New build, can I get a couple thoughts regarding it?

[epilf]

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=25599448

I'm 95% settled on the above, after countless hours spent reviewing things. I've already got a crucial m4 SSD and a 1tb HDD, a soundblaster card, as well as a 460GTX 1GB Hawk so I don't need any of that. I'm waiting on the next gen of nvidia to drop soon before I upgrade my gpu.

I primarily use my pc for fps gaming (l4d2) so the low input lag is important. Aside from gaming I watch shows and do some photoshop. I'm not interested in IPS, but I am in 3D/120hz. I don't want over 24", and 1920x1200 doesn't exist with 120hz/3d.

I do plan to OC and I'm wondering if that motherboard is too much. My ssd is my only sata III device but I do plan on adding more in the future. I know I want z68. To be frank I cant tell any major differences between $150/200 and $300 boards. I'm just unsure of the most important aspects to focus on.

I also know that I want to go i5 because I won't use hyperthreading and if I ever do I'll upgrade in the future.

I've chosen the 850w over a 750 because it's only 10 bucks more. I know having too much is a waste and could impact performance some, however my current 520w is 4years old and I know they depreciate over time. I do plan on upgrading my gpu in the future and likely going SLI at some point, so I'm thinking the 850w for future proofing. Is this rational thinking?

I'm not really wanting to go over $1200(USD) but am willing only if its really worth it. I'm also dead set on Intel and nvidia, not willing to go amd or ati.

Any critique and suggestions are more than welcome! This isn't my first build but it's been a few years and I haven't followed hardware very much at all. Thanks!

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Power supply is overkill.
You'll want RAM is multiples of two, not three.
Motherboard may be overkill, but it's a solid choice.

If you don't need all the fancy features on the Asus, this one is pretty decent
ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
This PSU is also more than you need, but it's $50 cheaper with the promo code
SeaSonic X750 or Cheaper still!

 

[epilf]

Power supply is overkill.
You'll want RAM is multiples of two, not three.
Motherboard may be overkill, but it's a solid choice.

Alright. Would you mind elaborating on the ram multiples? Why is 3 worse?

Also if the mobo is in fact overkill, what do you suggest? I really only want to get what will suit my needs without overdoing it. I'd rather save the money, but quality means a lot. I don't want an el cheapo.

 

[epilf]

I was considering that asrock previously but read a bunch of reviews about poor OC performance of the 2500k.

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Alright. Would you mind elaborating on the ram multiples? Why is 3 worse?

The memory controller in the 2500k is dual channel, not triple.

Also if the mobo is in fact overkill, what do you suggest? I really only want to get what will suit my needs without overdoing it. I'd rather save the money, but quality means a lot. I don't want an el cheapo.

I was considering that asrock previously but read a bunch of reviews about poor OC performance of the 2500k.

I haven't had a problem with mine at all. Sitting pretty @ 4.6GHz. It was prime stable at 4.8GHz, but I lowered it a bit for daily use due to temperatures. Of course YMMV.

 

[epilf]

The memory controller in the 2500k is dual channel, not triple.




I haven't had a problem with mine at all. Sitting pretty @ 4.6GHz. It was prime stable at 4.8GHz, but I lowered it a bit for daily use due to temperatures. Of course YMMV.

Alright I'll take a look at some 4x4 16gb kits. I know I want more than my current 8gb. Edit- there's actually some good combo deals on 2x4 kits with a few gigabyte z68 boards. I may just do this and grab another 2x4 kit down the road. I come close to my 8gb, my thought is future proofing memory for a bit since I'm upgrading anyway.

If I do go asrock the extreme4gen3 was reported to have fixed the oc problems. I just figured if I was upgrading, why not an extreme7 or the Asus I picked out. I just know that the motherboard can make a big difference and I want quality without overkill. Again, I don't know the main things to look for on a motherboard. I can't make sense of the pricing unlike all other components where I can plainly see what justifies the cost.

Also what voltages are you using to get 4.6 stable?

Any other thoughts on my other chosen parts?

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Alright I'll take a look at some 4x4 16gb kits. I know I want more than my current 8gb. Edit- there's actually some good combo deals on 2x4 kits with a few gigabyte z68 boards. I may just do this and grab another 2x4 kit down the road. I come close to my 8gb, my thought is future proofing memory for a bit since I'm upgrading anyway.

