New Gaming Build with ~$1500 budget

[skaphilear]

Hey all. I'm about ready to purchase the parts to build a PC that will be primarily used for gaming (and of course, all other basic daily activities like internet, movies, etc) and I'd like the community's input. Take a look here, and let me know if you think this looks good, has anything that is too excessive, or needs more work in any place.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ft6h
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ft6h/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Ft6h/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($86.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($354.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($101.97 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($144.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1365.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-23 15:58 EST-0500)

I have a bit of room left in my budget, as you can see. How's the build look to you? Anything I need to improve on?

Thanks for all your input!

 

[realchaos]

Ram overkill. Since you're not doing any sort of editing, get 2x4gb low profile ram. http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59977&vpn=F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR&manufacture=G%2ESkill
Unless you're planning to SLI the gtx670, get a 500-600w psu. http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59615&vpn=P1550SXXB9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1257
I like the gigabyte gtx670 with 3fans to keep the gpu cooler. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423
Also, if you want really good overclocking get the noctua nh-d14 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018

 

[TimeLass]

Nice build...
swap that RAM with a 8GB one
PSU with a 560W and modular one
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-ss560kmactivepfcf3

CPU cooler with this if you're not going to OC that CPU to 3.9-4.1GHz
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xigmatek-cpu-cooler-gaiasd1283

use the remaining money to get a 4GB GTX 670 or just stick with 2GB if you would like to save some money...

 

[skaphilear]

Thanks for the input! Do you really think that Noctua fan is that much better than the basic one that I had selected to justify the price difference?

Also, what about the modular PSU? To my understanding, they basically just are used to tidy up the case and not have loose wires hanging about... is there any other benefit to them other than that? I've always just zip-tied the extra wires out of the way. Thanks again guys!

 

[TimeLass]

Thanks for the input! Do you really think that Noctua fan is that much better than the basic one that I had selected to justify the price difference?

Also, what about the modular PSU? To my understanding, they basically just are used to tidy up the case and not have loose wires hanging about... is there any other benefit to them other than that? I've always just zip-tied the extra wires out of the way. Thanks again guys!

Noctua NH-D14 is a very good CPU cooler TBH... but the one you had selected is good too... you can always upgrade your CPU cooler in the future...
yeap a fully modular PSU helps a lot in cable management... besides fully modular it is also 80plus gold certified which is very very reliable..however you can still downgrade a bit and get a 80plus bronze certified PSU that are not modular one...something like this
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

 

[realchaos]

It depends how much you want to overclock. If it's just a little like 300-500mhz, the evo is fine. If you want to get the best you can, grab the noctua. You're right about modular psu. They're just used to make the build look a lot cleaner. It makes life easier and it's worth it if you can afford it. Here's a nice modular psu. 550w, 80+gold, modular and only $90 http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-ssr550rm

 

[skaphilear]

Looks good. I think I'm going to switch my fan to the Noctua after reading what you said and checking out the reviews for this fan. One question... will I need to buy any thermal paste when assembling this or does it come with it?

 

[TimeLass]

You can use the stock thermal paste for at least a year and apply a new one in the future...

 

[realchaos]

It comes with thermal paste. Applying an aftermarket thermal paste will make the cpu cooler, of course, but the different is negligible. At max 5 celcius if you're using a good one.

 

[skaphilear]

Last thing... do you think that Noctua fan (I heard it is gigantic) will fit inside the case and allow room for the video card? I checked their website for motherboard and RAM compatibility, and I got that covered. I was just wondering about the video card and the case.

 

[TimeLass]

Last thing... do you think that Noctua fan (I heard it is gigantic) will fit inside the case and allow room for the video card? I checked their website for motherboard and RAM compatibility, and I got that covered. I was just wondering about the video card and the case.

yes it will definitely fit in that CM case...no problem fitting video cards and NH-D14 on that Extreme4 either...

 

[skaphilear]

Ok awesome. You both have really helped out finish out the last details of my build and I do appreciate it.