Another one...build critique please :)

[Avalon88]

Hi guys

Ok, my system is all up and running, so I'd really like it if a few of you give some advice or opinions on what I should potentially change/modify etc if need be...

Silverstone Raven RV02 Case
Corsair HX850 PSU
Asus Sabertooth X58
Intel i7 950
Thermaltake Frio CPU Cooler
Corsair 6Gb 1600 C8D
2x eVGA GTX570
2x 1Tb Samsung Spinpoint F3
DELL Ultrasharp U2311H

I game at 1920x1080 and generally max all settings....vsync usually on. I plan on doing a little video editing and may look at slightly overclocking if you think it's recommended......although I know with the SLI and an 850W PSU I'm probably pushing it?.....

Anyway, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[biostud]

I thought all would be Sandy Bridge builds now.

 

[Avalon88]

ahhh sandy bridge schmandy bridge

If I waited for sandy bridge, I'd then be waiting for something else, then wait for that and something else gets announced, so you wait for that and then something else...you get the point.

 

[Axon]

Except SB will be out in like, 5 days.

 

[jaydee]

I don't understand. You just built that rig and are now asking about what to upgrade already?

 

[Axon]

Ohhhh...you already got it. herp derp on my part. Well, it's clearly a very strong system. Your PSU will be entirely fine for overclocking.

Overclocking your GPUs is very simplistic, at least on a mainstream level. Just get MSI's afterburner software and roll the bar to 100mhz above your current speed. That's a sloppy example, but it's really that easy. Look around for some of the speeds people are getting with their 570s and shoot for that. Additionally, the i7 950 will easily reach high 3 ghz if not 4+ ghz. I'd look into it...for me, half the fun is overclocking.

 

[MisterDonut]

You should get a better aftermarket cooler and OC the crap out of the system. It'd be such a waste to run a 950 @ turbo speeds or even stock.....ProMeg, VenX, NH-D14 are all great HSF. Two 570's seems a bit much for 1080p...I'd suggest selling one and buying an SSD. You'll get the fatter upgrade there, IMO.

 

[Avalon88]

I don't understand. You just built that rig and are now asking about what to upgrade already?

Nono, I mean, what changes should I make to make the system run the best....ie-overclock etc?...

 

[Avalon88]

You should get a better aftermarket cooler and OC the crap out of the system. It'd be such a waste to run a 950 @ turbo speeds or even stock.....ProMeg, VenX, NH-D14 are all great HSF. Two 570's seems a bit much for 1080p...I'd suggest selling one and buying an SSD. You'll get the fatter upgrade there, IMO.

What do you mean by better? Watercooled? I thought the Frio was quite a good cooler?

I know the two 570s is probably overkill, but I don't intend on replacing the system for years to come, and hopefully these cards can see me by for those years. I was going to get a SSD with this build, but decided against it, it will be a purchase later down the track when cost per gigabyte is a little more reasonable.

 

[mfenn]

ahhh sandy bridge schmandy bridge

If I waited for sandy bridge, I'd then be waiting for something else, then wait for that and something else gets announced, so you wait for that and then something else...you get the point.

Sandy Bridge or no, you still make a dumb choice by getting 1366 for a gaming build. An i5 750 would be the same speed or faster in nearly every game. The mobo and RAM would also cost less. Oh, and buying a system that high end without an SSD is silly. Finally, finally your Corsair RAM might be 1.65V (can't tell without the exact model number) and CAS 8 is a waste of money.

Guess you should have posted here before buying. :awe:

 

[MisterDonut]

What do you mean by better? Watercooled? I thought the Frio was quite a good cooler?

I know the two 570s is probably overkill, but I don't intend on replacing the system for years to come, and hopefully these cards can see me by for those years. I was going to get a SSD with this build, but decided against it, it will be a purchase later down the track when cost per gigabyte is a little more reasonable.

I may be wrong, but I haven't heard Thermaltake's name among the top manufacturers for heatsinks. H2O is always a good option, but an expensive one. Whether the drop in temp is worth the premium is up to you.

Even if two 570's will last a long time, I was just suggesting that the money spent on one of the 570's would have been better put towards an SSD, which is still possible if you're willing to let go of the card. SSD = sex.