Building a PC strictly for gaming

[izzmatt]

Hello,

I'm planning to build a PC strictly for gaming, and by gaming I mean something with which I can play the latest games at max settings.

Budget-wise, there's not really a limit but that doesn't mean I want the PC to make breakfast for me in the morning. Lets put it like this: something a bit more than enough to play the latest games at max.

Here is what the shopping list looks like so far:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U9B SE2 37.9 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)
PSU: SILVERSTONE Strider Gold ST85F-G 850W
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 680
Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 650D

Really looking forward to hearing your guys' opinion on these specs

 

[CPMFW]

670 instead of 680,
750w or even 650w instead of 850w
8gb instead of 16gb
i´d go for something like this!

i would have chosen the evga 670 ftw but aria havent got one

 

[izzmatt]

I would really appreciate it if you would give me an explanation as well, along with your advice, it's always nice to learn something new.

About the PSU, I picked that one because it's modular and I know it's more than what I need but I don't mind since I will probably upgrade the PC in the future, maybe even add a second card. BTW, would the PSU suffice if I'd add a second GTX 680?

 

[CPMFW]

I would really appreciate it if you would give me an explanation as well, along with your advice, it's always nice to learn something new.

About the PSU, I picked that one because it's modular and I know it's more than what I need but I don't mind since I will probably upgrade the PC in the future, maybe even add a second card. BTW, would the PSU suffice if I'd add a second GTX 680?

i´ve chosen the gd65 because its really good board, its top of the range and very good for overclocking.
you dont need more than 8gb of ram for a gaming rig because the games wouldnt use it.
i´ve chosen the 670 because when overclocked it performs like a 680
you could go sli if you want.
the ax750 is also fully modular. it will easily handle a pair of 670/680s
the nh-d14 is as far as i know the best heat sink on the market

 

[seumasbeathan]

So as CMP as already said I would recommend you drop down to 8gb, a 670 and an AX650

 

[izzmatt]

I will follow your advice then, thanks a bunch guys.

 

[seumasbeathan]

No problem mate, we are always here to help

 

[CPMFW]

I will follow your advice then, thanks a bunch guys.

your welcome

 

[izzmatt]

Ah just one more thing, if I add a second GTX670 is 8gb of memory going to be enough? I'm not planning to since one should be enough but you never know.

Edit: and why wouldn't games use more than 8gb of ram? I'm aware that I'm asking too much, I ought to know this stuff if I plan on building a PC. I'm just kind of new to this and eager to learn, if you don't have the time to explain it to me just ignore this last question, again thanks a lot for your help.

 

[CPMFW]

8gb is enough for 670 sli

i dont exactly know why, but the games just dont use that much memory...
i´ve just read that bf3 on max only uses 4gb of ram

 

[izzmatt]

Hah well you learn something new everyday ^^ memory isn't that expansive so I figured I'd just go for more but in this case I really don't see the point, thanks man you really helped.

 

[seumasbeathan]

I think the reason that 8gb is good for gaming is that the way Windows and most games are coded means they can not use more than 4gb each

 

[CPMFW]

Hah well you learn something new everyday ^^ memory isn't that expansive so I figured I'd just go for more but in this case I really don't see the point, thanks man you really helped.

no problem mate... we´re always here to help!