2000$ Buy Very Soon! Any Last Thoughts?

[heizenbrg]

Coupons about to expire
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kxkX
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($77.24 @ Newegg/coupon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5 TH ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
SSD: Samsung 830 Series MZ-7PC256B/WW 256GB (180$ @ CompUSA) ( It's for laptops but it should work)
Video Card:Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($360.00 @ Newegg)
Case:Cooler Master HAF 932 Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($164.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($132 @ Newegg/coupon/rebate)
Optical Drive:Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz LED 3D READY 1080p 24.0" Monitor ($370.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System:Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($93.20 @ Amazon)
Keyboard:Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($73.51 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1924.84

Also do I get a 1100W PSU for Gigabyte Windoforce 670 in SLI?
Not sure about the HAF, is it too big? Will I have to replace the fans? Or should I get Antec Nine Hundred($60 on Newegg)

 

[ckholt83]

No SSD?

PSU looks to be overkill, you're not going to be using nearly that much wattage.

Good chance you could spend less on the motherboard as well. Any particular features on the one you pick that you feel are a must-have? Otherwise, newegg is running a promo on a bunch of Z77 motherboards (including Gigabyte) for 8GB free RAM.

Might be some other cases worth looking into. I've had to replace several of the 200mm fans in my HAF X.

Otherwise looks like a great build!

 

[geofelt]

A very good list.
Don't change a thing.

Except perhaps the motherboard. You are paying a premium for thunderbolt.

The Corsair 850w will be sufficient if you ever go to sli GTX670.

 

[heizenbrg]

No SSD?

PSU looks to be overkill, you're not going to be using nearly that much wattage.

Good chance you could spend less on the motherboard as well. Any particular features on the one you pick that you feel are a must-have? Otherwise, newegg is running a promo on a bunch of Z77 motherboards (including Gigabyte) for 8GB free RAM.

Might be some other cases worth looking into. I've had to replace several of the 200mm fans in my HAF X.

Otherwise looks like a great build!

How much W do you need for two Gigabyte 670s? They need 550W each so...
Motherboard is fine, can in SLI the cards ok?
Do the coolermaster fans need to be replaced often?It has great reviews. There is also the Antec Nine Hundred. I chose the HAF since it also has a side fan, is bigger( easier to mount because I'm noob) and is more expandable.

 

[ckholt83]

Ah, I see you updated your list.

550W is ballpark usage for a single 670 AND everything else in the system, the card doesn't use 550W by itself. If you are planning to run a pair of 670s in SLI, then the 850W unit you picked out is perfect, otherwise it's more than you need.

I have had to replace 200mm fans in my Coolermaster HAF three times now, but it's possible I've just had a run of bad luck. Obviously there are plenty of people who have been happy with theirs. Aside from the fans, I'm pretty happy with the case overall and how easy it was to build in.

If you're considering Antec, I'd look at the Eleven Hundred rather than the 900. Some other good options in a similar price range are the Corsair Carbide 500R, the NZXT Phantom 410, and the Rosewill Thor V2.

 

[heizenbrg]

A very good list.
Don't change a thing.

Except perhaps the motherboard. You are paying a premium for thunderbolt.

The Corsair 850w will be sufficient if you ever go to sli GTX670.

ASUS P8Z77-V PRO ATX Intel Motherboard($209.99 @ Newegg)
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UP5 TH ATX Intel Motherboard($239.99 @ Newegg)
ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE ATX Intel Motherboard($279.99 @ Newegg)
By getting the Gigabyte UP5(240$), I can get the Asus P8ZZ7 PRO(209$) for 80$ less(-40$ RAM, comes free with mobo) or for the same price of the UP5 I can get the P8ZZ7 DELUXE(279@$) without paying the extra 40$( because the 40 I was supp to pay are used on the free RAM I get( I was getting 40$ RAM)

So should I go for the most expensive? I like Gigabyte not because of thunderport but because of the extra features. I don't mind going for the Deluxe if it's better.

