New $2000 build - been out of the self build arena for awhile

[gbjayson]

Hi all,

As the title says, i've been out of the self build game for awhile. Last time I built my own PC was around 10 years ago. Obviously a lot has changed. I'd like to buy soon, but I would also consider waiting until November's blackfriday to purchase components if the deals are worth it. A lot of what i've spec'd out is overkill for what I currently play, but I'd like to run everything I currently own on max settings as well as future proof for the next 4-5 years. Thanks in advance for the input!

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next month (might wait until BlackFriday if its worth it)

Budget Range: $2,000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming / home movie editing / basic surfing

Are you buying a monitor: Yes, would prefer a decent 27"

Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg/Amazon (prefer to get everything in one large shipment)
Location: Anchorage, AK

Parts Preferences: Intel / Nvidia

Overclocking: CPU

SLI or Crossfire: Yes

Your Monitor Resolution: I’d like to get a 27” to start with, and add a 23”-24” for web browsing/movie watching while gaming

Additional Comments: I know its really overkill, but I mainly play WoW, but I occasionally get into different kinds of FPS. I play a wide range from Crysis/Metro 2033 to Counter-Strike Source… I’d like a computer to last me for 4-5 years before I really need to upgrade.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I have a gaming laptop, but now that I have space, I’d like to get a desktop again.

Include a list of any parts you have already selected with descriptively labeled links for parts.

CPU - Intel Core i5 – 3570K
CPU Cooler – Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
MOBO – ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155
Memory – G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB kit (2x4) DDR3-2133
SSD – Corsair Force Series GT 240gb
Storage – Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM 64mb Cache SATA 6gb
GPU – 2x EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2gb (02G-P4-2678-KR) in SLI
Case – NZXT Phantom 410 ATX Mid Tower
PSU – Corsair 850W ATX12v
Optical – Asus BD player
OS – Windows 7 Home premium 64 bit

This was all around $1882.87 on pcpartpicker.com - all from Newegg.com

 

[g-unit1111]

Here's what I would suggest. I'd swap out that Corsair Force drive - they're not the best SSDs on the market. And then 850W is overkill for even a dual 670 setup. Even really on a 27" 1080p monitor you only need a single to start with, you can always add a second one later on.

I'd suggest something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($198.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($88.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($407.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($179.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHES212-08 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1617.37
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-04 13:56 EDT-0400)

 

[gbjayson]

Thanks for the reply g-unit1111.

I really would like a 240-256gb SSD incase I wanted to throw more games on it. Is the Samsung 830 series the best choice for that sized range?

The case you spec'd out is a full size (and more expensive). I don't mind a full tower case, but I'd read that mid sized are fine as far as airflow goes.

The Mobo is a little bit more expensive. Major differences between the ASRock z77 and the Gigabyte? I am pretty clueless on motherboards other than knowing the socket type and compatibility.

Appreciate the response

 

[zulug]

asrock mobo will work just fine for you its just as good really.

samsung 830 ssd 256gb is great pick.

NZXT Phantom 410 case should work just fine for you..might want to buy some fan filters for it though I heard it doesnt have fan filters. here is a link http://www.frozencpu.com/products/16177/ffi-100/DEMCiflex_NZXT_Phantom_410_Magnetic_Dust_Fan_Filter_Set_-_6_Piece.html

 

[bctande1]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Silver Arrow CPU Cooler ($69.70 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Samsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($429.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($429.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHES212-08 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($64.99 @ CompUSA)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1934.58
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-04 17:06 EDT-0400)

Expensive, but this build will give you a bigger SSD, and so much more gaming power

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks for the reply g-unit1111.

I really would like a 240-256gb SSD incase I wanted to throw more games on it. Is the Samsung 830 series the best choice for that sized range?

The case you spec'd out is a full size (and more expensive). I don't mind a full tower case, but I'd read that mid sized are fine as far as airflow goes.

The Mobo is a little bit more expensive. Major differences between the ASRock z77 and the Gigabyte? I am pretty clueless on motherboards other than knowing the socket type and compatibility.

Appreciate the response

You don't store games on the SSD - that's what the secondary HD is for, and that is why I don't recommend any over 128GB - you won't use that space and the cost per GB right now isn't worth it. Storage is kind of an after thought anymore - any remaining funds on a gaming build should go into the GPU.

I chose that case because it has excellent airflow and expansion opportunities - it can house XL-ATX motherboards and power supplies - not to mention the largest video cards available, and if you decide to add a real liquid cooler (as opposed to a plastic block), it's made for that.

The Gigabyte board has dual LAN and a couple of other nice features like the 3-D visual BIOS.

 

[geofelt]

Start with the monitor.
At 27" are you thinking of a 2560 x 1440 monitor? I hope so.
They are expensive($700) but there is nothing better except perhaps a 30" 2560 x 1600 monitor @$1200.

For a single monitor, even at that resolution, a single GTX670 would be good, possibly even a GTX680.

If you really want two GTX670 cards, why not go ahead and buy a single GTX690?
Yes, it is $1000, but you will not need a strong psu, a sli capable motherboard, a large case.

I agree with the other posters, Intel 520 or Samsung 830 ssd in the 240gb size would be best.

