Video Cards

Hi DavidK...  That config number is missing a digit so can't comment on the cooling.  But, the gtx 770 will be about the same performance as the overclocked 680, for less money.  The added vram on the 680 is little used in gaming and most apps.  Skyrim, heavily modded with texture mods, has shown to use more than 2GB vram, but not sure how much actual performance from it.  Can't say what the future hols. 

Thanks bprat22 and Nerek387 for your feedback. Sorry about the missing digit in my config. The config is 843922. Was debating between the Slade and the Virtue and chose the Virtue due to the smaller form factor. Am I giving up anything with this smaller form factor and the smaller motherboard? Any thoughts on the Asus Sabertooth vs. Gryphon? Also, still not sure about water vs. air cooling.

I think that build is real nice.    Nothing I would change, except not sure you need Win Ultimate, but thats your call. Most don't.

Nerek is right about case sizes but the Virtue 350d still leaves a decent amount of room to work. Between the Slade 550d and 350d I would probably go 350d.    Slade is known for quiet but thats if you leave the side and top acoustic panels on. If you put the H 100i in the Slades 550d then the top panel needs to come off. Cases are a personal preference so up to you.   

If you stay with 350d I would ask DS to install the second 140mm fan to the front for a small fee.   It gives you 2x 140 mm fans to feed your potential sli setup.   

I agree with Nerek on the Sabertooth, but the newer Gryphon is a smaller board but has excellant reviews.   Smaller mobo usually means fewer Pci slots and onboard Sata, etc so thats a consideration for future expansion. If you sli and don't add any other cards like audio, et. you should be fine.


Air vs liquid..... If by liquid you mean the H100 and not stage 3 water then with both cases the Noctua doesn't fit so stick with the H100i.   The Haswell 4770k chip does throw more heat and the 240mm rad on H 100i     vs the smaller 120mm rad with H80 or Vortex 120 is better.

Thanks again bprat22 and Neker387 for your helpful comments.

Not sure if I will use sli in the future, but may want to keep that option open. No immediate plans now, just want to efficiently run two Asus monitors. Only other hardware I see as likely add-ons at a later date would be an additional hard drive or a sound card. This should still be possible with the Gryphon mobo, right? How important is onboard SATA capabilities and is there an easy workaround with the smaller mobo should I need that functionality in the future?

As for case, I like the Slade design, but have limited space in a NYC apt and would prefer to minimize footprint. Also, it sounds like some of the low sound benefits of the Slade are minimized if you add the necessary fans to sool. The Virtue 350d case seemed like a good compromise over going with something as small as the Bolt which severely limits upgrade options.

As for running temps, I don't see myself taxing the system temperature-wise. Just prefer a fast, quiet machine with low risk of problems.

Thanks again for your help.

The Gryphon has 6 SATA ports and the Sabertooth has 8 SATA I believe. Not as big a difference with this mobo as I thought.       Should be plenty unless you add many drives.    

Nerek387, thanks for the config update. It looks like you have upgraded the video card to the 780 from the 770. What am I getting here for the extra $300? Also, I noticed that you downgraded the power supply to 800W from 1050. Glad to see that a smaller power supply seems to be sufficient as this should result in lower energy costs and quieter running, right?

bprat22, it looks like the Virtue 350d case should be more than sufficient for my needs. you mentioned earlier about installing an extra fan in my build, Is this a specific option to include/check off or do I just tell the salesman that I want the extra fan installed?

Getting close to being ready to pull the trigger. Thanks for the input.

To add the extra 140mm fan, you can put instructions in the Special Instructions section at bottom of config page, or, talk to sales.   Either get it done.