Final Build - AUD

[ss2]

Hi, I'll be purchasing these parts tomorrow so if you could pelase tell me what you think.
I'll be playing FIFA 12, COD 4, COD: MW3, Battlefield 3. I want to play these games with full settings (will bf3 play on ultra without a problem? or if not what about on high?), and minimal FPS loss. I'll also be watching blu-ray/hd movies and I will be streaming movies to the tv. I'll also have a lot of programs open at once... programs such as MYOB and other accounting programs (excel etc), I will be overclocking the CPU and GPU later on... And yes I will be using the extra features in windows 7 ultimate 64bit

I won't be upgradeing any parts for 4-5 years... So when a new graphics card or processor comes out I won't upgrade...

The two CPU Cooler fans are at the same RPM as the rear case fan... but not the same size case 140mm and CPU fans 120mm shouldn't distrub airflow?

Hows the graphics card and the monitor? like resolution "1920x1080" picture quality, ghosting etc?

Will the power supply be sufficient for stock settings or overclocked settings when i overclock? or should i get a 750watt

Will this system bottleneck?

Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Motherboard B3 - $212.00
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K - $221.00
CPU Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper-212+ (Universal) - $32.00
CPU Cooler Fans x2: Scythe 120mm SlipStream 1200rpm Fan - $30.00
Graphics Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 570 1280MB Overclocked V2 - $359.00
Memory: G.SKILL DDR3 8GB (2X4GB) PC-12800/1600 F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM - $77
Hard Drive: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB HD103SJ - $65.00
SSD: Crucial M4 SSD 128GB - $239.00
Optical Driver: Lite-On iHBS212 - $103.40
Power Supply: Seasonic X-850 80Plus Gold 850W - $269
Monitor: ASUS 24" VS248H - $217.00
Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard - $145.00
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder-V2 Infrared Gaming Mouse - $57.00
Mouse Pad: Razer Goliathus Fragged Standard MouseMat Refresh - Control Version - $15.00
Speakers: Logitech Z523 2.1 Speaker System - $86.00
Case: CoolerMaster HAF X - $198.00
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit with SP1 OEM - $179.00

Total: $2504.40

 

[Puppies04]

The two CPU Cooler fans are at the same RPM as the rear case fan... but not the same size case 140mm and CPU fans 120mm shouldn't distrub airflow?

Do not worry about this is doesn't matter.

Hows the graphics card and the monitor? like resolution "1920x1080" picture quality, ghosting etc?

A GTX570 will be fine for high/ultra on the games you are planning on playing.

Will the power supply be sufficient for stock settings or overclocked settings when i overclock? or should i get a 750watt

An 850w PSU is a bit overkill for your setup 750w will be more than enough.

Will this system bottleneck?

There is always a bottleneck somewhere

 

[ss2]

An 850w PSU is a bit overkill for your setup 750w will be more than enough.

A GTX570 requires minimum 650watt and when I overclock the CPU/GPU I would roughly need a extra 200watts?

There is always a bottleneck somewhere

So your saying there is a bottleneck in this setup?

I also saw in your sig that you have a HAF X is it a good case for cooling? Also did you add another 200mm fan to the top of the case?

 

[lehtv]

Hi ss2, I think there's a lot we can improve in that system on your $2500 budget

I want to play these games with full settings (will bf3 play on ultra without a problem? or if not what about on high?), and minimal FPS loss.

A single GTX 570 won't be able to play BF3 on ultra without loss in FPS. Depending on the person, it may be perfectly playable or it may not, but the bottom line is that if you want absolutely no compromise in either of image quality or framerate, you need a dual-GPU setup. A single GTX 570 should be fine for high settings.

I won't be upgradeing any parts for 4-5 years... So when a new graphics card or processor comes out I won't upgrade...

You'll run into a roadblock in gaming performance much earlier than 4-5 years from now, no matter what kind of setup you get. Even GTX 580 SLI would suck in games 4 years from now, if history is any indicator.

