Started new build - still a few questions

[wachuko]

Started ordering a few of the parts for my new build. Here is what I am working towards:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($278.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($107.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($89.25 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($283.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($159.78 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($55.55 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2006.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-16 00:05 EDT-0400)

Ordered so far:

Case:Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Additional Case Fan: Cooler Master Megaflow 200 R4-LUS-07AB-GP 200mm Blue LED Case cooler
Keyboard:Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse:Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)

Questions:

For the CPU Cooler, I initially had the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO, but reading a few threads, I wonder if I should go with the Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler instead. If I read some of the threads correctly, it means that I have to go with low profile memory cards instead of the flashy and cool-looking Corsair Vengeance... For those that have a similar build, is this correct??

Should I stick with the 212 EVO?

Should I go with the NH-D14? And if so, Do I need low profile memory?

Should I stop reading and finish building the darn system!? lol

 

[wachuko]

Not much feedback on the questions above, but I think I figured it out. Going with low profile memory and the NHD-14 (maybe an overkill for what I am doing, but anyway....)

The other question I have, and maybe I should not be reading so many threads or feedback on the suppliers websites... but I was thinking of buying stuff little by little as I saw deals come up. The concern on this is what if a part come dead on arrival (DOA)? I will not find out until all parts are in and I do the install... I have read too many threads on doa mother boards to be concerned...

There is a deal on the MOBO with a game combo for almost 40.00 less than the MOBO alone...

Or just wait, buy it all at the same time... there will always be deals, right? These parts can only get less expensive as time goes by, right??

 

[wachuko]

Got the case!! This thing is built like a tank! My old computer looked insignificant before, now with the case next to it, it looks even more pathetic! LOL

Also sharing a photo of the monitors setup... left two are for work, right one is for personal use.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

This site is great!! The only problem is that my mind just goes off to dream land... next thing I am in the "while I am building my dream computer why not...." and I start replacing the motherboard for a i7-3930, and why not go to 64G of memory, why not go with 1866 instead of 1600... get the 3GB video card instead of the 2GB version... Madness I tell you, madness!!

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($499.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth X79 ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($325.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($211.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($211.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($132.48 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($132.48 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 3GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2897.82
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-21 18:40 EDT-0400)

Anyway, for now I just ordered the blu-ray burner/player. Got an email from Newegg.com that they had a special with software and free shipping for 49.99 (that total was with a 20.00 mail in rebate). So that is on it way...

I have time to decide if I pull the trigger on the upgraded list or stick with my original plan, lol.

 

[wachuko]

Continue to read threads and recommendations... looks like it would be best to stick to my original configuration and if anything, just upgrade my video card:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula/Assassins C3 EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($98.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2038.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-22 07:35 EDT-0400)

 

[manofchalk]

Surprised this hasn't gotten any posts...
Yep, the HAF-X is a freakin tank. I love mine . It also dwarfed my old PC.

You will want to get low profile RAM with such a large CPU cooler. The NH-D14 will no doubt claim the space above at least one slot.
Eww, EVGA card. Reference design cards are only good for water-cooling, you want to get a card from MSI, Gigabyte or ASUS with custom design cooling. Reference runs louder and hotter. Also, for multiple monitor gaming, you want to go with a 7970 over a 670. Radeon cards just perform better at higher resolutions (and I can back this up).
You only need 750W if dual Crossfire/SLI is a concern, if your after Tri think 1000W.
You no longer need the Professional version to utilize 16GB+ of RAM, plain Windows 8 64bit will do that just fine.

 

[wachuko]

Memory is low profile, checked!
Graphics card - thank you for catching that!!!! Made a mistake when selecting from the list.... I meant to get a Gigabyte card
My rationale with the PSU was to get some that would run comfortable with the load and not anywhere close... So maybe I go 1000 instead.

Only reason for Win8 Pro is to get the Media software for 9.95 extra...

Let me run the config again and post it.

Surprised this hasn't gotten any posts...
Yep, the HAF-X is a freakin tank. I love mine . It also dwarfed my old PC.

You will want to get low profile RAM with such a large CPU cooler. The NH-D14 will no doubt claim the space above at least one slot.
Eww, EVGA card. Reference design cards are only good for water-cooling, you want to get a card from MSI, Gigabyte or ASUS with custom design cooling. Reference runs louder and hotter. Also, for multiple monitor gaming, you want to go with a 7970 over a 670. Radeon cards just perform better at higher resolutions (and I can back this up).
You only need 750W if dual Crossfire/SLI is a concern, if your after Tri think 1000W.
You no longer need the Professional version to utilize 16GB+ of RAM, plain Windows 8 64bit will do that just fine.