If I do go asrock the extreme4gen3 was reported to have fixed the oc problems. I just figured if I was upgrading, why not an extreme7 or the Asus I picked out. I just know that the motherboard can make a big difference and I want quality without overkill. Again, I don't know the main things to look for on a motherboard. I can't make sense of the pricing unlike all other components where I can plainly see what justifies the cost.

If you live near a MicroCenter, they typically run some pretty good deals on 2500k/Z68 motherboard combos. If you're spending money anyway, the motherboard isn't a bad place to plop a little extra down for.

I can't speak for the 3D glasses or monitor.

PSU and RAM were discussed.

CPU/Heatsink/fan/thermal is fine.

 

[epilf]

If you live near a MicroCenter, they typically run some pretty good deals on 2500k/Z68 motherboard combos. If you're spending money anyway, the motherboard isn't a bad place to plop a little extra down for.

I can't speak for the 3D glasses or monitor.

PSU and RAM were discussed.

CPU/Heatsink/fan/thermal is fine.

Many thanks!

Does anybody else have any input?

 

[TheStu]

Many thanks!

Does anybody else have any input?

As AverageGuy said, overkill on the PSU and you want a 2*Whatever kit of RAM. Just make sure it is 1.5v. You don't really need any more than 2*4GB honestly for most stuff, but RAM is soo cheap right now, might as well bump get 2 kits and run 16GB (that is what I will be doing).

I can't really speak to anything else in your build since I am really out of the loop, but that has been the information i have picked up while researching my latest build. Definitely see if there is a MicroCenter near you. You are looking at about $90-100 savings on the CPU and mobo together, and might be able to secure a PSU there for some savings as well.

How many hard drives do you currently have in addition to the SSD and 1TB or is that it? If those are all you have then you can get away with boards that are more or less on par with that you chose, but have fewer SATA ports for example. I would wait for mfenn or the other regulars to chime in though.

 

[mfenn]

Alright I'll take a look at some 4x4 16gb kits. I know I want more than my current 8gb. Edit- there's actually some good combo deals on 2x4 kits with a few gigabyte z68 boards. I may just do this and grab another 2x4 kit down the road. I come close to my 8gb, my thought is future proofing memory for a bit since I'm upgrading anyway.

What do you do that makes you think that you are running into the limits of 8GB and how are you measuring your memory usage?

If I do go asrock the extreme4gen3 was reported to have fixed the oc problems. I just figured if I was upgrading, why not an extreme7 or the Asus I picked out. I just know that the motherboard can make a big difference and I want quality without overkill. Again, I don't know the main things to look for on a motherboard. I can't make sense of the pricing unlike all other components where I can plainly see what justifies the cost.

The bolded is exactly what you should be thinking about. If you don't find any value in the price, you are paying too much for your needs. Beware the "only $20 more" treadmill, that will only cause you to over pay in the end. I second the Extreme3 Gen3 recommendation.

Any other thoughts on my other chosen parts?

The PSU is a big waste of money for what you are doing. There is no need to pay over $65 on a PSU for a single-GPU system or $80 on a PSU for a dual-GPU system.

 

[epilf]

What do you do that makes you think that you are running into the limits of 8GB and how are you measuring your memory usage?



The bolded is exactly what you should be thinking about. If you don't find any value in the price, you are paying too much for your needs. Beware the "only $20 more" treadmill, that will only cause you to over pay in the end. I second the Extreme3 Gen3 recommendation.



The PSU is a big waste of money for what you are doing. There is no need to pay over $65 on a PSU for a single-GPU system or $80 on a PSU for a dual-GPU system.

Well I don't do enough video encoding to warrant an i7, I do enough to use up my ram during the time that they are. I usually just do frag videos though, nothing extensive. I just wanted to have a good buffer mainly because ram is cheap, and I'm upgrading anyways. I may just get a good fast 2x4gb set and expand to 2 more later if need be.

I've got my eye on this corsair vengeance pair for only 50 bucks. I mainly care about gaming performance. Would you recommend any other set?

I had initially gone with that 750tx, I'm going to go back with it again. I'll likely get a pair of 580's once the next nvidia line comes out and prices go down. Was wanting to ensure I'd have enough power ready for when that time comes.

As far as the motherboard, if the asrock will suit me just fine, I'll go with it; However I'm gonna go with the extreme4 due to the amount of reviews I read about problems with ex3 overclocking. I'd rather pay the few extra bucks for the updated board and avoid the risk/time/trouble on a roll of the dice.

