Hello SPCR !

I'm in the process of selecting parts for a new build (for October). As silence matters to me, i would like to ask you for a favor. Could you please review the following configuration ?
The intended usage is gaming (high level of details, modern games, online games). My target resolution is 1920x1200.

Prefered websites for ordering in France : [url]amazon.fr[/url] (free shipping cost) and [url]ldlc.com[/url] (usually more expensive but wider catalog).

Antec P280 - 120,99€
Seasonic X-760 - 159,90€ --> As adviced, replaced by X-560
Asus P8Z77-V - 169,89€
i5-3570K - 215,99€ - i plan to overclock it at ~4GHz
Thermalright HR-02 Macho - 40,98€ (out of stock till sept. 17th) --> Out of stock and questionable fan, still looking for something else.
G.Skill Ares Red Series 16 Go (2 x 8 Go) DDR3 1600 MHz CL9 - 98,45€
Asus - GTX680-DC2O-2GD5 - 539,90€ --> As adviced, replaced by the 660 Ti.
Samsung 830 120G - 100,69€
LiteOn iHAS122 - 18,90€
Windows 7 Familiale SP1 OEM 64-bit - 92.40€

Total : 1551.01€

• I picked the large case and an oversized PSU because i want to keep for a long time.
• The P8Z77-V has the same controllers than the Pro (chart). 4pins connectors for two CPU fans and three chassis fans. I expect all of them to be recognized in FanXpert2.
  
• Is the P280 front cables length still a matter ? I've read they may be too short for proper cable management.
• P280 is a pretty large case, anyone knows whether the seasonic psu cables are long enough to power the motherboard with the cable behind it ? (i'm unsure my sentence makes sense)
  
• I've read about some whistlings issues with the X series. Is it still a safe choice ?
  
• About the Macho heatsink, is the thermal paste included ? (if so is it good ?). Shall i go for a
  Arctic Silver 5 ? And shall i also buy the Artic cleaning products ?
  
• About Windows 7, is a premium version useful ?

Your insight is welcome.

Thanks

Good picks. The Thermalright Macho doesn't have a good stock fan, so you may need to change the fan.

If you are not comfortable with the Seasonic X, Kingwin makes som premium PSU's too. Two of their PSU's have received favourable reviews here at SPCR.

Welcome to SPCR.

Yep, the PSU is a little overkill for your needs unless you plan to add a second GTX 680 Your stressed load power will be in the ~300W range. Maybe the x-560 or the Kingwin LZP-550 are a better fit and you'd have better efficiency at your non-gaming loads.

Since you are gaming at 1920x1200, you could save 200 euros and 50W and drop down to the 660 Ti.

The rest looks good. Can't comment on P280 and cable lengths.

Thank you so much for your answers.

PSU :
- I built several computers for friends and family with other seasonic models during the last 7-8 years. All of them are still running perfectly and noone ever told me about a whistling. So i can say i like the seasonic brand. But i'm worried about the few reports. If SPCR says it's ok i will go with it.
- The kingwin models are simply not available where i live :/. I can't give them a chance.
- the computer will be used almost for gaming, i've a professional laptop i use for internet.

GTX 680 :
- it's the model reviewed here (hence the OC version). I have somehow limited trust in noise level review done on more general website.
- to the best of my knowledge, even in 1920x1080 (1200 for me), there is a huge hit in performance for today games if this chart is correct : ( 192 bit memory bus ;
- these are the two reason i picked the 680. But will a GTX 660 Ti be as quiet as the 680 ? will the 680 last longer ? (200euros for the same result is of course good to my wallet)

Heatsink :
- Maybe i should move to a more advanced model like the Alpenfohn Matterhorn rev. B ?

PSU: Superflower mfgrs the Kingwin LZP. You might be able to find the Superflower Golden King in France...Otherwise, the X series or the new G series from Seasonic are both good choices. G costs less, X has fan that will only turn on for gaming loads.

GPU: I've compiled a few GTX 660 Ti reviews here. Look at the game benchmarks and decide for yourself if you need the GTX 680. I wouldn't get it unless I were either using 3 monitors or if single monitor and at much higher rez than 1920x1200. A couple of SPCR forum subscribers have bought the Asus and MSI cards and are happy with them.

GPU : I've carefully read all the links you provided. And you are right the 660 Ti is a more reasonable choice even if the geeky part of me just like more power .
So that's 200euros less expensive. Very good advice, thank you.

PSU : The price gap between the 560 and 760 is not as big as expected :
X-560W - 131.99
X-660W - 142.99
X-760W - 159.90
I may stick with the 760W for the opportunity of a 2way SLI in the future. Are 760W enough for this ?
However, there is a Seasonic support representative on the french board. In case of electric noise, i hope it can easily be settled.
There are some superflowers but with additional shipping cost (not saled directly by amazon).

Heatsink : still looking for a better choice... maybe the scythe mugen 3 rev B is a better choice if the stock fan is good. (48€)
Edit : i can otherwise order the Scythe fan that is frequently adviced.

Your gaming load will be in the ~250W range...add a second 660 Ti and it's 400W. So, any of these can work. The tradeoff on getting the 560 vs the 760:
- at non-gaming loads, like web browsing, idle, movie watching, etc, your PC will pull way less than 100W. The 560 will be more efficient at these lower loads than the 760.
- with just 1 660 Ti, neither PSU's fan will turn on. Perhaps the 560 might if it's a really hot day inside/in the case.
- with 2 660 Ti cards, the fan will be on for both PSUs and it'll be louder for the 560. But, then, you'll be gaming and might not hear it over the two video cards as well as the game sounds.
<shrugs>

Crystal clear explanation ! Thank you X-560 is the choice.

I'll be browsing the web tomorrow for heatsink alternatives.

Edit: well the Macho with a replacement Scythe fan is still appealing to me. I just need to wait for availability.