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Which build should I go for?

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My budget is a fairly strict 900 dollars. In both of these builds I go just a little bit over, and therefore these prices represent an absolute max for my budget.

Build 1: 3570k and gtx 560 (non ti) Sadly, as this build is already 40 dollars over budget, I couldn't fit in an aftermarket cooler, which will definitely limit overclocking potential to 1, maybe 2 ghz. Not sure how much OC a stock cooler can handle.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hms6

Build 2: 2500k and 7850. I am more inclined to go with this build right now, because it has better graphics capabilities. Also, I was able to fit in an aftermarket cooler, so I can definitely overclock.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/honq


The motherboard seems to be pretty good, but doesn't have much upgrade potential. But then again, neither would something like a Z77 (like the one I listed with the previous build) since Haswell is going to use a new socket. I feel I should mention that I'm not keen on compromising on this motherboard for the sole reason that I love the color scheme and since the case I have selected has a window, I can coordinate it with my room which has a red/black scheme going. I know it may seem kind of silly, but hey, I like my place to look nice and coordinated.

So right now, I think I am going to go with build 2, even if the processor is last generation. I just wanted some additional opinions before deciding. I should mention that I aimed for quality over performance here. Its my first build and although I would love to be able to run modern games at max settings, I'd rather make sure I have quality parts that won't crap out on me and result in a ton of unnecessary hassle.
I figure, if I'm not satisfied with the low/mid end gpus I have in these builds, I can drop in a 670, maybe even a 680 next year, when I have more money. Anyhow, if you think I'm missing the mark with any parts, please let me know!

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Z77 is not all about the socket.
Crossfire and USB 3 also factor in the upgrade.
As for Haswell, its something like 10% faster, nothing beyond reach with an overclocked ivy bridge.

I like your second build, just change the Mobo to an AsRock Extreme.

change your ram so it doesn't conflict with your aftermarket cpu cooler any of these would be fine RAM:G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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proton007 said:
Z77 is not all about the socket.
Crossfire and USB 3 also factor in the upgrade.
As for Haswell, its something like 10% faster, nothing beyond reach with an overclocked ivy bridge.

I like your second build, just change the Mobo to an AsRock Extreme.


I honestly don't think I'll ever need to go sli/crossfire. I am not an enthusiast who wants 3 way 670 sli. Any decent individual card around 300-400 dollars should be way more than enough for me. By the time I decide to sli/crossfire (If I ever decide that) It will be time to upgrade to intels latest and greatest generation anyways, so I might as well get a new mobo.
And like I said, I really like the color scheme on this board, and its the only one under 200 dollars that has it, other than the one in the first build. But cutting the price of the mobo from 145 down to 90 is what allowed me to afford the 7850. If I rememeber correctly, ASRock extreme is somewhere around 130, which would force me to revert the gpu back to a gtx 560.

You could trim both of them down some. For example, you're spending quite a bit on the case. With or without windows, even if you exclude the Apevia, Raidmax, and Crappermaster, there still appear to be a lot of nice looking, functional cases in the $70-$75 range, some with free shipping, like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Also, you could cut the PSU down to 500W in either build and have enough power. The Seasonic-built 520W Antec Neo ECO is $55 now, with $2 shipping: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
This might let you fit the HD7850 into the first build.
I would also suggest a WD Black hard drive though, as most of them still have five year warranties. All the cuts in other drive warranties do not inspire confidence; perhaps cheaper materials or alternate methods are now being used such that they aren't as reliable.

Onus said:
You could trim both of them down some. For example, you're spending quite a bit on the case. With or without windows, even if you exclude the Apevia, Raidmax, and Crappermaster, there still appear to be a lot of nice looking, functional cases in the $70-$75 range, some with free shipping, like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Also, you could cut the PSU down to 500W in either build and have enough power. The Seasonic-built 520W Antec Neo ECO is $55 now, with $2 shipping: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
This might let you fit the HD7850 into the first build.
I would also suggest a WD Black hard drive though, as most of them still have five year warranties. All the cuts in other drive warranties do not inspire confidence; perhaps cheaper materials or alternate methods are now being used such that they aren't as reliable.


Thanks for the advice! The main reason I went with the case that I listed was because since the case is probably the last thing I would worry about upgrading down the road, I wanted one that was good quality and that looked really nice, since its the main part of the computer that I'll be looking at for years to come. A side window is also very important to me. I do like the looks of the case you listed, but it does lack a side window....Also, out of curiosity, what do you have against Coolermaster? The Storm Enforcer was the next case I was looking at after this fractal design one. Last I checked, it was hanging between 70 and 80 dollars as well.

And thanks for the suggestion with that psu. I will definitely look into it. It isn't bronze certified though and the wattage leaves less potential upgrade room for a better gpu like the 670, maybe 680 Im thinking about dropping in later next year. Still, I have heard great things about antec psus, and its cheaper so I'm definitely not writing it off.

Also, how much can a 3570k overclock with the stock fan? Fitting a 30 dollar cooler in on this budget is pretty tough, hence my partiality to my second build which allowed a better gpu and aftermarket cooler since the motherboard costs 60 dollars less.

A lot of reviews of Crappermaster's PSUs at HardwareSecrets found them to have liar-labels and/or claim protection circuits that are in fact missing. That's dishonest (willful consumer fraud is a better name for it), and dishonesty should have consequences. I wouldn't care if their cases were solid mithril, I will not support them in any way until they clean up their act.
If you want a case that will last, check out Antec. I didn't like the design of one of the NSK models I used once, but they were all solid and durable. My wife has a Sonata III, and it may outlive both of us.
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