First build (2000$ - 2500$ Gaming Rig) Any and all help appreciated!

Nitarotro

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May 23, 2012
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10,510
Hello there!

I'm in the market for a completely new computer as you may have guessed. This is my first computer that I'm buying/building for myself (it will be entirely my own) and I want to make sure I'm getting the best parts I can get for my money. I'll be buying it as soon as possible. So, definitely within the month. I'm operating on a budget of 2000$ - 2500$ though of course, lower is fine. I do live in BC, Canada so things are slightly more expensive. I'm most likely going to end up buying all my parts from Newegg.ca just because they carry most of the parts I'm looking for and the prices aren't bad. I could probably get some parts cheaper, but I'd rather not be ordering from 8 different merchants. Just for simplicities sake.

Things I'm looking for in the computer:

- Ability to record some video, possibly some basic video editing.
- Hardcore gaming. As in running new and upcoming games at max settings with little to no lag.
- Longevity. I like it when I don't have to replace parts for years, not months. 
- Windows 7 64 bit if you please
- All around awesome performance

A casual day on my computer would probably look like:
- Skyrim on max settings running 50+ mods
- Skype open and me in a call
- About 10 tabs open in Google Chrome
- Fraps running in the background
- A file or two downloading/uploading

In the end, my full set up is going to be looking something like:

- an awesome gaming computer
- two monitors
- keyboard and a mouse
- speakers and a headset

I asked a couple friends for help and one gave me this pcpartpicker build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($309.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($34.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Motherboard:  Biostar TZ77XE3 ATX  LGA1155 Motherboard  ($139.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Memory:  G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($87.49 @ Newegg Canada) 
Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Storage:  Corsair Force Series GT 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($199.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Video Card:  EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card  ($414.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Sound Card:  Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD 24-bit 96 KHz Sound Card  ($150.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Case:  NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case 
Power Supply:  Corsair 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply  ($154.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Optical Drive:  Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($19.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Monitor:  ViewSonic VX2250wm-LED 21.5" Monitor  ($154.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Monitor:  ViewSonic VX2250wm-LED 21.5" Monitor  ($154.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)  ($104.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Keyboard:  Razer RZ03-00380100-R3U1 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($112.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Mouse:  Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse  ($48.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Total: $2190.35
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-24 02:51 EDT-0400)

I was warned by another friend though that the motherboard (and the manufacturer of the motherboard) had mixed reviews. He also warned me that the PSU was overkill and that I didn't need a sound card that expensive. Thing is, I'm a rank amateur when it comes to finding parts for computers. I know a few basic things but for the most part, I'm going to need some help.

One other thing I did look into were cases because the case suggested to me in that build is discontinued by newegg.ca and it had a few mixed reviews too. The two cases I looked at (for no apparent reason other than curiosity) were the Azzo Solano 1000 and the Rosewill Thor V2. Both looked promising, but the Solano does have a problem where if the CPU cooler is too large, the case's side fan will need to be removed in order to accommodate the cooling unit.

Any and all tips, suggestions, revisions, etc. are greatly appreciated as I would hate to order something knowing I could've done better or that the part is actually incompatible!

Thanks!
 

unRaveled

Honorable
Jul 7, 2012
118
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10,680
If you plan on SLI in the future, then 750w would good enough.

I would change the motherboard (imo) to an asrock z77 extreme4. Has great reviews and it's a pretty good MOBO. So far no problems with it.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

For the SSD, how about a Crucial M4 256gb? It's 10 CAD more but worth it. Crucial is a very good SSD brand. Also do you really need that much gb for SSD? How about 128gb? Since your gaming and editing, you need a lot of space. So how about getting a 128gb Crucial M4 plus another 1TB hard drive? Just a suggestion :).
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442

 

Nitarotro

Honorable
May 23, 2012
13
0
10,510
Update:

Ok so my friend who warned me about the parts handed me this updated build 5 minutes ago:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Newegg Canada)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($95.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($168.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($87.49 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Corsair Force Series GT 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($199.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($414.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case
Power Supply: OCZ 650W ATX12V Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($179.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($104.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Keyboard: Razer RZ03-00380100-R3U1 Wired Gaming Keyboard ($112.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($48.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $2144.36
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-24 18:31 EDT-0400)

I still think I could use a differet case and I am thinking I'll need a sound card, but let me know what you think about this one.
 

