New build critique, help please

[FlexPlexico]

Hi,

Could use some input on my prospective build. I'm looking to use this as a mid range gaming / media center type machine.

Components:

Case: TBD (Need Recs!)
Motherboard: ASUS P8H67-M EVO (REV 3.0) w/ USB3.0, e-SATA, HDMI - $130
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600 - $300
RAM: TBD (Need Recs!)
GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) FPB 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - $125
OS Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - $75
Gaming Data Drive: OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE120G 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - $200
Data Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - $80
Optical: Samsung SH-B123L BD-ROM/DVD-R Combo - $65
PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - $45

Total (so far): $1,020ish if my math is right

So I think I also need some recs for GPU, Case and RAM. I want to get a really good graphics card that will let me run almost any game i want at the highest res / performance etc.

I have a 27 inch monitor that I'll be running most games on a 1920x1200 res, if that helps.

Thanks,

Flex

 

[Kukag]

As far as the case goes, theres a bunch of pretty decent options, I just got the CM690 II Advanced and love it, other good options include -

Antec 300, Antec 900, Cooler Master Storm Scout, Cooler master HAF 912, 922, 932, etc.

As far as ram goes, I'd just look for a nice set of DDR3-1333, look for something that runs at 1.5V as some people had have trouble with higher volts and SB.

As for your graphics card, your not going to be able to game at 1920x1200 with that card. Your going to need something like a 570 or above or a I'd say a 6950 - 6970, something in that range. If your budget exceeds your limit, then I'd recommend dropping the i7-2600, and picking up the i5-2500K, your gonna save another about $80 and you'll grant yourself the ability to overclock and what not!

Hope any of this helps! =D
-Kukag

 

[DesiPower]

What's your reason for choosing that mobo? IMHO, it doesn't really add up... high end CPU... low end mobo... and its not cheap either... 130 for a H67?

 

[fffblackmage]

As for your graphics card, your not going to be able to game at 1920x1200 with that card. Your going to need something like a 570 or above or a I'd say a 6950 - 6970, something in that range. If your budget exceeds your limit, then I'd recommend dropping the i7-2600, and picking up the i5-2500K, your gonna save another about $80 and you'll grant yourself the ability to overclock and what not!

Careful here, OP would need a P67 or Z68 mobo for overclocking. However, I do agree that the i7-2600 is rather pointless for an HTPC/gaming rig.

OP, save yourself $80-100 and get the i5-2500(K), then get a better graphics card for gaming. With about $200 to work with, you should be able to pick up a 6870, at least.

The Samsung F3 1TB should be $65 and just as fast as the WD Black.

RAM... any cheap ram that runs on 1.5V would be good.

 

[FlexPlexico]

What's your reason for choosing that mobo? IMHO, it doesn't really add up... high end CPU... low end mobo... and its not cheap either... 130 for a H67?

Could you possibly suggest a good mobo?

Maybe one that might go well with the i7 2600 or the i5 2500?

 

[Kukag]

My bad on not catching his mobo was a h67! If your going to go with a SSD, I'd recommend a Z68 board with the i5-2500K.

This is an excellent Z68 mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-502-_-Product

With that mobo its not more expensive, many more features, support for overclocking, virtu, and Intel SRT so now you can get a 60gb SSD and pair with your largest mechanical drive and get much faster speeds. Much cheaper and faster with more features!

Good luck!

 

[DesiPower]

Could you possibly suggest a good mobo?

Maybe one that might go well with the i7 2600 or the i5 2500?

I agree with Kukag above, if you prefer ASUS, the Z68s will run around 180. Intel has one too for 140... juts look for Z68s in newegg.

 

[FlexPlexico]

Ok great. What's the difference in performance between the DDR 1333 and 1600? Why is the 1333 appropriate for this machine?

 

[mfenn]

I agree with the other posters. You're spending too much on the CPU and other ancillary things and not enough on the GPU.

- Case: Antec Three Hundred $45 AR
- Mobo+RAM: GA-Z68X-UD3 + G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB $188
- GPU: 6950 1GB $215 AR
- OS Drive: You'll want your SSD in this slot, with 120GB you should be able to put a decent number of games on it
- SSD : Good
- Data drive: Good
- ODD : Good
- PSU: Should be fine, though this XFX 550W would allow you to not need a PCIe 6-pin to Molex adapter

 

[DesiPower]

Ok great. What's the difference in performance between the DDR 1333 and 1600? Why is the 1333 appropriate for this machine?

its complicated, I never get it.. you can read more at "Memory and Storage", although IIRC, I think I read somewhere that 1600 is more appropriate for OCing as its multiple to 100 just like the FSB or something like that...

