$1200 Build

[justintech16]

Hi,

I plan to build a new computer and reuse my optical drives and hard drives, so I can leave those out of the price point. I have a Mushkin 120gb SSD and a Velociraptor 140gb. I also have a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. I still have my copy of Windows 7 on me to reuse if needed.

I am upgrading from a Core 2 Quad and want noticeably better performance in games. I plan to mostly game with some video editing on the side. 

The games I like are RPG's. I plan to try and get this pc up and running in time for the Witcher 3. I want to play Skyrim well with texture mods and Borderlands 2. I prefer to run games as well as I can at 1080p with at least 40fps (the more, the better).

I don't plan to overclock. If I do, maybe the GPU a little.

I don't plan to SLI or Crossfire now or in the future.

I am leaning towards silence (once again...the quieter, the better).

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1aYuq

(I hope this link works)

 

4670k -   I plan to go Haswell because of it hopefully being future-proof, but I guess I would be open to Ivy Bridge. 

z87 g45 gaming -  I am not sold on the motherboard, but it seems like a good quality motherboard for the price. I like the z87 platform because of all the features.

I chose the Xigmatek Dark Knight because of Logan from Tek Syndicate's nice review on it.  It seems like it will keep Haswell cool and has a nice price. (I might opt for a couple Noctua fans for it).

Mushkin Blackline 16gb -  It seems like RAM is around the same price now ($120), so I could change the RAM. I have heard that Mushkin makes quality RAM.

EVGA gtx 770 ACX -   I am wanting a gtx 700 series GPU for future proof-ness as well as great performance.

Seasonic 550w Gold -   Linus has said that you don't really need that much wattage on your PSU, so I chose a low wattage, high quality Seasonic power supply.

The Define R4 is well known for its quietness/silence while maintaining good cable management, quality construction, and aesthetics.  

 

Ummmmm...have I gone terribly wrong anywhere?

[WildTurtle]

Haswell: The reason why your house burned down.

On a serious note, you may want to consider some really good cooling for it. Also, do realize Haswell chips are very scattered to how well they over clock. Even more than IvyBridge.

[justintech16]

Does Haswell get that hot? I don't plan to overclock it.

[jaypro]

If you can get your hands on Windows 8 (through Dreamspark or otherwise), after you get your build set up, you should consider upgrading to Windows 8.  You can download a start button thing if you can't live without it.

 

Why? Ultra-Fast-Boot.  Z77 and up motherboards support it, and it is amazing.  6-8 second cold boots off an SSD.

[justintech16]

Well, I do like fast boot.........Ok. I will consider Windows 8 upgrade in my build.

[WoodenMarker]

A few edits: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1b5JX

 

The Dark Knight is quite loud compared to the NH-D14. The D14 is also a better cooler.

Go a cheaper motherboard since you're not planning to overclock it (at least by much). You're also not doing sli.

 

I'm not sure what you meant by Noctua fans for cooling (which fans exactly), so I went ahead with the P12's since they're nearly silent case fans. They're meant for heatsinks/radiators but are actually quite terrible for such use. They're better off as case fans. The S12's are technically quieter but you can't really tell anyway and the P12's cool better.

[justintech16]

Could I use some Noctua 140mm fans for the case? Like the NF-A14?

[WoodenMarker]

Could I use some Noctua 140mm fans for the case? Like the NF-A14?

Yep.