Nitarotro

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May 23, 2012
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I'll look into the mobo. I think I agree with you for a smaller SSD, but is it really worth shelling out an extra hundred for 2TB instead of just 1TB of HDD space?
 

unRaveled

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Jul 7, 2012
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Well that is up to your choice. Just for gaming and MINOR video editting, 1TB should be enough. If your editting and capturing long videos frequently then getting another 1TB would ensure enough space. But really it is up to you.
 

Nitarotro

Honorable
May 23, 2012
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10,510

I think I'll stick with 1TB for now because I don't record and edit very often. If I do end up starting up a YouTube channel or something, there will always be the option to add another HDD. Thanks for your help so far!
 

giovanni86

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May 10, 2007
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18,790
Onboard audio can only go so far to please thy ears. Although i hardly ever see toms put a sound card in any of there builds i still put one in my builds personally. I think its more a personal preference.
 

idroid

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Aug 18, 2012
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go here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum1.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=prive&page=1&subcat=0&sondage=0&owntopic=0&trash=0&trash_post=0&moderation=0&new=0&nojs=0

Buy this:

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: NZXT HAVIK 140 90.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($58.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($149.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($189.00 @ B&H)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($78.49 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($429.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($429.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($107.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Asus ML239H 23.0" Monitor
Monitor: Asus ML239H 23.0" Monitor
Total: $2029.36

Additional to that i recommend to buy these fans:

BitFenix Spectre Pro 140mm Fan (Buy 3, 1 for the top, 1 for the botton and 1 for the interior)


Review:

*The i7 is amazingly good for video any kind of video editing/decoding/recording/transcoding/encoding/photoshop/ but the downside is that it will reduce your gaming performance if you have HT (Hyper threading) enabled, you will have to turn OFF your computer and disable/enable HT depending on what you're gonna do (Gaming=OFF Anything else including gaming+recording=ON)

*The 7970 overclocks amazingly good and it beats the GTX670/680 in most games and it will offer you a lot more speed for transcoding and GPGPU applications

*The SSD you picked is clearly not the best, the Vertex 4 would have been better because it is a little bit faster than the Samsung 830 but not as reliable and the vertex 4 slows down after its half full.

*Add the Keyboard&mouse you want.

*The case is Air/water cooling capable, it supports one 420mm radiator and a 240mm radiator for extreme watercooling or up to 10 140mm fans

* remember to check your messages (in the first link)

Edit:

*A sound card is NOT needed unless you have an audiophile level sound system (1000$+)
 

Nitarotro

Honorable
May 23, 2012
13
0
10,510


Wow! Thanks so much for your help and input! One thing, the case is unavailable from newegg.ca and I would like to get all my parts from one place. Otherwise, this is very helpful! Thank you!
 

idroid

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Aug 18, 2012
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I am sorry but if you want to get good prices you're gonna have to forget about buying from one site, if you buy those parts in newegg only they will end up being a little bit more expensive (probably more than a little) and come on!! don't be lazy, buy from multiple sites, even if it means a small save.

