Building a desktop

[YounGMessiah]

Okay, so ive decided to leap into building a desktop for fun hehe..

Im pretty much understanding a lot, but the whole GPU ballpark is wild and I believe with the help of Neowin, I can decided what I will need.

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz (link)

Motherboard: ASRock P67 EXTREME4 GEN3 (link) **Also is this mobo suitable for SSDs?

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (link)

Thats all ive gotten too...

From what I read, in the GPU im looking for (since my motherboard will be able to support it):

Interface: PCIe 3.0 x16

Im leaning towards NVidia with the capability for SLI

Max memory (for now): 2GB

Memory interface: 256bit

Directx11 support

HMDI port at least one (not a mini)

I need assistance finding one fitting those criterias, im sure others can enlighten more so on what I need to focus on... Gah im just so lost when trying to shop for a GPU...

EDIT: Also could someone dumb down the whole combo cooling option to me thats available on the mobo?? Is it saying I can use smaller or larger fans?

ReEdit: Ive found this GPU which looks nice (link) - Galaxy 67NPH6DV5ZJX GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

[Wakers]

Have you already bought the motherboard?

You've bought an overclocking CPU but you didn't list the correct motherboard type. You need a z77 series, really, so you can overclock and have a BIOS that has a decent feature set to support the CPU.

For the GPU, look at GTX 670 or 7950/70s from ATi.

[YounGMessiah]

Havent bought anything yet and the motherboard is compatiable with the CPU 0.o

And honestly probably not looking into overclocking it, will let it do what it does; even if I do it wont be a far push.

Forgot to mention I will be using this desktop as a gaming module.

For games like Skyrim, Crysis, Starcraft, etc...

[Wakers]

Yea, the motherboard is compatible but you're hamstringing yourself by getting the budget chipset. Z77s are much better plus they give you the option of overclocking down the line.

[YounGMessiah]

Could you explain exactly what you are saying?

Are you just saying the z77 is better because of the options for overclocking and thats it, or is there other apparent reasons?

Edit: im looking at the z77 right now, its nice

ReEDIT: Big problem here bud, you gave me a board I cant use a dedicated GPU on; at least thats what I thought when they say "Supported only by CPU with integrated graphic"

[georgevella]

link to motherboard? I think what you're reading means: "motherboard only supports a CPU with an integrated GPU" (or something along those lines)

[YounGMessiah]

Yes what you said the motherboard only supports a CPU with an integrated GPU

Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Intel+Motherboards-_-N82E16813131821&gclid=CIPntfCX0bUCFe9aMgod7wEAHQ

[georgevella]

Yep, and that doesn't mean you can't install a dedicated GPU (in fact all reviews for that motherboard include a dedicated GPU).

Note: That motherboard also comes with a feature that allows the OS to switch to the dedicated GPU on a need by need basis - when you are in the desktop and doing light stuff, the integrated GPU in the CPU is in use, when you need to play something or load a GPU heavy tool, the dedicated GPU kicks in (disclaimer: I am not sure how good this works because I never tried it)

[YounGMessiah]

Yep, and that doesn't mean you can't install a dedicated GPU (in fact all reviews for that motherboard include a dedicated GPU).

Note: That motherboard also comes with a feature that allows the OS to switch to the dedicated GPU on a need by need basis - when you are in the desktop and doing light stuff, the integrated GPU in the CPU is in use, when you need to play something or load a GPU heavy tool, the dedicated GPU kicks in (disclaimer: I am not sure how good this works because I never tried it)

Ahh okay, my roommate has a custom desktop and he said it has that technology; havent actually checked if it works good.. Im sure someone will confirm if it does or not and okay well thanks for that clearup as I was confused by those words above!

Edit: Wow after reading more into it, Wakers was right. That motherboard definately fits my style especially with the stuff I want to do later down the road..

Im liking this mobo!

Only thing is the bios is about the same as the motherboard I posted. And for $100 dollars more is it worth to have the ability like quoted above??

Another question tied to that is.. ACPI 1.1 is in the one I listed and ACPI 2.0a is the one Wakers suggested.. Power efficiency-wise, will it matter??