The two CPU Cooler fans are at the same RPM as the rear case fan... but not the same size case 140mm and CPU fans 120mm shouldn't distrub airflow?

Instead of spending $32 on a cooler that already comes with a fan and another $30 on additional CPU fans, you'd be better off with a $50+ air cooler that will outperform the 212+ without additional fans.

Hows the graphics card and the monitor? like resolution "1920x1080" picture quality, ghosting etc?

The monitor is a bit under-budgeted. In my opinion you should consider a 120hz monitor, the high refresh rate will ensure excellent responsiveness, and smoothness of fast moving images. Very useful and enjoyable in fast paced shooters like the ones you play.

Will this system bottleneck?

There will be a GPU bottleneck, because the 2500K can drive much more powerful GPU setups than a single GTX 570.

A GTX570 requires minimum 650watt and when I overclock the CPU/GPU I would roughly need a extra 200watts?

GTX 570 requires a minimum of 550W on an average system according to NVIDIA, and that's accounting for PSUs that Seasonic X eats for breakfast. And 2500K isn't terribly power hungry. When overclocked from 3.3 to 4.5 it'll consume perhaps 150-160W, up from 95W, at full load.

A Seasonic X-560 could handle that system. However, I'd recommend something cheaper, in general the X series aren't worth the price premium as Seasonic's lower efficiency units (and modular Seasonic derivatives of other brands) are practically just as reliable. I know I have an X series myself, but it just means I acknowledge that it wasn't the most cost-effective choice I could've made.

Now, before I suggest more specific changes to your build, could you say where you're buying from? Some online store, or locally?

 

[Puppies04]

A GTX570 requires minimum 650watt

Who told you this? While i would reccomend a 650w PSU minimum saying that it requires it it something else.

So your saying there is a bottleneck in this setup?

Every gaming rig ever built has a bottleneck somewhere, if you mean will you be bottlenecked then the answer is no until your gpu is too slow for your games at which point you will need a faster gpu.

I also saw in your sig that you have a HAF X is it a good case for cooling? Also did you add another 200mm fan to the top of the case?

Yes it is a very good case for cooling and yes i have added extra 2 extra fans in the roof as i don't like having empty fan bays (All 4 of the 200mm ones are blue LED)

A single GTX 570 won't be able to play BF3 on ultra without loss in FPS

So what you are saying is going from high to ultra results in a drop in FPS... who would have thunk it.

 

[lehtv]

So what you are saying is going from high to ultra results in a drop in FPS... who would have thunk it.

Heh, funny. I meant that Ultra settings won't run at a smooth framerate, whereas High settings probably will - keeping in mind that what's considered playable is somewhat subjective.

 

[mfenn]

Hi ss2, I think there's a lot we can improve in that system on your $2500 budget

He's from Australia unfortunately. They get raped on computer components.

OP, there are a few things in that build that I would consider overpriced:
- Mobo: That ASUS is fancy, but I doubt that you really need all those features, especially if you don't plan to upgrade. Look for an ASRock Z68 Pro3 or Extreme3 (if CFX, see below).
- GPU: The GTX 570 isn't a terribly good value unless you go for the least expensive ones. Consider swapping it for a 6970 or potentially two 6950 2GB in CFX if savings on other components permit.
- PSU: While an X-850 is certainly a very nice PSU, it is way overkill (read: too expensive) for this build. With a single 6970, you can use a good 550W PSU like an S12II-520, Antec HCG-520, or XFX Core 550W. A 750W like a Corsair 750TX or EA-750 is plenty for 6950 2GB CFX.

Overall though, building a "monster" system and not touching it for 4-5 years is a pretty poor way to go about this. You're going to have much better average performance over time if you build a midrange rig and then setting aside some money to upgrade down the road.

