Looking for help build a rig... ^_^

Budget:
My budget for this system is around $2200-2400 (2400 being absolute max). This is only for the PC itself. I will be purchasing the monitors and peripherals separately.

Expectations:
- A fast-booting, cool and quite running machine.
- Case-wise, simple is best in my opinion. Don't need flashing lights and such. (really like slade and hailstorm cases)
- Great processor, memory, and GPU a must.

Usage:
-Extreme gaming capabilities. Playing Diablo III, Guild Wars 2, etc. want to be able to run games on highest settings.

-Handle a variety of graphic design and photo editing software at fast speeds (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc...)

-Able to process many applications simultaneously without memory or processor constraints.

Special Needs:
Would like to avoid water cooled systems, I don't want to worry about that maintenance. I don't mind adding more fans in an effort to keep things running cool. I want my system to run cool and quietly.

I am planning to buy this PC in July as I currently live in Japan and won't be moving back to the states til the 1st of August.



Greatly appreciate all help and recommendations. Thank you for your time and consideration.

-Stealth

Edited by Stealth1984 - 03 May 2012 at 11:31pm

Asangard, thanks for the welcome!

I plan to game on dual monitors. These monitors specifically:

ASUS VE276Q Black 27" 1920X1080 2ms Full HD HDMI

The resolution is: 1920 x 1080

GPU is not something I want to skimp on. I don't necessarily need the newest one on the market. But I want a card I wont have to upgrade for 3 years or so.

Any other useful information I can provide? Sorry, I am a bit new to all this.

Bprat22, thank you very much for taking time to come up with this configuration. It looks fantastic!

I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind.

1. I really want a fast boot/shut-down so would a SSD be worthwhile? I don't mind spending a little extra if it would be worth it.

2. Also, does it make a big difference gaming-wise to go with 2000mhz ram instead of 1600mhz. The price seems pretty significant. Is it worth it from a performance standpoint?

3. As for dual monitor gaming, I think I misspoke. I will be running a dual monitor setup, but only gaming on one screen. The other will be used for internet browsing and such while gaming. Does that make sense? Sorry for any confusion in wording.

Also, with the GTX680, will I be able to run both monitors HDMI? or will one be HDMI while the other uses a DVI port?

4. In regards to case, would I be able to switch out the CM case for the Corsair 650D and still have appropriate cooling? I really like the minimalistic look of the Corsair case.

5. Lastly, forgive me, but what is the X79?

Thanks again for your time and help. It is greatly appreciated. :)

Edited by Stealth1984 - 04 May 2012 at 9:48am

Hi Stealth1984......sorry for slow response.    My internet connection has been problematic. Just as I get here the thing goes haywire.      Anyways.....for fast boot times SSD is the way to go.   Instead of a two minutes to boot., it happens in 20 seconds.     You'll never see the difference in ram speed. Go cheaper.   I can' t be sure but I don' t think 680 will do dual hdmi..     The 650D case is very good, it's top and front 200mm fans giving pretty decent cooling.   I wouldn't hesitate with it.      The x79 platform is a quad channel mobo for ram intense apps like video editind, rendering,etc.     The Z77 is dual channel.     The more channels the more info can be processed.   Plus with x79 you could get the 6 core vs 4 core cpu, again for apps thst can use it.    But it is more money.       Depends on budget and level of rendering,etc.     Hope this helps and keep us updated.

Thank you both for the responses. I feel a lot more confident it being able to make my selections.

When adding a SSD to my order, do I specify that this the HD I want the OS loading from, or is it assumed that is where it will be installed and is unnecessary?

As my order date nears, I will revisit this thread with any other questions or concerns I have.

Again, thank you both for helping make a informed purchase. Cannot wait to order this bad boy :D

Edited by Stealth1984 - 05 May 2012 at 3:57pm

Well, went a little over budget but I think this build has pretty much everything I want. Just made a few minor tweaks to bprats recommendations. In the end I decided to stick with the CM tower to ensure I have the best non-liquid cooling available.

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Cooler Master 942 HAF X
Exterior Finish: - Standard Factory Finish
Trim Accents: - Standard Factory Finish
Processor: Intel Core i7 3770K 3.50 GHz (Unlocked CPU) (Quad Core) (Requires Z77 Motherboard)
Motherboard: ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77 (Intel Z77 Chipset) (Features Thermal Armor and Thermal Radar)
System Memory: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended) (Hand Tested)
Power Supply: 800W Corsair GS (Dual SLI Compatible)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (120GB Solid State (By: Intel) (Model: 510 Series)
Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: 1x (1TB Western Digital/Seagate/Hitachi/Samsung (7200 RPM) (32MB Cache)
Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: Blu-Ray Player/DVD Writer (Play Blu-Ray and Burn DVDs)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: Wireless PCI 802.11n Up to 300Mbps (Supports 802.11n/g/b)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB (Includes PhysX)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 2: Phanteks PH-TC14PE Extreme Performance
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected
Chassis Airflow: Standard Factory Chassis Fans
Internal Lighting: - No Thanks
Enhancements: - No Thanks
Chassis Mods: - No Thanks
Noise Reduction: - No Thanks
LaserMark: - No Thanks
Boost Processor: Stage 2: Overclock CPU 4.5GHz to 4.8GHz (Requires Pro/Deluxe/Sabertooth Motherboard)
Boost Video Card: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my video card(s)
Boost Memory: - No Thanks, Please do not overclock my memory
Boost OS: FREE: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on the operating system
Windows OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-Bit Edition)
Recovery Tools: Windows Recovery Toolkit (Bundled with Windows 7 CD)
Virus Protection: - No Thanks
Office: - No Thanks
Game: - No Thanks
Display: - No Thanks
Surge Shield: - No Thanks
Speakers: - No Thanks
Keyboard: - No Thanks
Mouse: - No Thanks
External Storage: - No Thanks
Exclusive T-Shirt: FREE: Digital Storm T-Shirt - Black (Large)
Priority Build: - No Thanks, Ship Within 10-15 Business Days After Order Is Successfully Processed
Warranty: Life-time Expert Customer Care with 3 Year Limited Warranty

Final Price: $2,695.00


What do you think?



Edited by Stealth1984 - 05 May 2012 at 7:02pm

Anyone able to explain the difference in OS boost options?

1. FREE: Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on the operating system [+$0]

2. Yes, Disable and tweak all of the non-crucial services on the operating system [+$35]

One seems to be free, while the other is $35. I want to have DS remove all bloatware before shipping out the system. Anyone know whats up?

Edited by Stealth1984 - 05 May 2012 at 7:34pm

Thanks again bprat22, love the community on DS, great people here.

I don't plan to SLI on this rig. So, with this current motherboard do I still need the wireless card?

Also, Do you have any certain recommendations for another/ better board I should purchase based on my needs?


Edited by Stealth1984 - 06 May 2012 at 6:37am

I don't have any experience with wifi boards either.  I am like bprat22, hardwire all the way.

Yep, the 800W will be good.