 

[manofchalk]

Just remember that a PSU is typically most efficient running around 70% load, and factor in that at idle you want to stay above 20% load to make sure you stay within 80+ spec.

 

[wachuko]

Ok, revised config. I need to stick to nvidia since some of the software I use takes advantage of it... Will stick with 850 PSU for now as my Smart APC UPS will not match the next AX 1200... New UPS, so I don't want to change it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula/Assassins C3 EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($98.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2018.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-22 08:39 EDT-0400)

 

[wachuko]

Just remember that a PSU is typically most efficient running around 70% load, and factor in that at idle you want to stay above 20% load to make sure you stay within 80+ spec.

Oh..was not aware of that. So based on the new config, keep the 850. Drop to the 750? Or just do the 1200????

Thank you again for your suggestions. Killer system your have their btw. I am going over your thread, very cool setup.

 

[manofchalk]

Hardly, I would describe my rig as mid-range with overkill unnecessaries :lol:.

At max load, that rig would be pulling an estimated ~450W after overclocking, so about ~52% load for an 850W. At idle, would say its under 20%. A 750W would be better, 60% under load and closer to 20% at idle, while still giving you room to add in another card later on.

 

[wachuko]

Hardly, I would describe my rig as mid-range with overkill unnecessaries :lol:.

At max load, that rig would be pulling an estimated ~450W after overclocking, so about ~52% load for an 850W. At idle, would say its under 20%. A 750W would be better, 60% under load and closer to 20% at idle, while still giving you room to add in another card later on.

Great!! Once more, revised config (added the third 3TB drive to check load, since I already have those):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula/Assassins C3 EATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($289.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($98.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($127.49 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: ViewSonic VG2436wm-LED 24.0" Monitor ($246.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($64.52 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $2867.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-22 10:31 EDT-0400)

 

[wachuko]

Just dreaming a little... this would be nice...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($1007.28 @ TigerDirect)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 PRO ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($304.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($224.33 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($127.49 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: ViewSonic VG2436wm-LED 24.0" Monitor ($246.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($64.52 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $3963.47
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-22 11:48 EDT-0400)

 

[wachuko]

OK.... decision made... going with this setup. I want to maximize the system for ripping blu-ray and dvds, image editing, and my son will have one hell of a rig to play games.... This will provide me the platform to do that and when the prices on the newer i7-3970 drops then I can just swap CPUs.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($499.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 PRO ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($304.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($224.33 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($127.49 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: ViewSonic VG2436wm-LED 24.0" Monitor ($246.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($64.52 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $3456.18
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-22 13:16 EDT-0400)

And from the above list, the only items pending to order:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($499.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 PRO ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($304.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($224.33 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($239.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($229.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 4GB Video Card ($419.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($127.49 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($64.52 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $2326.27
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-22 13:20 EDT-0400)

 

[manofchalk]

In a word, overkill .

short for time right now, so it will be brief.
- Do you really need 32GB.
- DO you really need a 3930k, and dont even consider an Extreme edition. Its twice the price for 5% more performance over a 3930k.

 

[wachuko]

Question is: Is going with the 6 core a better option? Better CPU, better motherboard... For the ripping and image editing that I plan to do, it might be.

True, 64GB is an overkill, 32GB should be plenty... That is a 240.00 saving... Price difference from the two configurations (3770 vs 3930) is around 500.00

And true, I don't need the 3970... , first, can't afford it...but it was nice to dream and price it out, lol...

Cheers! Have a great weekend!

In a word, overkill .

short for time right now, so it will be brief.
- Do you really need 32GB.
- DO you really need a 3930k, and dont even consider an Extreme edition. Its twice the price for 5% more performance over a 3930k.

 

[manofchalk]

It depends on how much video/image editing and ripping you do if spending more for the 3930k is worth it over a 3770k. Only you can really answer that.

 

[wachuko]

It depends on how much video/image editing and ripping you do if spending more for the 3930k is worth it over a 3770k. Only you can really answer that.

I am going with the 6 cores (i7 3930). Got a friend that has a similar setup up and the increase in performance for image and video processing is significant.