Did you read my pm? ---> http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum1.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=prive&page=1&subcat=0&sondage=0&owntopic=0&trash=0&trash_post=0&moderation=0&new=0&nojs=0
 

Nitarotro

Honorable
May 23, 2012
13
0
10,510
Alright so I took into account all the suggestions from you guys and from a few other people too, did some research, and put this together.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($329.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Motherboard:  Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX  LGA1155 Motherboard  ($122.41 @ DirectCanada) 
Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($86.79 @ DirectCanada) 
Storage:  Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($74.99 @ Memory Express) 
Storage:  Corsair Force Series GT 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($189.99 @ Memory Express) 
Video Card:  EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card  ($409.99 @ NCIX) 
Case:  Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($85.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Power Supply:  OCZ 650W ATX12V Power Supply  ($61.02 @ DirectCanada) 
Optical Drive:  Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.99 @ Canada Computers) 
Monitor:  Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor  ($139.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Monitor:  Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor  ($139.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)  ($98.99 @ Computer Valley) 
Keyboard:  Corsair Vengeance K90 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($99.99 @ Memory Express) 
Mouse:  Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse  ($58.92 @ DirectCanada) 
Total: $1947.59
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-25 06:10 EDT-0400)

CPU is the same.

Changed the CPU cooler at a suggestion and also because it costs a bit less.

Changed the mobo at a suggestion.

Changed the RAM at a suggestion and after a little research.

Decided to keep the HDD. The Caviar Black looked pretty good, but the newer models were having problems and so was the next generation of those particular HDD's so I decided to stick with the Seagate.

Stuck with the SDD as well, mainly because an Intel 520 or a Samsung 830 are a little hard to find as well as pricey for Canadian merchants. Might take a second look at them though because my total is only 1900$ at the moment.

Was considering an Asus HD Radeon at a suggestion, but decided to stick with the GeForce mainly because I'm more familiar with Nvidia, plus the 670 has a few other advantages. Since I have some room in my budget I might get another and SLI them.

Did a good amount of research into cases and finally decided on the HAF 922 because it looks nice, it's roomy, and it's well designed.

Stuck with the original PSU though maybe that could even get a small upgrade. 700w? 750w?

Same optical drive.

Looked at another set of Asus monitors, but I still like these ones.

Still buying Windows 7 :)

After some research, I went with the Cordsair Vengeance K90 gaming keyboard. I'm a little torn though as I've seen people who liked the Black Widow, the G15, G510, Microsoft Sidewinder, etc. Would appreciate input for the keyboard.

Went the the G500 because it got a lot of good reviews, lots of praise and I think in general it looks pretty good. Would appreciate input on this as well though.

Tell me what you think! And thanks for your help this far!
 

idroid

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Aug 18, 2012
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Damn....you're a freaking nutshell (no offense) and if you're gonna change the parts we advise you to buy don't change based on what YOU (a complete newbie just like you said) think its better, do some research, ASK US and THEN change the parts, we're here to help you and if you have any questions ASK because you're making a few mistakes:

*The are better coolers than the 212 EVO, specially for your budget, DO NOT BE CHEAP.

*although i will NEVER doubt of the quality and performance of any Asus branded object there are better boards for the same price: Read this

*The Corsair GT is vastly outperformed by the Samsung 830 and the price difference is only 10$ and you get 16GB extra.

*that GTX670 you picked besides using a reference cooler, being a little bit noisy and running kinda hot gets outperformed by the the superior 7970 (and you only have 1 in your build) http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/618?vs=598 and that particular GTX670 doesn't overclock very well but the 7970 in my build sure does. and this is how your build compares to mine: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/588?vs=598 on top of all that, the 7970 is 4 times faster than the GTX680 is GPGPU applications.

decided to stick with the GeForce mainly because I'm more familiar with Nvidia

WTF? how does being familiar with a brand will increase your frame rate? and the ONLY advantage that a GTX670 has over the 7970 is CUDA (witch is completly USELESS in GTX6xx cards) and PhysX witch only 5 games utilize.

