Thoughts on build

Dad needs a new computer was going to make him one.

He wanted a "super computer" for under 1.2k.. Never done a liquid cooling build thought this would be a good place to start. He doesn't really do much on it other than browse the web/email. So this is what I came up with. Considering removing the graphics card I don't really think he'll use it.

 

Looks good to me, if it was my build I would of went to 16GB of memory but that's just me. But I guess if his just using it for surfing the web, and other things he doesn't need it.

 

Take a look at this, H100i, i7 3770k, 32GB of RAM, Radeon 7870..
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zrmI
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zrmI/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/zrmI/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($329.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Trooper ATX Full Tower Case ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($83.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1208.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-24 23:02 EST-0500)

 

Thanks, I'll go pick up the i7 at mircocenter tomorrow. Saves me $100 on a i7

 

That's a pretty deal
EDIT: sometimes they give 40- on motherboards with CPU purchase..

 

Leave in the GPU but get a workstation GPU instead. Not like he'd use his computer for GPU computing, but if he wants a "super computer" then something like that is pretty necessary.

 

Well, I think he can go with a nVidia Quadro 2000 but, this is low-end compared to other workstation cards, I'd still go with any GTX card, WAIT, did I suggest an AMD Card? KILL ME! DON'T GET ATI IF HE WANTS TO RENDER/VIDEO EDIT!
CUDA in nVidia's GPU really kicks ass, and I don't feel a need for a workstation GPU in a $1200 build..
EDIT: Nevermind, he just surfs the web with it so don't care about the GPU, well get a GTX 660..

 

Personally I wouldn't spend $1200 on a workstation pc unless he has the extra cash as their wouldn't be a huge difference between a $800 and $1200 build. Anyways if you bought the cpu at microcenter you can get a 128 gb Samsung 830 ssd for $20 less and maybe a Blu-Ray player instead of a regular dvd drive.

 

Add an SSD.

 

Yeah I ended up adding one. This list isn't updated.

 

If your father is simply going to browse the internet and access emails there isn't much need for certain components in the build.

First off, as you've stated get rid of the GPU to something which is completely lower power or remove completely as most CPU's have integrated graphics which will do the job.

Secondly, water cooling is a big no no and if you have no experience with them before and your father isn't tech savy it wouldnt be a great idea. When I built mine I was contemplating water over air, but at the end of the day if your cable management is done correctly an air cooler will do the job. A good HSF (Heat Sink Fan) is the Cooler Master Hyper Evo 212, only like <$30.

Thirdly there is no way in hell you will need a 650W PSU. On my rig which runs a i5 3570k with gtx 670, 8 gb ram and whilst playing bf3 on ultra (maxed) I can play it easily with a 520W PSU. So I suggest swapping out the 650W PSU with a good 520W PSU. The one I use is Antec HCG 520W, does the job well with no issues ever.

Fourth, dependent on your fathers storage requirements you could completely get rid of the HDD and just get perhaps a 256 GB SSD? Or even cut out on it completely. SSD just loads everything quicker. Like for me Windows starts up within 10 seconds and after entering password, all starting programs are started within a second.

Btw, before you purchase the case try see a real version in store and figure out the actual space in it, especially on the side where you place all the cables. Because if you can manage the cables properly you can greatly reduce the heat produced as it will go out of the system quickly.

If you want further opinions, just ask!