Gaming @ 2560x1440 - Rev 1/3/2013

[Xaero1369]

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
RAM: Corsair Vengeance Performance 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM (Storage)
SSD 1: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" SSD (Boot & Applications)
SSD 2: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" SSD (Games)
GPU: MSI Radeon HD 7970 OC 3GB (R7970-2PMD3GD5/OC)
Sound Card: Creative Labs Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion 24-bit 96 KHz
Case: Azza Genesis 9000 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case
PSU: Corsair AX850 Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V - Modular
ODD: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer
Monitor: Asus PB278Q 27.0" LED Monitor
OS: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit)
Keyboard: Corsair Vengeance K90 Wired Gaming Keyboard
Mouse: Corsair Vengeance M90 Wired Laser Mouse
GPU Cooler: Swiftech KOMODO-HD7970 Full Cover VGA Waterblock
CPU Cooler, Radiatior, & Pump Kit: XSPC Raystorm Extreme Universal CPU Watercooling Kit w/ RX360 Rev 2 Radiator/D5 Pump/Res

This is my current planned build for my new PC. I've decided to go with a high end water cooling system for the CPU & GPU as my goal is to have a relatively quiet system with high overclocking potential. The choice of GPU was determined by compatibility with the GPU water block and unlocked voltage. RAM selection is to allow for a RAM Cache to increase SSD & HDD Read speeds. I may use a portion of the RAM for a RAM Drive as well. I went with the 3570k vs a 3770k as this is mainly a gaming PC & most likely will not be used for video editing & such. I've considered the Asus Maximus V Formula as an alternative to the Sabertooth due to overclocking features, but personally prefer the Sabertooth. For the HDD, I may either upgrade this to a 3TB before purchase, but will most likely stick to the 2TB & just add another 2TB later. I went with dual 120GB SSDs to allow a dedicated SSD for the OS & primary applications, the additional one for games. Case was selected due to size, cost, water cooling options, and additional features (such as R-ATX Motherboard tray & optional front mounting PSU). The monitor of choice is a huge 27" LED at 2560x1440, which is a step up from my 24" LCD at 1920x1200. For more details on the water cooling options check performance-pcs.com

Please provide suggestions/feedback to help me with the final tweaks to this build.

[Mankz]

Very similar to my system, I'd say that looks very solid indeed. I've got 16Gb's of RAM in my system, and thats probably a bit much, so I'd say 32Gb is a tad overkill. You could save yourself some money and get 16Gb instead, and perhaps spend the extra money on a higher-end case.

[Krindor]

I would recommend you to rethink your selection of the sound card. Creative have been having problems with their drivers for a long time and a lot of their costumers complain about it.

Everything else looks great to me.

[Chino]

You've pretty much decided on most of your components already. So I'll just ask this one question. How important is eye candy for you?

[Xaero1369]

Eye candy only slightly matters to me. I dont want to be completely annoyed at the way it looks when i do glance at it. Performance, noise levels, value, and overall flow are more important. Also, about the sound card choice, i went with the champion model as its only $100 right now. I do prefer a sound card that has a shroud around it or most of it though to help reduce dust buildup in small areas. This helps make maintenance easier. The front bay of that is an added bonus. Is there a better quality option available for a fair price? As for the RAM choice, 16gb would limit my ram cache and ram drive options and only save a nominal amount. I probably would consider a 16gb kit if it were a higher clock speed for a similar price $150-200 as a substitute. Also, since I am going crazy with watercooling, is a 3770k more worthwhile even with the added cost of $100+ vs a 3570k?

[Krindor]

Unless you're going to bench or do hyper thread using applications the 3770k isn't worth it. Though if you have the budget the 3770k hyper threading might come to use in the future, more games are starting to use hyper threading.

When it comes to memory above 1866 won't show any visible performance, just numbers and is as with the 3770k worth it if you're going to bench.

For the RX360 I would recommend you to but some other fans, the 1650rpm fans that are included are non pwm and will make a bit of noise. The RX dominated in the premium sound level, with fans below 1000rpm. For fans with over 1000rpm some other kind of rad would be a better choice.

[Xaero1369]

I tend to agree with you, based on my research with the CPU & RAM. Both the 1866mhz RAM & 3570k CPU seem to be the best performer based on cost compared to higher priced options with low potential gains. I'm pretty sure I'll stick with those choices. I'm quite aware that the included fans for that kit are a lower quality, but will do fine for my initial setup of this rig. I've been eyeing the Corsair SP120 fans for use with a rad (originally was gonna use a H100i w/ SP120s). I know they might not be the 'best' fans for the job, but I personally like them. I'll probably go with the SP120 PEs & undervolt them with a fan controller to set them at a SP120 QE level for standard use, but will have the option of running them at higher speeds as needed/desired. Oddly enough, I'm having second thoughts about my Mobo. Since I wasn't originally planning on going with a full water cooled system I went with the Sabertooth. Now I'm reconsidering the Maximus V Formula, but don't like that it lacks the Thermalarmor & dust mitigation. However, I could take advantage of the Fusion Thermo Solution to aid with overclocking. The MVF might also temporarily negate the 'need' for a dedicated sound card being that I'm not an audiophile. If I really need a dedicated sound card out the gate, I can just 'borrow' my Sound Blaster Xtreme Music from my old PC (the one I'm currently using which will become my son's) until I pick up a better one. Plus, Black/Red is a better blend with my case & tubing/fan LED mods I have planned.