Returning customer - advice on configuration neede

After almost 5 years, it is time to replace my existing DS computer with a new one. My budget is between $2,200 to $2,500, and I use the computer primarily for gaming across various genres. My current build is below - I have set it up so I can add a second card and go SLI if I want to in the future, presuming of course I can figure out how to power a second card (my computer-fu is not strong).

I do not need anything too crazy, and have an existing 1TB Caviar, as well as a sound card, to add to the computer upon receipt, of course presuming I can get the Caviar connected (sigh). I am wondering if based on need I really need the overclock - anything is going to be an improvement over the Core 2 Quad I am currently running!

Thanks in advance for all of your advice - this forum helped me configure my last computer so many years ago and it has served me so well!

Saved Ticket #:722571

Specifications:
Chassis Model: Special Deal Hot Seller - Corsair Carbide 300R
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: 8GB DDR3 2000MHz GTX-8 Digital Storm Certified Performance Series (Highly Recommended)
Power Supply: 1050W Corsair Pro Silver 1050HX (Dual/Triple/Quad SLI Compatible)
Expansion Bay: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 1: Operating System: 1x (120GB Solid State (By: Corsair) (Model: Force GT Series CSSD-F120GBGT-BK) (SATA 6Gbps)
Set 1 Raid Options: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 2: Multimedia\Data: - No Thanks
Hard Drive Set 3: Backup\Misc.: - No Thanks
Optical Drive 1: DVD-R/RW/CD-R/RW (DVD Writer 24x / CD-Writer 48x)
Optical Drive 2: - No Thanks
Internet Access: High Speed Network Port (Supports High-Speed Cable / DSL / Network Connections)
Video Card: 1x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 2GB (PhysX) (FTW Overclocked EVGA)
Add-on Card: - No Thanks
Sound Card: Integrated Motherboard Audio
Extreme Cooling: AIR: Stage 1: High Performance Cooler (Compatible With i5/i7/AMD Processors)
H20 Tube Color:- Not Applicable, I do not have a FrostChill or Sub-Zero LCS Cooling System Selected
Chassis Airflow: Upgrade Chassis With Zalman Performance Fans (Up to 6 Fans)
Internal Lighting: Internal Chassis Lighting System (Blue)
Enhancements: Scythe Kaze Master Temperature Display & Fan Controller (Requires Chassis Airflow Upgrade) (KM01-BK)
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: - No Thanks, Please do not tweak the 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 (Extra 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

That's a nice rig but I would make changes. Change to the 500r case for better cooling.     Drop the ram to DS 1600mhz.     The added speed you'll never see unless your into ram intense apps.      I would drop the added fans and the fan control unless its for eye candy.    That cpu cooler won't handle stage 2 overclocking so go with the Noctua D14.   I think those changes will keep the cost the same but give you a better case and cpu cooler and gets rid of things you don't really need.    Just my thoughts and of course its your decision.   Good luck.

I'm not sure that Chassis Mod applies to the 300R case.  Its for another case, the Hailstorm , with a side window already.

 

Just another way to go and good luck.

Edited by bprat22 - 28 Aug 2012 at 8:16am

Thanks for all of your help - placed the order today with just a few minor tweaks. Stage 1 in effect!

Holy cow - moved all the way into Stage 5 today!