My First PC Build, critiques please?

[collegepanda]

PC Build;

System Specifications;

Case: In Win Dragon Rider Full Tower
(I'm going to replace all stock case fans + replaceing the side 220mm for [x5] 120mm fans using the Xigmatek Crystal Series 120mm Green LED fans: 1500RPM, 68.33 CFM, <20dBA....Also throwing in 2 Logisys Computer Super Bright Sunlight sticks for extra show).

Motherboard : ASUS Sabertooth Z77

Processor : Intel Core i7-2600k 3.4 GHz Quad Core

CPU Liquid Cooling: Corsair H100 Push Pull configuration with (x4) Cougar Vortex Silent Cooling Fans 800-1500RPM, 70.5 CFM / 119.8 CMH, 17.9 dBA.

Physical Memory : 16GB Corsair Vengence

Video Card : Gigabyte GV-N6700C-2GD GeForce GTX 670 (2GB)

Hard Disk(OS Install) : OCZ Agility 3 SATA III (240GB)

Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)

Power Supply : Raidmax RX-1000AE 1000WATT 12V v2.3 (SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD certified)

Monitor Type : Dual Monitor--- ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 1080p (1920×1080)

This is my first attempt at building a PC, please let me know any critiques that come to mind

I chose each part in mind that I wanted to build a Gaming PC, and I am aware that I am indulging in "over-necessary" parts I want to be able to use this computer for a couple years without worrying about the need to upgrade.

Thanks!

[Dоgs]

Originally Posted by collegepanda

CPU Liquid Cooling: Corsair H100 Push Pull configuration with (x4) Cougar Vortex Silent Cooling Fans 800-1500RPM, 70.5 CFM / 119.8 CMH, 17.9 dBA.

Self-contained, no-hard-work liquid cooling systems like that are junk. If you're dead set on doing liquid, I would argue that you should build the loop yourself, using parts like what you'd get from places like this.
http://www.dangerden.com/

....And since this is your first build, I strongly recommend you do not try and build your own liquid cooling loop, thus I strongly recommend that you don't use liquid cooling.


Also, that power supply is considerably more power than you would ever need for a PC like that, and it's a questionable brand as well. I would recommend you step down the power a bit and step up the quality a lot. Look for brands like Corsair or SeaSonic when considering a power supply unit.

[HL2-4-Life]

Why not an i5 3570/3770K to go nicely with that Z77 mobo? Dual monitor, for what purpose? Why not a 120GB SSD for OS and a mechanical HDD for storage?

[Dоgs]

Originally Posted by HL2-4-Life

Dual monitor, for what purpose?

Why do you need a purpose for dual monitors? Once you try dual monitors, you'll never wanna go back. I got used to them years ago, and now literally every desktop I use regularly has at least 2 monitors, especially my desktops at work. I'll be buying monitors in pairs for the rest of my life.

[HL2-4-Life]

Originally Posted by Dоgs

Why do you need a purpose for dual monitors? Once you try dual monitors, you'll never wanna go back. I got used to them years ago, and now literally every desktop I use regularly has at least 2 monitors, especially my desktops at work. I'll be buying monitors in pairs for the rest of my life.

Why? Because if OP wants dual monitor for gaming, it'd be the suck. FYI, I've gotten used to tri-monitor setup since the launch of HD5870 with EyeFinity about 2.5 years back, but I still game with single monitor on another setup for games that do not do EF well. For game with EF support, mu main rig's the rig of choice for me.

[dosbox]

Originally Posted by collegepanda

PC Build;

Motherboard : ASUS Sabertooth Z77

Power Supply : Raidmax RX-1000AE 1000WATT 12V v2.3 (SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD certified)

Motherboard is overpriced - you're basically paying for a piece of plastic and some tiny fans that will turn whiny after awhile.

Power supply is a Raidmax - not known for good quality units. Plus you don't need remotely that much capacity - even for a 3-way SLI system.

My standard "budget" recommendations for a system with a single GTX 670:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207013

If you want some extra capacity:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151095

[seseorang]

Seconded on the PSU front. Don't go for Raidmax

[collegepanda]

thank you everyonefor your advice! I'll most definitely look into things!

[TeKraken]

If your splashing out get some nice low latency ram.
I think a 1kw PSU is overkill unless you plan on tri-SLI in the future.

[collegepanda]

Let's say I am looking into custom building my own water cooling system...what kind of psu wattage should I be looking into?

[Doc_Gonzo]

I don't agree that self contained, closed loops like the H100 are 'junk'. Dogs is entitled to his opinion of course, but I'm quite happy with my H80. Sure, they're no where near as good as a full, custom loop but they are on a par with the top of the line air coolers. They have the advantage of not obstructing the area around the RAM slots too, as most big air coolers do and if you move your rig around, I would rather do it with a closed loop in place than a high end air cooler, as they are quite weighty.

I switched from a high end air cooler (Dual fan, Zalman Performa) and my temps are better at load and I can push my overclock further. For me, the main benefit is aesthetics - I like the way it looks. You do pay a premium though as they are a good bit more expensive than a similar performing air alternative and they are louder, but 'junk' implies uselessness and they are certainly not that.

I agree that the 1000W PSU is overkill. Even 850W would be overkill and I would go with a different brand than Raidmax. Seasonic, Corsair TX, HX & AX or XFX units are all good

[sfade]

Originally Posted by Doc_Gonzo

I don't agree that self contained, closed loops like the H100 are 'junk'. Dogs is entitled to his opinion of course, but I'm quite happy with my H80. Sure, they're no where near as good as a full, custom loop but they are on a par with the top of the line air coolers. They have the advantage of not obstructing the area around the RAM slots too, as most big air coolers do and if you move your rig around, I would rather do it with a closed loop in place than a high end air cooler, as they are quite weighty.

I have to agree with that.

While I'm not fond of them due to the fact that I think they introduce additional points of failure for little gain over an air cooler I would hardly call them 'junk'. They do the job well enough and can offer benefits in certain situations, but I'd generally stick with a solid air cooling unit myself. Less to go wrong and generally less expensive.

[Lurpsukka]

16gb is useless if you plan to only game on your pc, I've never gone even near 8gb usage. Otherwise nice build, I have the same GPU

I'd recommend i5 3570k though, or 2500k if you OC.

[Nemi]

To much RAM ( no need to have 16 gig... )
Bad processor choice.

The i-serie are in the 3rd generation allready. Should go with an i5-3k.

[fincher234]

Originally Posted by collegepanda

Let's say I am looking into custom building my own water cooling system...what kind of psu wattage should I be looking into?

I would really suggest you not go that route for a first build. Why do you want to make things hard on yourself? If you really feel you must have water cooling, which I think is not necessary, then I would stick with something like your original option.


I would also warn against the idea of trying to stave off obsolescence by spending a lot more now. That is a recipe for throwing away a lot of money because you are paying a stiff premium today(buying where you get quickly diminishing returns at very high cost) and you aren't really buying yourself a lot of longevity. I would focus instead on building a reasonable system that will meet your needs for the next year and, with a reasonable power supply, you will be positioned to make sensible upgrades down the road as you need them.