Gaming/General usage build advice

[-TC-]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.


Gaming and general internet usage. Games are ps2 emulation currently, and also Witcher 2, and maybe diablo 3/skyrim in the future


2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread


Would like to keep it less than 1000 US. I am open to spending less though.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.


US. I have a microcenter near me too.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.


Doesnt matter

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.


470GTX - Will probably keep this for now, and upgrade later
XFX 650W psu
1tb storage drive
keyboard/mouse
Windows 7
ASUS VW266H monitor
speakers


6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.


yup

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.


yes overclock

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.


1900x1200

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Now

CPU - i5 2500k $179
Mobo - Cant really decide. MC has 40$ off right now. I am new to oc'ing and read about ASUS ease of oc'ing bios so am leaning that way right now. Cant decide on p67 or z68. I dont think ill need z68 though.
Ram - Patriot 8gb DDR3 -1333 $59 AR. Not sure if there are current deals, this just caught my eye
Case - I like the HAF X. Ambient temp is pretty warm. Looking for something with good cooling and cable management
HSF - Hyper 212+ $29
SSD- I dont need one, but am entertaining the idea of a 64-128gb ssd.


Thanks!

 

[z1ggy]

Go with the z68 mobo fo'sho.

 

[mnewsham]

Your RAM is 1.65v sandy bridge likes 1.5v or less.

 

[mfenn]

Here's some comments on your build:
- CPU: Good
- Mobo: If you don't know how to overclock, then auto-OC will just get you in trouble that you don't know how to get out of. Spend a day or so researching how to actually do it with Sandy Bridge (it's really really easy) and go from there. Since MC will give you $40 off, I'd get the GA-Z68X-UD3H from them.
- RAM: As mnewsham said, 1.65V isn't good for Sandy Bridge. This 1.5V Corsair XMS3 8GB kit is $60 AR at MC, which isn't bad.
- Case: A fancy case can only do so much in the face of high ambient temps. The HAF X is nice, but ridiculously expensive IMHO. Newegg has its little brother the HAF 922 for $80 AR AP.
- HSF: Good.
- SSD : An SSD is certainly not necessary, but it does provide a nice boost to your machine's responsiveness. In this case, "nice" means "single best upgrade I have ever made". You can certainly afford it, so I would go with the Vertex 3 120GB.

 

[-TC-]

Here's some comments on your build:
- CPU: Good
- Mobo: If you don't know how to overclock, then auto-OC will just get you in trouble that you don't know how to get out of. Spend a day or so researching how to actually do it with Sandy Bridge (it's really really easy) and go from there. Since MC will give you $40 off, I'd get the GA-Z68X-UD3H from them.
- RAM: As mnewsham said, 1.65V isn't good for Sandy Bridge. This 1.5V Corsair XMS3 8GB kit is $60 AR at MC, which isn't bad.
- Case: A fancy case can only do so much in the face of high ambient temps. The HAF X is nice, but ridiculously expensive IMHO. Newegg has its little brother the HAF 922 for $80 AR AP.
- HSF: Good.
- SSD : An SSD is certainly not necessary, but it does provide a nice boost to your machine's responsiveness. In this case, "nice" means "single best upgrade I have ever made". You can certainly afford it, so I would go with the Vertex 3 120GB.

Thanks. The other day I picked up the 2500k, that gigabyte mobo. Also ordered the Gskill Ripsaw ram. Ive heard some bad things about the OCZ ssd's reliability though....

 

[mfenn]

Thanks. The other day I picked up the 2500k, that gigabyte mobo. Also ordered the Gskill Ripsaw ram. Ive heard some bad things about the OCZ ssd's reliability though....

Sounds good!

Regarding OCZ, they have definitely had some bumps with Sandforce 2, but I think the speed increase is worth it. If the reliability issue worries you (understandable), the Intel 320 120GB is also a good drive, but not quite as fast.

Remember though, no matter what SSD or HDD you get, data that only exists in one place is a good as gone. Keep regular backups!