My last request of input would be about the monitor. I've spent more time reading and watching monitor reviews than anything. What I've gathered is that with any brand it seemingly is a $300+ crapshoot on a nice 3d monitor as to whether or not you get a dud full of backlight bleed, dead pixels, etc. I'm coming from a CRT so I don't think I'll mind the glossy screen of the Asus VG236HE. Really the only selling point is the glossy screen supposedly makes the colors pop and are more vivid. I've never used a TN screen so I'm sort of apprehensive about how bad viewing angles really are, etc. Is there really THAT big of a difference, or should I stop stressing and just choose one?

p.s. The closest MicroCenter is 532 miles from my house, a 8 hour and 41 minute drive! D:

 

[mfenn]

Well I don't do enough video encoding to warrant an i7, I do enough to use up my ram during the time that they are. I usually just do frag videos though, nothing extensive. I just wanted to have a good buffer mainly because ram is cheap, and I'm upgrading anyways. I may just get a good fast 2x4gb set and expand to 2 more later if need be.

I've got my eye on this corsair vengeance pair for only 50 bucks. I mainly care about gaming performance. Would you recommend any other set?

If you just kinda sorta think that you might be running out with 8GB, then chances are that you aren't. Transcoding (as opposed to video editing) not very memory intensive at all. 2x4GB is a good sweet spot, but that Vengeance is too expensive for what it is. Here is a $37 G.Skill DDR3 1333 kit that will perform within 1% while gaming and costs about a third less.

I had initially gone with that 750tx, I'm going to go back with it again. I'll likely get a pair of 580's once the next nvidia line comes out and prices go down. Was wanting to ensure I'd have enough power ready for when that time comes.

Never gonna happen, that's just not how the high-end GPU market works. Prices will stay constant or go down slightly while Nvidia is still making them. As soon as Kepler launches, Nvidia will cut all its high-end production over to that an GTX 580 prices will rise until it goes out of stock.

Bottom line is that if you think that you want to go dual-GPU, you have to buy two current generation, high-end parts for it to make any sort of sense from a bang/buck perspective.

As far as the motherboard, if the asrock will suit me just fine, I'll go with it; However I'm gonna go with the extreme4 due to the amount of reviews I read about problems with ex3 overclocking. I'd rather pay the few extra bucks for the updated board and avoid the risk/time/trouble on a roll of the dice.

What kind of reviews, Newegg? :awe: I'm not sure why you think that the Extreme4 is updated over the Extreme3, the Gen3 parts came out at the same time. The $60 premium (50%) is in no way worth it unless the Extreme4 has a feature that you just have to have.

My last request of input would be about the monitor. I've spent more time reading and watching monitor reviews than anything. What I've gathered is that with any brand it seemingly is a $300+ crapshoot on a nice 3d monitor as to whether or not you get a dud full of backlight bleed, dead pixels, etc. I'm coming from a CRT so I don't think I'll mind the glossy screen of the Asus VG236HE. Really the only selling point is the glossy screen supposedly makes the colors pop and are more vivid. I've never used a TN screen so I'm sort of apprehensive about how bad viewing angles really are, etc. Is there really THAT big of a difference, or should I stop stressing and just choose one?

If you're currently using a CRT, pretty much any LCD except IPS is going to have worse viewing angles. IPS is pretty until you get to unrealistically acute angles. Do you want 3D for 3D's sake or to use a 120Hz refresh rate?

Overall, I think that your main problem is that you somehow have this perception that a more expensive part is somehow less likely to be DOA. This is simply not the case, none of these things are hand tested. The manufacturing error rate is going to be about the same on a $50 board versus a $150 board.

 

[epilf]

If you just kinda sorta think that you might be running out with 8GB, then chances are that you aren't. Transcoding (as opposed to video editing) not very memory intensive at all. 2x4GB is a good sweet spot, but that Vengeance is too expensive for what it is. Here is a $37 G.Skill DDR3 1333 kit that will perform within 1% while gaming and costs about a third less.

Yeah I've actually decided to go for 8 for now and get more if I need later. I've had bad experiences with G.Skill, Mushkin has always treated me right so I'm going with this set instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095

Never gonna happen, that's just not how the high-end GPU market works. Prices will stay constant or go down slightly while Nvidia is still making them. As soon as Kepler launches, Nvidia will cut all its high-end production over to that an GTX 580 prices will rise until it goes out of stock.