 

[ss2]

Centrecom will be matching prices

http://www.msy.com.au
http://www.centrecom.com.au
http://www.pccasegear.com

Which GPU below do you think is the best for x1 (Not getting very hot, Software etc)

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=17117

or

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=17554

Should I follow these instructions? http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/vl/intel_app_method_vertical_line_v1.1.pdf

Also what do use think of this http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=1294

Also I'm not to sure what these are on the mobo:

PWR_FAN1, CPU_FAN, CPU_FAN_OPT, PWR_FAN2, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN1

Whats PWR_FAN1 and PWR_FAN2?
Whats CPU_FAN_OPT? – Optional?

Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V Pro Motherboard B3 - $212.00
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K - $221.00
CPU Cooler: Coolermaster Hyper-212+ (Universal) - $32.00
CPU Cooler Fans x2: Scythe 120mm SlipStream 1200rpm Fan - $30.00
Graphics Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 570 1280MB Overclocked V2 - $359.00
Memory: G.SKILL DDR3 8GB (2X4GB) PC-12800/1600 F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM - $77
Hard Drive: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB HD103SJ - $65.00
SSD Crucial M4 SSD 128GB - $239.00
Optical Driver: Lite-On iHBS212 - $103.40
Power Supply: Corsair AX750 Gold Power Supply - $210.10
Monitor: ASUS 24" VS248H - $217.00
Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard - $145.00
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder-V2 Infrared Gaming Mouse - $57.00
Mouse Pad: Razer Goliathus Fragged Standard MouseMat Refresh - Control Version - $15.00
Speakers: Logitech Z523 2.1 Speaker System - $86.00
Case: CoolerMaster HAF X - $198.00
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit with SP1 OEM - $179.00

Total: $2445.50

 

[sfan786]

Mobo: That ASUS is fancy, but I doubt that you really need all those features, especially if you don't plan to upgrade. Look for an ASRock Z68 Pro3 or Extreme3 (if CFX, see below).

.
Id go with the ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 Motherboard is 135 in aus$ the pro is 15 dollars cheapper there as well but if he has this kinda budget think that a board that could go with 2 gpus would be better for him then the pro http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=18137

 

[lehtv]

The Asus 570 is great, the triple-slot cooler really delivers. For a single-GPU setup you don't need a dual-GPU board, Asrock Z68 Pro3 $113 or Asus P8Z68-V LE $150 would do fine. Asrock Z68 Exreme3 is a good choice if you want to keep the dual-GPU option open (but in that case you should go with a two-slot GPU instead, e.g. Gigabyte 570 or MSI 570).

Thermalright HR-02 Macho at $60 will easily outperform Hyper 212+. It was originally released as a passive heatsink, and with the 140mm fan it challenges coolers like Thermalright Archon, Silver Arrow, Noctua NH-D14 which are considered to be the kings of air cooling.

You can get 8GB DDR3 1600 for $59. There's no point paying the extra for the CL8 RAM.

750W is overkill for a single GTX 570... If you insist on modularity, get Corsair HX650 for $138. If you can drop modularity, Antec HCG-620 is a good choice at $105. The Corsair AX750 would be ok for SLI, another option at the same price point is HX850 with a bit more headroom, or Antec HCP-750 for a bit less.

I'm not sure about the full tower idea... While HAF X certainly is a great case, it's also expensive. Would be fine with HAF 922 for $120.

These changes would already save you almost $200-250. Then you could afford the BenQ XL2410T 120hz gaming monitor ($400).

I recommend Das Keyboard model S for $150.

That's all I've got

 

[ss2]

The Asus 570 is great, the triple-slot cooler really delivers.

I won't be going SLI... Just using one card. So the ASUS GTX 570 should fit perfect in the case? The ASUS is factory overclocked at 742MHz, Gigabyte is overclocked to 780MHz and the MSI is overclocked to 770MHz, which would be best for cooling/heat software and overall gaming?

Thermalright HR-02 Macho at $60 will easily outperform Hyper 212+. It was originally released as a passive heatsink, and with the 140mm fan it challenges coolers like Thermalright Archon, Silver Arrow, Noctua NH-D14 which are considered to be the kings of air cooling.

