New Computer time, need some help., Keeping old rig as well, turning one computer into two. Options

[millen]

Hello all

Was hoping I could use your combined knowledge to help me spend my money...

With the recent/imminent release of Ivy Bridge, and my current 'need' of having a dedicated computer on my sim racing rig. I am looking to build a new PC.

It currently takes too much time and effort for me to convert my chair and desk setup into my sim rig, having to drag the rig over, set up the monitor shelf, set up the 3 monitors, plug it all in, then convert it all back when I don't want to race anymore.

Anyway, the idea is that my current PC will go onto the sim rig, and my new one will become my desk PC.

I would like to use the case I currently have (Antec P183) for my new PC, as it is slightly modded & perfectly fine for what I need it to do. Therefore, ideally, I will keep the p183 and the 850W PSU for the new PC and buy a new case and PSU for the sim rig.
I hope this is making sense, I am struggling to put into words what I want to do for some reason.

Ok. so my current rig is:

i7 920 (slightly OCd)
TRUE 120 Black
Gigabyte X58 UD5
6GB OCz 1800Mhz 3 channel ram
Crucial M4 128GB SSD
1 x 200GB HDD
1 x 320GB HDD
1 x 640GB HDD
1 x 2TB HDD
Gigabyte 6970 (windforce cooler)
Antec P183
Antec CPX 850W PSU (the new shape form factor for Antec Cases)
3 x LG 24" LED Monitors
Logitech X-530 Speakers

So, with the new parts for the new desktop PC, I would end up with these two computers...

Desktop PC
Main Use: Gaming and Graphic Design

Ivy Bridge CPU, most likely 3750k
NZXT Havik CPU Cooler (any other better air coolers for similar money?)
Gigabyte Z77X-UD5 (is this exactly the same as the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H-WB, just without the Wi-Fi? Don't need Wi-Fi)
Corsair Vengeance CML16GX3M4A1600C9B 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3
Crucial M4 128GB SSD
1 x 200GB HDD
1 x 640GB HDD
1 x 2TB HDD
Antec P183
Antec CPX 850W PSU
Audioengine 5+ Black

Sim Rig PC
Main Use: Gaming - Racing Games.

Core i7 920
TRUE 120 Black
Gigabyte X58-UD5
6GB OCz 1800Mhz 3 channel ram
Gigabyte 6970 (windforce cooler)
1 x 320GB HDD
Fractal Design Core 3000 Case (smallest ATX case I could find that would fit on my Sim Rig nicely)
Silverstone Strider 750W PSU (should be plenty powerful enough for the above system I would hope)
3 x LG 24" LED Monitors
Logitech X-530 Speakers

Well, that seemed more complicated than it should have been...

Do these builds look like a good idea? Any suggestions to what to change?

I am currently undecided on what monitor and GPU to get for the Desktop PC.
Was just about to pull the trigger on a DELL U2711 for $629, I do a fair bit of graphic design work, so the IPS would be fantastic, and everyone seems to say they work well for gaming as well. The sale ends tomorrow... Should I do it?
Can't decide between a 7970 or GTX680 for GPU duties...

Please help, your input will be greatly appreciated. :)

[mark84]

I'd say go for the monitor. If you don't what else are you going to go for?

GPU - Are any of your graphics design suites GPU accelerated? Maybe look at which is better supported and make decision from there?

Is there a budget involved?

[Modz]

what kind of monitor setup are u running for the race sim?

[millen]

If not the Dell U2711, was thinking of maybe the new Samsung PLS 27" or was debating whether or not a 27" 120Hz would better, But I think I would appreciate the higher resolution and better colours of the Dell rather than anything else. Just a little warey of the Anti Glare coating on the Dells.

I use Adobe CS suite, and will be upgrading from CS3 to Cs6 soon hopefully, so yes, GPU accelerated Design suites would be handy.

Budget is anywhere up to around $2500, I allowed a bit more because of the speakers and monitor.
Current PCCASEGEAR Shopping cart - Minus CPU

LG CH12LS28 12X BD-R Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive - $55.00
Silverstone Strider Plus 750W ST75F-P - $129.00
Gigabyte Radeon HD7970 Overclocked 3GB - $629.00
Fractal Design Silent Series 120mm Fan - $24.00
Fractal Design Core 3000 Black - $105.00
Corsair Vengeance CML16GX3M4A1600C9B 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3 - $119.00
Audioengine 5+ Black - $399.00
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H Motherboard - $289.00
NZXT Havik 140 CPU Cooler - 79.00
TOTAL $1828
PLUS $629 Dell U2711
GRAND TOTAL $2457

what kind of monitor setup are u running for the race sim?

I currently have 3 LG 24" LEDs running in Eyefinity

This post has been edited by fallen19: Apr 24 2012, 08:31 PM

[Modz]

I use Adobe CS suite, and will be upgrading from CS3 to Cs6 soon hopefully, so yes, GPU accelerated Design suites would be handy.

Make sure u get 4gb ram per cpu thread if u do a lot of premier and AE. ei 16gb for quad 4c/4t or 32gb for 4c/8t. AE especially (cs5.5+) has been revamped to run optimal using 4gb per thread. over the old 2gb in cs4 and 1gb in cs3. CS6 premier will also feature this 4gb per thread feature so i recommend investing in it. :)


as for the monitors for ur sim. take note even if u run a 27" in the middle and 2x 24's on the sides u can still get a nice view, especially a 120hz :)

[millen]

Cheers Modz, I am more of a Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver man. Not so much into the video editing etc. Something I have dabbled with, and would like to learn more of though.

The Dell 27" will solely be for the desktop machine, and the 3 x LG's will stay attached to the racing rig. Seems like over kill having 4 LCDs, but I've had enough of shuffling monitors around all of the room... :p

This post has been edited by fallen19: Apr 24 2012, 09:50 PM

[millen]

To buy or not to buy... wait for Ivy Bridge prices to settle / new revision? Argh... I just don't know....