But from what I have read, for sure, at stock speed, there will be almost no difference... go for whatever you please, which ever is cheaper.

Two things to remember 1. Do not get the ones with tall fins on the heatsink, it will conflict with most aftermarket coolers and 2. stick with 1.5 volts.

 

[FlexPlexico]

Thanks for the input mfenn. How would this card be:

XFX HD-697A-CNFC Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

Is that overkill or if I can afford it, should I grab it with the i5 2500k / Mobo / RAM combo you suggested?

 

[FlexPlexico]

its complicated, I never get it.. you can read more at "Memory and Storage", although IIRC, I think I read somewhere that 1600 is more appropriate for OCing as its multiple to 100 just like the FSB or something like that...

But from what I have read, for sure, at stock speed, there will be almost no difference... go for whatever you please, which ever is cheaper.

Two things to remember 1. Do not get the ones with tall fins on the heatsink, it will conflict with most aftermarket coolers and 2. stick with 1.5 volts.

Ah - thanks for the tip on the height of the heatsinks!

 

[fffblackmage]

That 6970 is fine, if you can afford it. An i5-2500k + 6970 is waaaay better than an i7-2600 + GTX550 Ti for gaming.

 

[FlexPlexico]

ok - and would a 6870 be one level down? and what's better - a 6870 with two gigs, or a 6970 with one gig?

 

[betasub]

^ Are there 6970 1GB versions available? Anyway, the 6970 is AMD's top-of-the-line single GPU, but it is only a little faster than the cheaper 6950 (available in either 1GB or 2GB versions). The 6850/6870 are good mid-range cards (well-balanced with 1GB).

Your gaming res puts you on the cusp of 1+GB, depending on the game & settings, so 2GB would be worthwhile if you use v.high/ultra setting or texture packs.

 

[gevorg]

OS Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - $75
Gaming Data Drive: OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE120G 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - $200
Data Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EARS 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - $80

I would use the SSD as the OS drive and as a gaming drive. If you have so many games that won't fit on a 120GB SSD together with OS, then still get that Caviar Black and install non-intensive games there.

EDIT: Also, for a $1000+ build consider a better PSU. If not Seasonic, at least go with Antec level quality.

 

[FlexPlexico]

Is this one good?

SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

 

[fffblackmage]

ok - and would a 6870 be one level down? and what's better - a 6870 with two gigs, or a 6970 with one gig?

Go for the better GPU first, before considering more vram.

Is this one good?

SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Yes, but we could get you something with better bang for the buck.

This PSU is manufactured by Seasonic, and 550W is more than enough for an i5-2500K + 6970:
$76 ($56 AR) - XFX Core Edition PRO550W

The 650W version is $10 more:
$96 ($66 AR) - XFX Core Edition PRO650W

 

[FlexPlexico]

Ah you're awesome. I was about to drop like $50 more! Ill post the final build soon. I think I'm spending a few more dollars than I was originally intending, but as long as this machine lasts for 3 - 4 years I'm totally fine with it.

 

[FlexPlexico]

Question though - what's the difference between Bronze / Gold certified etc. On these boards it doesn't seem like a lot of importance is placed on ratings like that. Is it just the manufacturer trying to squeeze out a few more dollars?

 

[fffblackmage]

Wikipedia - 80 PLUS

I think it's good enough to get 80 plus certified PSU. Anything better for the same price is just a nice little bonus.

 

[dude.erino]

Case: Xigmatek Elysium

 

[FlexPlexico]

Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
$220

XFX Radeon HD 6970 HD-697A-CNFC Video Card with Eyefinity
$320

COOLER MASTER CM 690 II Advanced RC-692-KKN2 Black Computer Case
$80

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC128MAG-1G1 2.5" MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$235


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm sleeve CPU Cooler
$50

XFX Core Edition PRO650W (P1-650S-NLB9) 650W Power Supply
$60


G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
&
GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3-B3 ATX Intel Motherboard
Combo, $180

+ a $65 Optical drive (blu ray / dvd etc)

Grand Total: ~1210

 

[DesiPower]

I am not too sure about XFX brand PSU, I stick with Antec or Corsair, there are other good ones too but expensive line SeaSonic

 

[FlexPlexico]

Ok will do Desi. If I wanted to shave off $100-300 dollars, where would you guys start cutting back?