A bit of background: I left the IT world back in the early 2000s and went into aviation. My last build was a Pentium 4 on an Abit AI7 (The very computer I'm using to write this up actually) This past weekend, it failed once again and after a couple days, I managed to get it running again, but it's time for a new machine.
3 days of research (and a LOT of reading here) has me just about as confused as I was when I did my first OC with an Abit BX6 and a Slot 1 Celeron. (yes, I'm that old. ehhehe)
So, I found the "template" for properly asking about build advice so here we go:
Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next few days
Budget Range: $1000-$1200 but I can fudge a bit higher if necessary.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: 3D CAD, Video/Photo Editing, Music, Office Apps, Web development, Web browsing/research, E-mail, games.
Are you buying a monitor: No, already set up with twin 24" widescreens.
Parts to Upgrade: Mobo, CPU, RAM, PSU, Case. Will re-use drives, video cards and other peripherals.
Do you need to buy OS: NEED? No. Probably should get off XP SP3 and move to at least 64-bit Win7 tho.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Doesn't really matter to me, but I've checked NewEgg, Tiger Direct, Micro Center, Frys, SuperBiiz, CompSource and next up is NCIX. I don't mind "shotgunning" my purchases if the shipping and tax don't eat up any savings I might get by doing so.
Location: North San Diego County, California, USA.
Parts Preferences: Definitely want to go with an i7 processor. Been eyeballing the 4770K since it's just a few bucks more than a 3770K and it might "future proof" me for a bit longer. We've had very good luck with the ASUS Sabertooth Z77 Mobos in our sims at work so I'm leaning towards the Sabertooth Z87 or the Z87 Pro at the moment, but would consider other makes/models with the Z87 chipset. Would prefer to not have the integrated video as I've got GTX 550s on hand right now, but not a show stopper if the board is a good value.
Looking at the folllowing:
Mobo: ASUS Sabertooth Z87 or Z87 Pro
CPU: Core i7 4770K
PSU: 800W+ (Corsair 850TXV2)
RAM: 32G DDR3 1600MHz (Corsair CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10)
Case: TBD (I did read a few "cheap case" reviews here earlier this evening but in the past, I've always gone InWin - Don't want to drop $200 on a case if possible)
Overclocking: Of course! hehehe
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe.
Your Monitor Resolution: Twin 1680x1050s right now. Would like some "overhead" to upgrade in the future though.
Additional Comments: Want to water cool with something like the Corsair H80/H90. Current rig is running 4 120mm Delta fans and honestly, I'm tired of the all the white noise between that and the fans in my equipment rack. Do NOT want LED fans and couldn't care less about a window in the side of the case or the front of the case looks like a Transformer or a Lamborghini. Front panel USB/Audio would be nice, as would a SATA HD dock on top, (I bring work home from time to time) but not deal breakers if they're not available.
Why Are You Upgrading?: 'cuz the only thing older than my computer is me.
Not looking for "gimme" responses, but info to make an informed purchase. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the time left with this machine to be as informed as I would like. It's blue screened on me twice since I got it running again and frankly, I don't trust it to keep running through the week.
Appreciate pointers to do more research on my own as well!
Thx!