First build - figuring out the final details

Mac_48

Honorable
Dec 26, 2012
2
0
10,510
Hi,

I am looking to build a computer that can fit in my current budget (~$1,000) but can have a preset upgrade path (faster cpu, SLI and SSD). This is cause I have spent far too long on a really slow comp and so I want to give myself a nice upgrade path without having to replace half the computer lol... I will only be running GW 2 on it for now but I want to be able to run dual 24" monitors in game at 1080P (only 1 displaying the game) and give myself room if I want to run more intensive games. I will probably get a second video card and run SLI eventually so I want to make sure that the system will support that. I will also be running air cooling because I don't feel the need to overclock. I noticed this build and liked it:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $924.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-20 16:10 EST-0500)

The big question for me though is if this would fit what I am looking for out of the build? There are also some things I wasn't sure I should change: aftermarket cpu cooler (not overclocking), ASRock Z77 Extreme4 (instead of asus), GTX 660 Ti (instead of regular), enough power for SLI and wither or not I should get the CM HAF X (I like the looks of it better and it gives me more options lol).

I realize that you guys probably get questions like this a lot but the thread I took this build from didn't answer all my questions and I didn't want to threadjack... Thanks for the help :)
 

Mac_48

Honorable
Dec 26, 2012
2
0
10,510
Thanks, it is just something that I took from another thread... I checked pricing and the person who I copied the build from misquoted the price. While I think the build looks good, the things that I wonder about are:

1. will it be good enough to run 1080p on 24" monitors?

2. do I need the cpu cooler if I don't overclock?

3. Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX vs. ASRock Z77 Extreme4?

4. is it worth it to get the gtx 660 Ti instead?

5. is it SLI ready?

I know these are probably basic questions but this is my first build and I want to make sure I plan it out right :)