First Build

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Zoppity

New member
Greetings, folks. I hope you don't mind helping out a Yank! I've been creeping around for the past two weeks or so--doing research on parts and reading members' advice. I actually came up with most of these selections on my own beforehand, and I'm glad to see that they have been reinforced by recommendations in various threads.

As the title suggests, this is my first pc build. I do intend to test the waters that is liquid cooling, and I also plan on OC'ing for the first time; I understand the dangers this comes with, but caution has always served me well and I like to believe I have a fair amount of intelligence and common sense.

Without further ado:

CASE: CM Storm Stryker
MOBO: MSI Z77A-GD65
CPU: i5 3570k
COOLER: Corsair H100 with push/pull
GPU: "MSI N670" GeForce GTX 670 2GB
RAM: Corsair Dominator 8GB 1600 ( 2x4GB )
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM
PSU: Corsair HX850
OPTICAL: (undecided)

As a note, for the first time in my life money isn't an option (sort of). However, I still want a good bang for my buck! I'm a flexible guy, so feel free to replace anything on the list, including the case. Is the DDR3 1600 sufficient, or should i go 1866 or 2133? Additionally, I'm still on the fence with peripherals. Looking at the Lycosa or a Corsair k90 keyboard and maybe a G9x mouse.

Cheers!
 
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Looks nice, personally I'd make a few changes: I'd use Corsair Vengeance Ram since it's a lot cheaper, I use it for mor than a year without any problems.
Unless you plan to get a second GTX 670 soon, get a 650W PSU
 
+1 for the ram change
850w is overkill go for 650w(maybe ax650?)
other than that its all good mate
what fans will you use on the h100?
 
GPU: "MSI N670" GeForce GTX 670 2GB or Gigabyte Windforce
RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB 1600 ( 2x4GB )

The Vengeance ram is almost as gimmicky looking as G.Skill ram. I didn't give Mushkin enough attention before, but the performance numbers and cost seem even better than Vengeance!

Benchmarks show that the Windforce stays cooler under load than both the MSI and Galaxy boards, so I'm leaning towards it. The Galaxy sure is sexy looking though.

Regarding the PSU overkill, I would like to SLI in the future and have the freedom to experiment with additional liquid cooling as well. Would the 850 be good enough for SLI? If not, then I'll go the cheaper route for now with a 650ax and upgrade in the future.

As for rad and case fans, I'm looking at the Noctua NF-P12/F12 PWM. The F12 seems to have more airflow with the Low Noise Adapter and has the same price tag as the P12. I'm confused. Maybe someone can help me understand the functional difference between the two. I'm also looking at the Corsair Air SP120 Quiet Edition. The Noctua fans perform better, but the Corsair fans are gorgeous. Do I need to replace all of the case fans with one of these, or just get upgrades for the rad?
 
Zoppity said:
Looking at the Lycosa or a Corsair k90 keyboard and maybe a G9x mouse.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

Nah wouldn't go for the Corsair k90 like. I've tried it and its just not perfect, however is a very good first attempted for corsair.

I have no idea what they were thinking when they decided to use rubberdomes for the f keys and the 6 sort of misc keys. People say "Oh its OK, its only the keys you don't use that much". Well about that, the whole point of the cherry switch is that you don't have to push it all the way, which means that you sort get used to just hitting the actuation point. So when you press one of the other keys you end up not fully pressing it and not getting a key stroke.

And IMO you should be able to choose your own switch not been forced to use reds or any other key.

If you want a mechanical keyboard I will help you out.. are you bothered about backlight keys?
 
Yeah go for the 850w PSU as you'll be Sli'ing. The 850w PSU will be more than sufficient for the two 670's as well as all the other components :)
 
The top 3 670's (imo) are the Asus DCUii, KFA2/Galaxy EX and the Gigabyte Windforce. All feature fantastic coolers and overclock very well. As for the PSU a 750W would actually be fine for 2 670's, even a 650W would be fine by my estimates but personally i'd go for a 750W. Something like a Be Quiet Dark Power Pro P10, Corsair AX/HX, Silverstone Strider etc... would do the job nicely
 
Going to step down from the 850 to a 750 PSU. Settling on the Gigabyte Windstorm unless something radical changes my mind.

Andrew, I prefer having backlight keys. There are so many to choose from, it's kind of ridiculous. MS Sidewinder looks solid. I don't really want anything with a LCD and dozens of macro buttons. Sturdy, quiet keys and a sleek look.
 
Zoppity said:
Going to step down from the 850 to a 750 PSU. Settling on the Gigabyte Windstorm unless something radical changes my mind.

Andrew, I prefer having backlight keys. There are so many to choose from, it's kind of ridiculous. MS Sidewinder looks solid. I don't really want anything with a LCD and dozens of macro buttons. Sturdy, quiet keys and a sleek look.
Click to expand...

Well the sidewinder isn't mechanical. And I would imagine that finding a supplier in Hawaii would be a night mare unless you import from the USA. If you are ordering from the states then that would be easy to find a nice backlit mechanical keyboard!

Code: 
quiet keys

Mx Red/black or brown would be the choice of key for you. However its down to personal preference for which key is best. - I just Red, it is the lightest key and only makes a noise when the key bottoms out.
 
I think the MoBo might look small in that case. But I think you will be able to live with that, because I'm sure it wouldn't be too small. Other than that great choice of components!
For the first time a newbie puts a near perfect list online!
 
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