First time build

[Nephren-Ka]

First time builder here, all new to me..but I think I'm on the right track, not looking to save money anywhere...just want to know if this build will work ok cooling wise etc.

A gaming rig to run on 27" 2560 x 1440 monitor, games like BF3, Skyrim etc max/high settings. Maybe even multiple displays down the track.

Case: Silverstone FT02
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Motherboard
CPU: Intel i7 2600k
CPU cooler: Noctua NH-D14
RAM: G.skills Ripjaws X F3-17000CL9D-8GBXM (2x4GB) DDR3
GPU: MSI gtx580 lightning xtreme 3gb Twin Frozr III in SLI
PSU: Corsair AX1200w
HDD: Seagate barracuda 1TB ST31000524AS
SSD: Crucial M4 128gb
ODD: Lite-on IHAS324 24x DVDRW
Soundcard: ASUS Xonar DG

Planning on doing some moderate overclocking on CPU and GPU's just wondering if case and cooling will be enough.

 

[engiNURD]

I miss my FT02.

Unless you're an audiophile, you can ditch the Xonar. If you are an audiophile, just curious, what speakers or cans will you be using?

I'd get the Samsung F3 1TB over the Seagate, it's faster, IIRC.

Asus and Samsung burners tend to be quieter than Lite-On, but I haven't bought a Lite-On in years, so maybe they're quieter now?

 

[Nephren-Ka]

SLI configurations look abit cramped in FT02 but I have been recommended this case on numerous occasions...they look nice too.

As for the sound card I thought I would need one? Or can I just use onboard motherboard sound? Incase you can't tell I'm pretty clueless when it comes to building computers. I will pick up a good pair of headphones soon ..not sure what brand tho.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

Bunch of problems with this build.

-That motherboard only has a 1 - 2 year warranty when boards that cost just as much, if not less with the same or better build quality have a 3+ year warranty.
-If you are only gaming on this rig, the 2600k is not worth it. You will be better off with the 2500k, as the 2500k in some games preforms better than the 2600k, due to it not having Hyper Threading.
-That cooler is not worth the money at all. Especially if you only plan on moderate over clocking, the cooler master 212+ cooler that costs nearly three times less will do the job just fine.
-Complete over kill even at your resolution. Get either a 6950 2GB or 570 GTX 2GB model, it's more economical. In fact, even a SLI/CF setup on the suggested GPUs will still be over kill for a single display, but if you insist on doing CF/SLi then go with a cheaper GPU as suggested.
-Even for SLI with two 580 GTX, that PSU is totally over kill. All you need is a 850W unit.
-Like enginurd suggested, go with the Samsung F3 over that Seagate as it's faster than the Seagate.
-SSD is a good choice.
-OOD is alright.
-Like enginurd suggested, unless your a huge audiophile and with some high end speakers you do not need a dedicated sound card.

Also an you please answer these questions? Asking for Build Help?: ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS FIRST

 

[Forceman]

I disagree - if you plan on using headphones, get the Xonar DG. It'll provide better sound than the onboard, both due to the built-in headphone amp and the ability to use Dolby Headphone for multichannel surround processing. If you plan on using digital out (or HDMI) to a receiver, then a sound card isn't needed, but for headphones you'll notice the difference. It's a steal at $20.

 

[Deleted member 88227]

I disagree - if you plan on using headphones, get the Xonar DG. It'll provide better sound than the onboard, both due to the built-in headphone amp and the ability to use Dolby Headphone for multichannel surround processing. If you plan on using digital out (or HDMI) to a receiver, then a sound card isn't needed, but for headphones you'll notice the difference. It's a steal at $20.

You mean you agree.

As was said, unless you're using speakers (including head phones here) that take advantage of it, then the onboard setup will be fine.

 

[Forceman]

You mean you agree.

As was said, unless you're using speakers (including head phones here) that take advantage of it, then the onboard setup will be fine.

Well, you both mentioned being an audiophile to need a sound card, and I disagree with that assessment (based on my view of what an audiophile is) - all you need to be doing is using decent headphones to notice the difference.

-Like enginurd suggested, unless your a huge audiophile and with some high end speakers you do not need a dedicated sound card.

Unless you're an audiophile, you can ditch the Xonar. If you are an audiophile, just curious, what speakers or cans will you be using?

