My $2k build

[Zardnok]

After much research and consternation, I finally decided to pull the trigger on my new Ivy bridge system and will retire my old Q6600 system "Amanda". This is what I came up with and ordered for just under $2k.

Components:

Intel 3570K
Asus Z77 Sabertooth
Corsair 2X8gb Dominator
Asus GTX670 Top
Samsung 830 256gb SSD
WD Black 1TB HDD
Asus Blu-Ray burner
Corsair 650D case
Corsair TX650 PSU
Corsair H100 cooler w/GT fans
27" 2560X1440 IPS

Parts start arriving tomorrow with the case and last few items scheduled for next Monday so I will be busy Tuesday!

 

[lehtv]

Congrats.

I think you overpaid on the mobo, RAM and CPU cooler though. Could've saved about $100 in total with no difference in performance or features

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Sexy monitor :thumbsup:

 

[malinois1]

Excellent. Be sure to take some pictures! Is that a catleap monitor?

 

[Zardnok]

Excellent. Be sure to take some pictures! Is that a catleap monitor?

It is one of the Shimian LG panels off ebay.

 

[mfenn]

Congrats.

I think you overpaid on the mobo, RAM and CPU cooler though. Could've saved about $100 in total with no difference in performance or features

I figured it as $100 for the mobo, $50 for the RAM, and $75 for the PSU, making the total damage $225. By making some compromises on the case, burner, and SSD, the OP could have gotten GTX 670 SLI, which would make his 2560x1440 monitor really scream.

 

[lehtv]

I figured it as $100 for the mobo, $50 for the RAM, and $75 for the PSU, making the total damage $225. By making some compromises on the case, burner, and SSD, the OP could have gotten GTX 670 SLI, which would make his 2560x1440 monitor really scream.

Well, I meant literally no difference. Agree on the RAM, but Sabertooth Z77 -> Asus P8Z77-V = $55 off. Same Intel NIC and other features. And Noctua D14 performs the same as H100 for $25 less. (I think you mean $75 for the cooler, not PSU.)

You are correct though that you could save even more, close to the cost of another GTX 670. An Intel NIC is hardly needed, so Asrock Z77 Extreme4 or a Gigabyte board would do fine, and Scythe Mugen 3 gets you a decent OC for just $50.

 

[Zardnok]

I know I didn't "need" a Sabertooth mobo, but I plan on OC the chip a decent amount and the extra power delivery and cooling of the Sabertooth should give me a little extra headroom. Same with the H100. I didn't need the water cooling set-up, but after reading about all of the heat issues with the Ivy CPUs, I went ahead and decided to go water cooled. From there it was a decision between one of the XSPC Rasa kits or the H100 and the Rasa kits are OOS every where.

As for the RAM, it was $100 for 2X8 gig sticks and I have the option to double up later if I want. I could have gotten 4X2 gig sticks and saved $20, but not had the option to increase later.

 

[Emo]

I spent about the same amount on my new rig (see signature).

 

[azeem40]

There is no difference in OCing between the two motherboards.

 

[mfenn]

I know I didn't "need" a Sabertooth mobo, but I plan on OC the chip a decent amount and the extra power delivery and cooling of the Sabertooth should give me a little extra headroom.

It actually doesn't matter one bit. See the table on this page, super fancy mobos OC the same as cheap ones.

 

[Zardnok]

OK then, I admit it. I am vain. I was seduced by the sexy TUF armor and the fact it matched my all black case scheme. I am a tad leery of the tiny fans, but have some ideas on air-flow and may not even use them if I can get enough air directed under the armor. I will know more when I get the board to play with.

I could have spent $1000 and gotten a system that was similarly fast and good enough, but I wanted something beastly that will last me a few years.

 

[mfenn]

I could have spent $1000 and gotten a system that was similarly fast and good enough, but I wanted something beastly that will last me a few years.

That's just it. Any similarly fast machine will last a similar amount of time, no matter how "beastly" it is.