 

[evilqueens]

ASUS P8Z77-V PRO ATX Intel Motherboard($209.99 @ Newegg)
GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UP5 TH ATX Intel Motherboard($239.99 @ Newegg)
ASUS P8Z77-V DELUXE ATX Intel Motherboard($279.99 @ Newegg)
By getting the Gigabyte UP5(240$), I can get the Asus P8ZZ7 PRO(209$) for 80$ less(-40$ RAM, comes free with mobo) or for the same price of the UP5 I can get the P8ZZ7 DELUXE(279@$) without paying the extra 40$( because the 40 I was supp to pay are used on the free RAM I get( I was getting 40$ RAM)

So should I go for the most expensive? I like Gigabyte not because of thunderport but because of the extra features. I don't mind going for the Deluxe if it's better.

If you're comparing the Deluxe ASUS board to your current Gigabyte - the ASUS technically has more features (excluding the Thunderbolt).

Again, both of these boards are a little excessive for most users. A -V Pro is sufficient for most uses. You could even go with a -V LK and get even more savings. It is about $140 give or take.

 

[heizenbrg]

If you're comparing the Deluxe ASUS board to your current Gigabyte - the ASUS technically has more features (excluding the Thunderbolt).

Again, both of these boards are a little excessive for most users. A -V Pro is sufficient for most uses. You could even go with a -V LK and get even more savings. It is about $140 give or take.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kyI5
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($83.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V DELUXE ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($274.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($359.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($164.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($370.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($93.20 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Wired Gaming Keyboard ($73.51 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Wired Optical Mouse ($47.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1963.83
This is it!

 

[phenom90]

i would get this psu instead..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1850bnlg9
XFX P1-850B-NLG9 - $120 after rebate

and this ram..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cml8gx3m2a1600c9
Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9 - $40

or this mobo if you're keen on thunderbolt

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz77xup4th
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP4 TH - $181

if you want to cut some costs.. again there's a choice..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz77xud3h
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H - $149

there are even cheaper options that include 2-way sli support..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/biostar-motherboard-tz77xe3
Biostar TZ77XE3 - $115

although case is personal preference... but that haf 932 is a dusty box overtime as it has no dust filter whatsoever.. i would get this instead...

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc922xmkkn1
Cooler Master HAF XM (Black) - $107

or even this 1..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4blw
Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) - $120

 

[heizenbrg]

i would get this psu instead..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1850bnlg9
XFX P1-850B-NLG9 - $120 after rebate

and this ram..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cml8gx3m2a1600c9
Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9 - $40

or this mobo if you're keen on thunderbolt

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz77xup4th
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP4 TH - $181

if you want to cut some costs.. again there's a choice..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz77xud3h
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H - $149

there are even cheaper options that include 2-way sli support..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/biostar-motherboard-tz77xe3
Biostar TZ77XE3 - $115

although case is personal preference... but that haf 932 is a dusty box overtime as it has no dust filter whatsoever.. i would get this instead...

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc922xmkkn1
Cooler Master HAF XM (Black) - $107

or even this 1..

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4blw
Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) - $120

Is Thunderbolt even worth it? I'm picking it up beacuse the Asus P8Z77 V-DELUXE only has displayport and my monitor will have dual link DVI, which is the only way to get 3D
Also, what is the best cooling-efficient Mid tower? I'm always looking for the next shared apt., will go to dorms in 1 yr or so so I need something that I can put on a desk and still have space, is noob-proof, easy cable routing etc, Premium case.

 

[phenom90]

no... for now thunderbolt has very little use.. but maybe that will change in the future..
but i will certainly get the gigabyte ga-z77x-ud3h as it has great build quality for the price.. certainly not the cheapest... but not expensive either..

as for good cooling case.. this 1...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129178&name=Computer-Cases

but you got to add some fans to maximise cooling potential...

there are other option as well..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147107&name=Computer-Cases

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352023&name=Computer-Cases

 

[heizenbrg]

no... for now thunderbolt has very little use.. but maybe that will change in the future..
but i will certainly get the gigabyte ga-z77x-ud3h as it has great build quality for the price.. certainly not the cheapest... but not expensive either..

as for good cooling case.. this 1...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129178&name=Computer-Cases

but you got to add some fans to maximise cooling potential...

there are other option as well..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147107&name=Computer-Cases

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352023&name=Computer-Cases

I think Im going with the asus p8z77 V PRO, I get free memory too.
Case wise im going midtower. Im thinking the carbide 500r white since it looks cool, but I need something that is really cooling efficient and cable routing efficient, is the carbide good enough?

