Suggestions on my 1300-1400 build.

[linkin]

Hey guys, I have hoping you help me by offering suggestions and opinion on my build.

Approximate Purchase Date: 1-2 month from now

Budget Range: 1300-1400 US, after rebate and before shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies)

Are you buying a monitor: No

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Any

Location: California, United States.

Parts Preferences: No preferences

Overclocking: Most likely

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Your Monitor Resolution:1920x1080

Additional Comments: I would like reliable and stable components, this is why im asking for your suggestion on my build. A relatively quiet pc would be nice but I would pick not overheating over quietness

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I want to be able to play games like it was meant to be as opposed to hacked up graphics due to having to turn the settings to its lowest.

This is my current build:
PCPartPicker

As you can see, I am missing some parts and was hoping you can help me out.
- I don't know what is a good and reliable memory.
- I don't know if OCZ Vertex 4 for SSD would be any good.
- I'm not sure which PSU would be suitable for my build.
- Lastly and most important, I would like to get the 7970 but I am unsure which one would be best.

- I'm also unsure about the case, I've read some good reviews on it but I was wondering your opinion. Or perhaps you can suggest me another case.

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

 

[stormweaver1983]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jQCW

Above is my recommended build. I don't think I touched anything you already had selected, just added the parts that I would recommend. The motherboard you have selected is pricey, you would probably be just as well served with a lower priced option from Asrock, Asus or Gigabyte.

G.skill Ares is nice low profile memory, won't interfere with your CPU cooler.

OCZ Vertex 4 is just fine.

620 watt power supply added. It is modular and by Antec, will cover your system just fine.

Chose a Sapphire 7970. Good quality and good price.

 

[malbluff]

1) You want low profile memory (to avoid clash with cooler) 8GB(2x4GB) 1600 MHz c9 DDR3. Good ones are GSKill Ares, Crucial Ballistix Sport, Corsair CML.
2) The Vertex 4 is fine, alternatives would be Samsung 830, or Crucial M4. There have been reliability/performance issues with OCZ SSD's, in the past, but the Vertex 4 is supposed to be better.
3) Something like PC Power&Cooling Silencer Mklll 600w modular, would be a good choice, if you are planning on a single GPU. If you want to add a 2nd GPU, later, 850w is wise. A Corsair, or XFX would be suitable, at that rating.
4) Not too familiar with the 7970 GHz, but Gigabyte's "looks" a decent one, but someone else could possibly advise you better than I.
5) One of my favourite cases, for a decent build, is the Corsair Carbide 500R, but it's better for you to pick a couple of reasonable mid-tower ATX cases, that YOU like the look of, and we can advise which is best.

 

[g-unit1111]

- I don't know what is a good and reliable memory.

For Ivy Bridge you need DDR3 dual channel 1600MHz 1.5V (voltage is key) and reliable manufacturers are Crucial, G.Skill, Corsair (as long as you get low profile), Kingston, and Mushkin.

2) The Vertex 4 is fine, alternatives would be Samsung 830, or Crucial M4. There have been reliability/performance issues with OCZ SSD's, in the past, but the Vertex 4 is supposed to be better.

I have a Vertex 4 in my work PC and a Samsung 830 in my home PC. Both are excellent choices. Alternative choices would be the Mushkin Chronos and Corsair Neutron which uses the new LAMD controller.

- I'm not sure which PSU would be suitable for my build.

For a 7970 you're probably looking at a 600W minimum, 750W if you plan to overclock. Good choices would be the Corsair TX 650, or the PC Power & Cooling Silencer series.

- I'm also unsure about the case, I've read some good reviews on it but I was wondering your opinion. Or perhaps you can suggest me another case.

The Fractal Design case is a good choice - alternately consider the Antec 1100, NZXT Phantom 410, or the Corsair 500R.

 

[malbluff]

The only benefit of your mobo, over similarly featured, but much cheaper boards, is Thunderbolt. If you have any need, for Thunderbolt, fair enough, but, otherwise, you might as well use cheaper board. An alternative might be an Asus P8Z77-V Pro, which is an excellent board, for similar price, and is Thunderbolt "ready", should you require that, in the future.

 

[linkin]

As for the 7970, I've been looking at some builds recommendation and I've XFX being recommended. But it seems as though many people suggests to go with the sapphire. Does anyone have a link that compares the different 7970s out there?

 

[g-unit1111]

As for the 7970, I've been looking at some builds recommendation and I've XFX being recommended. But it seems as though many people suggests to go with the sapphire. Does anyone have a link that compares the different 7970s out there?

Here you go: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7970-overclock-review,3186.html

 

[excella1221]

For a regular 7970, I would suggest the Gigabyte Windforce x3.
Your first post says GHz Edition though. If that's the case, Vapor-X would be best.

+1 to both g-unit and malbluff on the 600w PSU for a single card.
For 2-way Crossfire though, 850w would be recommended. 750w would work but it leaves you little to no headroom and the PSU is being pushed to its limits.

