[Bloodmyst]

Originally Posted by Drgoose

Can I ask why you are getting an i7 3770? or that case for that matter if you arent running mutliple gpus and overclocking (IMO a case is only for cooling, and that has masses of cooling that you wont be needing). Even my i7-860 was not being used anywhere near capacity for any kind of gaming, so an Ivy bridge is just bling for 90% of users out there not doing cpu intensive work. Also the ram is expensive, I got 16gb hyper-x blue for $100. It's certainly a wicked system, but not good bang for buck unless you are overclocking everything and doing intensive work like streaming, encoding, 3D work, etc, etc.
Anyway, just for reference I'll list my system below for comparison (from ARC in sydney - about a month ago?).

RAM: Kingston Hypex-X blue 4x4GB $113
Case: Coolermaster HAF RC212 $105
i7 2600k $313
CPU cooler: Coolermaster RR212E universal $39
MB: ASUS Maximus IV Gene-Z (mATX) $204
Gcard: MSI GTX560 Ti Hawk $262
PSU: Antex 650W Green $99
Total: $1135

already had a cavier black 1TB, think it was about $100 mark?
my benchmarking shows that its only about 10-30% faster than my 3+year old i7-860 system depending on the application (both completely factory default). Tested the cooling by running some quantum mechanics calculations, it was about 12% faster and the cpu never got over 50C (100% for 2 hours). Havent tested prime95 stability yet, but Ive no doubt it will be cool.

Just saying, if you arent certain that you need extra power, dont get it, cos you wont use it.
Edit: my plan for system lifetime is generally to keep them for 4-5 years, with buying a gcard about half way through, that way you actually get money value in that the next system will be about 50-80% faster than the old IME, and you will only just be coming up to games that you cant play on high anymore.

In regards to the CPU, the Sandy Bridge equivalent is only around $10 - $15 less. Not to mention, with the PCI-E 3.0 interface you need to be running the new Ivy bridge to get somewhat close to the full bandwith available from the card. If your going to to run a PCI-E 3.0 card with a sandy bridge CPU, you may as well just get a PCI-E 2.1 card. Considering there is hardly any price difference between PCI-E 2.1 and 3.0 ranges and hardly any price difference between the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge ranges, there is no reason why you wouldn't "currently" purchase the newer technology.... unless of couse you couldn't afford the extra $20...

I'd like to add, I'm interested when the NBN upgrade hits my town... I think the extra CPU power will play a part in streaming future games....

So I guess you could say, taking into consideration the price difference and also trying to somewhat future proof the system it's not bad taking this route.

Also, when building systems I like to leave room for upgrading for if for some reason in the future I decide to. This case is well equipped with necessary holes ect if I wish to install a water cooling system. It already has fairly decent cable managment. The HDD dock at the top is great for people like me who are constantly fixing PC's, and not to mention for the price... it's feels like Coolermaster is giving this case to me considering the amount of cooling options you have. Some cases which are even $200 more expensive don't even offer the amount of features this case has. I feel it's great value for the buck, you can't deny this case is great damn value. This is also another reason I don't want to skimp on the PSU size, if I'm going to add another GFX card, water cooling system, etc I don't want to have to purchase another PSU later on.

In regards to the RAM, my budget was $1500 .... being only a few dollars over I don't really have any reason downgrade in that department. However, I do agree it's overkill... but meh the budget allows it whilst being happy with the rest of the components "at the moment."

Whilst that is a decent system you provided, it's now old technology. If you can purchase the newer up to date hardware for pretty much the same price, there is no reason why you would fall back on the expired.

Errrrmm, I'm still curious about the new ASUS Sabertooth M'boards though... but don't want to take the risk :s Is anyone planning to purchase one of these or already has one?

EDIT: God damn you! Now I'm debating with myself if I should get the extra memory or not. Since I could use the money for a new monitor........