[Wakers]

How is it 100$ more? A decent z77 should cost $100 on its own?

Are you using pcparticker.com?

EDIT:

Ah, you went for a Sabertooth. That's too far towards the high end, especially if you're not overclocking. Look at ASRocks Extreme 4 or 6, or Gigabyte's competing model.

[Luc2k]

Havent bought anything yet and the motherboard is compatiable with the CPU 0.o

And honestly probably not looking into overclocking it, will let it do what it does; even if I do it wont be a far push.

Forgot to mention I will be using this desktop as a gaming module.

For games like Skyrim, Crysis, Starcraft, etc...

If the PC is for gaming, don't waste money on the i7. Get an i5 3570K (if you plan on overclocking) and put the difference towards a 7970. You'll get better performance in games this way.

As for the mobo, try to go with the latest chipset unless the price difference is big.

[YounGMessiah]

How is it 100$ more? A decent z77 should cost $100 on its own?

Are you using pcparticker.com?

EDIT:

Ah, you went for a Sabertooth. That's too far towards the high end, especially if you're not overclocking. Look at ASRocks Extreme 4 or 6, or Gigabyte's competing model.

Ive asked you question regarding this mobo and you have yet to answer them, I dont see a major difference enough to get the z77 over the mobo I choose already. Ive tried to read up, but its all very simliliar to the mobo I choose, except that it is newer. Also that website does not exist.. And which z77 are you talking about?? A link to newegg or tiger direct would be preferable.

If the PC is for gaming, don't waste money on the i7. Get an i5 3570K (if you plan on overclocking) and put the difference towards a 7970. You'll get better performance in games this way.

As for the mobo, try to go with the latest chipset unless the price difference is big.

Hmmm could you explain to me why for the i5? Im not doubting you, I just prefer to hear some reasoning behind something suggested. It would seem feasible since its about $100 cheaper lol! Hmm they dont seem to have a 7970 that is 2GB PCIe 3 x16, if you could link to me one almost fitting the criteria above??

Reedit: Your answer would be Hyper-Threading, do I need it? Answer is no, so im going with the i5! Thanks mate you saved me $100

[YounGMessiah]

So im going to go with Luc2k's advice and bump down (well its not a bump down IMO lol) to the i5-3570K and getting this GPU instead (link).

The GPU is a

SAPPHIRE 100351SR Radeon HD 7970 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card OC with Boost

compared to a

Galaxy 67NPH6DV5ZJX GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

IMO that GPU is far more superior than the one I choose originally and only for $50 more.

Im still searching on a motherboard, but im quite content with the ASRock one above. I just need some answers to my questions above and I think I will be in good shape.

EDIT: Forget everything I said about the motherboard. Im going for this motherboard (link), a GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H.

Cooling is also now a major concern or should it be? I live in Colorado Springs if that makes any difference?

[Luc2k]

Hmmm could you explain to me why for the i5? Im not doubting you, I just prefer to hear some reasoning behind something suggested. It would seem feasible since its about $100 cheaper lol! Hmm they dont seem to have a 7970 that is 2GB PCIe 3 x16, if you could link to me one almost fitting the criteria above??

Reedit: Your answer would be Hyper-Threading, do I need it? Answer is no, so im going with the i5! Thanks mate you saved me $100

Sorry, post was in a bit of a haste. Basically i7's advantage is very small, certainly not worth the price premium when it come to games. Any review will basically tell you this, but here's a quick comparison in any case. There's other things than HT going for the i7, but they don't make much difference, if any at all, for games.

As for the GPU, here's a round-up of the main 7970 cards in case you're curious.

[YounGMessiah]

Yes I did exactly what you suggested and saw the i5 was very nice for $100 cheaper. Once again thanks.

Yes im getting the sapphire it looks oh so lovely!

Here is what my build will consist of:

CPU

Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz BX80637I53570K - $229.99

___________________________________________________________

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Motherboards

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GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD4H - $164.99 | ATX Form: 12.0" x 9.6"

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GPUs

----------------

SAPPHIRE 100351SR Radeon HD 7970 3GB - 409.99

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Cooling

----------------

N/A yet..

