Case/Cooling advice for i7-3770K

[Paulitix]

I just had to return my SGO2 as I realized it was gonna be inadequate (tight and hot). I just really wanted to go with a small build (which turned out wasn't even that small). Anyways, I've since abandoned the tiny desktop in favor of better performance since this computer isn't for me and I'm gonna be shipping to my pops in Barbados...so I'd rather it be able to hold up for a while.

He's gonna be using this as his main computer, everyday for everything, except gaming. I plan to couple an Intel i7-3770K with an Asus ASUS P8Z77-M Pro (or a P8H77-M Pro). I could go either way on overclocking, I just need to make sure its stable before I send it off.

I've already picked up:
PSU: Corsair TX650M
RAM: Kingston HyperX Blu 16GB (4x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 CL9
SSD: Corsair Performance Pro 256GB
GFX: Diamond 6570PE32G Radeon HD 6570

I am concerned that since it's already hot year-round in Barbados, systems temps will trend towards the higher end, so I wouldn't mind incorporating an H80 or something like that. Noise is not an absolute factor, but quieter is always nicer.

Any suggestions on case? I have a TJ08 here in case that's the consensus. But everything listed above is exchangeable (for a few more days at least).

Thanks guys.

 

[Dangman]

He's gonna be using this as his main computer, everyday for everything, except gaming. I plan to couple an Intel i7-3770K

Does his usage involve extensive amount of video, 3D, or audio editing/rendering or virtualization work? If not, he doesn't really need an i7 CPU. Also, if you're not overclocking, he doesn't need a K series CPU either. He should be fine with the Core i5 3450 or the i7 3770 at most. Considering the high temps in Barbados, the high-temps of the IB CPUs when overclocked, and the fact that you're probably not close enough to Barbados to fix his PC, I'd recommend no overclocking.

PSU: Corsair TX650M

Honestly not the best of choices and very overkill but still sufficient. If you want a higher quality modular PSU, the following are better choices:
$70 - PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III PPCMK3S400 400W Modular PSU
$80 - SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W Modular PSU
$80 - PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III PPCMK3S500 500W Modular PSU
$90 - PC Power and Cooling Silencer MK III PPCMK3S600 600W Modular PSU

RAM: Kingston HyperX Blu 16GB (4x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 CL9

Which one did you get? A lot of the HyperX Blu RAM are rated at 1.65V, well above the recommended voltage of 1.5V for Intel CPUs. The higher voltage means higher chance of CPU damage. If you did get 1.65V RAM, exchange it for this RAM:
$93 - G.Skill Sniper F3-12800CL9Q-16GBSR 4 x 4GB DDR3 1600 RAM

SSD: Corsair Performance Pro 256GB

You probably paid more than you should have for that SSD. The equally, if not more, reliable Crucial m4 256GB is $100 cheaper:
$240 - Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SSD

GFX: Diamond 6570PE32G Radeon HD 6570

You definitely paid more than you should have for this card. The extra VRAM won't help. but wasting $16 isn't too bad.

Any suggestions on case? I have a TJ08 here in case that's the consensus. But everything listed above is exchangeable (for a few more days at least).

I recommend the TJ08. Solid and decent cooling case.

 

[Paulitix]

Thanks for the advice.

The PSU was a leftover from a server build that I was gonne use since it was modular (partially) but I'll check out the others.

The RAM is Genesis (KHX1600C9D3K2), which is listed at 1.65v

The video card, I dunno if I'll bother to change to save 10 bucks...unless its crap and its gonna melt or something.

The SSD, the only preference was Marvell, and initially the choice was between the Plextor and the Corsair. Funny enough, I was gonna buy a Crucial for myself. But as you say...the difference could pay for an extra 128GB M4.

Looks like its back to the drawing board...now to gather all the receipts. Cheers.

Oh, ya....so stock cooling should be enough?

 

[Dangman]

The RAM is Genesis (KHX1600C9D3K2), which is listed at 1.65v

Yeah definitely replace that RAM with the G.Skill listed above.

The video card, I dunno if I'll bother to change to save 10 bucks...unless its crap and its gonna melt or something.

Nah. Only big problem with that card was that you paid too much for it.

Oh, ya....so stock cooling should be enough?

I'd say go for the H80.

Also, what about the CPU?

 

[Paulitix]

How much should the video card have been....I didn't think $50 was that bad.

If I'm not overclocking then I figure I can definitely go with the H77 mobo. The i5-3450 looks like it should do the job...or the 3550 for 20 bucks extra.

 

[Dangman]

How much should the video card have been....I didn't think $50 was that bad..

$50? That card is listed on newegg as $87 shipped. If it was $50 before rebate, that would make it a solid deal.

If I'm not overclocking then I figure I can definitely go with the H77 mobo. The i5-3450 looks like it should do the job...or the 3550 for 20 bucks extra.

The i5 3450 will be fine. I wouldn't bother with the 3550.

 

[Paulitix]

Naw, $50 after rebate...
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1875256&CatId=7005

Cool...My instructions were to make it strong, so thats what I aimed to do. He has a history of trying to stretch out a computer for a decade if he can (so do I).