My First Build Advice & Suggestions Please

[Blue Hour]

I'm setting out to build my first "gaming" PC although I use my computer for everything television and music etc.

I've managed to get some parts from a friend so I have some of what I need. I know my board is dual channel but the RAM was given to me for free, would I be able to buy a signal 4GB stick? I was also given the PSU I'm aware it's a bit big for my needs but figure it's better than buying another one no?


I have the following:

OS: Windows 7/Fedora
CPU: Intel Sandybridge i7-2600k
MOBO: Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
GPU: Gainward Geforce GTX 570 Phantom
RAM: 12GB (3x4) Corsair Vengeance DDR3
PSU: Antec TruePower Quattro 1200 Watt

HDD: Westren Digital Caviar Black 2 TB x 4 + Corsair Force Series 3 120GB SSD [Operating Systems)

I'm unsure about:

Case: I like the Corsair Obsidian 800D for it's look I'm quite vain that way. I'm unsure about cooling best to go with water cooling I'm told would welcome advice or if you think I'd be better suited to another case. There is also a SATA 6GB upgrade kit on the Corsair website would I need this?

2nd GPU: I could afford to get a second 570 I also read it has slots for adding more memory what do you think?

Cooling: I don't have a clue about cooling although I've read that water cooling on the 800D is your best bet. Would would I have to buy that wasn't hard to install?

Sound Card: I'd live one of these mostly for music and movies.

Display(s): I don't have a display could you recommend a good one please.

I'm new to this so would appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks and I'll see you on the forum!

Emilie

[Bond007]

I would just use 2 sticks of the ram to have dual channel (8gb) or pick up another stick of comparable ram and run all 4. With your needs I would get a cheaper air cooler (212 Evo or 212+). Run single gtx 570 and assemble the computer Then if it is lacking consider getting a second or selling and and getting a single faster card.

[BigPhatPaulie]

I would say the 800d Is a good case if your wanting to go with a full tower. It'll be able to cater to your needs for a long time (i hope lol) but if you dont need a full tower then i would go with its little brother the 650D midtower. Same looks just a bit cheaper and its a mid-tower

A 2nd 570 is un-needed in your case seeing as a single one should do everything you want (unless you want a surround monitor setup)

Well for either the 650 or the 800 the Corsair H100 AIO would fit the bill (bit overkill for the 650d but still)

For a sound card I would suggest looking at HTOmega or Asus

Displays its hard to say but anything like LG, Asus, Samsung etc will work fine

And yes to answer your question about the ram as long as you can find a matching 4gb stick it will be fine

[stoanee]

For a monitor check out this review:
Dell UltraSharp U2312HM, 23” Monitor Review

I believe they are still on sale for $199+ free shipping.

For air cooling I consider this to be the best but it is large;
Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler at Memory Express
Oooo....$60 + free shipping @ NCIX this weekend!
Noctua NH-D14 LGA1155/1156/1366/AM3 I7/I5/PHENOM Heatpipe Cooler W/ NF-P14 140MM & NF-P12 120MM Fan - Noctua - NH-D14

For a liquid cooling kit this is well regarded:
Corsair Hydro H100 Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler at Memory Express

As far as the gpu goes, I would keep the 570 until the 680's become more widely available and get one of those.

The 800D is a great case but for aircooling you will have to upgrade & add fans. There are many to choose from in that category such as:
Coolermaster Storm Trooper EATX Full Tower Case Black No PS 9X5.25 Front USB3.0 - COOLERMASTER - SGC-5000-KKN1
NZXT Switch 810 Full ATX Steel Case 4X5.25 6X3.5 2XUSB3.0 Audio and Mic Input - Black - NZXT - CA-SW810-B1
Bitfenix Shinobi Window XL XL-ATX Tower Case Black 5X5.25EXT 7X3.5INT PS2 ATX Bottom 4XUSB3.0 Audio - BitFenix - BFC-SNX-500-KKW1-RP

[Blue Hour]

Thanks guys! I was worried about water cooling but those suggestions seem simple enough. Just ordered my case with the upgrade kits and a usb 3 adapter. :)

[Dzzope]

miss-read op.. disregard.