Ready for New Build

[xSachira]

Ok, as summer is here and summer sales just around the corner I believe it is perfect time to start buying and gathering parts. I have two builds that look somewhat similar, but work differently. These builds are mostly for gaming FPS, MMOs, RTS etc. Since I am new I lack any knowledge of overclocking or water cooling, but its something I want to learn and master in the future so I want these builds to be great for expandability and modification. I appreciate all feedback and thank you.

Build 1 (Z87 Build)
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core (I am a bit iffy about the new CPUs so it is either this or an i5-3570K)

CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid

Motherboard: MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming ATX LGA1150 (Seems like a really great board and I believe it to be a reasonable price for a gaming board. It is either this or the Z77 LGA1155 MSI Gaming ATX Board)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB ( 2 x 4GB ) DDR3-1600 ( I willing to choose these or some Ripjaws I am interested in some good sticks that will perform great and fit with a H100i also do not see the reason to get more than 8GB )

Storage: Kingston SSDNOw V300 Series 120GB 2.5" SSD
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM (I choose both of these storage devices because they were the cheapest, but if they are not good for my build or have anything I should be aware of please advise me.)

Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 770 2GB (I choose MSI because I think that partnered with the board they are a great combination, it is NVIDIA, and fits in with the overall aesthetic of the build)

Power Supply: Corsair 760W ATX12V / EPS12V (I choose 760W because I do plan in SLI in the future, it is a platinum PSU, and being fully Modular is a plus)

Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower (I really like this case it is roomy and it has a lot of potential for water cooling in the future and I do plan on getting the Window side panel more ahead of time)

Overall I really am proud of this build I think its is great for me a beginner and and for when I become more knowledgeable on how to overclock it and use it to his fullest potential. The only thing bothering me is the 4th Gen CPU and like I said I do not mind dropping it down to a Intel Core i5-3570k and a MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming Motherboard. If you have not noticed by now, I am trying to maintain a Red/Black color scheme so I would prefer to keep with that scheme.
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/xSachira/saved/1PIK

The second build I choose was similar with these exceptions:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Gene Micro ATX LGA1155
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 3GB
Case: Corsair 350D Window Micro ATX Case
http://pcpartpicker.com/user/xSachira/saved/1PJs

I really like the second build also, it has a subtle feel to it on the outside, but I know that it is capable of monstrous performance. Both builds remain below 1500 USD which if I can make it lower is even better. As you can also see I have not included Mouse, Keyboard, and a Monitor, but I was just going to go for Corsair K70 Gaming Keyboard and either the M65 or M40 Gaming Mouses from Corsair. The display I was hoping to get some feedback on, I would like something good for gaming, not to big and great resolution. Thank you for your time.

 

[MacLeod]

The link on the first build is broken. I wouldnt include a keyboard and mouse in your overall budget because you can run down to Walmart and pick up both for about $20. This will hold you over til you save up for some higher end stuff. No need to take money away from the really important components.

For a monitor, Id recommend no less than a 24" at 1920x1080 with a 25" probably about right. A 27" is the biggest I can personally go without getting seasick. Dell, HP and Samsung are my preferred brands. I wouldnt bother too much with IPS but LED backlit can be handy in not heating up your room and easing the power draw a little. Not a necessity though.

As for your build, its very solid. About the only things I would change would be a Plextor M5 Pro SSD cause theyre excellent. Id also go with a Seasonic Platinum 660 watt. Its pretty much the best power supply on the planet.

If youre getting the H100i, get the Corsair Carbide 500R case as itll hold the radiator in the top of the case just fine. Also drop your case fans especially if you get the 500R as it already has plenty.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Quick list of watercooling friendly cases for a first timer(means other WC cases will not be included)

900D, Switch 810, Caselabs, 350D if thought out before build, and a Corsair Air 540.

For more advanced... list gets longer but keep in mind it will require more planning and more hassle and possibly more money. Just something to keep in mind.

 

[Master&Puppet]

Funnily enough I've just built a nearly identical system which works perfectly.

Corsair Carbide 500r.
MSI z87 GD65 gaming.
4670K.
8GB 1866 RAM.
H100i.
MSI gtx770 OC Gaming.
Corsair ax760i.
Samsung 840 250gb SSD.

The only thing I'd recommend is that you put a larger SSD inside. I think you'll quickly run out of space on a 120gb and if you have a little spare budget I'd spent it on slightly faster RAM.

Haswell is a great gaming platform BTW, the 4670k will do you well.

 

[xSachira]

You guys at OC3D are such a helpful bunch, I really appreciate all the feedback and I will be sure to post some pictures as I start to build.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Any updates on changes in specs or thoughts and concerns? A smart man asks questions and stupid man doesn't; so don't be shy if it's a silly one