New gaming build, a few questions + feedback

[AdamantC]

From Newegg (USA):
3570k + Hyper 212
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 (bundled with 8GB G.Skill Ares DDR1600)
Gigabyte 7870OC (with Sleeping Dogs and $20 MIR)
SeaSonic M12II 620w
Asus Xonar DX
Cooler Master HAF932 case
WD Caviar Black 1TB
Samsung 830 128GB
Samsung DVD Burner SH-222BB
Win7 HP x64
Grand Total: $1,339.96

This will be my first major upgrade/build in about five years and I wanted to make sure I got everything nailed down before I go off and order something. I will be ordering the parts in the next week or so.

I will be using this for gaming at 1600x1200 (please also note I don't care for AA. I'm weird, so sue me) and plenty of music. I also do some moderate processor OCing.

As for the other tidbits:
Will the Samsung 830 need any brackets for a 3.5 mounting?
Also can anyone point me to a good 16GB USB thumb drive for around $20? I don't need crazy transfer speeds or anything.

Thanks!

 

[krnmastersgt]

Yes the 830 will need a mounting bracket if you wish for it to be seated properly.

As for the parts, they all seem like good picks but there is one thing I'd change. While that motherboard + 8GB of ram is a great combo deal, I'd still just get the ASRock Z75 Pro3 + the Crucial Ballistix 8GB set for ~$15 less not counting the fact that there's no shipping that way.

I'd also consider getting a lower wattage unit PSU but with the sale going on now for Seasonic PSU's and the fact that the 430W is only $20 less before the promo I'd say it's fine to get the extra overhead now.

 

[AdamantC]

Thanks!

The price difference between the Extreme4 bundle and the Pro3 plus RAM is not that big of a deal to me. Not to mention the Z75 Pro3 is out of stock right now. Plus I do like to have a decent overhead on the PSU for any future upgrade shenanigans.

 

[mfenn]

Hmm, how'd you manage to get that to over $1300? Start from this build at $960 (same basic specs, better GPU) add Windows 7 HP ($100), a Xonar DGX ($40), and Hyper 212+ ($20 AR) and you should be at $1120 for a better machine.

 

[etamin]

^Xonar DGX doesn't compare to Xonar DX. The build looks really solid to me as it is. The Hyper 212+ is a good call. I'm not a fan of the HAF design, but that's irrelevant.

 

[mfenn]

^Xonar DGX doesn't compare to Xonar DX. The build looks really solid to me as it is. The Hyper 212+ is a good call. I'm not a fan of the HAF design, but that's irrelevant.

In what way? The OP didn't indicate that he had a 7.1 system, $300 headphones, or a grand invested in speakers.

 

[etamin]

In what way? The OP didn't indicate that he had a 7.1 system, $300 headphones, or a grand invested in speakers.

Sorry, you're right, I just assumed he would want 7.1 for gaming.

 

[AdamantC]

Hmm, how'd you manage to get that to over $1300? Start from this build at $960 (same basic specs, better GPU) add Windows 7 HP ($100), a Xonar DGX ($40), and Hyper 212+ ($20 AR) and you should be at $1120 for a better machine.

Windows + $100
Much larger case + $160 - I like my full ATX cases
Sound card + $90 I have good ears and I am looking into some new speakers. And I'm one of those guys who likes to spend time to manually adjust the EQ bit by bit to my likings.
Stronger PSU + $90

And there we go! What you listed is good, but a bit too spartan for me in some areas. Some things might be considered a waste by most, but absolutely essential for me. But thank you very much for the feedback!

 

[mfenn]

Windows + $100
Much larger case + $160 - I like my full ATX cases
Sound card + $90 I have good ears and I am looking into some new speakers. And I'm one of those guys who likes to spend time to manually adjust the EQ bit by bit to my likings.
Stronger PSU + $90

This math is faulty. You're listing the absolute price of those components instead of the difference from the base. There's lots of other hidden expenses in your rig if you compare to my build part-by-part. As for your specific comments:

- Case: The HAF 932 is an antiquated design at this point, you can do much better, especially for the money. In terms of easy of use, absolute size is insignificant compared to layout. Check out the Corsair 400R for $90 AP As an aside, you also have to very carefully look at actual dimensions, "full tower" and "mid tower" are useless labels. The 932 is only 21.5" tall.
- Sound: I challenge you to demonstrate a difference in a blinded test between a DGX and a DX.
- PSU: The M12II is overpriced at $90. A Seasonic-built modular ~600W should cost no more than $70.