I'll stick with the Hyper 212+ and just with the one fan that came with it.

750W is overkill for a single GTX 570... If you insist on modularity, get Corsair HX650 for $138. If you can drop modularity, Antec HCG-620 is a good choice at $105. The Corsair AX750 would be ok for SLI, another option at the same price point is HX850 with a bit more headroom, or Antec HCP-750 for a bit less.

Since I won't be going SLI, a 750watt should be alright?

I recommend Das Keyboard model S for $150.

I've used the razer one listed above and I'm pretty set on it... I used it for a few hours and found no problems, felt great etc.

 

[lehtv]

I won't be going SLI... Just using one card. So the ASUS GTX 570 should fit perfect in the case? The ASUS is factory overclocked at 742MHz, Gigabyte is overclocked to 780MHz and the MSI is overclocked to 770MHz, which would be best for cooling/heat software and overall gaming?

They all offer great cooling, I can't say 100% which is the best in terms of noise and heat. You can't really go wrong with any of them. The reason MSI costs more though is that it has a power design that allows it to be overclocked further than the other two. It'll reach GTX 580 stock speed or more. Gigabyte is longer than the other two but any of them should fit fine inside a 922, the interior is quite spacious on that one.

Since I won't be going SLI, a 750watt should be alright?

No I still recommend the HX650, it's really enough . I have a CPU that consumes as much power as an overclocked 2500K, and a GPU that consumes nearly as much as a stock 570. My power consumption (in detail in sig) almost never goes past 50% of my power supply's capacity.

I've used the razer one listed above and I'm pretty set on it... I used it for a few hours and found no problems, felt great etc.

The Das Keyboard will also have no problems and it'll also feel great. They both use Cherry MX mechanical switches. Personally I'd prefer the non-glossy non-LED professional look of the Das Keyboard. The Das Keyboard Model S Professional Silent also has less clicky keys. The Razer looks gimmicky and plasticky, like most of their products, but since you liked the Razer that's fine .

 

[ss2]

would the differences in these settings show much performance difference? 742MHz, 780MHz, 770MHz

Also would I really need a SSD? all it would do is load programs faster and from the reviews i've read it opens smaller programs at the same time and obvisouly larger programs much quicker... and boot up time is faster and shut down time is faster is it really worth it?

 

[lehtv]

would the differences in these settings show much performance difference? 742MHz, 780MHz, 770MHz

780/742 = about 5% difference. As I said you can overclock the 742MHz Asus card yourself (I'll easily overclock over 800MHz, I'm sure. See here.)

Also would I really need a SSD? all it would do is load programs faster and from the reviews i've read it opens smaller programs at the same time and obvisouly larger programs much quicker... and boot up time is faster and shut down time is faster is it really worth it?

Well no, you don't need an SSD. But it's really nice to have. Once you get used to the responsiveness of an operating system or a program that is installed on an SSD, you don't want to go back to using a mechanical drive. Boot times and shut down times are a minor thing, the main benefit comes from the fact that with an SSD, your PC acts when you tell it to, not a few seconds later. In my opinion, as 64GB SSD is currently worth it for anyone with a budget of at least 1000 USD for the PC, and in some cases, e.g. if it's not a gaming PC, the SSD can be a great buy even on a much smaller budget.

 

[ss2]

780/742 = about 5% difference. As I said you can overclock the 742MHz Asus card yourself (I'll easily overclock over 800MHz, I'm sure. See here.)

so i should go with the asus 570?

I've read the following on newegg:

The card is unstable...

What does this mean: "First of all, this card is UNDERVOLTED, AND OVERCLOCKED"

What does this mean: "this card has a 6 pin and a 8 pin connector. would have been nice if the doco told me i could just plug two six pin connectors without me having to worry about it. (using the adapter wouldnt work for me, since i would need three 6 pin connectors - my psu only has two)" Do I plug in the 8pin and 6pin connectors?


