New PC Build Suggestions?

[logicPwn]

Approximate Purchase Date: Couple months

Budget Range: $1500 After Rebates & Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Games, Games, GAMES, oh yea and Visual Studio (Expect Chrome 30+ tabs, VS2012, Comodo IS, and Crysis 3 all the time)

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Parts to Upgrade: All

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Location: I will be assembling this myself

Parts Preferences: I want at least a quad core Intel K CPU, a cheap powerful 600 series Nvidia card, Raid 0 high RPM HDD (later to be upgraded with a PCI SSD for OS), oh and it needs to stay COLD, not a little cool, ice cold so it lasts forever, please only recommend parts that have been out long enough to be tested and not bleeding edge bleeding edge

Overclocking: Oh Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe later, most MOBOs knock down x16 to x8 for SLI so what do you guys think?

Your Monitor Resolution: At least 1600x900 but want at least a 23" HD monitor and to hook up to 1080p 42" TV

Additional Comments: Crysis 3 already pre-ordered

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I'm on a laptop (need a beast)

This my current parts:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100 92.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital VelociRaptor 250GB 3.5" 10000RPM Internal Hard Drive ($157.27 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital VelociRaptor 250GB 3.5" 10000RPM Internal Hard Drive ($157.27 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced NVIDIA Edition ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Cooler Master 700W ATX12V Power Supply ($90.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1470.45
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-22 13:07 EDT-0400)

 

[g-unit1111]

There's absolutely no reason to purchase a WD Velociraptor HD - they're not worth it even slightly for the premiums being charged, and setting up drives in RAID leaves them more open for failure than letting them run separately. Get a low SSD / high HD instead.

There's also no reason to purchase an H100 either - closed liquid loops like the H100 are the very low end of the liquid cooling spectrum. If you're going to go liquid, do a full custom loop or not at all. 16GB of RAM isn't needed either.

And switch out that power supply - Cooler Master is horrendously unreliable in the PSU department.

Try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($142.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($118.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($407.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Gunmetal/Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1370.74
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-22 12:58 EDT-0400)

 

[logicPwn]

I've been out of the loop on which brands are the best. I like your build but the case is ugly, is that Nvidia Edition case from Cooler Master good or not enough cooling? Also I did the Raid 0 because I do backups. I know the risks and still would like to run Raid 0. I have loved the hype of SSD but in the last couple of months I have read a lot of bad things about them about fragmentation issues and them loosing there speed after a while. Also would prefer to go smaller HDD size around 500GB but faster RPM. I am not a hoarder and people don't even use 2TB. A 7200RPM is a must and a smaller cheaper SSD would be better also since I will be very selective on what is on it. OS + some games. 64GB for the SSD would be perfect. So what about two 250GB 7200RPM Raid 0 with a 64GB SSD?

 

[g-unit1111]

I've been out of the loop on which brands are the best. I like your build but the case is ugly, is that Nvidia Edition case from Cooler Master good or not enough cooling?

It's an OK choice - there's far better ones for the price. I like the NZXT Phantom but there's other options in that price range like the Antec 1100, Corsair 400R, or Fractal Design Arc MIDI. If you want to stick with Cooler Master go with the HAF 922 over the 690.

I know the risks and still would like to run Raid 0. I have loved the hype of SSD but in the last couple of months I have read a lot of bad things about them about fragmentation issues and them loosing there speed after a while

You're not supposed to run defrag programs on an SSD as that drastically distorts read / write times. They've drastically improved in quality over the last couple of years.

Also would prefer to go smaller HDD size around 500GB but faster RPM. I am not a hoarder and people don't even use 2TB. A 7200RPM is a must and a smaller cheaper SSD would be better also since I will be very selective on what is on it. OS + some games.

Even if you're not a hoarder the size of most games will fill up those HDs very quickly. And 10K RPM is kind of a gimmick and not really necessary.

