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First Build - Information provided on this page is related to this build only.

Builder Log

• 08.26.13: [OS] Windows 8 Pro 64-bit provided courtesy of MSDNAA. (Received: 08.26.13)

• 08.31.13: [CASE] Cooler Master Storm Stryker (Refurbished) finally in stock for $79.99 +20% off Labor Day discount code at the CM Store. I received a new one with no defects. (Received: 09.06.13)

• 09.02.13: [PSU] XFX 750w Black Edition 80+ Gold Certified on sale on NCIX for $69.99 after MIR + $10 off coupon. Although this PSU is rated 80+ gold, it performs well enough to qualify into 80+ Platinum territory. (Received: 09.09.13)

• 09.05.13: [CPU COOLER] Swiftech H220 on sale on NCIX for $129.99 - $10 off coupon ($119). (Received: 09.12.13)

• 09.06.13: [MEMORY] G.Skill Ripjaws X Series CL9 2133mhz (x2) for $62.99 each after 10% discount code on Newegg. I purchased two because of the Hynix fire scenario. (Received: 09.11.13)

• 09.08.13: [SSD] Samsung 840 Pro Series 256gb for $192 on NCIX. I received a $20 Gift Card along with this purchase. (Received: 09.10.13)

• 10.17.13: [OS] Downloaded Windows 8.1 64-bit through MSDNAA. (Received: 10.17.13)

• 10.23.13: [FANS] Purchased Corsair AF120QE-LED (2-Pack), AF140QE-LED, and SP120HPE (2-Pack) fans for $5-7 off each fan on Amazon. (Received: 10.30.13)

• 10.25.13: [CPU + MOBO] i7-4770k and Asus Maximus VI Formula purchased at Microcenter for the intel bundle discount. (Received: 10.25.13)

• 10.28.13: [GPU] EVGA 780 Classified on Newegg mobile for $579.99 - 5% mobile coupon. The backplate was also purchased from EVGA's website at the same time. Been waiting a long time for this. (Received: 10.29.13)

• 11.05.13: Build started and completed.

Description

Build Purpose: This build will be my new main computer. I spend 95% of my time on the computer/net for work, school, and leisure. While I am at my computer I usually play at least two or more games at a time, while also working on programs(coding) and editing music(and other hobbies) as well as other work-related duties (and the usual internet browsing). While I am away from my computer I may be hosting a server or keeping some programs online connected to the network so that I can access them away from home.

Purchase Decisions: Typical bargain hunting, market watching, and savings for part purchases. I waited for sales and use a combination of discounts and codes to save the most money out of my purchases. Money saved from rebates and gift cards were used on other parts. All the parts I purchased were parts that I wanted, and luckily found a sale or savings for each of them some point in time. I purchased my cpu/mobo later because I wanted to see what AMD and Nvidia would lay out on the table. I waited for Nvidia to drop the price of the 780, and I purchased my card as soon as they did!

Planned Upgrades: Tri-SLI for Multi-monitor(Three 4k, 1440p, or 21:9 monitors), watercooling, raid my SSD + create a NAS, GT's and Noctuas, A2+ and amps, more keyboards, ... endless list. Always upgrading something!

Notes: Parts not seen included in the list were not purchased for this build and are things I have purchased over time for other needs, gifts (or just to have). Total price includes tax and shipping charges. Wrecker would be short for homewrecker...

Problems Encountered: The screw holes for the H220 and SP120 fans were different sizes, so I had to use alternative screws and install the radiator and the fans inside the case together at the same time. The screw holes for the drive bay fan mount were also of a different size, so I also had to use an alternative screw to fit it along with rubber o-rings for dampening.

FAQs

Q: How did you get all of these sales/deals?
A: I took advantage of programs, coupons/rebates, and purchased refurbished if available.

Q: What is MSDNAA (Dreamspark)?
A: It is a program provided to schools and organizations via Microsoft that allows access to free software.  Eligibility applies to specific majors and to those applicable.

Q: What potato did you use?
A: Samsung GS4

Q: What is the monitor you are using?
A: I am using a Samsung UN22D5000 so that I can hook up my consoles, laptops, and new computer.

Q: What kind of chair is that?
A: The Staples Vattera chair.

Q: Peripheral specs?
A: Shine 3 TKL (Brown), Naga 2014, Orbweaver Stealth, C910, Experience I-2, and Beyer COPs.

Q: Why i7 over i5?
A: The extra threads help reduce compile time (negligible but still desirable).

Q: Do you plan to overclock?
A: Yes, I plan to overclock heavily.

Q: Do you plan to delid?
A: Definitely!

Q: You could have purchased a cheaper motherboard, why did you go with the Formula?
A: The Formula offers good features for it's price and watercooling support.

Q: You only listed a SSD, why didn't you get a HDD to pair with it?
A: I have other several other storage solutions that I use, two of which are a 2tb external and 200gb of cloud storage (75gb from Dropbox and 125 from Copy).

Resources Used: PCPP, BAPC, OCN, etc..