Gaming PC build - *Is this an O.K. system*

[zi0n.]

Whats your zip code so I can adjust the build?

The reason why I didn't put the 2gb version was because I didn't want to go over budget. I think the 300 is a decent case, and the OS was already in my build.

 

[Justinator]

Well I just went through it all and the total is $1,347.57 (shipping and tax included). I suppose that isn't too over my budget.

My postal code (zip) is B4E 3B6 but I think I just went through and did what you were going to do for me. (I appreciate the thought)


O.K. So.... If I'm going to tackle this project I want to finalize a list. The old list didn't include a few things so I finished the list off based upon members expert advice.


How about this:

MoBo:
GIGABYTE GA-Z68P-DS3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s ATX Intel Motherboard

Ram:
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100312-3SR Radeon HD 6950 Dirt3 Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video ...


Case / PSU:
COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKA3-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case w/ Cooler Master RS700-PCAAE3-US ... 700w Power Supply


SSD
Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW080G310 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OEM

HDD
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

CPU:
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K

O/S:
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM Item #: N82E16832116986


Is this everything that I need?
Do I have things on here that I do not need?
Will all this work together without bottlenecking?

I allready have keyboard, mouse, and an old monitor that I will upgrade down the road but I really want to make sure I do this right.

The only problem I see is that with going with a local guy to build it I would receive anti-virus and other small things allready installed.

I don't have the cash to keep adding to this list. I do need anti-virus though and what should I do about that or any other things I didn't think of?

Thanks for everyones help who have replied here so far. You are a very helpfull bunch.

Cheers.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Anti-virus: Microsoft Security Essentials is free and very good.

 

[zi0n.]

Build looks fine. Like Dave said MSE is fine plus there is plenty of free AV's.

 

[Justinator]

So one could say there is absolutly nothing I am forgeting or nothing I am choosing that I don't really need?

Is my case & PSU a good combo?

This is very new to me and as of 2 days ago I had no idea what a PSU or a MoBo was let alone know how to build my own gaming PC.

I have already gained the confidence in building the pc by reading on the net, and watching videos on youtube.

One thing I am a bit worried about is mounting the CPU to the mother board and the heatsink. Will my CPU come pre-mounted up with the heatsink or will I have to attach the CPU to the MoBo and then attach the Heatsink to the CPU?

LOL. I can't believe I am even considering doing this myself...

 

[E6BAV8R]

One thing I am a bit worried about is mounting the CPU to the mother board and the heatsink. Will my CPU come pre-mounted up with the heatsink or will I have to attach the CPU to the MoBo and then attach the Heatsink to the CPU?

For me, that is typically the hardest part (only because you want to be careful with the CPU (to not crack the chip itself) and there generally isn't a lot of room to work with.

No, the heatsink does not come attached to the CPU. The CPU will slide into the CPU slot on the MB. If you are putting CPU Thermal Grease on than you do that before you put on the heatsink. You will then put the heatsink ontop of the CPU and the heatsink will have its' own clamps that will have to be placed into dedicated slots next to the CPU slot on the MB. It can be a little pain here because as you slide the heatsink clamps into their respective slots it increases un-even tension on the CPU and makes it harder to do the clamps on the other sides, with limited room to work with. I typically do this step first so I have plenty of room to work with and don't have wires dangling in my way.

Certainly read more guides or youtube videos if you feel necessary.

 

[zi0n.]

I would much rather get that case you want alone and grab the psu I linked - but thats just me.

As for the CPU and heatsink pretty much what he said^ I will just add that you won't have to apply thermal paste as the stock one comes with it pre applied.

 

[Justinator]

O.K. zi0n. You have been alot of help so far so I will go back and consider your suggestion.

I do want to ask why you suggest that change though.

Is the PSU too much power? or is it a waste of money?

I just assumed the case and PSU combo was a good price but I am a noob don't forget.

Thanks.

 

[E6BAV8R]

O.K. zi0n. You have been alot of help so far so I will go back and consider your suggestion.

I do want to ask why you suggest that change though.

Is the PSU too much power? or is it a waste of money?

I just assumed the case and PSU combo was a good price but I am a noob don't forget.

Thanks.

A PSU can make or break (literally) your PC. It is the one thing you don't want to cheap out on. Quality and longevity is key. If the PSU dies or shorts out your MB (or other parts) it could potentially take your other hardware with it.

 

[lehtv]

Justinator,

Yes, 700W is more than you need. 650W is the absolute highest you should consider if you don't want to keep open the option of dual high-end GPUs. You will use around 50% of 650W at load, which makes 650W actually slightly more powerful than needed. You will be perfectly fine with 550W too. So, you can also get away with less than 150 CAD for case and PSU bought separately. I would get these:

PSU: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16817151096 $80 The way I see it, Seasonic is the best PSU manufacturer. Extremely positive reviews across the board, silent operation, high efficiencies, very good power quality.
Case: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16811133094 $40 (too bad newegg.ca doesn't have NZXT gamma available - over 300 votes, 5 star)

I would take this case over Antec 300, as it's cheaper and has 2 top fan slots. Your GPU cooler will be blowing half of the hot air to within your case, so the holes on the top will allow that air to rise out naturally even if you don't have fans in them. This case only comes with 1 rear fan, you'll want another 120mm fan on the front, e.g. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16835185057

Since you're building a gaming PC, an SSD may not be worth your money. You're on a budget so you could spend that money to improve other aspects, such as getting a better case (fan filters, more fans, noise absorbing padding, more room, better build quality and looks, whatever). And it would allow you to stay below your budget.