*The HAF922 is garbage compared to the Switch 810 and if you don't like the looks of it (you're crazy) you should consider the HAF-X, HAF-XM, Antec DF85 or the Corsair 500r (if you want a mid case)

*with a 650w PSU you're eliminating the possibility of safely doing a GTX 670 SLI (no offense: if you're dumb enough to buy the build you listed)

I am sorry if you find my way of expressing a little bit rude but i am just trying to make you think reasonably, you have to be VERY carefull with what you read only (specially in those "researches" you did) because you can only completely trust PROFESSIONAL reviewers from SOME pages and high level forum members and people who have proofs to back their statements (like i do, let me me know if you want them ;))

Edit: i just re-read what i typed and although i sound like a total jerk i am right... buddy, i just don't want to you to buy something and then regret buying it because i know how that feels, if you can, spend the full 2500$ because this is an INVESTMENT, this PC is something that you will use everyday and i am 100% sure that you want to be happy with purchase, that's why i am advising you to get the build i listed... and please, reconsider doing...you know what ;)
 

Nitarotro

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May 23, 2012
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10,510


Ok, so last night I probably spent from 9 pm to 2 in the morning looking and comparing parts. Then I realized what time it was and that I have to leave town today with my family for a short vacation. I trust your build and your expertise, but I also trust my friends and I have gotten responses on other forum sites from experts like yourself. This build was thrown together hastily and it was never meant to be my final decision, but I didn't build it completely blind.

Definitely could've looked into better coolers I'll give you that one.

I had Asus recommended by a few people for a board, so I went for one that I found that got good reviews. If I can do better, then I can do better. I like to go on the amount of positive things I hear from people about a product. I'm not saying I won't consider a better board, but that was an informed decision.

There's space in my budget for a Samsung. I wasnt originally sure whether or not it would be too expensive, that's why I left it out. I will consider changing it now that I know I can go for a bit more.

I went for the 670 because it was recommended to me and it had good reviews. Like you said, I'm a noob at picking parts so reviews and recommendations is what I operate on when picking my parts. Also, I've used Nvidia cards in other builds. On my family computer we are running a GeForce 550ti which is working perfectly fine for all my new games. It does admittedly lag a little bit, but very little. We got the 550ti very recently actually. Our card before that was Nvidia and it lasted 3 years before it needed to be replaced. This is my own computer all to myself and I will be aiming higher than 550ti, but it's  this experience that drives me to pick the GeForce. I will take a look at the 7970 again, but this change was probably the one most based on my good experiences with Nvidia.

I chose the HAF 922 because the 912 seemed a bit small, and the 932 and up seemed a bit large and unnecessary. The 922 is also more readily available through Canadian merchants.

I've had a few people tell me that 650w would be enough though I'll happily upgrade a bit to a 700 or 750 if I have the money, but that would come after everything else and depends in whether or not I get two GPU's with my build.

I'm not an idiot. I'm just new to picking out individual parts and putting together a build from scratch. I do trust my friends because I know them and they've never steered me wrong. The only other advice I have to go on is customer reviews of the product and people like yourself who know a lot about building computers. I'm inclined to trust you, the other people I've talked to, the customer reviews and my friends and hope I won't be steered wrong. This build was thrown together, it was never my final decision ( not by a longshot) and I know I can do better. I have to head out of town, so I will have limited wifi. I'll try and keep up with the thread. Thanks for your help, it's just hard to judge sometimes who's wrong and who's right. 
 

idroid

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Aug 18, 2012
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*buddy, congratulations, unlike most newbies you base your decision in professional reviews and experts recommendation, your friends are doing a good job advising you what too buy (i am sorry if sound arrogant) but what i am advising you to do is far better and more logical.

*If you have a little bit more cash, buy this motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/memoryexpress/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz77xud5h

*I am inclined more towards nvidia cards because they have raped (performance wise) AMD cards in the last two generations (in the high-end market) but AMD flipped the tables with the 7970... it outperforms both the 670&680 in the vast majority of games and its higher amount of memory makes it PERFECT for multi monitor usage, the 7970 is definitely the way to go in this generation of cards

*i wasn't aware of avaliability of products in canada... my bad :( still, the Switch 810 is by far better.

