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New higher-end build

Joined
Feb 4, 2003
Messages
16
This upgrade is long overdue! Coming from AMD 4400/7800 SLI; I'm really looking forward to being semi-current again. I have done some initial consideration and picked out some parts, listed below the sticky response:

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, audio/video editing, productivity apps
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$3500 USD
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
USA
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Case, CPU, RAM, mobo, PSU, GPUs, SSD, HDD, ODD, sound
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Monitor, keyboard, mouse
6) Will you be overclocking?
Yes
7) 7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
HP LP2475w 1900x1200
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Within 1 month
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
SLI, USB 3, SATA 6
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, but will move to Win7 64


First draft of parts list:

Case: Cooler Master HAF X (fan setup?)
CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K
Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE (or off-the-shelf water solution)
Mobo: Asus Rampage IV Extreme
RAM: G.Skill Ares 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-2133
HDD: Seagate Barracuda XT 3TB
SSD: Samsung 830 256GB
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 680 2GB (x2)
PSU: Corsair 1050W
ODD: Plextor PX-LB950SA
Sound: Asus Xonar Essence STX
OS: Win7 Ultimate 64

Thanks in advance for your input!
 
Looks fine except for a few details:

- You don't need 2133 RAM. Just buy 4x4 1600. Assuming you do a lot of block transfers more RAM will benefit you much more than faster RAM.

- dual GTX680s for a single x1200 monitor? That might be a bit overkill unless you're planning on buying a higher res monitor or adding more.

- That case is absolutely hideous :)

- Do you have a specific reason for win7 ultimate?
 
A high end build deserves a high end case. A quality case will last for more than one build and end up being the most useful investment you make. I recommend Lian-Li or Silverstone.
 
Looks fine except for a few details:

- You don't need 2133 RAM. Just buy 4x4 1600. Assuming you do a lot of block transfers more RAM will benefit you much more than faster RAM.

Thanks!

- dual GTX680s for a single x1200 monitor? That might be a bit overkill unless you're planning on buying a higher res monitor or adding more.

I was considering a 3-monitor setup, though not immediately. Yes, probably a bit overkill, but I don't doubt that setup will be taxed at a sooner point in the future than I'm expecting...

- That case is absolutely hideous :)

Yeah, I'm not crazy about it either, though reviews seem mostly positive. I appreciate suggestions there. I don't need a lot of bling, but would like a window. Front and side ports are a plus.

- Do you have a specific reason for win7 ultimate?

Not particularly. XP pro has worked fine for me for many years...

Thanks for your feedback!
 
A high end build deserves a high end case. A quality case will last for more than one build and end up being the most useful investment you make. I recommend Lian-Li or Silverstone.

Thanks! I had a Lian-Li in my build-before-last; nice case. I have no experience with Silverstone.

Are there particular models of each that you know and recommend? I'm not set on the HAF X by any means, I was really going mainly on its reputation.
 
Regarding case selection, I would first decide on my cooling solution. I cannot offer any advice there as I am purely an air cooler guy but I do know that successful radiator placement can be a big deal and varies greatly between cases. Until you know what you will be using (large custom loop or multiple off the shelf units) it is hard to pick the case.
 
Just built my first rig in the Corsair Graphite 600T (white). Looks great and tons of room/cable management.

It is on the larger side for a mid-sized case but I highly recommend it!
 
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