So what about two 250GB 7200RPM Raid 0 with a 64GB SSD?

Definitely way better than overpaying for Velociraptor HDs.

 

[logicPwn]

I have 110GB on my 620GB filled with everything I could ever need on a computer, including some movies that can be deleted. This is my laptop I'm speaking of and I have Visual Studio 2012, 5 games, 20GB of songs, and all kinds of programs. I SERIOUSLY don't understand who could need 500GB+ of space, unless you're a server. I have OCD and go through my Program Files, AppData, Documents folders daily to make sure they're are no unused, leftover files. Only reason I prefer the case is the Nvidia design lol. Any cool looking cases that boast that it's a gaming beast you can suggest? I love the Corsair cases also, especially the one you suggested.

Oh yea are those HDDs good or any better ones you can suggest?

Also since I want it to run super cold, do you think I should go ahead and figure out a liquid cooling system or get a good case and put max fans.

This is where I am at now:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / 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 ($28.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital RE4 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($81.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital RE4 250GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($81.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($77.99 @ CompUSA)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced NVIDIA Edition ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($90.63 @ Amazon)
Total: $1327.50
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-22 14:07 EDT-0400)

 

[aznshinobi]

^ I would still say a RAID 0 solution is outdated. You're better off running one 500GB, better that way for durability and less of a hassle for data recovery. Also, an SSD + HDD Cache setup is faster to boot and setup than a RAID 0 setup. That's just how it is now.

I would say that you could do better personally for the price. It's mainly the PSU that's getting you. But uhh, Check out my $1100 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore
Allocate 60GB of the 120GB SSD to active caching when you set the system up. My build uses a 7950 as it is cheaper, but if you want you can always go for the GTX 670.
Cheaper windows here from a BBB A+ approved place: http://www.softwaresupplygroup.com/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-64-bit-oem-branded.html

 

[g-unit1111]

I have 110GB on my 620GB filled with everything I could ever need on a computer, including some movies that can be deleted. This is my laptop I'm speaking of and I have Visual Studio 2012, 5 games, 20GB of songs, and all kinds of programs. I SERIOUSLY don't understand who could need 500GB+ of space, unless you're a server

You'd be surprised. :lol:

My laptop has a 750GB hard drive and even with all my music, movies, etc at high quality I use about 1/2 the space. Most games take anywhere from 6GB (Skyrim) to 16GB (Arkham City / Portal 2) to 25GB (Battlefield 3) and on a gaming system why wouldn't you want multiple games installed?

Also since I want it to run super cold, do you think I should go ahead and figure out a liquid cooling system or get a good case and put max fans.

The original closed block like the H100 that you had picked out is the very low end of the liquid cooling spectrum. In this price range a strong air fan like a Noctua D14 will give you the exact same overclocking results while maintaining adequate system temps. I'd heavily suggest reading this before splurging on fans: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-airflow-heatsink,3053.html

^ I would still say a RAID 0 solution is outdated. You're better off running one 500GB, better that way for durability and less of a hassle for data recovery. Also, an SSD + HDD Cache setup is faster to boot and setup than a RAID 0 setup. That's just how it is now.

I definitely agree with this - the SSD cache is probably a better way to go than a RAID 0 setup is.

 

[logicPwn]

Yea I prefer the GTX 670 Kind of why I was preferring the CM Nvidia case. Always been a Intel & Nvidia guy. Also I am going to drop the Raid 0 and try SSD, only reason I got skeptical on the SSD is because I read a lot of bad stuff, like I said before. Got any suggestions on a good SSD series or the Samsung 830 series pretty darn good? Also any good HDD/SSD hybrid drives you can suggest? I want around 500GB for that.

Edit: Also looking into liquid cooling as of right now. Like I said I want it ICE COLD. I will be Overclocking it pretty extreme, as long as my temps allow it. Does a liquid cooling setup including cooling of the GPU?

