Advise needed building desktop with an i7-3770k CPU

gorwell1984

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Oct 8, 2011
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I need to start a build based on an i7-3770k processor and would like opinions on what hardware is needed to compliment this processor.

I need this desktop for streaming movies via wireless, gamming and general everyday computing with word, surfing, etc.

Below is a list of hardware I can purchase at jobber prices (25% less than N E.'s best prices).

Intel i7-3770K processor

Asus P8Z68-V/Gen3 motherboard . Should I buy a Z77, Z78 or Z79 motherboard instead? If so which brand/model? I woud prefer one with as many USB 3.0 and Sata 6 connections as possible, I want to get away from so many USB 2.0 and SATA 3.0. I see the computing industry moving on to USB 3.0 and Sata 6.

Cooler Master 932 advanced full tower.

GPU: I have availabilty to either two EVGA 570 overclcker GPU's in SLI, each with 2560MB - or 2 PNY 2.5GB GTX 680's, or 1 EVGA GTX 680 also 2.5GB GPU

RAM: I can't buy any RAM at jobber price, need suggestions on which RAM and how much to go with.

PSU: Antec 750Watt Earthwatts 80+ bronze, NZXT Hale82 850Watt 80+ bronze or Cougar 1050Watt 80+ gold. All are either semi or fully modular and will accomodate SLI and CF configurations.

SSD: 2 samsung 830 series 256GB each, OCZ Vertex 2 sata II 120GB, Crucial SATA III 512GB, Crucial SATA III 128GB, Intel 510 series SATA III 128GB, Intel 310 series 120 GB sataII.

HDD: Western Digital Black 2TB 7200 RPM, Seagate Barracuda XT 7200 RPM 2TB, 1 Seagate Barracuda 5900 rpm 2TB, 2 Western Digital Green 5900RPM 2TB

I am not concerned with the other hardware. I am mostly concerned with which motherboard, RAM and PSU to use for most efficient build.
Also a decent HD Surround Sound speaker system would be a bonus if anyone has suggestions on a best bang for the buck speaker system?

I will be using a Samsung 24" HD monitor, Black Mamba mouse/keyboard combination, Windows 7 PRO 64 bit, MS Office 2010, Samsung optical drive: DVD/CD drive Blu Ray R HD R/RW. Cisco wireless router, Cisco WiFi extender, etc.

Thanks in advance.
GW





 
z79 is the wrong socket, z68 doesn't exist and if it did it'd be the wrong socket, z77 will let you use all of ivb features.

2x680's if they are cheap, sell one as you won't need 2.

not cougar psu, either of the other two will on the edge for the sli configurations.

trim in raid0 has only just come out, so the crucial 512 is where i'd go, until the bugs are ironed out, will you realistically see the different between 500+MB/s and 800MB/s i'm not sure you would.

8-16Gb of 1600 DDR3 whatever you see at your budget.
 

jpoos

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Mar 11, 2011
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should probably concern yourself with a decent cpu cooler seeing as you're buying a k series cpu. if overclocking really doesn't bother you at all then save the notes & just go for a non-k version. given your intended use of it an i7 will probably be pointless too, consider the i5 3570k instead or 3450/3470/3550/3570 if not overclocking.
 

gorwell1984

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Oct 8, 2011
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Thanks to both of you.
I will opt for the ASUS Z77-V/PRO motherboard.
I forgot to mention that I have several aftermarket coolers ( CoolerMaster 212 EVO & CNP7000B twin fan with heat sink) .
Once again Thanks,
George
 
I agree with the above -

1) Get a nice Z77 board (ASRock Extreme4 Z77 is a nice option for the money) or any of the ASUS P8Z77-V line :)

2) For your usage, I doubt you would need an i7. An i5 is more than enough, plus it saves you some money.

3) If they have the option for a GTX670...I would highly recommend that, and throw SLI out of the equation as you won't really need a second card unless you plan to go above 2560x1440/1600.

4) What PSU's do they have? Only the ones you listed? If so, I would recommend the Antec...you won't even need 750w for a single card solution IMO.
 

gorwell1984

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Oct 8, 2011
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Thanks to the three that replied.
The P8Z68-v/Gen3 is a motherboard I currently have combined with a i7-2600k cpu.
The reason I put it in the mix is because it will accomodate the GEN3 IVY BRIDGE processor, as I have already flashed the bios for the upgrade to Ivy Bridge CPU.

Although am pretty much set on an ASUS P8Z77-V/DELUXE motherboard even though I'll have to pay full price ($279.99) for it. But looks to be the motherboard to own for a mid-mid/high end motherboard?

I have purchased a set of 4x4= 16GB RAM- Vengence 1600.
Will that ram configuration sufice for now?
Thanks,
GW
 
Yes, that RAM configuration will suffice for a long while.

Also, if you already have the P8Z68-V Gen 3 Mobo and if it's already Ivy Bridge ready, I would recommend keeping it as it's VERY nice... (I own the Pro version).

However if you already have an i7 2600k, I would HIGHLY suggest waiting until next year for an upgrade. It's not worth the money for someone with Sandy Bridget to go to Ivy Bridge..it's only a 5-10% upgrade in performance, hardly noticeable.

Next year will bring Haswell on LGA1150. You'll have to upgrade your board then, but I bet the performance gains seen with Haswell will be more than enough to justify for the cost.
 

gorwell1984

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Thank you mocchan, that would save me $280 if I can use the gen3 P8Z68/V-Gen3 motherboard with my i7/3770k processor until the 4th Generation Intel comes out next year!

Thanks again, great reply regarding my configuration.
GW
 
You're very welcome :)

However, my recommendation of sticking with your 2600k still stands if it's currently in your configuration. You won't see too much performance benefit.

Also taking into consideration with a Z68 chipset, you may not be able to take advantage of some of the newer features such as LucidVirtu MVP (Granted you can still take advantage of LucidVirtu). This may or may not be a deal breaker for you, but it's something well worth considering to save you even more money :)
 

gorwell1984

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Yes, I will use the P8Z68-V-Gen3 mobo for my i7-2600k and the i7-3770K since I have already flashed the bios on the Gen3 P8Z68-V/ Gen 3 bios to be able to use the tvy Bridge processor.
AGAIN, many thanks,
GW