Which Seagates do you like currently? Like I mentioned in my original post, I haven't used them in years but I'm not opposed to them.
Which Seagates do you like currently? Like I mentioned in my original post, I haven't used them in years but I'm not opposed to them.
I'm sure you have more experience than me with this, but why do they list it as compatible in their datasheet if running it out of spec will damage the controller?
http://www.intel.com/content/dam/ww...sheets/core-i7-memory-suppliers-datasheet.pdf
More specifically, most of the ram listed for XMP profiles is over 1.5v.
1) Go with NVIDIA if you're doing 2 cards, not only is the price not a very big deal when you consider you total system cost, but SLI has better support and scaling, comes with better features (experience, shadowplay) and they will run considerably cooler (I got blower coolers with my SLI 780ti's).
2) If you aren't doing any video editing/3d modeling you can probably get away with an i5-4670k, but I understand if you want the flagship Haswell. I plan on doing more video editing myself with Shadowplay so I went with the i7 but it's a $120 premium for the HT, the gaming and OS performance is exactly the same.
3) Grab a Corsair 750D case instead of the HAF and take the money you save and buy Noctua NF-A14 flx case fans to replace the stock fans. The case will be quieter, look cleaner, be much easier to cable manage and the replacement fans will keep it cooler (and allow you to set up positive airflow with a fan controller if you get one). I built my new machine in that case and it's awesome. You also don't get the impossible to dust front panel (the HAF has those square molding that are impossible to clean).
3) Go with a 2x8GB ram kit, the performance isn't really any different and it will make sure you don't have RAM clearance issues with your cooler. If you want to water cool I would go with the Cooler Master Glacer 240L, it's the replacement in the US for the Swiftech H220 and it's way better than the one you have on there. I'd take a Noctua u14s over the ones that seem to have high pump failure rates. Just my personal opinion though, it's up to you.
I could have dropped to the Hero, went with the i5, and gotten the AX860i instead but I decided to go all out on z87. I had a bit higher budget than you so I also got an individually sleeved Corsair cable kit, a new mouse and a monitor, but your machine will be every bit as fast. The 780ti's are SCREAMING, they overclock decently too. I've got a pretty modest +75mhz on my core's but I just wanted to get a tiny bump, not go for aggressive overclocks on them. If you want to see pictures of my build PM me and I'll link you to my build thread on another forum since I don't want to repost everything...
They are "compatible" in that they will work and won't cause your PC to instantly burst into flames. But they are out of spec and expose the controller to stresses it wasn't designed to tolerate.
The stuff here was written by marketing folks, the datasheets that you and I linked were written by engineers. 'Nuff said.
I think I am going to go with the TI's. I've had good luck with SLI in the past and if I'm going to splurge someplace I would probably do it on those.
IMHO the GTX 780 Ti is not worthwhile over the GTX 780 because it costs 40% more and is at most 20% faster. GTX 780 SLI is already crazy fast for 2560x1600.