One final check before I start spending money!

[8ballslackz]

Hello again!

So like the title suggests, I'm ready to buy some of the components of my new build, basically those which won't become incompatible with others should I decide to make some changes in the next two weeks (I plan to buy everything else in two weeks).

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($51.31 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Plextor M5S Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($295.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VN700M1W2N ATX Full Tower Case ($121.66 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($65.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1107.55
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-15 17:08 EST-0500)

If anyone can see any issues with this build, or really any way I can improve it without spending more, I would really really appreciate it.

 

[eyeage]

No need to get z77 board with the 3470. If you're getting the CPU at microcenter, then you may as well step up to the 3570k and get that same MOBO, as you get $50 off the mobo with the 3570k at $189. Otherwise it looks that you have everything in order.

 

[butremor]

with non 'k' cpu - z77 mobo is unnecessary, you may as well go with h77 mobo

 

[8ballslackz]

No need to get z77 board with the 3470. If you're getting the CPU at microcenter, then you may as well step up to the 3570k and get that same MOBO, as you get $50 off the mobo with the 3570k at $189. Otherwise it looks that you have everything in order.

Two problems with this. One, the combo is for in-store pickup only. Two, my previous motherboard (the h77) has had quite a few bad reviews (DOA, CPU socket too tight--leading to bent pins). This is why I've chosen the z77. I realize choosing a motherboard is key, but I really just need something that supports SLI and has 4 slots for memory (for future-proofing).

 

[Outlander_04]

If you are using an ATX motherboard stick with Z77 rather than H77

H77 doesnt have the expansion options . Not enough total pci-e lanes

 

[lucidrainbow]

Err... you want an SLI motherboard, but you're getting an AMD card.... are you planning on replacing your GPU with an NVidia one? I am sure multiple cheaper MoBos support CrossfireX for your HD7950, so I found your SLI requirement a bit peculiar
Also, if you're gonna be using multiple GPUs in the future, you might want to invest in a higher wattage power supply(somewhere above 650w) so you won't have to buy one in the future.
Also, your case just seems a bit expensive, imo. But, as long as you like it, then... (its a full tower, so I can't complain much)
I think your monitor is fairly decent for the price. I have been personally looking for one, so thanks for finding one for me!
Memory can be a bit cheaper if you get a different set... I have found 2X4GB sets for as low as 34.99 with heatsink.
Speaking of heatsinks, maybe an aftermarket CPU cooler may be helpful(albeit unnecessary) to keep temperatures stable during gaming.

 

[ARICH5]

in a build costing 1100$ + isd get a bigger monitor

 

[Outlander_04]

I am sure multiple cheaper MoBos support CrossfireX for your HD7950, so I found your SLI requirement a bit peculiar

CrossfireX is not crossfire . The second slot is limited to pci-e x4 speeds and that will cut performance

A proper crossfire and SLI capable motherboard is the only solution

 

[8ballslackz]

I want the option of SLI. One of the goals to this build is to have the ability to upgrade the machine without having to rebuild the entire thing.

Also, as far as memory goes, there are cheaper sets, but I know NOTHING about these brands and which are worth the money.

 

[eyeage]

Two problems with this. One, the combo is for in-store pickup only. Two, my previous motherboard (the h77) has had quite a few bad reviews (DOA, CPU socket too tight--leading to bent pins). This is why I've chosen the z77. I realize choosing a motherboard is key, but I really just need something that supports SLI and has 4 slots for memory (for future-proofing).

That's why I said "if" I live 20 minutes from a microcenter, so I was suggesting something reasonable if you lived near it.

 

[8ballslackz]

Haha, yeah the closest one is in Philly. And while I'm super-psyched to buy this stuff...I'm not psyched enough to venture into Philadelphia.

 

[eyeage]

I haven't had any issues with my Extreme4, it was quite easy to build.