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Harddrives

----------------

At least a 2TB SATA for now

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Memory

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CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10 - $99.99

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Power Supplies

----------------

975W Gaming Fan Quiet ATX Power Supply SATA 12V - $64.59

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Tower

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In Win BUC - $110

[notchinese]

If you have a Microcenter near you (I realize most people don't) you can get a better deal on Ivy Bridge cpus.

[YounGMessiah]

I got one in Denver (two hour drive), ill check them out. Thanks!

Edit: Nice $189.99, im impressed thanks man

[Luc2k]

For RAM, get a CL9 version without the huge radiator, unless you want that for aesthetics. As for case, I like the simple Fractal Design (there's other colours), although the the BUC is around 35% off overall right now.

[Wakers]

Yea, I always prefer RAM without the massive heatsinks, they can cause all sorts of problems if you want to get a CPU cooler later on.

[YounGMessiah]

For RAM, get a CL9 version without the huge radiator, unless you want that for aesthetics. As for case, I like the simple Fractal Design (there's other colours), although the the BUC is around 35% off overall right now.

I already decided on the Buc for the case, fits my taste and has what I need.

Ive been reading about the CL and does it really matter? How do I know what mine is? Is it a CL10 because of the 10 at the end? Im a tad confused on why it would matter

[Luc2k]

Ive been reading about the CL and does it really matter? How do I know what mine is? Is it a CL10 because of the 10 at the end? Im a tad confused on why it would matter

You can usually deduce the specs from the product code. On Newegg they're the same price, so why not go for the faster one (even if there's not much of a difference).

[Astra.Xtreme]

If you want to shave off another few bucks, give this mobo some consideration:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

There's not exactly any advantages I can see besides price, but I personally like Asus above any other mobo company. I can't speak for the Gigabyte one, but this Asus one has a really nice UEFI (bios) layout and has a bunch of overclocking presets, which makes it extremely easy. I OC'd my i7 to over 4Ghz with no issues and also ran SLI with no issues. Easily the best mobo I've ever owned. Just a bit of personal experience for you. :)

[YounGMessiah]

You can usually deduce the specs from the product code. On Newegg they're the same price, so why not go for the faster one (even if there's not much of a difference).

So, what is better? Obviously lower lag, but yeah..

If you want to shave off another few bucks, give this mobo some consideration:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131837

There's not exactly any advantages I can see besides price, but I personally like Asus above any other mobo company. I can't speak for the Gigabyte one, but this Asus one has a really nice UEFI (bios) layout and has a bunch of overclocking presets, which makes it extremely easy. I OC'd my i7 to over 4Ghz with no issues and also ran SLI with no issues. Easily the best mobo I've ever owned. Just a bit of personal experience for you. :)

I looked at that board as well (was one of the six), it lacked some spots I need such as the PCIe 3 slots (mine has 3, that one has 2). Who knows though man im going to look into the one you posted more, well more so keep it as an option (thanks).

And ive looked at the Asus' mobos and the prices isnt just enough for me to go get it. I honestly dont want to pay for the GB one, but it has the latest chipset and exactly what I need.it for.

[Red Mist]

Just throwing something in here, you say you don't want to overclock, so why the 'k' series cpu's, these cost more than the standard cpu's & are only worth the extra if you are going to overclock......just a thought.

[vcfan]

Ive been reading about the CL and does it really matter? How do I know what mine is? Is it a CL10 because of the 10 at the end? Im a tad confused on why it would matter

the link in your first post is for CAS9 RAM. Usually the lower the better , but it doesn't really matter. It might make a small miniscule difference, but you'll only see that in benchmarks. In real world usage, there isn't a lick of a difference. I always buy whatever is cheapest,and I make sure its 1.5V,because the DDR3 spec calls for that,and that's how you know the RAM is good(unless its O/C'd like 2400). The ram you chose is perfectly suitable, one that I would've picked.