Bottom line is that if you think that you want to go dual-GPU, you have to buy two current generation, high-end parts for it to make any sort of sense from a bang/buck perspective.

That's good to know. I just assumed as with all products, when a newer version is released the older versions drop in price. I'm gonna stick with my 460 and see how long it holds and just upgrade whenever I need.

What kind of reviews, Newegg? :awe: I'm not sure why you think that the Extreme4 is updated over the Extreme3, the Gen3 parts came out at the same time. The $60 premium (50%) is in no way worth it unless the Extreme4 has a feature that you just have to have.

Not just newegg, but here, [h], and a number of other places. I've seen a fair number of reports of the extreme3 having OC problems and the ext4 not. Anyways I believe I've decided on an Asus board instead after more research.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131792

If you're currently using a CRT, pretty much any LCD except IPS is going to have worse viewing angles. IPS is pretty until you get to unrealistically acute angles. Do you want 3D for 3D's sake or to use a 120Hz refresh rate?

I want 3d for movies, and 120hz for gaming. I'm well set on the VG236HE. It fits what I'm looking for.

Overall, I think that your main problem is that you somehow have this perception that a more expensive part is somehow less likely to be DOA. This is simply not the case, none of these things are hand tested. The manufacturing error rate is going to be about the same on a $50 board versus a $150 board.

No, I never think that price = reliability. I do however want to get good products that aren't cheap. I don't mind spending the extra few dollars for a better quality product. Prime example is the Asrock boards. Countless websites go on and on about how Asrock is a cheap manufacturer. I've read over and over that Asus is more reliable and has a better warranty. I based all of my selections on reviews. I've spent hours and hours researching and reading. I base nothing on price (within reason of course) and choose more based on features and personal experiences.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=25599448

I'm about to pull the trigger in the next 2 days or so. I think I'm pretty well set at this point. Any last minute comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[OlafSicky]

The case is crap the design is like 5 years old get something newer

 

[epilf]

The case is crap the design is like 5 years old get something newer

Mind suggesting one better for roughly the same price? I've read a number of reviews saying how great it is for airflow, etc. I'd like to go with a Full size but a roomy Mid would suffice. I care about airflow. I don't really care to spend over 150 on a case.

 

[Charlie98]

I'd like to go with a Full size but a roomy Mid would suffice. I care about airflow. I don't really care to spend over 150 on a case.

CoolerMaster HAF922...

 

[epilf]

CoolerMaster HAF922...

Unless I'm seriously missing something here, why would you recommend a lesser version of the same case as a better replacement? The 932 has another fan, more room, and USB 3.0.

 

[mfenn]

Not just newegg, but here, [h], and a number of other places. I've seen a fair number of reports of the extreme3 having OC problems and the ext4 not. Anyways I believe I've decided on an Asus board instead after more research.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131792

Still overpriced. If you're dead set against ASRock (which you shouldn't be), check out the P8Z68-V LE.

No, I never think that price = reliability. I do however want to get good products that aren't cheap. I don't mind spending the extra few dollars for a better quality product. Prime example is the Asrock boards. Countless websites go on and on about how Asrock is a cheap manufacturer. I've read over and over that Asus is more reliable and has a better warranty. I based all of my selections on reviews. I've spent hours and hours researching and reading. I base nothing on price (within reason of course) and choose more based on features and personal experiences.

You do realize that ASRock is a subsidiary of ASUS right? Kind of like Ford and Lincoln, only the more budget oriented brand is the subsidiary in this case. Anyway, there is plenty of FUD out there on ASRock, most of it based on boards that were made 5+ years ago.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=25599448

I'm about to pull the trigger in the next 2 days or so. I think I'm pretty well set at this point. Any last minute comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

My comments:
- Case: Not worth $150 in any way, shape, or form. If you really like the HAF 932, the THOR V2 is a better value. Classy cases like the Fractal Design R3 are even less.
- Mobo: ibid
- PSU: Overpriced for what it is. The Seasonic S12II 620W is the same base design, only without the modularity (useless in a big case) and $40 less expensive.

 

[Charlie98]

Unless I'm seriously missing something here, why would you recommend a lesser version of the same case as a better replacement? The 932 has another fan, more room, and USB 3.0.

My opinion... the 932 is HUGE. Given the components you are pouring into the build, I think 932 is overkill, unless you just want a big case. There is plenty of airflow in the 922, even with the stock fans (2x 200mm, 1x 120mm.) I will grant it doesn't have USB 3.0, an oversight by CM I hope they remedy soon.

