Advice on this $1700-$1800 Gaming Build!

[AJCpar]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Gaming, Video Editing, Streaming gameplay, and of course, general school usage.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1700 to $1800

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
United States of America.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference.
Intel for processors. Nvidia for GPU. Other than that, no.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Buying them all

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I plan on overclocking the GPU, but probably not the processor.

8. What resolution will you be using?
1920x1080

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
In about a month, so I'm not sure the deals seen here will last until then (in fact I'm sure that a couple won't).

Also, I will be eventually planning to get another GPU and link them via SLI to a 2 monitor config.

So here's what I have.

PSU and MOBO Combo: Corsair TX850 V2 850W and ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ($245 or $225 after MIR)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ($55 or $60 when I return from my trip)
GPU: EVGA GTX 670 FTW ($420)
CPU: Intel i5-3570k ($240)
CPU Heatsink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO ($32)
RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Blackline Frostbyte 8GB (2 x 4GB) ($46)
SSD : Crucial M4 256GB ($204)
HDD : Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB ($120)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST 24x DVD Drive ($20)
Monitor: ASUS VG236H ($310)
Wireless WiFi Adapter: TP-LINK TL-WN722N ($18)
Additional 120mm Fans for Case: Cooler Master Fan 4 Pack ($14)

Total: $1729 or $1709 after MIR.

So my main questions are regarding the SSD and WiFi adapter.

First, is this SSD reliable? I originally had the Vertex 4 but was suggested to go with the Crucial M4 on another forum.

Next, is a USB WiFi adapter better than a PCI adapter? I've heard it both ways, so I just wanted to get that cleared up. Thanks for all your help!

 

[lehtv]

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I plan on overclocking the GPU, but probably not the processor.

You should OC the CPU once you go SLI to make sure it doesn't bottleneck the GPUs. Also, the aftermarket CPU heatsink is not necessary at stock clocks, but you will need it when overclocking.

Change the case to something that supports USB3.0 in the front panel so you can take advantage of that feature of your mobo. Such as

Corsair 300R $80
Corsair 400R $100
Fractal Design Core 3000 $70
Fractal Design Arc Midi $100
Antec Gaming Series One $50
Antec Gaming Series One Illusion $60
Antec Three Hundred Two $70
Antec 1100 $100

The extra fans are not needed until you upgrade to SLI. Besides, the wires on those fans are extremely short and you don't have that many 3-pin connectors on your motherboard. You'd need a fan controller for them.

First, is this SSD reliable?

Yes. Great choice.

Next, is a USB WiFi adapter better than a PCI adapter?

Can't you just connect via cable? If not, get a USB adapter or Asus P8Z77-V with integrated wifi. A PCI adapter would have to be stuffed between graphics cards in SLI...

 

[AJCpar]

Ok so I decided to go with the Corsair Carbide 300r case as seen here for $80.

For when the time comes and I do upgrade to SLI and get the additional fans, could you suggest a good set of fans for my case? And also, would this fan control work well? Finally, when I install that fan control, will I need 2 if I want to use all 7 fans? Or only the one because it comes with 2 fans? Thanks!

 

[mfenn]

People really overestimate the amount of fans that you need in a case. It's not about how many you have, it's how effectively you use them. For an SLI configuration in a 300R, I would do:
- 2 intake in the front
- 1 exhaust in the top-rear
- 1 intake on the side panel (flip to exhaust if using GPUs that don't fully exhaust out the back)

As for the rest of your parts:
- Mobo & PSU: That combo most likely won't be around if you're going to be ordering in a month. The Extreme4 is a good choice, but the 850TX is a bit overkill for GTX 670 SLI. A good XFX 750W is plenty.
- GPU: There's no point in paying extra for a factory-overclocked GTX 600 series since GPU Boost exists. There is a point in getting one with a dual-fan cooler though.
- HDD : The WD Black costs more for the same performance as a Samsung F3 1TB.

A more general point is that most people who plan to "eventually" go SLI never end up doing it. You can cut $50 off your build right away be going with a less expensive non-SLI capable motherboard and a 650W PSU.

 

[AJCpar]

People really overestimate the amount of fans that you need in a case. It's not about how many you have, it's how effectively you use them. For an SLI configuration in a 300R, I would do:
- 2 intake in the front
- 1 exhaust in the top-rear
- 1 intake on the side panel (flip to exhaust if using GPUs that don't fully exhaust out the back)

As for the rest of your parts:
- Mobo & PSU: That combo most likely won't be around if you're going to be ordering in a month. The Extreme4 is a good choice, but the 850TX is a bit overkill for GTX 670 SLI. A good XFX 750W is plenty.
- GPU: There's no point in paying extra for a factory-overclocked GTX 600 series since GPU Boost exists. There is a point in getting one with a dual-fan cooler though.
- HDD : The WD Black costs more for the same performance as a Samsung F3 1TB.

A more general point is that most people who plan to "eventually" go SLI never end up doing it. You can cut $50 off your build right away be going with a less expensive non-SLI capable motherboard and a 650W PSU.

Good find! That HDD is a steal ! So instead of the XFX 750W you suggested would the Corsair TX750 V2 750W work just as well? Both their MIRs are about to end and the Corsair TX850 is about $5 dollars cheaper than the XFX 750W. And don't worry, I will actually go to a SLI config, just running a little short on cash at the moment ^_^.

