Planning a build around the Gigabyte Z77X-UP7

I'm planning on a new build in the next few months. I don't expect to overclock, although I do really like the idea of having the Gigabyte Z77X-UP7. (I know it's overkill.)

I'm assuming that because I don't plan on overclocking I should just go ahead with 1600 RAM? I'll probably go with about 16 Gigs of it. One reason I don't overclock so much is that the summer in Japan is really humid here (requiring faster ram) and I'm trying to stay efficient, even though I like paying for decent parts for new build every 3 or so years.

So I expect the rig to be the UP7, 3770K, 16 gigs of 1600 RAM, Adata ASX900 256 SSD, 2 HDDs, Sapphire HD7970 (or better), Asus Sound card for Headphone games/music, and a case big enough for the video card. (Maybe I could use my RV02 and remove one of the bottom case fans, but I prefer to keep the bottom fans pushing the air up through the video card, hence the need for a bigger case (maybe the RV03).

I overclocked the Asus P6T Deluxe V2 here in Japan a few years ago (via this forum) but the summer temps meant a RAM upgrade which I decided not to do.

Anyway,

If you have any advice you'd like to throw my way, please chime in.

Cheers.
 
If you want that board just for the colour scheme I'd suggest taking a look at the Biostar TZ77-XE4:

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It's a lot cheaper and if you're not going to overclock anyway it doesn't really matter. Honestly, don't spend that much money on a board just because 'you like the idea of having it' if you're not going to use it to it's full potential.

Oh, and the G.Skill Ares RAM looks really sexy on the Biostar board ;)

101tf6m.jpg
 
you dont have to overclock to run faster ram. If you even think you might oc it at some point dont skimp get the faster ram and set X.M.P. to its speed and you'll be set for later. This keeps you from buying more ram later if'n ya decide to oc it.
 
Thanks Feronix and S_I_N.

I still expect to get the UP7. I'll probably OC at some point to be honest. I do like to tinker, it's just that being on a budget makes me refer back to standard after a while.
(After the Earthquake and Tsunami here in Japan, the whole country did what they could to save electricity.) Now, living on a budget here, I just need to save money. It's good to know I can still run higher ram.. The idea of a little more future proofing is always reassuring.
As for the looks of the board, it's nice to have a pretty one, but I tend not to see it much, even with a window on the case.

Does anyone know if the Noctua NH-D14 fits OK on the UP7 as far as clearance of the heatsinks is concerned? (After we get hold of the correct fittings for that socket type.)

Thanks. Have a good rest of the weekend.
 
Thanks Feronix and S_I_N.

I still expect to get the UP7. I'll probably OC at some point to be honest. I do like to tinker, it's just that being on a budget makes me refer back to standard after a while.
(After the Earthquake and Tsunami here in Japan, the whole country did what they could to save electricity.) Now, living on a budget here, I just need to save money. It's good to know I can still run higher ram.. The idea of a little more future proofing is always reassuring.
As for the looks of the board, it's nice to have a pretty one, but I tend not to see it much, even with a window on the case.

Does anyone know if the Noctua NH-D14 fits OK on the UP7 as far as clearance of the heatsinks is concerned? (After we get hold of the correct fittings for that socket type.)

Thanks. Have a good rest of the weekend.

You NEED to save money but you're buying a UP7 which you admitted is overkill.... DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!! :confused:
 
You NEED to save money but you're buying a UP7 which you admitted is overkill.... DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!! :confused:

Yeah. I suppose I expected that. That's a fair comment. I upgrade about every 3 years here. I live a simple life and mostly only push the boat out occasionally when it comes to computers and cell phones, which are my hobby and definitely a passion. Most of you have a nicer and newer system than me. The idea of a one-off payment for a motherboard and other non-budget computer items only once every few years is no big deal, and it's nice to feel I'm buying a decent thing, with a little future proofing, in case my circumstances change. (Plus it's nice to get excited about something and go for it. That's the way life is.)

I can happily spend up to 18 hours a day on the PC (when I'm not working my regular job). With this in mind, plus the very humid summers here, I tend not to OC all the time, and it would use more energy, which is simply not needed. The only time I want to see a definite speed advantage (other than with each tri-yearly upgrade) is if I'm gaming.

Anyway, I appreciate your comment.
 
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Just a quick update for year's end.

As you can see, the case, motherboard and CPU are still sitting on the floor as they have been for quite a few months now. It's all a question of balancing my finances :cussing:. A few of you might think it was strange jumping the gun and slowly buying parts over the months, but that is what has kept me going. (`All work and no play - sucks'.)
I'm actually still really looking forward to building it. For me an upgrade is an upgrade. It will be nice to feel a little performance boost, boot from an SSD for the first time, and replace my old but trusty Sapphire HD5870 for a little bit of Battlefield 4.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great New Year.
 
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