Will I miss many useful slots on the motherboard?

How much watts is recommended for the ASUS? Because I emailed MSI and they said for there card they recommend:

"We recommend a minimum of 650w power supply for a single N570GTX Twin Frozr III Power Edition/OC card."

"Sorry to say I don't know the specific amps required on the +12V rails – however generally at least 50 should be fine for a single 570."

 

[lehtv]

NVIDIA recommends at minimum 550W for the 570. That applies to the Asus 570 as well. MSI probably recommends 650W for its PE/OC edition because it's a very overclockable card and once properly overclocked, it'll consume a lot more power than a regular 570.

The Asus is a good card. If it's unstable, you need to return it and get a replacement. If it's undervolted it only means that to operate stably on its factory clocks, it doesn't need as many volts as a reference design card. That's a good thing because less volts means less heat and less power consumption. The triple-slot design will mean that it will occupy three expansion slots instead of two, but this is hardly a big deal as on a full size ATX board there are still 3-4 slots free for use. As I said, I don't think you can go wrong with any of those cards, flip a coin or pick whichever looks best .

The HX650 power supply has four 6+2 pin PCIe connectors, which are enough for even the most power hungry dual-card setups (but it'd be unadvisable to run such setups on a 650W PSU).

 

[ss2]

so which gtx570 should i go with i'm still undecided

i won't be sli'ing, i also won't be overclocking to the limit however i will overclock it a little

ASUS GeForce GTX 570 DirectCU II 1280MB
or
MSI GTX 570 Twin Frozr III PE/OC

 

[lehtv]

I'd probably get Asus, it's cheaper

 

[ss2]

I'd probably get Asus, it's cheaper

as you said before about the 5% difference... is that to do with fps, smoothness of gameplay etc?

 

[lehtv]

Yes, higher clock frequency -> more fps -> smoother gameplay. The difference is so small that you can just OC the Asus card yourself with MSI Afterburner and get the same performance, or better if you OC above 900MHz as in the techpowerup review I posted. As I said the MSI card will overclock better though, meaning that if you OC both the Asus and the MSI to their maximum, the MSI will perform better

 

[ss2]

Yes, higher clock frequency -> more fps -> smoother gameplay. The difference is so small that you can just OC the Asus card yourself with MSI Afterburner and get the same performance, or better if you OC above 900MHz as in the techpowerup review I posted. As I said the MSI card will overclock better though, meaning that if you OC both the Asus and the MSI to their maximum, the MSI will perform better

and you stiill recommend getting the asus?

but if i go with the msi will 750watt be enough? even if i overclock it a little bit?

also overclocking voids warranty only upto a certain clock right?

 

[lehtv]

and you stiill recommend getting the asus?

As I've said many times, you can't go wrong with any of the three (Giga, Asus, MSI). Out of Asus and MSI, I answered Asus only as a personal preference because it's cheaper . Out of the three, I'd choose Gigabyte because it takes two slots, and will still be pretty cool and quiet.

but if i go with the msi will 750watt be enough? even if i overclock it a little bit?

Dude please, 650W is enough, I've said this in three posts, it should be crystal clear by now. Pay attention. You yourself said that MSI recommends 650W for their 570 Power Edition.

also overclocking voids warranty only upto a certain clock right?

You'd have to check with the manufacturer, search their website or email them

 

[mfenn]

I'm going to throw a monkey wrench in here and say that you should get this Gainward (decent Euro brand) GTX 570 because it's only $333 but still has a dual-fan cooler.

And yes, a 650W is still MORE than enough.

 

[lehtv]

Ewww, Gainward... . Why don't I ever see anyone recommend Gainward? They don't seem popular at all.

 

[mfenn]

Ewww, Gainward... . Why don't I ever see anyone recommend Gainward? They don't seem popular at all.

The Gainward brand doesn't have much penetration in the US market. For whatever reason, Palit decided to sell under their own brand here.