 

[Penguinz]

You should choose your monitor first. If you get a standard 27" 1080p screen. Than you won't really benefit from 2 670s, but if you plan on getting a 1440p+ display or a 120Hz, than SLI might be a good idea.

 

[g-unit1111]

Start with the monitor.
At 27" are you thinking of a 2560 x 1440 monitor? I hope so.
They are expensive($700) but there is nothing better except perhaps a 30" 2560 x 1600 monitor @$1200.

Not necessarily: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-YAMAKASI-CATLEAP-Q270-SE-27-LED-2560X1440-WQHD-DVI-D-Dual-Computer-Monitor-/160787838426?pt=Computer_Monitors&hash=item256fb3b5da

 

[gbjayson]

I've tossed around just having a single 680 for awhile, but I saw the comparisons in benchmarks between a single 680 and SLI 670 and saw quite a difference.

I would be open to a Single 680 while having the single monitor setup and then picking up another maybe next year.

I guess I'm curious of people's experience with a single 680.

Bottom line is i'm not interested in a single 670 if I have to run it at max OC to get it to perform what I want.

 

[mastrom101]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gyQC

The best build I could think of for your budget.

You're getting TWO of the fastest GPU's on the planet right now, along with the fastest ivy bridge CPU on the market.

Everything here is solid, and I included your massive SSD so that all your games can load instantly.

Happy Gaming

 

[Penguinz]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gzij
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gzij/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gzij/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($181.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($103.01 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 680 2GB Video Card ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1736.90
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-04 19:49 EDT-0400)

You can get the case and the PSU for $15 less with a combo.


I went with a more expensive mobo, since it will give give you a better overclock stability, as well as some extra features, and in my opinion, it is worth it. I also chose a different case, because a Noctua heatsink is not really side window worthy and the 500r is otherwise a great case. Everything else is pretty self explanatory, and a single 680 is more than enough for 1080p, if not you could always SLI in the future.

 

[geofelt]

I've tossed around just having a single 680 for awhile, but I saw the comparisons in benchmarks between a single 680 and SLI 670 and saw quite a difference.

I would be open to a Single 680 while having the single monitor setup and then picking up another maybe next year.

I guess I'm curious of people's experience with a single 680.

Bottom line is i'm not interested in a single 670 if I have to run it at max OC to get it to perform what I want.

I have a standard GTX680 running two 2560 x 1600 monitors without issue.
Just one anecdotal experience.
There IS a point of diminishing returns.

 

[robertrobert]

You don't store games on the SSD - that's what the secondary HD is for, and that is why I don't recommend any over 128GB - you won't use that space and the cost per GB right now isn't worth it. Storage is kind of an after thought anymore - any remaining funds on a gaming build should go into the GPU.

Maybe that's the case with other games, but OP should definitely store WoW on the SSD. Zoning out and in from instances is soooo much faster with the SSD. If you left something on a bank toon or alt, you can be out and back in before your raid/group members get cranky.
Get the 256GB Samsung 830. I'm waiting for it to go on sale again and then I'm picking one up for my new build.

 

[gbjayson]

Best answer selected by gbjayson.

 

[bigcyco1]

I know the thread is done but what does he need to pay $100.00 extra for a 5% to 7% performance gain for it's not worth it get a 670 also 750W PSU for what in case of sil o.k. i understand otherwise no need

 

[Penguinz]

I know the thread is done but what does he need to pay $100.00 extra for a 5% to 7% performance gain for it's not worth it get a 670 also 750W PSU for what in case of sil o.k. i understand otherwise no need

If the 680 fits in the OPs budget without compromising on any other components, than why not get those 5% to 7%? The MSI 680 is also factory OCd with a custom cooler which allows for a higher boost clock and gives it even more of a performance gain. The 670 is a really nice card, I own 1 myself, but there is a reason people still buy the 680.

 

[gbjayson]

sort of off topic, but lets say i would consider just dropping the cash to get a gtx 690..... would the quality of my motherboard need to be raised? or could i get away with a mid $100 range mobo? also, any bottle neck issues with a 3570k?

i looked at the 690 early on in my build spec, but i kind of threw it out because i didnt really need that kind of card, but since my end result would be within dollars (if i went sli 680s), maybe i should just shell out the bucks and get it now...

thoughts?

 

[bigcyco1]

Well for sheer value for money the 670 SLI... (its only slightly off the 680 in performance, and a fair bit cheaper)

best performance today.. the 680 SLI...

for dreaming of adding another card in future to make a godly sli-- the 690 . here my logic behind it http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/585?vs=586& and then compare 680 to 670 http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/555?vs=598& and no your mobo would be fine and i won't even touch that other question using a $100 mobo on that high end of a build is a horrible idea for so many reasons.

 

[Penguinz]

The 680 can keep most games at or above 60fps at 1080p. Assuming you get a standard 1080p monitor, it will only have a 60Hz refresh rate, so any fps above 60 will not be displayed and won't make a difference, which means the extra performance of the 690 (or SLI 680s) would not be noticeable. So I say just get a 680 now and if you find yourself needing the extra performance, add a second one later, but by than it will probably make more sense to sell your 1 680, and get a card from the new generation. It's really up to you, but if you won't notice a difference, than what's the point?