Help me spec my perfect rig!

[razzamatazz111]

I am embarking on my first ever home built PC. I'm a recording engineer and an avid gamer, so naturally, I want my rig to handle the heavies of Pro Tools (Industry standard music production software: Very resource intensive.) and max settings on today's and tomorrow's games. Budget is around $1,500, but if I need to go over to really make the smartest / lasting rig I can, that's OK.

Right now the only component I am pretty set on is the GPU: GTX 670 FTW

I know the i5 3570k works well with that card but Pro Tools could really use the hyper threading of an i7. Would an i7 actually "hurt" the 670 in anyway?

I am open to any and all ideas for ALL parts. I need a smart case (with blue LEDS!! ) and good power supply etc.

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

Blue LEDs? And a Good PSU?
There you go, a Corsair GS600 with Blue light.
No need of LEDs now.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.26 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.94 @ Adorama)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($378.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Gaming 600W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($99.88 @ Mac Connection)
Optical Drive: Asus DVDE818A7T/BLK/B/GEN CD Reader, DVD Writer ($19.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1208.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

[maxicusdagreat]

Alright! $1500! Let's build. Here's one for gaming and for recording. By the way, I use Pro Tools with a 3570k, it works just fine!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xanT

(Sorry about only putting this. The laptop I'm using is debilitated)

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

Alright! $1500! Let's build. Here's one for gaming and for recording. By the way, I use Pro Tools with a 3570k, it works just fine!

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xanT

(Sorry about only putting this. The laptop I'm using is debilitated)

Thats good But Sound Card is a total Waste.

And I don't recommend a Crossfire Build because Next-Gen cards are near.
So it would be better if you get 1 for now and then Upgrade to a Better Card\Add another in Crossfire at a cheaper rate.

 

[manofchalk]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($81.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.94 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($369.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.98 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Other: Coolermaster MegaFlow 200m Blue LED fan ($19.00)
Total: $1366.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-12 03:16 EST-0500)

That 200mm Coolermaster fan is to replace the stock front 200mm that comes with the case, will give you a nice blue glow through that front grille.

 

[razzamatazz111]

You guys are awesome! I'm wading through the builds right now.

I'm new at this, and in my initial build I didn't include a sound card. Does the sound card just help me improve my audio? What I'm saying, does the motherboard run basic sound or something? On a lot of the gaming PC build examples Ive seen on some sites they do not include a sound card.

Sorry if that's a dumb question.

And Thank You!!!

 

[manofchalk]

The motherboard does have sound capability built in yes. Integrated sound used to be horrible, but its now good enough that most people don't bother buying dedicated sound cards.
But for Audiophiles, musicians, sound editors and the like they often want better quality sound than that. IMO your best off buying an expensive sound card from the get-go, as low end cards aren't really worth it.
Though you have to make sure that your sound system (speakers, headphones) can take advantage of it. A $100 sound card will sound the same as integrated on your $20 headphones.

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

Sound Cards don't make much Difference.
Don't get it

 

[razzamatazz111]

Well I have some nice studio monitors and a picky ear for sound, I think I will test the fidelity against some local studios / see how it is without one and see if I need the sound card later.

These builds are really helping btw. (I didnt even know about this pcpartpicker site!)

 

[razzamatazz111]

Here's what I'm thinking. Any subjective errors in judgement?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.79 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($84.79 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($164.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($426.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill BlackHawk ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($88.53 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1336.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-12 14:34 EST-0500)

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xdnp

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

Thats a perfect Build.

 

[manofchalk]

Drop down to the reference 2GB 670. Theres no point for 4GB until you are playing games across multiple screens, and for that you should be using an AMD card.

Other than that its all good.

 

[Sumukh_Bhagat]

Drop down to the reference 2GB 670. Theres no point for 4GB until you are playing games across multiple screens, and for that you should be using an AMD card.

Other than that its all good.

Thats good idea.

But using softwares may Utilize much VRAM. I have no idea how much they use.
And its good to be Futureproof.

 

[razzamatazz111]

I play skyrim with lots of mods. I can really use the 4gb VRAM. It's ridiculous what that game pulls when your running lots of mods lol. So I don't mind dropping the extra dough on it.

manofchalk do you support all AMD over Nvidia? From my limited research, the 670 seems like the best bang for your buck on the market right now.

Thanks Sumukh!

I need the best monitor I can get for around 200 and then I'm done!

And finally, any links to guides on how do things like "burn in" my gpu and other things of the like I need to do when actually building it. Thank you.

 

[manofchalk]

In general I prefer AMD cards overall yes, right now I think they just have the better cards at most price-points. Its constantly changing which one is better, but because of the 12.11 Catalyst updates and the now over Never Settle deals AMD has been the option.
I'm sure that eventually Nvidia will drop the prices across their range and Nvidia would be the manufacturer to go for. Or they will release a new driver that boosts performance and puts them on top. Constantly changing which one to get.

What do you mean by that? You looking for just a general build guide?

 

[razzamatazz111]

Interesting manofchalk, glad I asked your opinion. In your opinion as well, which AMD card would beat out my 670 in performance and price point?

Yes a good general build guide would be awesome so I don't frack anything up. I was taught how to build in recording school but just for precaution.


New Question: I just noticed the memory I picked is 1600 speed. my mobo can support up to 2800. Should I change?

 

[manofchalk]

The HD7970.

This is a build guide that I learnt from. Covers some stuff that you wont have to deal with, but will show you everything you need to know.
NCIX System Build Guide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIJx6Y3tofg
NCIX Cable Management Guide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERhxmzQR6xA
Definitely recommend watching this.

There is also a Build Guide on Newegg TV that is fairly good.

Nope, no reason for speeds faster than 1600Mhz CL9. The price increase isnt worth the minimal performance increase.

 

[razzamatazz111]

Thank you manofchalk. You've been awesome. I'll be best answering your build for all the help. (Sumukh thank you for all your help as well I wish I could best you both!)

If either of you ever need some audio editing or want to cut a record, holler at your boy!

 

[razzamatazz111]

Best answer selected by razzamatazz111.

 

[manofchalk]

All good man.