Advice on my computer build? Specifically motherboard and GPU selection

[Deadpool 0]

Hello all. I'm trying to pick out parts for a new computer, but this is my first build in several years so I could use some advice. I'm going to be using the computer for work (software development)/gaming, which is why I picked the i7 and 16GB of RAM (a little overkill, I know). I have all the peripherals and I'll be using 2 1920x1080 monitors (only one for gaming) and I'll be including 2 Seagate Barracuda HDD's I already own. My budget is $1600 CDN.

I do not plan on overclocking or having 2 graphics cards at all.

So I have a few questions I'm hoping you could help me with.

Should I bother getting the EVGA GTX 770 with the ACX cooler? NCIX has these two versions, one with ACX cooler and one without for the same price. Not sure what the other differences are.

ACX Cooler: http://ncix.ca/produ...anufacture=eVGA

Without: http://ncix.ca/produ...anufacture=eVGA

As for the motherboard, I know nothing about them. That just comes as a combo off Newegg Canada. Any reason not to get this one or to get another one instead?

This is the build as I have it so far:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($324.99 @ Newegg Canada)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Newegg Canada)

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg Canada)

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)

Storage: Plextor M5P Xtreme Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($234.00 @ Canada Computers)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon Canada)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($429.99 @ Memory Express)

Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ NCIX)

Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg Canada)

Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($48.99 @ Newegg Canada)

Total: $1561.91

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-15 17:47 EDT-0400)

Again, I've only built one other computer before this one and that was several years ago (and Neowin pretty much walked me through that one). So any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to anyone who can help.

[ashpowell 81]

2 fans basically don't have to spin as fast to pass the same amount of air through, so are quieter, and pass more air through at higher speeds

May aswell get the one with the ACX cooler... I have a 670 signature 2 edition (2 fans) and it's very cool, even under load.

[Luc2k 734]

Get this MSI 770. They have the best cooling for the 770 it seems, low temperatures and quiet.

[GreenInspiration 2]

Yes, always go with dual fans when possible. I was considering getting the same motherboard for my friend, but it doesn't seem right to pair a low end mb with other high end parts so I advised him to get one of these GA-Z87X-UD4H, MSI Z87-GD65, ASRock Z87 Extreme4, or the asus sabertooth z87. Though that motherboard is fine. MSI makes great products actually. Every brand makes some bad products sometimes. I wouldn't recommend the hyperplus. If you are going to spend that much on the cpu and graphic card get either the noctua 14 or Phanteks PH-TC14PE cooler. I have both. I would not spend that much on the power supply and memory. I like your choice of ssd very much. Plextor makes great ssd.

[Muhammad Farrukh 1,079]

Go with the MSI 770. It has better temperatures and is quieter, reviews suggest.

Motherboard is fine. No need to worry about that

Also, if you don't need it, 8 GB will pretty much do anything you throw at your PC.