$1,800 Build w/ Monitor: Almost ready to pull trigger

[a u d y]

After much consideration and feedback I've come up with a new build.
Also, I've decided to be the builder and am looking forward to my first build challenge.

What are all your opinions on this build?
I'll be using it mainly for gaming (GW2.)


CPU
Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
CPU Cooler
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155
Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600
Storage
Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
Video Card
???
Case
Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower
Power Supply
Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V
Optical Drive
LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer
Monitor
Catleap Q270 SEi
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Full (64-bit)

Video Card: The reason I have ??? for the Video Card is I'm debating between an Asus GeForce GTX 670 2GB and a Gigabyte HD 7970 GHz Edition. Since I already purchased the Catleap I'm wondering if the 7970 will run better on that monitor? All I've ever gotten was NVIDIA cards, so I'm somewhat partial to them...

Looking for and open to opinions. Thank you!

 

[Nw333]

With this kind of rig, get a better cooler. Maybe the Noctua NH-D14, or Thermaltake Silver Arrow. 7970 is a bit, a BIT, faster than the 670, but the 670 performs better in some games. (like BF3) If you are going to get the 7970, get the Asus DirectCUII and with the 670 get the MSI Power Edition. Although, the 7970 will get better frames when running resolutions higher than 1080p.

 

[fat-chunk]

He's got a Catleap!!

I hope it's good and gives you a splendid image!

If you're playing games on that thing I would suggest a 7970, it's got 3GB or VRAM for higher resolutions and a wider memory bus than GTXs.

Enjoy your build!

 

[bigcyco1]

The MSI PE 670 it's a beast! MSI Power Edition Architecture Boosts Overclocking Potential by 22.5%
The MSI GTX 670 Power Edition graphics card is based on the MSI Power Edition architecture: Afterburner's Triple Overvoltage allows the GPU, Memory and PLL(Aux) voltages to be adjusted . The Enhanced PWM design provides 25% more current than the reference design to ensure high stability during overclocking.


Twin Frozr IV: 20°C Cooler and 11.7dB Quieter than Reference Board
The MSI GTX 670 Power Edition is equipped with MSI's latest Twin Frozr IV Thermal Design. MSI's exclusive Dust Removal technology automatically reverses the fans at startup to prevent dust build-up dust and optimize the cooling module's ability to dissipate heat.


Patented Propeller Blade technology provides 20% more air flow over conventional fans and increases the effective cooling area. When combined with dual 8 cm temperature-controlled fans, SuperPipe technology, and a nickel-plated copper base, temperatures are effectively reduced by up to 20°C and noise by 11.7dB!


MSI's GTX 670 Power Edition uses the famous Twin Frozr IV cooler from the MSI Lightning and comes with a large clock speed boost out of the box, making its default clock speed even higher than GTX 680 stock clocks. MSI is asking a $30 price premium for their card, which doesn't look unreasonable, given the improved cooling and higher clocks.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us


http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/56546-msi-gtx-670-power-edition-oc-review-20.html <--- review w/benchmarks





http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_geforce_gtx_670_power_edition_oc_review,24.html <--- review w/benchmarks

 

[bigcyco1]

If you want a 7970 get the Sapphire HD 7970GHz Vapor-X it's straight beast as well. Get this PSU
SeaSonic X750 Gold 750W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply
$40 off w/ promo code EMCNAHC87, ends 9/29 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087 with promo code only will cost you $110 that's a steal this is top of the line best of the best.

 

[jacknhut]

Get the Ghz Edition 7970, at the 2560-1440 resolution the 7970 has the advantage because the Ghz edition 7970 you selected is binned for higher overclocking potential and thus it can get to 1200-1300 Mhz (which is comparable in performance to the rare 1300-1400 mhz overclocked GTX 680) while staying relatively cool due to the non reference cooler.

Also, drop that Corsair AX 750W Gold PSU and get this Seasonic X 750W Gold for much cheaper price (on sale at newegg currently) for 110 bucks after 40 dollars off:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?SID=JOpJqAlYEeKDaOrs-pUvpQt.S2_uoBC3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16817151087

In case you don't know, the Corsair AX 750W is a rebranded Seasonic X750W so you are essentially buying the original PSU for less!

 

[ukee1593]

WOW, Nice monitor!!!

There are a couple of reasons to choose the Radeon 7970 over a NVidia GTX670/GTX680 ...

The 3GB of VRAM on the 7970 should be able to handle the higher resolution of your monitor a bit better. There might be a 4GB version of the 670 or 680 available though!!

Otherwise, If you have plans to use the computer for video editing, 3D modelling, or another compute application the AMD Radeons are FAR superior to the NVidias compute applications.

Please note that the AMDs do use a bit more power than the NVidias under load (but they are more efficient idling and office work) and the drivers are considered to be more finicky than the NVidias (Although I've had issues with NVidia drivers too)...

 

[fat-chunk]

The 3GB of VRAM on the 7970 should be able to handle the higher resolution of your monitor a bit better. There might be a 4GB version of the 670 or 680 available though!!

Don't get a 4GB 670/680, 4GB offers no performance improvement and they are way overpriced.

7970 GHz edition is proba

 

[fat-chunk]

The 3GB of VRAM on the 7970 should be able to handle the higher resolution of your monitor a bit better. There might be a 4GB version of the 670 or 680 available though!!

Don't get a 4GB 670/680, 4GB offers no performance improvement and they are way overpriced.

7970 GHz edition is probably your best bet if you can find one (and at a reasonable price at that!)

Good luck!