 

[wachuko]

Starting to get parts... I went with less memory (32 instead of 64) and the Graphics card with 2GB instead of 4GB as I read several threads mentioning that the extra memory was of very little use...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($499.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($80.61 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 PRO ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($304.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Best Buy)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($128.22 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($128.22 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($128.22 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($218.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($224.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($116.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: ViewSonic VG2436wm-LED 24.0" Monitor ($246.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($71.20 @ TigerDirect)
Total: $3139.32
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-03 11:43 EDT-0400)

So far I have the Case (with one additional fan than what it brings), Blu-ray burner, PSU, SSD, CPU Cooler, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and a couple of hard drives... Pending items:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($499.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 PRO ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($304.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Best Buy)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($109.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit) ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($71.20 @ TigerDirect)
Total: $1616.13
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-04-03 11:46 EDT-0400)

 

[manofchalk]

Looks fine to me.

You can save yourself $30 by just getting plain Windows 8 64bit, you no longer need the Professional version to use more than 16GB of RAM.
Alternating RAM colours, nice.

 

[wachuko]

On Win8 vs Win8 Pro, I was looking at getting the Media Center option, and can only seem to get it if I first buy the Pro version. With the Win8 Pro, the Media Center option is 9.95.

That is the only reason for going with the Pro version.

Looks fine to me.

You can save yourself $30 by just getting plain Windows 8 64bit, you no longer need the Professional version to use more than 16GB of RAM.
Alternating RAM colours, nice.

 

[wachuko]

I can't believe the time that has gone by... so much so that I have had to revise the part list.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mrhNxr
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mrhNxr/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler ($73.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($244.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($169.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($169.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($184.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($272.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF X Blue ATX Full Tower Case ($216.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($55.90 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit)
Monitor: ViewSonic VG2436wm-LED 24.0" Monitor
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse ($47.28 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($72.31 @ Mwave)
Total: $2169.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-24 13:53 EDT-0400

Finally getting ready to order the missing parts for the build:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LdwfnQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/LdwfnQ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-4930K 3.4GHz 6-Core Processor ($549.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P9X79 ATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($244.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($169.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($169.99 @ Micro Center)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($272.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Professional Full (64-bit)
Speakers: Genius SP-HF1800A 50W 2ch Speakers ($72.31 @ Mwave)
Total: $1480.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-24 13:55 EDT-0400

 

[wachuko]

Guys, any recommendations before I pull the trigger on the rest of the list?? Is the graphics card a good choice? After a year has gone by, is the memory the right one to go with?

Should I be looking at a different motherboard from ASUS?

 

[numanator]

The gtx 760 is good but it would be a waste to get the 4gb version unless you plan on SLI 760s in the future. Also, the Haswell e CPUs/Mobos should be coming out in september so I would probably wait for those to launch to grab one of the 5930ks (if I had your budget lol).

Alternatively you could grab an i7 4790k with an 1150 z97 mobo. Not sure what exactly you are planning on doing with this build but I am assuming it is not just gaming.

I currently have a gtx 760 and part of me wishes I went with the gtx 770 for the extra $100 so I would say try to grab a gtx 770 or a AMD R9 280x

 

[wachuko]

The gtx 760 is good but it would be a waste to get the 4gb version unless you plan on SLI 760s in the future. Also, the Haswell e CPUs/Mobos should be coming out in september so I would probably wait for those to launch to grab one of the 5930ks (if I had your budget lol).

Alternatively you could grab an i7 4790k with an 1150 z97 mobo. Not sure what exactly you are planning on doing with this build but I am assuming it is not just gaming.

I currently have a gtx 760 and part of me wishes I went with the gtx 770 for the extra $100 so I would say try to grab a gtx 770 or a AMD R9 280x

Thank you! Correct, setup is not just for gaming. Photo and video processing, drawing and design programs, and gaming.

I already have the case. A Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced Blue Edition - High Air Flow Full Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and All-Black Interior.
And the following parts:
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 SE2011 CPU Cooler
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 3TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer
Monitor: ViewSonic VG2436wm-LED 24.0" Monitor
Keyboard: Gigabyte GK-OSMIUM Wired Gaming Keyboard
Mouse: Gigabyte GM-KRYPTON Wired Laser Mouse

I have no plans for doing multiple graphics cards... So you are saying that I am better off with a Gigabyte GTX 770 2GB vs the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 4GB? Price difference is only 30.00 between the two...

Waiting for another platform until September? Noooooooo!!! I am afraid that if I wait more then the budget will be used for a new mattress or something house related!!! lol

Outside of the cooling fan, I have not purchased anything board/cpu specific... but to wait until then? For what gain?

 

[wachuko]

Also, on the memory... 1866 vs the 1600???