Finally, there's a great rebate deal on XFX 6950 2GB cards. 30USD off from all of them. Get this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16814150548 Dual-fan, factory overclocked, limited lifetime warranty.

 

[lehtv]

The only problem I see is that with going with a local guy to build it I would receive anti-virus and other small things allready installed.

I use Avast! Free Anti-Virus with ZoneAlarm Free firewall. Never had any problems with either. What other small things?

LOL. I can't believe I am even considering doing this myself...

It's a fun experience. And by going for the more difficult route (not that it's particularly difficult anyway), you gain confidence in using a PC cos you get to know exactly what's what and how things work

 

[Justinator]

O.K.

I have a verdict...

Here is what my order will be "I think".


MoBo:
GIGABYTE GA-Z68P-DS3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s ATX Intel Motherboard


Ram:
G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT


Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100312-3SR Radeon HD 6950 Dirt3 Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video ...


Case:
COOLER MASTER Storm Enforcer SGC-1000-KWN1 Black SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (optional) power supply


PSU:
XFX Core Edition PRO550W (P1-550S-XXB9) 550W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC power supply


SSD
Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW080G310 2.5" 80GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OEM


HDD
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive


CPU
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K


O/S:
Microsoft Windows 7 Premium 64bit


TOTAL: $1,371.99 tax and shipping included.



Are there any objections. LOL

I sure hope I'm going in the right direction...

 

[lehtv]

It looks good, as long as you're comfortable with the total price. Any less $$ and you're going to lose performance

Also I notice the Sapphire card was actually recommended by me and it's cheaper than the XFX, so my XFX recommendation was kind of pointless

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Your build looks perfect.

that guy who wanted to build you a pc must not know sandy bridge exists.

 

[mfenn]

It's not "junk" per se, but it's not an optimal gaming build.

I dunno, I would definitely consider the 350W PSU that comes with a CM Elite to be junk.

For me, that is typically the hardest part (only because you want to be careful with the CPU (to not crack the chip itself) and there generally isn't a lot of room to work with. ... The CPU will slide into the CPU slot on the MB....

Luckily, with a modern CPU there is a metal IHS that pretty much makes it impossible for you to chip the CPU die. Also, CPU's haven't plugged into slots for a very long time.

OP, the build looks very good. Post here if you have any problems or just general uncertainties with the build process.

 

[Justinator]

Thanks for the comments and pointers... Keep em coming. LOL I need all the help I can get.

 

[Rvenger]

If you live close to me Ill build it for you for free and show you how.

 

[aphelion02]

Mm, I think there is definitely things you can cut out of that build to save money. Things I can think off:

1. 1GB 6950 instead of 2GB. (saves you at least $30?)
2. Cheaper case ($50)
3. Looking harder for combo deals - another $50 or so?
4. Leaving SSD for later (easy drop in upgrade)

 

[MODist]

The first thing I would cut to trim the budget is the SSD. It's nice to have but is kind of a luxury item and can be easily added later. Put the highest priority on the CPU and Graphics cards. The cost of upgrading them later is the most. Second would be the motherboard, power supply and memory. Third is the hard drive, case and optical drive.

The Antec 300 is a good solid case for $50 but does not come with a power supply. Most inexpensive cases that do come with power supplies are cheap. Remember the power supply feeds everything in the system. Bad power supplies can cause stability issues as well as damage components. Think of it as the gas you put into your car. There are several inexpensive choices to choose from.

If you can stay away from Sapphire cards, their warranty service is poor.

 

[Justinator]

Well I'm not really looking at cutting the cost down at this point. I suppose I'm comfortable with the price as long as this is a good bang for my buck.

I do want the 2gb video card only because it should last me at least a year longer than a 1gb (At least thats what I tell myself) and by last I mean keep up with technology advancements for a year longer than the same card in a 1gb. ???

 

[aphelion02]

A 1GB will not last you a year longer than 2GB. Unless you are looking to cross fire or play on very large resolutions, there is only about a 2-3% performance differential. for 1920x1200 gaming, 1GB is plenty.

 

[Justinator]

I've read reports of BF2 possibly requiring more than 1gb so I'm just playing it safe and the extra $30 insurance policy makes me feel better.
I do appreciate your input though and the thought of trying to save me money.


*Question*
Should I be considering a COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7

I've read that I might have trouble keeping my i5 2500K cool and it could cause big issues if I stick with the stock CPU heatsink.

 

[Justinator]

If you live close to me Ill build it for you for free and show you how.

I live in Nova Scotia. Where are you?

 

[zi0n.]

If you aren't gonna OC the stock will be more than fine.

 

[lehtv]

for 1920x1200 gaming, 1GB is plenty.

2GB vs 1GB memory is not about framerates. Many games even now require more than 1GB on high settings (e.g. GTA4, CIV5 DX11 large maps), and other games benefit from it (e.g. Crysis 2 with high res textures). Not necessarily in terms of fps, but in terms of stability, texture loading times, and smooth gameplay.

A 2GB card may very well last 6-12 months longer. You can always play with lower framerate or turn down graphics settings to increase fps, but if you don't have enough VRAM, there's not much you can do to make the game run without issues. Turning down settings can help, but it's stupid to do that when you get decent framerates with higher settings.