i was thinking about buying it and place my current rig in it and build a small box for the WC system.

I was also thinking about modify it a little by making a side windows shaped like the Lamborghini and paint it yellow

Lol. Way too much free time on your hands. Would love to see it though.

 

[aqualipt]

Lol. Way too much free time on your hands. Would love to see it though.

hahahaha i wish i had free time, i run a big business and i have to spend time with my wife and kids and that's only on vacations...although i keep my phone with me at all times and that's why i am always online in this forum...anyways , i was thinking about taking it to a car workshop to have it painted with actual Lamborghini paint

Edit: i am thinking about doing something big with that rig, might even build a small concrete structure to place to 2 car radiators and an actual 1/2 HP water pump cooled by some 110v fans and a small AC unit in my basement and route the tubes through my house all the way to the attic where my computer is .... of course, that would require at least 8 hours of work in 2 days (to let the concrete dry) and tons of tubing adapters

 

[allanitomwesh]

hahahaha i wish i had free time, i run a big business and i have to spend time with my wife and kids and that's only on vacations...although i keep my phone with me at all times and that's why i am always online in this forum...anyways , i was thinking about taking it to a car workshop to have it painted with actual Lamborghini paint

Edit: i am thinking about doing something big with that rig, might even build a small concrete structure to place to 2 car radiators and an actual 1/2 HP water pump cooled by some 110v fans and a small AC unit in my basement and route the tubes through my house all the way to the attic where my computer is .... of course, that would require at least 8 hours of work in 2 days (to let the concrete dry) and tons of tubing adapters

:O no way.*hides from the awesomeness*

 

[aqualipt]

:O no way.*hides from the awesomeness*

Yes but will require me to do a lot work...i will have too see about that, but if i do it i am going to make a review it and post it here!

 

[ArtisanV]

ok, first of all Check your messages (top right column) i left something in there that will come in handy


Buy this:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.02 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($399.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.06 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.06 @ DirectCanada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.06 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $2444.12

Edit: add this ----> Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg Canada)

Thank you both for your responses. And thanks for the pm aqualipt, really helps . I'll stick with your recommendations, I have a few questions:

Why do you recommend the Gigabyte 670s vs EVGA FTW? Is there a difference?

I've read closed loop liquid cooling isn't that great, mind you, I'm not planning on OCing to 5.0 GHz either. Looking more at 4.2 GHz. Any opinions on this?

Would a cold cathode look cool in the case?

 

[azeem40]

The Gigabyte 670 has one of the best cooling.

Aqua loves Liquid cooling, so he suggested one.
I'd get the Hyper 212 Plus.

 

[ArtisanV]

I'm leaning towards aqua's build with the following changes: My original choice in monitors and PSU(its on sale ). Also I'll go with a single EVGA GTX 670 SC 4GB for now since I have 3 monitors and it seems that needs more VRAM. I'll purchase another one for SLI this December.


Thus my build becomes:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.02 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: GeForce GTX 670 SuperClocked 4GB PCI-E w/ Backplate, Dual DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort ($479.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=38650&promoid=1034 ($139.99 @NCIX)
Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P ($189.99 @ Newegg.ca)
Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P ($189.99 @ Newegg.ca)
Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P ($189.99 @ Newegg.ca)

How far could I OC with the Hyper 212+ in comparison to the Thermaltake Water 2.0? It is almost a $100 cheaper.

Apart from that, can someone verify my changes to the build are reasonable? I'm ready to order the parts otherwise.

 

[aqualipt]

I'm leaning towards aqua's build with the following changes: My original choice in monitors and PSU(its on sale ). Also I'll go with a single EVGA GTX 670 SC 4GB for now since I have 3 monitors and it seems that needs more VRAM. I'll purchase another one for SLI this December.


Thus my build becomes:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($144.99 @ NCIX)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.02 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: GeForce GTX 670 SuperClocked 4GB PCI-E w/ Backplate, Dual DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort ($479.99 @ Memory Express)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=38650&promoid=1034 ($139.99 @NCIX)
Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P ($189.99 @ Newegg.ca)
Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P ($189.99 @ Newegg.ca)
Monitor: ASUS VS Series VS247H-P ($189.99 @ Newegg.ca)

How far could I OC with the Hyper 212+ in comparison to the Thermaltake Water 2.0? It is almost a $100 cheaper.

Apart from that, can someone verify my changes to the build are reasonable? I'm ready to order the parts otherwise.

no no no....stick with the gigabyte card or an asus DC II GTX 670... the main diference between all cards is this:


EVGA FTW GTX 670= GTX 680 reference cooling Gigabyte/asus GTX 670= Superb cooling Reference GTX 670= ok cooling.

The 212 EVO will not allow you to overclock as far as the Thermaltake cooler, besides...if you overclock to ~4.5Ghz the CPU temps with EVO cooler will be much higher than the would be with the thermaltake.

 

[aqualipt]

Hey OP if that's it pick a best answer to close this thread

 

[ArtisanV]

Allright, thanks aqua

 

[ArtisanV]

Best answer selected by ArtisanV.

 

[aqualipt]

Allright, thanks aqua

You're welcome buddy, i am glad i was usefull