Need help with RAM and Power Supply Unit

Hey everyone.
I'm looking for some guidance on picking out the right RAM and Power Supply Unit for my upcoming build:

Case - NZXT Source 340, Mid-Tower
Motherboard - MSI 990FXA GAMING
CPU - Intel Core i7-3770K, 4.40GHz, Black Edition
CPU Cooler - Cooler Master Hyper 212
GPU - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, 2GB
HDD - TOSHIBA 1TB
SSD - OCZ Vertex3, 2.5" 120GB
DVD ROM - ASUS DRW-24F1MT
4 fans in the case

So, regarding the RAM. First off, should I be aiming for CL11, CL10, or CL9? Second, what about the memory speed? Do I really need to hit exactly 1866MHz to match the processor's capabilities, or is there more wiggle room? If I go that route, I was looking at:
HyperX 8GB Savage DDR3 1866MHz CL KIT, but I'm stuck on which CL to choose. Is this actually the best way to go $150 for this specific setup?

Then there's the PSU. I'm thinking somewhere in the range of $233. Intel suggests a 1000W unit because the 3770K pulls power like two standard processors combined. Meanwhile, for the GTX 970, they recommend about 550W. Would a 700W unit be sufficient to cover both bases?

I already have a few parts on hand, but I'm planning to order the rest online or just pick them up at a local Best Buy or Micro Center.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Sarah Barnes86 said:Hey everyone!
I need some help picking out RAM and a PSU for this build:

Case - NZXT Source 340, Mid Tower
Motherboard - MSI 990FXA GAMING
CPU - Intel Core i7-3770K, 4.40GHz, Black Edition
CPU Cooler - COOLERMASTER V8GTS
GPU - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, 2GB
HDD - TOSHIBA 1TB
SSD - OCZ Vertex3, 2.5" 120GB
DVD ROM - ASUS DRW-24F1MT
4 fans in the case

Now for the RAM. First off, should I go with CL11, CL10, or CL9? Second, regarding memory speed—do I specifically need 1866MHz to match the processor? If so, I was looking at:
HyperX 8GB Savage DDR3 1866MHz CL KIT, but I'm not sure which CL? Is that the best bet $150 for this setup?

And the PSU. Looking at something up to $233. Intel recommends a 1000W power supply because the 9370 pulls power like two standard CPUs combined. For the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, they suggest 550W. So, would a 700W unit be enough?

I already have some parts, but I'll probably order the rest online or pick them up at Best Buy/Micro Center.

Thanks in advance!

Mind if I ask what you're actually planning to do with a rig that uses that specific CPU? 🍿

As for the RAM, there's hardly ever a case where an average user will notice the difference between CL9, 10, or 11. Frequency only really matters when you're running integrated graphics...

What kind of parts are we working with? Let's see if there's anything worth saving here...

It’s the first time I’ve actually seen someone go for one of those Intel Core i7 series monsters. That 220W TDP is insane. 🤣 As far as RAM goes, just grab some basic 2x8 GB 1866 MHz sticks—whatever is cheapest, it really doesn't matter (assuming you're aiming for 16 GB, of course). For the power supply, I wouldn't settle for anything less than a 600W 80 Plus Gold unit. Dropping a Seasonic in there would be a really solid move.

The layout is a bit messy (motherboard, CPU...). Have you already pulled the trigger on this, or are you still deciding?
There is absolutely no scenario where an Intel Core i7 series makes sense here.

Modular 750W

http://www.newegg.com/p/product/details...id=16673

I’d personally trade a bit of convenience and modularity for a higher-quality series featuring an 80 Plus Gold rating. KLIK

Raider is 80 Plus Silver and comes with a 60-month warranty. It’s got 4x pcie 6+2 connectors and puts out a solid 720W on the +12V rail. Plus, it's actually a bit cheaper...

So, did you ever track down that processor 😁
?