...save yourself $60...

My build is in a 922 and, to be honest, I probably could have gone with the 912, but don't get me wrong... I love my 922.

 

[epilf]

Still overpriced. If you're dead set against ASRock (which you shouldn't be), check out the P8Z68-V LE.



You do realize that ASRock is a subsidiary of ASUS right? Kind of like Ford and Lincoln, only the more budget oriented brand is the subsidiary in this case. Anyway, there is plenty of FUD out there on ASRock, most of it based on boards that were made 5+ years ago.



My comments:
- Case: Not worth $150 in any way, shape, or form. If you really like the HAF 932, the THOR V2 is a better value. Classy cases like the Fractal Design R3 are even less.
- Mobo: ibid
- PSU: Overpriced for what it is. The Seasonic S12II 620W is the same base design, only without the modularity (useless in a big case) and $40 less expensive.

I've never used Seasonic and get wary sometimes of companies that I don't know to be tried and true, such as Corsair for PSUs. I like a modular psu, and I'd rather pay the extra few bucks to go with what I know is good.

Also Asrock used to be a subsidary of Asus but they are their own company now. I am aware of the history, and I know that Asrock is the cheaper version. Anywhoo, I do want the PCI-e 3.0 which the Gen3 version has. I'm pretty satisfied with the motherboard I've chosen having compared the different p8z68 boards. Not looking to save a few bucks there, I'll be taking advantage of the 3.0 in the future.

My opinion... the 932 is HUGE. Given the components you are pouring into the build, I think 932 is overkill, unless you just want a big case. There is plenty of airflow in the 922, even with the stock fans (2x 200mm, 1x 120mm.) I will grant it doesn't have USB 3.0, an oversight by CM I hope they remedy soon.

...save yourself $60...

My build is in a 922 and, to be honest, I probably could have gone with the 912, but don't get me wrong... I love my 922.

Maybe I'm underestimating just how big it is. I'll take a look at a few more mid sized. I've got an Apevia mid sized now and its not bad, but I was hoping for a bit more room. Thanks

Edit: Yeah the 922 might just be better suited. I'll save the $ and go for it.

 

[fffblackmage]

I've never used Seasonic and get wary sometimes of companies that I don't know to be tried and true, such as Corsair for PSUs. I like a modular psu, and I'd rather pay the extra few bucks to go with what I know is good.

Seasonic makes some of those awesome Corsair branded PSUs you're talking about, including that HX650 you picked out in your newegg wishlist. Seasonic is definitely not some no-name brand. They've been around for quite all time and are actually well-known to make excellent PSUs.

 

[epilf]

Seasonic makes some of those awesome Corsair branded PSUs you're talking about, including that HX650 you picked out in your newegg wishlist. Seasonic is definitely not some no-name brand. They've been around for quite all time and are actually well-known to make excellent PSUs.

I understand, I'd just never used them. When I filter out what I'm wanting in a PSU (650W, Modular, Single rail) from within the Seasonic brand, it leads me to this at $150 shipped. The HX650 is $50 less and provides exactly my criteria. I really do prefer modular over non, and will happily pay the extra to have it.

 

[Charlie98]

Maybe I'm underestimating just how big it is. I'll take a look at a few more mid sized. I've got an Apevia mid sized now and its not bad, but I was hoping for a bit more room. Thanks

Edit: Yeah the 922 might just be better suited. I'll save the $ and go for it.

I went to MicroCenter to look at cases, just to 'window shop' before I ordered mine... and I was shocked at how big both the 932 and X would be for a standard build (no watercooling, 1 or 2 GPU's, 3 drives, etc.) As it is, the 922 comes with WC ports and could easily handle all that hardware, along with 2 GPU's and a myriad of other stuff.

I wound up adding a bottom fan (120mm) but it makes little very real difference. My thought was to get as much air going in (1x 120mm, 1x 200mm) as there was coming out (1x 120mm, 1x 200mm.)

I really do prefer modular over non, and will happily pay the extra to have it.

I don't blame you on that, I wish I would have gone modular.

 

[epilf]

I went ahead and ordered what is currently on my wishlist. I'm happy with my choices and I thank you guys very much for the input! I think its going to be a very solid system and it ended up being perfectly in my price range. I ended up with a total price of $1,102 shipped and $50 in mail in rebates bringing it to $1,052.

Thanks again!