I'm planning on buying these next week, but would like your advice on these "initial" components to avoid any compatibility issues. I'd appreciate any/all suggestions/improvements/deletions/additions on making this a solid build.
 
 
1) MB  -  ASROCK_Z77_OC_Formula
2) CPU -  i7-3770k
3) RAM - G.SKILL_Ripjaws_X_Series (16GB - 2x8Gb sticks)
4) PSU - Rosewill_RX850-S-B_850w
5 GPU -  HIS-IceQ_Radeon_HD_7870
6) CPU Cooler - Noctua_NH-D14
7) SSD OS Drive - Samsung_840_Series_MZ-7TD250BW
8) HD - Western_Digital_WD_Black_WD_2002FAEX_2TB
9) Case - AZZA_Solano_1000_Full_ATX
 
I have a 1TB HD that I'll pull out from my current sys and use that for my projects.
 
I'm not sure if it's better to go with Win8 or Win7? (I currently don't have touch any screens, but if Win8 is better for X2, I'd go with that......there are drivers available for all my hardware). Advice needed on this as well.....
 
Not being an experienced builder, most of these items I chose were from reviews that users had done on gamer forums, NewEgg, and other sites etc....so, your input will be greatly.....GREATLY appreciated.
 
Thanks guys!!

That's very similar to my gear, and you will love it. I have the same CPU, similar RAM and PSU and a 240 gig SSD.
 
Sonar runs way better off of a SSD. I have not enabled any over clocking or other performance tuning. Power supply tuning is not enabled. The thing just chews through video games, DAW duty and video. You'll really love having the power, and the computer will never get bogged down.

Thanks John. I'm totally excited about having a powerful (1st time) setup and all this will be coming from my old 2007 build.....I'm hoping this will last the next 5 years or more.
 
Do you see any compatibility issues or any other before I pull the trigger?
 

I've not had any new problems. I just get to the old ones faster.

Me likey too.
Nice build.
 
Mike

chefmike8888
Me likey too.
Nice build.
 
Mike

I owe a lot to you for the advice/recommendations, and have referenced your rig (when doing comparisons etc..) in making the component choices. Thanks Mike for all the detailed info!!!
Next week I'll be pulling the trigger and right now NewEgg seems to have everything I need (they also have a good return policy). I've looked at Micro Center as well, but somethings (i7) have to be bought at their store location and there's none in FL. Amazon seemed to be slightly higher in the pricing.
 
Are there any other good vendors?  

I do see a possible conflict between the fan and the memory chips.  I went with the liquid cooler to avoid the fan fins hitting the memory chips fins.  Do a google search for Noctua NH-D14 images and you can see how the fans fit in with the memory chips.  Same with the Video card, is it going to fit in your case?
 
My last build all came from Amazon, the previous build came from NewEgg.
 
I went with Windows 8, in spite of dogging it here and in another forum.  Most of the builds I've seen here are on Windows 7.  I did have to upgrade a couple of non -DAW programs for Windows 8. 
 
I recommend looking up the items you are installing for your build on YouTube.  It sure made my build go easier.
 
Looks nice, BTW.
 
-JJ
 
 

jjthomas
I do see a possible conflict between the fan and the memory chips.  I went with the liquid cooler to avoid the fan fins hitting the memory chips fins.  Do a google search for Noctua NH-D14 images and you can see how the fans fit in with the memory chips.  Same with the Video card, is it going to fit in your case?
 
My last build all came from Amazon, the previous build came from NewEgg.
 
I went with Windows 8, in spite of dogging it here and in another forum.  Most of the builds I've seen here are on Windows 7.  I did have to upgrade a couple of non -DAW programs for Windows 8. 
 
I recommend looking up the items you are installing for your build on YouTube.  It sure made my build go easier.
 
Looks nice, BTW.
 
-JJ
 
 

Thanks JJ for the tip. I'll check out the fitting of the NH-D14 and memory chips. Because I haven't had any experience and possibly a little fear of water cooling, I didn't explore that route. The good thing about this OC Formula board is that the heatsink around the cpu has full support of liquid cooling already pre-built....(see below).
"This design wraps around the CPU socket but leaves plenty of room for large cooling solutions. The barbs are less than 0.5 inches in size at 0.375 inches. Depending on the size of the primary liquid loop you may need to use adapters to allow connection to the liquid cooled part of the Twin-Power cooling solution."

 
Did you or do you have any issues with liquid cooling? Now, you got me intrigued about it and will do some research on it.
I will be using a Full Tower case (my 1st) and it should be big enough for larger GPU's and whatever else right?   

This might be a good resource for you help keep things quiet. 
 
http://www.silentpcreview.com/
 
Sorry if it's late for your build process.  

This was my first liquid cooled computer.
 
I went through the installation video a couple of times before I installed it.  My only concern was the pipes leaning against the video card, but I was able to loosely tied them away from the card with a tie wrap.  Beyond that it has been flawless so far.
 
I went with a full tower case.  A little tight for my computer desk.  I have to remove it to take the covers off, whereas the mid tower I could take the covers off while leaving it in the desk.  I like the room in the case, though.
 
-JJ