Is this build compatible?

[stevovo]

Good day.

I'm upgrading my gaming pc and just wanna make sure that these components are compatible. This is also my first sli adventure as I want to sli 2 gtx560's

I currently have:
2 x gtx560 ti
corsair ax850

I plan on buying:
asrock z77 extreme 6
cooler master haf-x
i5 3570k
g.skill sniper 2x4gb ddr3 1866
coolermaster hyper 612

Is there anything I've missed here? And should I take the 612s or the 612pwm? I want to overclock as well.

Edit: Does the mobo have good spacing between the 2 pcie slots for the display cards or will they be sandwiched?

 

[Pada]

All of that seems compatible for me. Its gonna be an awesome setup!

Your graphics cards should be fine, since you'll have 1 slot's spacing inbetween the 2 graphics cards.
I ran 2x GTX460 OC's with the same spacing (on Asus P6T Deluxe v2) and it was much much better than when running them with no spacing inbetween!
I'm probably going to move back to my P6T Deluxe v2 again, since I can't overclock as far with the MSI X58A-GD65 even though the MSI has 2 slots inbetween my graphics cards.

As for the CM 612, read the following regarding the difference: http://techfud.blogspot.com/2011/07/cooler-master-hyper-612-pwm-vs-hyper.html
I'd opt for the PWM one, since your 2x GTX560 Ti's won't be quiet under load

Just take note of the current heat issue with the Ivy Bridge CPU's - where they cannot transfer the heat from the CPU to the heatsink fast enough. You'll find lots of threads on the IHS issue. You'll be able to easily overclock to like 4.5GHz without any temperature issues though.

 

[stevovo]

I just want to weigh some more options here: Is the asus maximus v gene or the asus p8z77-v pro a better board than the asrock? Is it also just one space on the asus between the 2 display cards?

And regarding the ram, will corsair ram (ddr3 2000) be better than the g.skill (ddr3 1866)?

Thanks again

 

[Ipwn 4]

I just want to weigh some more options here: Is the asus maximus v gene or the asus p8z77-v pro a better board than the asrock? Is it also just one space on the asus between the 2 display cards?

And regarding the ram, will corsair ram (ddr3 2000) be better than the g.skill (ddr3 1866)?

Thanks again

I've been using the Maximus V for 3 weeks now and must say its an epic board. The bios will allow you to overclock that processor to 4.4GHz easy, add a decent water cooler and you will be able to use the 4.6GHz profile with no issues

The only problem I can see is the spacing between the slots, we tested 2 gtx 670's and the top card ran slightly hotter then the bottom one. Also, it becomes quite tight at the bottom as the second card will be over all the connectors at the bottom of the board...

 

[stevovo]

Ok so I need to decide between the maximus v gene and the asus p8z77 v deluxe. Do both boards have 2 x pcie 3? ( i know the gtx560 is only pcie 2 but i want some future proofing) I see the p8z77 specs says "2 x pcie 3/2" what does that mean? is only 1 of the slots pcie 3 and the other 2?

I just wonder if the mATX size of the maximus is good or bad

 

[CataclysmZA]

mATX is a use-case thing, but most enthusiasts will use a good board regardless of its size. The Gene is a great buy, but the spacing and covering up of the lower-end ports might be a problem if you're one to fiddle around and install front USB ports or the like. For SLI/Xfire builds it is better to have a little space in between to allow for more airflow.

If you ever benchmark outside of the case, as a side-note, you can't do it with a dual-GPU setup on the Maximus because the power buttons are conveniently located on the bottom of the board, right where the second GPU's heatsink would be. Otherwise, there's no actual problem with the Gene.

The P8Z77-V does look like the better bet and it spaced out more widely. The Gene V is more aimed at overclockers and tweakers, but is the cheaper option. Personally I'd be looking at Gigabyte's Z77X-UD5H Wi-Fi with the teamed LAN ports and extra USB 3.0 ports and headers. Otherwise, the Asrock Extreme 6 is probably one of the best boards in its price range and would be a great choice around the R2000 price range.

Go for the Asrock, save your money.

 

[stevovo]

Thanks for the info. Although there's less space between the cards on the gene I've ordered it anyway. The p8z77 might have that extra space but it seems like everyone agrees that the gene is a better board overclocking wise.

I'm thinking that the case should have sufficient cooling for the 2 x 560's.

 

[CataclysmZA]

I'm thinking that the case should have sufficient cooling for the 2 x 560's.

There's nothing as monstrously flexible as the HAF-X, so you shouldn't have any issues. You'll at least be able to use the GPU air duct to keep the SLI pair even cooler. Maybe find an 80mm fan to fit onto there for extra airflow over the top of the cards.

I like the PSU cover as well, keeps things much neater.