*PSU lose their advertised wattage over time, that's why i recomended the 750w PSU

*to be honest with you is not about who you trust more, its about what the benchmarks says....that's if you want the best performance you can get for your money ofcourse...
 

Nitarotro

Honorable
May 23, 2012
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10,510
Ok, so I did some more research, changed my mind on a few things, and put this together today (thank god this place has free wifi). I do hope that this build is better than the last one. I like to think that I'm getting close to my final build.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($329.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
CPU Cooler:  Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM  CPU Cooler  ($69.99 @ Computer Valley) 
Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX  LGA1155 Motherboard  ($169.99 @ Memory Express) 
Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($86.79 @ DirectCanada) 
Storage:  Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.79 @ DirectCanada) 
Storage:  Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($238.29 @ DirectCanada) 
Video Card:  Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card  ($375.52 @ DirectCanada) 
Case:  Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case  ($149.98 @ NCIX) 
Power Supply:  Corsair 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply  ($99.99 @ Amazon Canada) 
Optical Drive:  Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.99 @ Canada Computers) 
Monitor:  Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor  ($139.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Monitor:  Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor  ($139.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)  ($98.99 @ Computer Valley) 
Keyboard:  Corsair Vengeance K90 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($99.99 @ Memory Express) 
Mouse:  Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse  ($58.92 @ DirectCanada) 
Total: $2176.98
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-26 02:50 EDT-0400)

Changes to the CPU cooler. The NH-D14 and the H100 were the two that popped up the most when I went searching for CPU coolers. I was originally going to go with the H100, but I'm not sure how well it would fit into the Storm Trooper case which is a shame since the Storm Trooper is the first case to really jump out at me. Anyways, I put the NH in for now, but water cooling does intrigue me. I have no experience with water cooling and no real ambition to put together a custom water cooler, but it's still something I'd like to look into.

Motherboard changed.

As you can see, I changed my mind about the Caviar Black, Samsung 830 and Asus 7970 and ended up throwing them into the build after some suggestions and a little research. Only one 7970 for now though as they are not cheap. Which is ok because there's always the option of getting a second one at a later point if I decide to crossfire.

And I discovered the Storm Trooper with it's great reviews and amazing looks and features. It's really the only case to really jump out at me this far. Only downside? Not really water cooler friendly.

And my final change was to up the power supply. I was considering the Corsair Enthusiast 650w at a suggestion, but decided to up it to 750w because the 750 only costs 15$ more.

Still would like input on pretty much everything. Let me know how this one is looking.

And thank you so much once again for helping me out! There are so many people who would just give up on me, a complete noob to computer parts, but you've been a great teacher and you've stuck around. So thanks.

EDIT: I just threw some of this low profile vengeance into the build instead of the other stuff: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233197

And from what I'm reading, the 212 seems to be perfectly fine for moderate over clicking while the noctua is more for serious over clocking. I don't plan on pushing my CPU to its very limits, so I guess the 212 should be fine. The 212 would be a cheaper choice anyways.
 

idroid

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Aug 18, 2012
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*The noctua DH-N14 is the ugliest CPU cooler in the world and its heavy as hell so it puts a lot of pressure to the motherboard which is not recommended...i say you stick with the H100 or get a Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme (which performs a lot better than the H100 for a few bucks more)

*you can get a better case for roughly the same price like this one or this one

*everything else seems perfect!
 

Razorflaw

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Aug 27, 2012
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10,510
Alright dude, here's the build I'm thinking of doing in September.

