$1150 Gaming/Video Editing Build

[termhn]

1. What is your budget and does that include shipping/taxes?
$1150 w/shipping before rebates

2. Where do you live?
United States

3. What do you need this computer to do (like gaming, Photoshop, and so on)?
Gaming, Video Editing, Hackintosh

4. What parts will you need for the computer? Please list what parts specifically.
All parts except KB, Monitor, OS

5. Are you reusing any parts for this computer? If so please say what parts.
None

6. What kind of monitor/resolution do you have or want to get to use for the computer?
I have a 1080p monitor but I may play on slightly lower resolution to stay at 60 fps if need be.

7. Do you have a legit OS? If so what OS and is it 32-bit or 64-bit?
Purchasing win 7 64-bit, I can get the education discount

8. What are you looking for the motherboard to have feature wise? Like SLI, Crossfire, Firewire, USB 3.0, Sata 6.0 Gb/s, and so on.
SLI, USB 3, Sata 3, really like the new gigabyte z77 boards because of their UEFI/BIOS and the fact that they work really well for hackintoshes

9. Any plans to overclock the CPU or GPU?
Mildly on CPU and yes GPU

10. What time kind of time frame are you planning on ordering these parts?
In a day or two

Here's what I have currently:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=27205688

[Goku]

I am curious why do you need another PC now? Just last month you were doing everything you could to save on a new computer build I was helping you with. Whatever happened with that build?

[termhn]

I actually didn't buy it. Reason was because my dad convinced me to wait for Ivy Bridge, and he is also gonna pitch in a few hundred bucks because he'll be using it some as well. So I have a better budget and I'm glad I waited because the 670 seems awesome ;)

[Goku]

Switch the PSU to the 600W version (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703036&Tpk=pc%20power%20and%20cooling%20600w). Worthwhile for $10 more.

Get this GTX 670 instead of the Zotac from Amazon.

I would go for this motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128543) due to supporting more features for a few extra bucks. The current one is too cut down IMO especially, since you are spending so much already. If you must have SLI this is the cheapest board on Newegg that supports it here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293) or check out this combo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.908895).

I would also switch the CPU cooler to this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099).

[termhn]

Switched the PSU to a different one, it's alright that it's a bit louder for me. Also switched the Motherboard.

[Goku]

Sorry but most of the OCZ PSU line up is junk don't bother with that modstream. That 600W version I linked you is your best bet. Besides its still cheaper after MIR with that coupon included. TBH you don't have that small case anymore. You can drop the modular if you need to save money and get this instead (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031&Tpk=antec%20neo%20eco%20620).

That CPU cooler isn't good. That EVO I linked you for $10 more gets way better temps. Look here (http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2619&page=5) (look at the Coolermaster Hyper 212+). Don't skimp on coolers if you want to overclock. IB is very hot, so its not a smart idea.

[termhn]

I know that cooler isn't the greatest, but it's still better than the stock one and much quieter than the 212+. Plus I don't plan to overclock too much on the CPU side to start with. I can always just pick up the 212 for $30 if I decide I need it. Also I went with that Antec 620. :)

On a side note, newegg is making me SO MAD because it logs me off literally EVERY TIME I load a new page >:-( :-@

[Goku]

I think you are fussing over $10 too much. Just put it in and order it.

For the record the noisiest part of your system is going to be the GTX 670 (http://www.anandtech.com/show/5818/nvidia-geforce-gtx-670-review-feat-evga/17). I doubt you will be noticing the difference between the two CPU coolers due to this. Just get the EVO and be done with it.

[termhn]

yeah well... i guess you're right

I'll be ordering later tonight or tomorrow afternoon

[Goku]

This GSkill 2x4GB DDR3 1600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445&nm_mc=AFC-C8JUNCTION&cm_mmc=AFC-C8JUNCTION-_-EMC-051112-Latest-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231445-L04C&PID=5414526&SID=skim19668X770041X44d2e7fc1f8723fe89f600b535cda 3d1&AID=10446076) is going for $50.99 after coupon code EMCNEJJ28

Lol still $2 cheaper. I thought the other kit was $57.