 

[Nephren-Ka]

-That motherboard only has a 1 - 2 year warranty when boards that cost just as much, if not less with the same or better build quality have a 3+ year warranty.

Whats a good motherboard for SLI setup etc. similar to this with 3+ warranty??

-If you are only gaming on this rig, the 2600k is not worth it. You will be better off with the 2500k, as the 2500k in some games preforms better than the 2600k, due to it not having Hyper Threading.

Cant I just turn off Hyper Threading ??

-That cooler is not worth the money at all. Especially if you only plan on moderate over clocking, the cooler master 212+ cooler that costs nearly three times less will do the job just fine.

Yes I did consider the 212+...infact if it is good for a 4.5 - 4.7ghz overclock?, I will change to this cooler.

-Complete over kill even at your resolution. Get either a 6950 2GB or 570 GTX 2GB model, it's more economical. In fact, even a SLI/CF setup on the suggested GPUs will still be over kill for a single display, but if you insist on doing CF/SLi then go with a cheaper GPU as suggested.

As I stated in original post, I'm going to start on single screen and then move on to 3 screen 24" surround set up if I like it.

-Even for SLI with two 580 GTX, that PSU is totally over kill. All you need is a 850W unit.

Was told 1000w minimum for overclocked 580 SLI and overclocked cpu to be on the safe side, I do have a question though, Is there any disadvantage at all (other than price) to me owning an 1200w psu...even if it is overkill???

-Like enginurd suggested, go with the Samsung F3 over that Seagate as it's faster than the Seagate.

Will change to this..thanks

This is my first computer build..and it will be my only one for a long time too, so I'm happy with the SLI 580 and happy with the price..because who knows what is around the corner. I did consider scrapping this build altogether until new kepler and ATI cards come out (might even change to a new card this time next year)..but with BF3/Skyrim and many other good games coming out I couldn't wait.

 

[Forceman]

Cant I just turn off Hyper Threading ??

You can, but then you are paying $110 for just the extra 100 MHz and the extra 2 MB of cache. Which seems pointless.

Was told 1000w minimum for overclocked 580 SLI and overclocked cpu to be on the safe side, I do have a question though, Is there any disadvantage at all (other than price) to me owning an 1200w psu...even if it is overkill???

Power supplies tend to run less efficiently when they are running significantly below their rated power - so a 1200W PSU will be less efficient when powering a 600W load than an 850W PSU will. But if you don't care about paying the extra cash upfront for an overpowered PSU, then you probably also don't care about paying the extra electricity costs long-term.

 

[Nephren-Ka]

Power supplies tend to run less efficiently when they are running significantly below their rated power - so a 1200W PSU will be less efficient when powering a 600W load than an 850W PSU will. But if you don't care about paying the extra cash upfront for an overpowered PSU, then you probably also don't care about paying the extra electricity costs long-term.

Alright well Im gonna look at 1000w psu, Maybe a coolermaster silent pro gold.
thanks for advice

 

[engiNURD]

Audio is subjective. I don't consider myself an audiophile and can't tell the difference between onboard and a xonar when using my friend's grados (better than decent, yes?) nor my plantronics audio 90s (avg gamer headset). As for speakers, I use optical out. I haven't heard bad onboard audio since the P4 days, unless it's a really cheap board (like those free ECS boards from Fry's combos).

@OP: Try onboard audio first, and if you don't like it, then pickup the xonar. It's easy to add it in later. If you'd rather buy it now instead of later, then by all means, go for it.

 

[Forceman]

Audio is subjective. I don't consider myself an audiophile and can't tell the difference between onboard and a xonar when using my friend's grados (better than decent, yes?) nor my plantronics audio 90s (avg gamer headset). As for speakers, I use optical out. I haven't heard bad onboard audio since the P4 days, unless it's a really cheap board (like those free ECS boards from Fry's combos).

@OP: Try onboard audio first, and if you don't like it, then pickup the xonar. It's easy to add it in later. If you'd rather buy it now instead of later, then by all means, go for it.

The issue, for me at least, is not so much audio quality as features. If the onboard doesn't offer some kind of surround processing (Dolby Headphone or CMSS-3D) that's going to have a significant effect on the quality of your headphone experience (depending on game, of course). But I haven't used anything but headphones for about 5 years now, so I'm kind of hardwired to think in headphone terms.