System for Computer Graphics Dev

[tJener]

My MacBook Pro recently died and I got permission to get a desktop instead of the new MacBook. Theoretically, that makes my budget $2200, but I think around what I have so far is more than enough, so I'd say $1500 soft budget.

Some requirements I was thinking about:
■I do graphics work (think raytracers, not 3d modeling) and dabble in GPGPU.
■Dual boot Linux/Windows.
■In an office environment, so no gaudy cases and quiet would be nice.
■Can double as a passable gaming rig.

Its been a few years since I've dev'd on a Linux box, but last I remember, the proprietary Nvidia drivers were pretty much winning, so I started my build with the GTX 670 and worked backwards from there.

Overclocking: I can take it or leave it.
SLI: Not really interested.
Monitor: Currently using http://pcpartpicker.com/part/dell-monitor-4647346 but will try to get one or two more

Build so far:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-GD65 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($174.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 90GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 90GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($407.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Kingwin 500W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($173.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1326.78
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-15 00:26 EDT-0400)

Concerns:
■Cooling
■Will everything fit?
■PSU big enough?

Hopefully I've hit all the major points, and thanks for taking your time.

Edit: Oops, misclicked on the mobo. Fixed build is listed.

 

[allanitomwesh]

Get the i7 3770k instead for the same price.You only need one ssd for the os. Get a mechanical hard drive with the $70. I prefer msi or galaxy for the graphics. Bump up to 650W 80plus certified with the psu.

 

[tJener]

Get the i7 3770k instead for the same price.You only need one ssd for the os. Get a mechanical hard drive with the $70. I prefer msi or galaxy for the graphics. Bump up to 650W 80plus certified with the psu.

Good call on the i7-3770K. I like that it draws less power as well.

I forgot to mention that we have external backup and storage, which is why I just have SSDs.

Is there a specific PSU you have in mind? TBH, I only picked the one I have listed because it said it had no fan, which was intriguing (which I admit probably isn't the best way to pick equipment).

 

[allanitomwesh]

Seasonic, FSP,PC Power and Cooling, Be Quiet. Can't go wrong with those. If you're thinking you'll fill up slots later on then get close to 700-750W.

 

[tJener]

Thanks. Looking at the SeaSonic 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply now.

Edit: So I've been looking around at similarly priced builds and a lot of them seem to have the ASRocks Extreme4 mobo and also have a third-party heatsink/fan. Also, I'm bumping the memory up to 2x4GB.

 

[allanitomwesh]

2×8 gb is best. With graphic work more is better. And you don't need to raid an ssd

 

[tJener]

I just figured it'd be easier to give each OS it's own drive, but I haven't dualboot a system in years. I'll look into some larger SSDs and memory.

 

[tJener]

So I decided I still want the two separate hard drives for the two OSes. I'm figuring I don't need a third-party CPU cooling solution if I'm not planning on OC'ing. Also hoping to get a second opinion in general. Thanks again.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-GD65 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($174.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 90GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 90GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1374.79
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-15 16:13 EDT-0400)

 

[allanitomwesh]

cheaper but identical,more usb 3.0
http://newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128544
and you don't need the K model i7 (which overclocks) unless you'll do it later. Get the i7 3770 (no K)

 

[tJener]

Best answer selected by tJener.