Finally, you don't think I need to purchase the 4 extra fans? I need 2 extra correct (it comes with 2 I think?)? So any good suggestions for a good 140mm fan and a good 120mm fan? Well, I guess not finally, if I decide to stay with the EVGA GTX 670 FTW GPU (which I believe doesn't exhaust from the back), I should just flip the side panel fan and make it an exhaust fan as well? Thanks again for the help!

 

[mfenn]

Good find! That HDD is a steal ! So instead of the XFX 750W you suggested would the Corsair TX750 V2 750W work just as well? Both their MIRs are about to end and the Corsair TX850 is about $5 dollars cheaper than the XFX 750W.

Yes, either the XFX for the TX750 would be fine. I don't see how you can say that the TX850 is cheaper; that combo deal won't be around when you to order.

And don't worry, I will actually go to a SLI config, just running a little short on cash at the moment ^_^.

Neeeevvvvveeeerrr heard that one before.

Finally, you don't think I need to purchase the 4 extra fans? I need 2 extra correct (it comes with 2 I think?)? So any good suggestions for a good 140mm fan and a good 120mm fan?

Without a second GPU, I would honestly just leave it at the default config.

Well, I guess not finally, if I decide to stay with the EVGA GTX 670 FTW GPU (which I believe doesn't exhaust from the back), I should just flip the side panel fan and make it an exhaust fan as well?

The EVGA GTX 670 FTW fully exhausts out of the back of the computer, so if you get that card (or one like it), you will want to have the side fan be intake. Two things though:
- Please don't buy a factory overclocked GTX 670, it is a waste of money.
- You don't need a side fan if you aren't doing SLI.

Thanks again for the help!

No prob.

 

[AJCpar]

Yes, either the XFX for the TX750 would be fine. I don't see how you can say that the TX850 is cheaper; that combo deal won't be around when you to order.



Neeeevvvvveeeerrr heard that one before.



Without a second GPU, I would honestly just leave it at the default config.



The EVGA GTX 670 FTW fully exhausts out of the back of the computer, so if you get that card (or one like it), you will want to have the side fan be intake. Two things though:
- Please don't buy a factory overclocked GTX 670, it is a waste of money.
- You don't need a side fan if you aren't doing SLI.



No prob.

Oops... TX850 was a typo haha I didn't mean to say that the tx850 was cheaper than the tx750... So I would also safely assume that the EVGA GTX 670 exhausts out the back just like the 670 FTW (albeit with a different cooler) right?

Finally, I've changed my mind (once again...) on getting the Corsair 300R and have changed it to be the HAF XM. I personally like the looks and from what I've read online, it seems to be a well put together case, taking advantage of the capabilities of the motherboard I'm buying with USB 3.0 ports and USB 2.0 ports. I would like input on this decision if you are willing! In particular, would I need an additional fan for the side if I go to SLI? From what I hear, the airflow in the case is really good with the included case (thus, high air flow...), and I might not want to spend the extra cash to get another fan if I go up to SLI.

One more off topic question though, I can't think of for the life of me what other USB 3.0 compatible devices there are except flash drives... I will be using a Das Professional Model S keyboard with the computer (USB 2.0) and a TtEsports Black Element mouse (also USB 2.0). I just can't think of any other devices that use USB 3.0... Thanks again!

 

[lehtv]

Yeah, EVGA 670 exhausts out the back.

HAF XM is $50 more expensive than 300R, but is it $50 better? The main thing going for it is the cooling capacity. Two 200mm fans and one 140mm fan compared to 2x120mm in Corsair 300R. With GPUs that exhaust out the back I don't think you'd need any extra cooling for SLI although you could improve temperatures with another side intake.

 

[mfenn]

Yeah, EVGA 670 exhausts out the back.

HAF XM is $50 more expensive than 300R, but is it $50 better? The main thing going for it is the cooling capacity. Two 200mm fans and one 140mm fan compared to 2x120mm in Corsair 300R. With GPUs that exhaust out the back I don't think you'd need any extra cooling for SLI although you could improve temperatures with another side intake.

:thumbsup: Agree. A nice middle ground between the 300R and the HAF XM is the 400R or Antec Eleven Hundred.

 

[mfenn]

One more off topic question though, I can't think of for the life of me what other USB 3.0 compatible devices there are except flash drives... I will be using a Das Professional Model S keyboard with the computer (USB 2.0) and a TtEsports Black Element mouse (also USB 2.0). I just can't think of any other devices that use USB 3.0... Thanks again!

External storage devices like flash drives or external hard drives are pretty much the best use case for USB 3.0 right now. Something like a keyboard or mouse wouldn't benefit at all.

 

[AJCpar]

Ok, so I'm willing to shell out the extra cash for the XM as I really like the looks of it . The cooling capacity is also really good too with the three included fans, so I can save money there!

As for the USB 3.0 devices, so it would allow for faster data transfers than the older USB 2.0 I'm assuming? I guess that will be very helpful for transfering all my old data to the new system! Save me some time .

 

[mfenn]

Yes, USB 2.0 is extremely slow relative to the speed of a modern hard drive. You'd effectively triple (or more) the transfer rates assuming that you're using a USB 3.0 capable drive.