 

[boulbox]

the WFx3 has some whining problems(at least me anyways) so i would go XFX or Sapphire(Sapphire if possible)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card ($432.86 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 500R White ATX Mid Tower Case ($101.93 @ Mac Connection)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1258.70
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

the case is more preference of taste. i would suggest a NZXT 410 but i had a bad time with them so i will not recommend it(flimsy rubber grommets). Another solid choice that i had my eye on for a while was this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119263

also for the build you have some flexibility to upgrade your SSD into a 256GB if you would so like to

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1081367 $314.98 save: $25.00 FREE SHIPPING
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-WINDFORCE-PCI-Express-Graphics-GV-N670WF2-2GD/dp/B008LZKLF0/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1349849488&sr=1-2&keywords=gigabyte+gtx+670 $399.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $379.99
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 670 WINDFORCE 2X OC Edition 2048MB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 2x DVI/HDMI/DP SLI Ready Graphics Card GV-N670WF2-2GD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147163 $89.99 FREE SHIPPING
SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC128B/WW 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231544 $38.99 FREE SHIPPING $5 off w/ promo code EMCJNNA225, ends 10/10
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAO

http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PRO750W-Semi-Modular-80Plus-Supply/dp/B005IUVYA2/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1349849908&sr=1-2 $111.71 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $101.71
XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80Plus 750 Watt Power Supply (Silver)

 

[linkin]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Can you guys take a final look at this build and give your opinions on it?

PCPartPicker

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Can you guys take a final look at this build and give your opinions on it?

PCPartPicker

Make sure you get the GHZ edition of the 7970 - totally worth the $40 difference, otherwise the rest looks good.

 

[malbluff]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Can you guys take a final look at this build and give your opinions on it?

PCPartPicker

My only comment is that I've been hearing of overheating issues, with the Extreme 4 mobo. Don't think this is a major problem, provided you don't overclock, too agressively. An alternative might be Asus P8Z77-V LK, at similar price, or the very good P8Z77-V Pro, although that's a bit more expensive, is Thunderbolt ready, that you were thinking of.

 

[g-unit1111]

My only comment is that I've been hearing of overheating issues, with the Extreme 4 mobo. Don't think this is a major problem, provided you don't overclock, too agressively. An alternative might be Asus P8Z77-V LK, at similar price, or the very good P8Z77-V Pro, although that's a bit more expensive, is Thunderbolt ready, that you were thinking of.

Really, I've never heard of that. Most of the reviews I've seen of the board have been overwhelmingly positive.

 

[boulbox]

My only comment is that I've been hearing of overheating issues, with the Extreme 4 mobo. Don't think this is a major problem, provided you don't overclock, too agressively. An alternative might be Asus P8Z77-V LK, at similar price, or the very good P8Z77-V Pro, although that's a bit more expensive, is Thunderbolt ready, that you were thinking of.

someone here is a major ASUS fan. lol

extreme4 does not have overheating problems and getting the OC to a 4.2Ghz with extreme4+hyper212 evo is very easy.

i would not go with those ASUS boards they are mostly over hyped by people like him. if you want to upgrade your board a bit i would go with UD3H. has tons of features

 

[excella1221]

Make sure you get the GHZ edition of the 7970 - totally worth the $40 difference, otherwise the rest looks good.

+1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
^would get this if you are ever lucky enough to catch it in stock.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129265&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
^Cheapest GHz I've seen, priced the same as a regular 7970. Though stock memory clock is below AMD specs, it's not hard to OC. Has a lifetime warranty if registered within 30 days.

Other good alternatives:
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75186&vpn=GV-R797TO-3GD&manufacture=Gigabyte
^also always out of stock in ncix.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150632&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
^Double D.

 

[malbluff]

someone here is a major ASUS fan. lol

extreme4 does not have overheating problems and getting the OC to a 4.2Ghz with extreme4+hyper212 evo is very easy.

i would not go with those ASUS boards they are mostly over hyped by people like him. if you want to upgrade your board a bit i would go with UD3H. has tons of features

I would not deny being an Asus fan, or for that matter a Gigabyte fan, but that's not out of blind loyalty. I like the quality, that's worth paying at least a bit extra for. I've got no particular down, on ASRock, and the Extreme 4 is a decent well featured budget board, but that's what it is, a BUDGET board. I hope no one is niaive enough to think ASRock produce a V Pro, or UD5H, for $40 or $50 less, by better production efficiency.

 

[excella1221]

Uh, while I agree that ASUS has great quality and there is absolutely nothing wrong with supporting them; I wouldn't really call ASRock a 'budget' board. It's priced cheaper than its ASUS and Gigabyte counterparts, but that doesn't really make it fall into that category. A budget board would have a lot of features taken out to justify the low cost. In the Extreme4's case, it has *more* features than its counterparts.

A good contender for the V Pro would be,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

$40 cheaper on Newegg, and the only feature from ASUS I can see that's not present on the ASRock is the onboard wi-fi. The ASRock has IEEE 1394 and eSATA on the other hand.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/z77-extreme6-z77a-gd65-z77h2-a2x,3187-22.html