1st Time - Performance Build

[tifkin]

I have some of the parts picked out so far, but would like some input for the others. I'll be doing a lot of virtualization, hence the i7 non-K-series processor and the 16 GB RAM. I'll be buying this weekend, so I'm looking to see what deals are out there. My price range is $1000-$1500, but cheaper is always better where possible (As long as too much performance isn't sacrificed). What else am I missing? Thanks!


CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
Cooler: Do I need a cooler with this CPU? I've sinced mixed responses from the reviews.
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory: 16 GB - What kinds are good? (Any deals right now?)
Storage: 1 TB Drive
Storage: 128/256 GB SSD
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Titanium Grey) ATX Mid Tower Case - I want something quiet. Any other suggestions?
Video Card: ? - Something moderately priced that would allow me to do some experimenting with bitcoining.
Monitors: Dual screen.

 

[manofchalk]

CPU: I would get the K series CPU, your motherboard supports overclocking and its a free performance boost.

Cooler: If you do decide to overclock, a decent cooler is needed. Though if you dont then stock will be fine.

Memory: 1600Mhz CL9 1.5v RAM is the sweet spot for RAM performance to Price. Whether to get a 4x4GB or 2x8GB kit depends if you want the upgrade path.

Case: If your after silence that's a good choice. One of the Corsair cases is pretty sound insulated, might want to look into it.

Graphics Card: AMD cards are better at compute tasks, paticularly bitcoining. I suggest a HD7850, go's for ~$200 and should be fairly good for it. Its also a good gaming card as well, will play most games at max settings, 1080p.

 

[cutebeans]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Case ($45.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Samsung S22B150N 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Samsung S22B150N 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1103.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-11-23 00:08 EST-0500)

 

[tifkin]

CPU: I would get the K series CPU, your motherboard supports overclocking and its a free performance boost.

Cooler: If you do decide to overclock, a decent cooler is needed. Though if you dont then stock will be fine.

Memory: 1600Mhz CL9 1.5v RAM is the sweet spot for RAM performance to Price. Whether to get a 4x4GB or 2x8GB kit depends if you want the upgrade path.

Case: If your after silence that's a good choice. One of the Corsair cases is pretty sound insulated, might want to look into it.

Graphics Card: AMD cards are better at compute tasks, paticularly bitcoining. I suggest a HD7850, go's for ~$200 and should be fairly good for it. Its also a good gaming card as well, will play most games at max settings, 1080p.

I was thinking of staying with the non-k-series because I've heard the K-series doesn't have VT-D support which is supposedly pretty nice for virtualization (Though I'm not sure how much it acutally adds).

If I do go with the K-series, got any suggestions for coolers? Also, would you have any preference for any brand of RAM?

And is this the card your thinking? Clicky

Sorry for all the questions! First time building and I'm definitely not a hardware guy. Thanks!

 

[manofchalk]

Will admit I have never heard of VT-D and in the minute of research I have done on it does seem to relate to virtual machines. Whether the K series do's or doesn't have it I have no idea. Guess you will have to look up whether the performance from this feature outweighs an overclocked CPU.

If your not going to do any big overclocks (4.5Ghz+), a Coolermaster Hyper 212 EVO is the go-to budget cooler.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

Yep, thats the one. You even picked a fairly good model.