Needing a bit of help on a new build :)

2wenty

Honorable
Dec 20, 2012
172
0
10,710
Hey, I'm looking to build a new computer which will probably be used mostly for gaming, but I want to have some room to be able to do editing in the future if I so wish (I don't fully know yet). Anyway, right now I only have a Macbook Pro (Early 2010 - no hatin'), and I really need to improve my system :p
I have a budget of $3500 for everything (I have absolutely nothing for a pc), and while I know that amount is a bit excessive, I'm not the one paying for it. Therefore, I don't really want to go over.
With that said, what would be the best way to get the most for the money, I think I want to go for Z77 and I can't really decide between the 3770k or 3570k, motherboards, ram and the best layout for gpis (either XFire or SLI). I'm gonna dedicate $600-700 for peripherals (speakers, monitor, os etc.) and the sooner I can get this list completed the better :)

So thanks guys, I'm looking forward to some suggestions :)

And also, I don't really know about going for multi-monitor displays, but I think I want to go down the conservative path of just one screen for now, maybe with a 1080p+ resolution ;)

Here is the template:

Approximate Purchase Date: Within this month (probably)

Budget Range: $3300-$3500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Casual stuff

Are you buying a monitor: Yes

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon or Newegg preferably

Location: USA

Parts Preferences: Almost definitely intel chipset and cpu, not so sure about graphics card and motherboard.

Overclocking: Yes (I want to get a pretty decent overclock)

SLI or Crossfire: Yes - If that's the best solution

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080?

Additional Comments: Look above, otherwise there's nothing much else to say.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: 2010 Macbook Pro <3

Something I drew up quickly:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken X60 98.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($141.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($259.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($94.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($247.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($171.11 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: SeaSonic Platinum 1000W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($214.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($55.98 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: BenQ XL2420T 120Hz 24.0" Monitor ($398.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G700 Wireless Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $3025.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-09 06:38 EST-0500)
 
I downgraded some components I felt it necessary to (CPU, mobo, RAM, PSU, CPU cooler) and squeezed in a 1440p screen for less $$$.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($247.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7970 GHz Edition 3GB Video Card (CrossFire) ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($171.11 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: XFX 850W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($94.25 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($55.98 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" Monitor ($678.00 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech G700 Wireless Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2912.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-09 07:11 EST-0500)
 

2wenty

Honorable
Dec 20, 2012
172
0
10,710
Another thing to consider, if IB-E is gonna be based around LGA 2011, would you get better future proofing further down the line? I'm not sure how often I will be able to upgrade, and if replacing the cpu only is a possible option (instead of buying a new haswell-compatible motherboard + cpu), would I get better upgrade options? I'm kinda debating between Z77 and X79, I know X79 would offer more than enough for me right now, but I want this build to last for quite a few years...