Basic Questions about Cooling, GPU's, and CPU's

[dinn2win]

Hi, I am in the process of building my first PC. I have lots of questions. These are the components i have picked out:
(parts with "X's"- I have already purchased.)

Case: (X)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147107

MB: (X)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

PSU: (X)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020

Ram: (X) [2]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233218

Disk Drive: (X)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151258&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146836&SID=b8s5f2j3cse6

CPU: (?)
I dont really know much about processors, but i think i want an i7 so i wont have to upgrade the computer as tech evolves. I would like it if someone could point me to a high quality one that goes with my MB and is under 375

GPU: (???)
I really don't know anything about GPU's, i want to spend 200-350 on one. I would like to play on high or ultra so if that is possible with my budget please point me in the right direction.

Cooling: (?)
I know a little bit about cooling, but not much. Currently i am using only the stock things for cooling that come with my case. I've been told that is bad. what extra fans do i need to run my PC efficiently? Also I've heard about Liquid cooling, is it a easy thing to do? (note: this is my first build and take in account my case) If so what necessary steps should be taken in order to make it a liquid cooled PC.

OS: (what do people think?!?)
Ok... so ive been hearing a lot about Windows 8, mostly bad. I would like to stay in the loop with the latest and greatest tech but people say 8 sucks. Is windows 8 just a change that people dont want to make or is it like Vista (AWFUL)? This computers primary focus will be gaming so keep that in mind.



I know I have a lot of questions but please help me, I want to make sure everything is good for the build. So if there are a problem with the components please tell me so.

-Thank you 4 the feedback

 

[ASHISH65]

1)i7 3770k cpu 2)hd 7970 2gb or gtx 670 2gb 3)windows 8 os

 

[lazyboy947]

Agree with cpu and gpu, but win 8 is just terrible in my opinion, get win7 if u can. I call it vista 2.0, my brother is a pc tech, and he had to google how to shutdown a win 8 pc......

 

[ptonjalken]

Have had Windows 7 64bit for a couple years, highly recommend.

 

[lazyboy947]

with cooling almost any cooler above $25 is alot better than the stock cooler for amd and intel. liquid cooler as in closed loop like a h100? or custom liquid cooling? a closed loop cooler is as easy to install as a air cooler. Most recommended cooler for the cost is a cooler master hyper 212 evo, i like my zalman cnps 9900 max, and heard good from xigmatek dark knight II, and one of the best air coolers noctua nh d14. All have great cooling, instructions on how to, its fairly simple. Also there common enough to find a lga 1155 installation guide if u need help.

Closed loop coolers are nice but cool similar to a high end air cooler, but corsair H100, cooler master makes a good one forget the name, thermaltake big water, etc look at some reviews and many will give u an idea as how common they are purchased with an i5 or i7

 

[dinn2win]

the gpu's listed are kind of pricy. i was not really thinking in the 500 range. so how would these work:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202007

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150590

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202003


they are cheaper but would i still be able to run games on max settings?

also thanks for the cooling advice.

 

[biopolar]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814202007
Is what I have. I play Crysis 3 just fine maxxed out (4xmsaa) at a constant 40+ fps. If you go 7950, make sure to go with one that is OC'able/Boostable.


http://www.techspot.com/review/615-far-cry-3-performance/page3.html
A little benchmark to show you the differences between the cards that have come up in this thread. Show a 7950 regular and at boost speed.

But to answer your question, yes, even at stock, with an i7, you will play at max settings.

 

[Flakkattack]

I would stick with windows 7 and get a k series processor, either i5 or i7. Personally I run bf3 on ultra with no issues on an overclocked Nvidia Geforce 560 ti. I picked that up for right around the lowest part of your budget.

 

[biopolar]

I would stick with windows 7 and get a k series processor, either i5 or i7. Personally I run bf3 on ultra with no issues on an overclocked Nvidia Geforce 560 ti. I picked that up for right around the lowest part of your budget.

BF3 isn't really graphically demanding.
An old 6950 could roflstomp BF3 but will fail horribly in Far Cry 3.

 

[dinn2win]

Best answer selected by dinn2win.

 

[Flakkattack]

BF3 isn't really graphically demanding.
An old 6950 could roflstomp BF3 but will fail horribly in Far Cry 3.

Well if you refer back to his post, the only thing that he stated when he mentioned his GPU was that he was looking for one within a certain price range, and the ability to run games in high or ultra. My gpu is capable of both of those, and bf3 is what I usually play.

Bf3 isnt graphically challenging? I dont see how that is accurate at all. Especially when the maps are pretty large and graphics are pretty detailed as well. If a better example such as Skyrim is needed for my point to be made, then there you go.

I didnt post to debate on what games are more graphically demanding. He asked for suggestions, I suggested. If a specific game(s) were mentioned, that would be a different story.

 

[Flakkattack]

Also, check into the mentioned h100 series by corsair for a cooler, I am personally about to get the thermaltake water 2.0 extreme, another water cooler for around the same price as the h100, I just prefer thermaltake. As for air cooling, I have currently a thermaltake contac 29 and I dont even hit temps past 65c under full load on prime95. That one only cost me about 40 bucks. Both mentioned are capable of push/pull configurations as well, if you are really worried about cpu temps.

 

[biopolar]

Well if you refer back to his post, the only thing that he stated when he mentioned his GPU was that he was looking for one within a certain price range, and the ability to run games in high or ultra. My gpu is capable of both of those, and bf3 is what I usually play.

Bf3 isnt graphically challenging? I dont see how that is accurate at all. Especially when the maps are pretty large and graphics are pretty detailed as well. If a better example such as Skyrim is needed for my point to be made, then there you go.

I didnt post to debate on what games are more graphically demanding. He asked for suggestions, I suggested. If a specific game(s) were mentioned, that would be a different story.

Debate? No, no debate, just inputting on my experience of the two of what is worth money/future proofing when it comes to stock and OC abilities. No harm no foul.

 

[Flakkattack]

Debate? No, no debate, just inputting on my experience of the two of what is worth money/future proofing when it comes to stock and OC abilities. No harm no foul.

Ah gotcha. My apologies. Hard to differentiate tones in text haha.