First Build Feedback Please

[Dallas 7]

This is the plans for my 1st new build, I'd like your feedback, does it all sound compatible?
Any suggestions?

Already purchased the case and PSU.
This unit will not be overclocked, so hopefully the 212 EVO should produce adequate cooling.

Case...............Corsair Obsidian 550D
PSU................Corsair AX760 80 Plus Platinum Fully Modular (not the AX760i digital)
CPU................Intel I5 3570K 3.4 GB Ivey Bridge
Mobo..............Asus P8Z77-V Pro
Cooler.............Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
RAM................Corsair Vengeance 8GB 2X4 DDR3 1600
HDD................2 WDs Caviar Black, 1 TB each
Video Card.......Asus HD7770 Radeon
Optical Drive....Asus DVD/CD Rewritable Drive DRW-24B1st

Oops, almost forgot: It WILL be W7!

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Dallas 7,
Looks to be a fantastic first build but do factor in a SSD as they have fallen to such a reasonable level, place the OS and all the software and even as many games as will fit on a 128gb and don't look back !

 

[linnemeyerhere]

On another key point is noise and if it was me I would bank on replacing all the standard case fans with premium fans for noise. I like Noctua's but the new Corsairs are very good and can be ordered for volume and quite additions.

 

[AddRAM]

I would go nvidia, but that`s just me.

 

[Dallas 7]

Dallas 7,
Looks to be a fantastic first build but do factor in a SSD as they have fallen to such a reasonable level, place the OS and all the software and even as many games as will fit on a 128gb and don't look back !

Do you set SSDs up just like a standard HD?

 

[AddRAM]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91339-ssd-hdd-optimize-windows-reinstallation.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/113967-ssd-alignment.html

 

[Phone Man]

Just 3 suggestions:

1) SSD
2) DVD/CD with LightScribe - Makes a nice way to label ones you want to save.
3) Self contained water cooler like the Corsair H80 - Leaves more room around the MB for air flow.

Jim

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Dallas 7,
In a nut shell yes. The performance gain is so large that no new build of any performance envelope is complete without one. You can go 128gb and be safe or right to a 256gb and have all room for software and updates for many years. With a clean/fresh install it's also much faster loading the OS and Software it will blow your mind !

 

[Dallas 7]

On another key point is noise and if it was me I would bank on replacing all the standard case fans with premium fans for noise. I like Noctua's but the new Corsairs are very good and can be ordered for volume and quite additions.

I'll remember that linnemeyerhere. Thanks for the comeback, I appreciate the help.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

The devil is in the details and I won't begin a build without a supply of premium fans as well as an assortment of quality cables. Also I love zip ties and if you take your time you can keep things nice and clean both on top and back of mobo. Another little tip is only plug your optical and the ssd drive into the mobo at first and make sure the ssd is in the number 1 sata header which will be a sata III header when you load your OS.

Oh and +1 on the sealed water coolers, I've switched from air to water and I'm not looking back, not only for performance but also a cleaner easier install.

 

[MSchild]

I can't speak on the SSDs, as the last I knew there were issues getting the performance out of them due to wait-states in the CPU. But like I said, I can't really speak on them, as I've never used them and all I know is things I've read.

I would however offer this: IMHO, I like the ATI graphics, and if I'm going ATI on the GPU, I'm definitely going to go AMD on the CPU and mobo chipsets as well. Of course, mixing and matching components from different manufacturers is nothing incompatible, but when I build a machine I never do. Its a take it or leave it sort of thing I suppose, but to me, it just makes sense.

 

[Dallas 7]

The devil is in the details and I won't begin a build without a supply of premium fans as well as an assortment of quality cables. Also I love zip ties and if you take your time you can keep things nice and clean both on top and back of mobo. Another little tip is only plug your optical and the ssd drive into the mobo at first and make sure the ssd is in the number 1 sata header which will be a sata III header when you load your OS.

Oh and +1 on the sealed water coolers, I've switched from air to water and I'm not looking back, not only for performance but also a cleaner easier install.

linnemeyer that is a VERY nice looking rig! Oh, and like you, I like "organized"!
I've actually considered the water cooling. I really ike the clean uncluttered look of it as well as the more efficient cooling. I have to admit though that water hoses in my computer might worry me a little.
Several years ago I had a 26 gal aquarium suddenly crack the front glass for no obvious reason and water started pouring out into our living room. Needless to say it created instant panic, and it wasn't even close to an expensive computer. LOL

How long have you had the water cooled unit? It looks great. Is that Computer overclocked? Truthfully I haven't ruled out the possibility of a water cooler, but don't tell my wife! LOL I'm pressing my budget already.

 

[Dallas 7]

I really appreciate everyones tips/suggestions, it helps to hear other people's perspectives.
"Seven" is a great forum. Thanks to all.

 

[AddRAM]

The Corsair`s are built sturdy.

Liquid Cooling Liquid Cooling Systems, CPU Liquid Cooling Kits at TigerDirect.com&

 

[bobkn]

I can't speak on the SSDs, as the last I knew there were issues getting the performance out of them due to wait-states in the CPU. But like I said, I can't really speak on them, as I've never used them and all I know is things I've read.

I would however offer this: IMHO, I like the ATI graphics, and if I'm going ATI on the GPU, I'm definitely going to go AMD on the CPU and mobo chipsets as well. Of course, mixing and matching components from different manufacturers is nothing incompatible, but when I build a machine I never do. Its a take it or leave it sort of thing I suppose, but to me, it just makes sense.

So, if you were going for an nVidia graphics card, you'd use an nVidia CPU and chipset?

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

 

[Dallas 7]

The Corsair`s are built sturdy.

Liquid Cooling Liquid Cooling Systems, CPU Liquid Cooling Kits at TigerDirect.com&

I've never looked at one of those radiators up close, only in pictures, but does air from the fan actually
blow "Through" the radiator? I mean are there open slots so to speak in the radiator that allow air to actually
"pass through" the unit freely?
If so, then the the fan/radiator could be positioned to
actually exhaust warm air from the case, serving a dual purpose. Am I correct?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Yes the air passing through the hot fins cools them and so good fans that are quiet and can force good static pressure are essential. For this very reason alone I found quality Noctua fans and then used them everywhere. Here are all my water systems.
Corsair H50 in Push/Pull
Corsair H100 in Push/Pull
Thermaltake Extreme 2.0 in Push

 

[AddRAM]

I can't speak on the SSDs, as the last I knew there were issues getting the performance out of them due to wait-states in the CPU. But like I said, I can't really speak on them, as I've never used them and all I know is things I've read.

I would however offer this: IMHO, I like the ATI graphics, and if I'm going ATI on the GPU, I'm definitely going to go AMD on the CPU and mobo chipsets as well. Of course, mixing and matching components from different manufacturers is nothing incompatible, but when I build a machine I never do. Its a take it or leave it sort of thing I suppose, but to me, it just makes sense.

So, if you were going for an nVidia graphics card, you'd use an nVidia CPU and chipset?

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Not written in stone, but it would be best. It`s all about your pocketbook and availability.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Check out this wicked new bad boy on the block.

Swiftech H220 Liquid CPU Cooler Review | 3dGameMan.com

 

[AddRAM]

It better cool my house for that price LOL