 

[ckholt83]

The Carbide 500R is a great pick. It has good cooling and cable management, and they're supposed to be very easy to work and build in. It also happens to have JUST gone on sale, so you can pick it up right now for a great price from newegg.

I just realized I'm responding to you in two different threads...

 

[phenom90]

I think Im going with the asus p8z77 V PRO, I get free memory too.
Case wise im going midtower. Im thinking the carbide 500r white since it looks cool, but I need something that is really cooling efficient and cable routing efficient, is the carbide good enough?

corsair produces very good line up of cases... from 800d.. 600t.. 650d.. and so on.. i'm sure you will do just fine with 500r.. with a convex side panel you have more clearance for cable routing.. but among the corsair cases.. this is what i like the most..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139015&name=Computer-Cases

and... i'm pretty sure you'll need this...

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/14950/ffi-94/DEMCiflex_Corsair_500R_Magnetic_Dust_Fan_Filter_-_Side_Piece.html?tl=g1c12s1300

with a large opening mesh side panel with 200mm fan sucking air... your pc will be a dusty box in just a few months..

 

[heizenbrg]

Ok this is the round up, it's missing the Vengance C70, which is my top choice for now, and the Carbide 500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006519%2050001459%2040000007&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=7%7C11-139-006%5E11-139-006-TS%2C11-139-005%5E11-139-005-TS%2C11-139-007%5E11-139-007-TS%2C11-139-012%5E11-139-012-TS%2C11-139-010%5E11-139-010-TS
All of these cases have up to 10 fans, how many should I get? All I know about airflow is that hot air rises; are side fans good? what about dust filters, the C70 has no dust filter at the top but at the bottom of the case. Wouldn't it be better to avoid getting dust in the first place instead of picking it up from the bottom?

 

[geofelt]

Ok this is the round up, it's missing the Vengance C70, which is my top choice for now, and the Carbide 500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006519%2050001459%2040000007&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=7%7C11-139-006%5E11-139-006-TS%2C11-139-005%5E11-139-005-TS%2C11-139-007%5E11-139-007-TS%2C11-139-012%5E11-139-012-TS%2C11-139-010%5E11-139-010-TS
All of these cases have up to 10 fans, how many should I get? All I know about airflow is that hot air rises; are side fans good? what about dust filters, the C70 has no dust filter at the top but at the bottom of the case. Wouldn't it be better to avoid getting dust in the first place instead of picking it up from the bottom?

Good cases will come with several good fans.
The really are all you need.
If a case has two 120mm intake fans, or an equivalent in output, then you will get decent cooling.

Fans don't cool,(Hardware does not sweat like us) they just push hot air out of the case.
What you want is good unobstructed airflow.
If you get too active with many high rpm fans, your pc can get very noisy.

My suggestion is to start with the standard fan setup that will come installed in the case and see how you do.
It is easy to add fans later.

 

[evilqueens]

Ok this is the round up, it's missing the Vengance C70, which is my top choice for now, and the Carbide 500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006519%2050001459%2040000007&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=7%7C11-139-006%5E11-139-006-TS%2C11-139-005%5E11-139-005-TS%2C11-139-007%5E11-139-007-TS%2C11-139-012%5E11-139-012-TS%2C11-139-010%5E11-139-010-TS
All of these cases have up to 10 fans, how many should I get? All I know about airflow is that hot air rises; are side fans good? what about dust filters, the C70 has no dust filter at the top but at the bottom of the case. Wouldn't it be better to avoid getting dust in the first place instead of picking it up from the bottom?

All good cases - but Obsidians (and even Graphites) are a little out-dated. The 500R for $90 is a steal if you ask me.

