New Multi-GPU LGA1155 i7 Gaming/Video Editing Build

[El Topo]

I'm building a new PC for a triple 23in monitor setup. I'd like to go with a high end Z68 motherboard for the faster media conversion and SSD boost. The main goal of this system is high end gaming. Secondary would be video capture of said high end gaming, and the conversion and editing said captured media files. I'll be capturing both single and tri-monitor gaming.

I'll be using programs like Bandicam, Fraps, and Playerclaw to capture. Bandicam being the best as far as I know.

Here are my parts:

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF X EATX TOWER CASE
Motherboard: Unsure on Z68 board
Processor: INTEL CORE I7-2600K
Heatsink: CORSAIR H60 COOLING HYDRO SERIES
Memory: G.SKILL RIPJAWS 16GB 4X4GB DDR3-1600
Video Cards: 2x MSI GeForce GTX 580 Lightning 3GB Xtreme Edition
SSD: Whatever AKG suggests 120/240GB
HD: WESTERN DIGITAL 1TB CAVIAR BLACK
DVD: LITEON IHBS112 12X BLU-RAY WRITER
Sound Card: AUZENTECH X-FI HOMETHEATER HD HDMI 1.3 SOUND CARD
Power Supply: CORSAIR 1200AX PROFESSIONAL GOLD SERIES
Monitor: 3x Dell U2311

I'm not going to buy everything at once. I'm getting the other 2 monitors after about 2 months. Same for the second video card, and the sound card.

Noob Question: Do I need a motherboard with 2xPCI Express x16 slot to take advantage of the 3Gbs on both video cards?

[_dangtx_]

look up for a nice hx or ax psu in the kw range as well.

you really bent on for that h60?
try a green 2 tb for storage since the ssd will be your os drive.

and for mobo, well it depends which brand you prefer. from there you will go with a nice

sabertooth,ud4 or gd65/80? :)

[El Topo]

I forgot the power supply:) I just added it. Good point about the HD. I wonder if that's the best option, if I'm saving my video captures to that hard drive? Will there be a loss in FPS?

As for the heatsink I though the H60 was the best option in its price range. It doesn't have the mounting issues the other models have. I like my parts at stock, but if I do overclock it will only be the CPU. Personally I like Noctua heatsinks as I think they offer great value, service, and performance.

[Phill]

Personally I would go for high end air cooling.. Like a NH-D14 or alike. Other then that it looks great!

EDIT: Also as far as boards I would consider this one: NCIX.com - Buy ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA1155 ATX 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI SLI CrossFireX USB3.0 SATA3 Motherboard - ASUS - P8Z68 DELUXE - in Canada

[El Topo]

The NH-D14 is a bit much, and reviews suggest its the same as D12.

The motherboard u suggest looks good, but I need to know if two video cards with 3GB will take a hit from being in dual x8.

Also will the Marvell 9128 controller **** with the new SSD I pick.

[Eldonko]

For motherboard I suggest a P8Z68 Deluxe or Z68XP-UD5-B3 or if you want to save some money you can drop to a P8Z68-V Pro or Z68XP UD4

[JJThomp]

The difference between x8,x8 and x16,x16 is less than 3%. What I would do personally is run a pair of 6970's because you will get better framerates from them most of the time and they are cheaper.

Actually even HD 6950's in CF give the GTX 580's a run for their money

However if you are set on the GTX 580's well I guess you could go for them. Truthfully there are very few situations where that extra vram helps even if you are recording... Another option for the same price as the GTX 580's is tri-fire a 6990 with a 6970. Then you are really gonna kick the 2 580's ass.

Introduction - AMD Radeon 6990+6970 CrossFireX / "TriFire" Review | [H]ard|OCP

P.S no video capture card?

[El Topo]

Guess I'll go with the P8Z68 Deluxe as my motherboard.

Video capture card, which one? Bandicam doesn't drop fps by much.

I'm going with the MSI GeForce GTX 580 Lightning 3GB Xtreme Edition because its silent and reduces temps. If there was a ATI 6970 with a good silent cooler I might change my mind. Any suggestions?

Still need help with an SSD. I'm really thinking about getting a 240GB SSD.

[Eldonko]

Why dont you get a 64gb SSD, use it for caching and get a 1 or 2 TB WD Black? Then get SSD performance with more space. You are going Z68, why not use its best feature.

V100 64gb is on sale for $80. Great deal :)

[El Topo]

Originally Posted by Eldonko

Why dont you get a 64gb SSD, use it for caching and get a 1 or 2 TB WD Black? Then get SSD performance with more space. You are going Z68, why not use its best feature.

V100 64gb is on sale for $80. Great deal :)

Does it really work that well? I'll have to see some tests on that. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I play MMOGs that use a lot of space.

I'm looking into more silent/cool video card options. I can't find a online retailer that sells the MSI R6970 Lightning.