[termhn]

Lol I actually have different ones in my cart than in the wishlist ;) It's $41 here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161452

also changed wishlist

[Goku]

Nice find! Looks like you are ready to order.

[termhn]

Yup. Only thing I'm still debating about is the case ;)

[Saieno]

What are you getting as far as a processor goes? I don't see it in your wish list so was curious!

[termhn]

I removed it because I found a better deal on NCIX, they're having a sale. It's a 3570K.

[Saieno]

I removed it because I found a better deal on NCIX, they're having a sale. It's a 3570K.

Ah just checked it out, very nice. :)

[Vancha]

If you care about noise, go for a Fractal Design Define R3. The Arc Midi was a good choice if that's less of an issue for you.

Also, trying to figure out if it's worth getting the Spawn over the Xornet. I'm assuming you use a claw grip?

[termhn]

Yeah I do. As far as the claw grip.

[Saieno]

Oh I'm also glad you're sticking with the ZOTAC over the Galaxy, much better quality card for performance and overclocking.

[Goku]

No its not. As far as I know both are reference designs.

[Saieno]

No its not. As far as I know both are reference designs.

Well based on NewEggs reviews they have the Zotac out performing the Galaxy slightly, and the Zotac is $10 cheaper.

Newegg TV: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 Review & Benchmarks with SLI - YouTube

BENCHMARKS - 6:32

[Vancha]

I'd say "slightly" is an overstatement, let alone "a much better quality card". They're the same card, benchmarks will never be exactly the same, but the difference between the two is what you'd expect to see within natural variation.

Although obviously the Zotac still wins out, simply for the cheaper price.

[Saieno]

I'd say "slightly" is an overstatement, let alone "a much better quality card". They're the same card, benchmarks will never be exactly the same, but the difference between the two is what you'd expect to see within natural variation.

Although obviously the Zotac still wins out, simply for the cheaper price.

Personally the Galaxy cards I've come across haven't been very high quality in terms of components used. Zotac, while I don't have as much experience with them as they are still a fairly young company, have been showing very strong with their recent offerings. Zotac is German and Galaxy is Chinese which could be a factor, regardless Zotac is certainly a company to look out for.

[Goku]

Saieno both are reference design. Both are the same quality...

[Saieno]

Saieno both are reference design. Both are the same quality...

Not necessarily. A reference design is just that, a blueprint to follow when creating your own card. The components used vary by manufacturer in card manufacturing. Regardless the Zotac is $10 cheaper, it would be the better buy.

Edit: MSI is probably the best representation of this in the current 670GTX benchmarks, with their OC version barely edging out the standard Galaxy and Zotec editions.

[Rbstr]

Zotac is German and Galaxy is Chinese which could be a factor, regardless Zotac is certainly a company to look out for.

I wouldn't be surprised if they were both made in the same building, TBH.
(I was trying to find info, but Zotac's website is crawling at less than 56k levels 0_o)

Regardless, reference is reference.

EDIT: Zotac is a house brand of one of the biggy manufacturers. http://techreport.com/articles.x/21124 its most likely benefit, compared to anyone else, is lower component cost. Which is what we see here.

[termhn]

Everything's ordered! Ended up with the Lian Li PC-9f case, a MSI z77 GD55 Motherboard, and Corsair Vengeance 1600 RAM. So very similar just different brands and features :) So excited!

[Goku]

I hope you didn't get the tall ram heatsink. That causes issues with the CPU heatsink/fan sometimes when putting it together.

[termhn]

Nope, low profile

[Goku]

Good man.

[termhn]

670 got here today and the rest arrives tomorrow *does a dance* Gonna be the best day ever, last day of school + stuff for new computer arrives :D

[Goku]

Best way to end school. Have fun.

[termhn]

Everything's up and running :D Posting from the new computer. It worked first last night, installed all the drivers and software today and now I'm already playing a few games on it. Performs awesome, and it's super quiet idling and even pretty quiet under load. Super happy! Thanks for all the help guys. I have some pics I can post here in a bit I think.