Critique my Budget Intel Build

[light94]

This is my 1st build in 6 years. How did I do? Total price I paid yesterday was $715 after rebates, taxes, shipping.

Using it for CPU intensive computer simultations and light gaming. The biggest dilemma I had was: 3570K + better mobo + free single channel ram VS 4570 + cheaper mobo + better 1866 dual channel ram... for roughly the same price.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (Purchased for $220.00)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (Purchased For $0.00)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card (Purchased For $170.00)
Case: Cooler Master Storm Enforcer ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply (Purchased for $50.00)
Total: $714.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-30 15:55 EDT-0400)

 

[PP Mguire]

If you don't overclock, the 4570 would have been better regardless of motherboard type. The differences between Z77/87 and the lower counterparts are minor, whereas the 4570 is cheaper and you could upgrade to a 4770 later if you needed it.

There is no need for RAM faster than 1600, so good there.

Only other thing I would have changed was the PSU.

 

[light94]

I'm planning to OC in the future depending on how the system performs on my simulations. Would probably need a CPU fan for that?

What would you change the PSU to? I was really struggling on the PSU and mobo as all of the reasonably priced options I saw had mixed reviews.

Thanks for the input - really useful on what to look for in future builds.

 

[PP Mguire]

Saving up for a 3930k probably would have been a better idea than dumping more money into a mainstream setup, but the 3570k is still a very capable CPU. When you get the money and want to OC, I suggest something that can handle a lot of heat like an h80i.

Your motherboard is perfect, and actually I would have just got the Extreme3. I personally prefer and recommend ASRock boards these days. As to the PSU, a Seasonic 620 or Corsair TX650. About the same price, but better quality.