Corsair Vengeance Series C70 Gunmetal Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$119.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$109.99

EVGA 04G-P4-2686-KR GeForce GTX 680 w/ Backplate 4GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
$539.99

ASUS XONAR_DG 5.1 Channels PCI Interface Xonar DG Sound Card
$29.99

CORSAIR HX Series HX750 (CMPSU-750HX) 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular ...
$144.99

G.SKILL Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory
$104.99

ASRock Z77 Extreme6 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
$179.99

CORSAIR H100 (CWCH100) Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
$114.99

LG Black 14X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 5X DVD-RAM 12X BD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA BDXL Blu-ray Burner,3D Play Back
$69.99

SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC256B/WW 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$198.99

Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz (3.9GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W
$339.99

Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire Rapid SGK-4000-GKCL1-US USB or PS/2 Wired Gaming Mechanical Cherry Blue Switches Keyboard
$79.99

RAZER DeathAdder Black 5 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Precision Optical Gaming Mouse - 3.5G Infrared Sensor
$48.99

SteelSeries QcK+ Mouse Pad
$15.99

ASUS VS Series VS247H-P Black 23.6" 2ms LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor
$189.99

$2288.85 - Most I could pretty much spend I tried to get the best products I could for the best gaming setup under $2350
 

badestass

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Aug 27, 2012
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0
10,510
@Nitarotro: for 69.99 you can get a water cooler, spend a bit more and you can get a h100. you have a unlocked processor, when your rig slows down a few yrs from now you'll appreciate the ability to OC. Also instead of buying a 256 ssd you can get 2x 128 in raid 0, and the OCZ Vtx4 is a really good choice with much higher IOPS. you cant just look at read/write speeds. Besides that if I were you I would invest a bit more on the motherboard, power supply, and the case. As those are the things you tend to keep when you upgrade.

@idroid 680>7970, but it is more expensive.
 

Nitarotro

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May 23, 2012
13
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10,510

I'm going to invest in the Thermaltake 2.0 Extreme because after some reading I believe it to be better than the h100. The XPC RASA kits aren't for me right now. Maybe in the future (they look kinda fun) but I'm still a beginner to computer building let alone water cooler building. I just read up on RAIDing 2 SSD's and decided to stick with the 256gb because it's less hassle, more reliable and cheaper. As well, all you have to do is search up "Vertex 4 vs Samsung 830" to see how many people favor the Samsung. The motherboard has been recommended and looks good to me. I've been told by a number of people that 750w will do fine since I'm not the person to stuff 5 HDD's and some crazy CPU overclocking into my builds. And the Storm Trooper has gotten great feedback and as said before, is the only case I have to come to like after looking at so many.  idroid seems to have a thing for white cases and that's fine. The 810 and Stryker are both very nice cases. I'll put my money on the Trooper. And you're right, the 680 is better than the 7970, but to me it's not worth an extra 200$ for a small upgrade from the 7970 to the 680. And I think I'll play it safe with 16gb RAM. Other than that, I think this is (or is very close to) the build I will be ordering:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($342.16 @ DirectCanada) 
CPU Cooler:  Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme 81.3 CFM  Liquid CPU Cooler  ($116.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX  LGA1155 Motherboard  ($169.99 @ Canada Computers) 
Memory:  Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($95.00 @ Newegg Canada) 
Storage:  Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.79 @ DirectCanada) 
Storage:  Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk  ($238.29 @ DirectCanada) 
Video Card:  Asus Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card  ($375.52 @ DirectCanada) 
Case:  Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case  ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Power Supply:  Corsair 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply  ($129.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Optical Drive:  Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($18.99 @ Canada Computers) 
Monitor:  Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor  ($139.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Monitor:  Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor  ($139.88 @ Canada Computers) 
Operating System:  Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)  ($104.99 @ Newegg Canada) 
Keyboard:  Corsair Vengeance K90 Wired Gaming Keyboard  ($112.48 @ DirectCanada) 
Mouse:  Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse  ($58.92 @ DirectCanada) 
Total: $2292.75
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-27 04:28 EDT-0400)

If nobody else has anymore revisions to make, I think I'll go ahead and put in my order :)
 

idroid

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Aug 18, 2012
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