 

[g-unit1111]

Yea I prefer the GTX 670 Kind of why I was preferring the CM Nvidia case. Always been a Intel & Nvidia guy.

You don't have to get a CM NVIDIA case just for that. :lol:

There's far better cases on the market without labels. And most companies include case stickers so you can show your pride that way.

Also I am going to drop the Raid 0 and try SSD, only reason I got skeptical on the SSD is because I read a lot of bad stuff, like I said before. Got any suggestions on a good SSD series or the Samsung 830 series pretty darn good? Also any good HDD/SSD hybrid drives you can suggest? I want around 500GB for that.

The Samsung 830 is excellent, I just got one for my PC about a month ago. Replaced an Intel drive I had a lot of problems with, no complaints on the 830 so far.

Hybrid drives on a desktop are kind of pointless - they're meant for laptops where there's no secondary storage solution. Go with a Caviar Blue 500GB instead.

Edit: Also looking into liquid cooling as of right now. Like I said I want it ICE COLD. I will be Overclocking it pretty extreme, as long as my temps allow it. Does a liquid cooling setup including cooling of the GPU?

You'll never get a PC completely ice cold. That's a bit of a moot point. I setup my work PC exactly like the guide I linked to and I have the lowest system temps on the network. You can get GPUs that allow for custom liquid loops but they're very expensive and as of right now not available on a 670.

 

[azeem40]

Samsung 830 is pretty darn good.

For a starter WC setup, I'd look into the XSPC Raystorm kit.

 

[aznshinobi]

The Momentus is an example, however I think it's best to personally pick a HDD and get a seperate SSD.


LC isn't LC unless it's a custom loop. Any Corsair solution or Antec solution (closed loop) cools pretty much as good as a solid Air Cooler for way more. The Havik 140 is a solid cooler, the EVGA Superclock is a nice small HSF that's a great choice as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835146011
OR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835288001&Tpk=evga%20superclock

I'd go with this SSD to save money:
http://www.amazon.com/Mushkin-Chronos-2-5-Inch-Solid-MKNSSDCR60GB/dp/B005INAEJG%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1240995-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB005INAEJG
Personally I like Mushkin, but any SSD will bench well now.

 

[g-unit1111]

The Momentus is an example, however I think it's best to personally pick a HDD and get a seperate SSD.


LC isn't LC unless it's a custom loop. Any Corsair solution or Antec solution (closed loop) cools pretty much as good as a solid Air Cooler for way more. The Havik 140 is a solid cooler, the EVGA Superclock is a nice small HSF that's a great choice as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835146011
OR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835288001&Tpk=evga%20superclock

I'd go with this SSD to save money:
http://www.amazon.com/Mushkin-Chronos-2-5-Inch-Solid-MKNSSDCR60GB/dp/B005INAEJG%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1240995-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB005INAEJG
Personally I like Mushkin, but any SSD will bench well now.

I'm personally not a fan of the Momentus. I really like that EVGA cooler - when I upgraded to Z77 the installation was incredibly easy.

 

[logicPwn]

Love all your guys suggestions.

Here is where I am at now:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: EVGA M020-00-000234 84.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($51.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($91.22 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1203.14
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-22 14:53 EDT-0400)

 

[g-unit1111]

Love all your guys suggestions.

Here is where I am at now:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: EVGA M020-00-000234 84.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($51.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($91.22 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $1203.14
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-22 14:53 EDT-0400)

That looks good to me! I say go for it.

 

[logicPwn]

Should I think about going with the Graphite 600T Corsair case, or the 500R? Also I'm going to want 7.1 is this setup ready for that? I know you need the the TOSLINK out for that right?

Also probably going to drop the i7-3770K in it instead for the H/T. To bad the i5 doesn't have it.

 

[TomH426]

Since you seem to be near a MicroCenter, You can knock another $50.00 off the MB/CPU combo you have chosen if you can pick up at the store.