First Build

[Vercingetorix]

Hey all I just wanted your input on my first build, which will be a gaming PC. It will only really be used for gaming, though there will be a bit of video editing here and there.

Case: Bitfenix Shinobi Midi-Tower
CPU: Intel i7 3770k Ivybridge (probs not going to overclock, but maybe a little)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-GD80 with Thunderbolt
PSU: Corsair AX1200 (not sure about this but I do intend to upgrade to 2 GPUs at some point)
RAM: TeamGroup Elite 2 x 8GB
GPU: Sapphire HD7970 Vapor-X 3GB
Optical Drive: LG BH10LS38 Blu-Ray
CPU Cooler: BeQuiet Dark Rock Pro 2
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 2TB ST2000DM001

So what do you guys think? I am new to this so any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[dha07]

welcome friend

firstly, if this is your first build, then good luck and have fun building it.

if i could offer my opinion it would be this, a really good build is one that you get great performance for your money and build a system for your needs even though it is always tempting to go for the more expensive components

so with this is mind, i would recommend maybe considering an i5 3750k, it will give you just as good gaming performance (some say on this forum it is performs slightly better) but cost you less and be perfectly sufficient for a bit of video editing, if gaming is you prime target then its all about the GPU and not so much with the CPUs whether its ivybridge or sandybridge E.

Also, i really would advise changing PSU, it is total overkill and will actually be inefficent because your system will never draw anywhere near that power (some dispute this but its true). your build will maybe pull about 450w from the wall at load, add in another GPU, your still maybe only talking about 600 - 650 W max, so go for the new corsair 750i PSU, there are really good and it will easily handle 2 GPUs and save you a lot of money. the 1200W psu's are aimed at those going for triple or quad SLI/Crossfire.

with this saved money, you could then invest in an even better GPU, like an overclocked GTX 680 (i recommend asus's direct CU cards) which use less power than amd, or go for an SSD for you primary drive, once you go SSD, you'll never look back, my games load in seconds.

Anyway, i hope I helped a bit and good luck and remember to post your build on the forum when its done.

 

[Whaler_99]

Have to agree with both points listed above, exatly what I was thinking. With the money saved from the PSU and i7, get yourself an SSD for your boot drive. There is where you will notice a performance improvement.

 

[njallday]

As said previously, go for the i5 3570k, ax760i or ax750, and SSD. But I'd suggest keeping the 7970. They're just as good if not better (especially GHz editions) than a 680, and a significant amount cheaper.

What I add is maybe go for the MSi Z77 MPower as opposed to the GD80, and maybe go for some Corsair or Mushkin Ram.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Thanks for the advice on my build. I would have thought that 2 GPUs would draw a lot mot power than 600W, but thats me being a hardware newb And based on the advice given I will probs switch to a lower PSU and an i5 3570K, seems like a lot better value for what I need it for. Thanks all!

Edit: For the new PSU I am in two minds as to whether to go for the Corsair AX760i or the AX750. The AX760i is more efficient while the AX750 is around £40 cheaper. Is the 80+ Platinum branding really worth that £40?

 

[Whaler_99]

Well the 760i also supports the new Corsair Link - so if you have Corsair link commander, might be worth it. Also, slightly different color scheme. Only other thing, I believe the 760i is no longer made by Seasonic, who make the AX750 for Corsair. Tom mentions this in his review...

Either way, each are an excellent choice..