Usually, there are no dust filters for exhaust fans, as this is counter productive. Regardless of how hard you try, you will always accumulate dust at the intakes of your case (and subsequently, everything inside). Of course, if you are sitting in one of those TSMC clean rooms, then you will have no problems

EDIT: Looking at your current parts list, you won't really need any extra fans at the moment. If you really wanted, you could always throw in a side 120mm fan to get some more airflow - but it isn't really necessary for a single 670 in my opinion.

 

[phenom90]

Ok this is the round up, it's missing the Vengance C70, which is my top choice for now, and the Carbide 500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006519%2050001459%2040000007&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=7%7C11-139-006%5E11-139-006-TS%2C11-139-005%5E11-139-005-TS%2C11-139-007%5E11-139-007-TS%2C11-139-012%5E11-139-012-TS%2C11-139-010%5E11-139-010-TS
All of these cases have up to 10 fans, how many should I get? All I know about airflow is that hot air rises; are side fans good? what about dust filters, the C70 has no dust filter at the top but at the bottom of the case. Wouldn't it be better to avoid getting dust in the first place instead of picking it up from the bottom?

depend on how your setup is.. there are many different configurations.. for me.. i would take at least four.. 1 as front intake.. another 1 for side intake.. 1 at the back as an exhaust.. and 1 at the top as an exhaust.. should be enough.. it's better to get a dust filter for your side intake because generally cases doesn't come with it.. it may not totally block all the dust from entering your pc.. but certainly will do better than cases with none.. like mine.. i used cm cases before.. with 1 side intake fan.. no filter.. after months.. when i tried to clean it up.. i found dead mosquitoes sticking on my fan..

 

[heizenbrg]

depend on how your setup is.. there are many different configurations.. for me.. i would take at least four.. 1 as front intake.. another 1 for side intake.. 1 at the back as an exhaust.. and 1 at the top as an exhaust.. should be enough.. it's better to get a dust filter for your side intake because generally cases doesn't come with it.. it may not totally block all the dust from entering your pc.. but certainly will do better than cases with none.. like mine.. i used cm cases before.. with 1 side intake fan.. no filter.. after months.. when i tried to clean it up.. i found dead mosquitoes sticking on my fan..

So all these cases are pretty much good? I love the military C70 too, I might pick that. I'll need a dust filter for the top though. About Fans, how do side fans work? since intake air goes in a straight line, it gets cut midway by the side filter, cooling only the left side of the case and not the back with the GPU's. How do you balance fans( cfm, etc) ?

 

[evilqueens]

So all these cases are pretty much good? I love the military C70 too, I might pick that. I'll need a dust filter for the top though. About Fans, how do side fans work? since intake air goes in a straight line, it gets cut midway by the side filter, cooling only the left side of the case and not the back with the GPU's. How do you balance fans( cfm, etc) ?

Again, a filter for the top is unnecessary as these fans are typically used as exhaust fans. Why would you want to filter the air leaving your case? You'd just end up with a whole load of dust that will impede your fans over time when you could have just let it blow out anyway.

I don't understand your question about side fans. The fan blows air from outside, inside onto your motherboard (usually the area where the GPU is installed. Depending on where you locate this fan, it may be lower, higher, or just at the level where your video card sits. This is dependent on many things obviously (type of case, motherboard, type of video card, which slot the video card sits in, will your CPU cooler allow a side fan, etc.)

 

[phenom90]

well.. i ain't a engineer.. so i can't determine which configuration is the best.. some like the side intake fan.. some said it will disrupt the airflow.. but since the graphics card that you pick is exhaust heat back in the case.. while the intake fan located behind the drive cage provides little airflow direct to the gpu.. so it is ideal to put a side intake fan to provide direct cool air to the graphics card.. some people may use the side as an exhaust as well.. though i haven't tried that before.. so maybe you'll need to tinker the setup yourself.. to determine which 1 is better for you.. here is the filter.. and yeah i am understand the cooling the left side of the case and not back the gpu... but yeah indeed a dust filter will cut some airflow.. but not by much.. just buy 120mm fans with speed around 1200rpm-2000rpm will be enough..

http://www.frozencpu.com/products/16872/ffi-120/DEMCiflex_Corsair_C70_Vengeance_Magnetic_Dust_Fan_Filter_Set_-_5_Piece.html?tl=g1c12s1300

but will cost you $60.. but save you from the hassle of cleaning your pc more often than not..

 

[heizenbrg]

well.. i ain't a engineer.. so i can't determine which configuration is the best.. some like the side intake fan.. some said it will disrupt the airflow.. but since the graphics card that you pick is exhaust heat back in the case.. while the intake fan located behind the drive cage provides little airflow direct to the gpu.. so it is ideal to put a side intake fan to provide direct cool air to the graphics card.. some people may use the side as an exhaust as well.. though i haven't tried that before.. so maybe you'll need to tinker the setup yourself.. to determine which 1 is better for you.. here is the filter.. and yeah i am understand the cooling the left side of the case and not back the gpu... but yeah indeed a dust filter will cut some airflow.. but not by much.. just buy 120mm fans with speed around 1200rpm-2000rpm will be enough..
http://www.silverstonetek.com/techtalk_cont.php?area=en&tid=wh_airflow Silverstone's got it down, pretty much makes sense front/top=intake back=exhaust
Also, what are the best fan brands, how do you choose based on size and rpm/cfm?
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/16872/ffi-120/DEMCiflex_Corsair_C70_Vengeance_Magnetic_Dust_Fan_Filter_Set_-_5_Piece.html?tl=g1c12s1300

but will cost you $60.. but save you from the hassle of cleaning your pc more often than not..

Again, a filter for the top is unnecessary as these fans are typically used as exhaust fans. Why would you want to filter the air leaving your case? You'd just end up with a whole load of dust that will impede your fans over time when you could have just let it blow out anyway.

I don't understand your question about side fans. The fan blows air from outside, inside onto your motherboard (usually the area where the GPU is installed. Depending on where you locate this fan, it may be lower, higher, or just at the level where your video card sits. This is dependent on many things obviously (type of case, motherboard, type of video card, which slot the video card sits in, will your CPU cooler allow a side fan, etc.)

Silverstone seems to make sense, top fan is for intake, cools cpu gpu and exhausts in the back. Side panel seems tricky
what are the best fan brands, how do you choose based on size and rpm/cfm?

 

[phenom90]

but when you compared the results.. the temps aren't optimal as other configuration... there are no best fan brands actually.. well like arctic cooling.. noctua.. they are pretty good.. well if you have all fans inside your case spinning at 2000 rpm that would be very noisy.. typically we chose fans with higher cfm with minimal noise..

 

[geofelt]

Silverstone seems to make sense, top fan is for intake, cools cpu gpu and exhausts in the back. Side panel seems tricky
what are the best fan brands, how do you choose based on size and rpm/cfm?

The most important metrics for fans are size and rpm.
Larger fans produce more airflow at lower rpm's.
It is the rpm's of a fan that create noise.
So you end up with a balancing act between the need for airflow and the pain of noise.

There are some secondary factors such as fan design and brand, and the quality of the noise.
You can do some research at www.silentpcreview.com forquiet computing.
Here is a good tutorial:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_Fans

 

[evilqueens]

Silverstone seems to make sense, top fan is for intake, cools cpu gpu and exhausts in the back. Side panel seems tricky
what are the best fan brands, how do you choose based on size and rpm/cfm?

Having a top fan as an intake goes against the normal convection of heat (as it usually rises). And, having the top fan as an intake with the NH-D14 sitting in the way won't really get much airflow down to your GPU. Let alone the fact that it is the back of the GPU and not the front (which is where you'd ideally want air to be directed to lead into the fans of the GPU cooler itself).

The side panel is the exact same as the top. You have a fan, 4 screws or rubber mounts, plug it into a fan header on the motherboard or a fan controller, and you're good to go. I do agree that it may be hard to fit if the NH-D14 gets in the way - but having the top as an intake won't really do you much good, in my opinion.