Upgrading with an 800$ budget

[rdukeman]

Hello folks, I am building a computer for my younger brother - he will be using it to mostly game. He likes FPS games and maybe some of the new MMO's like Guild Wars 2. Our generous Mother has allotted 800$ for upgrades. Lucky him. Too bad I am 29 and she won't give me a cent. We are from Southern California and about 30 minutes from Microcenter
I don't have any preferences in brand names. Some of the parts from his current rig are usable which I will cover below. I have done my research and have composed a list of the following components. There may be minor overclocking down the road.

Here are the parts / items from his current machine that I would like to re-use:
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5 (I think - not too sure on the exact model)
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX
CPU cooler - Again, I am not sure on the name and model but it was bought within the past year and I spent 50$ on it. I really need to start keeping records of things I buy not from Newegg.
OS: Windows 7 Pro
KB / Mouse / etc: All covered.

Ok, now onward with the new stuff:
Hard Drive SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200 RPM 60$
GPU XFX Radeon HD 6950 2GB 244$ (after 30$ mail in rebate)
RAM G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 50$
CPU Intel Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed 180$
MB Asus P8Z68-V PRO LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard 170$ (after 40$ off deal when buying a 2500k)
DVD Burner Lite-ON 24X SATA DVD Burner 20$

This totals to 817.29$ after tax and even less after rebates. Does anyone spot any place where I can cut back, or even extend further to catch a really good deal? How does this set up look?

 

[008Rohit]

What is your old processor? If that's for a different socket then the old CPU fan won't work with the i5 2500K. I suggest you to use the stock cooler for speeds upto 4Ghz. Beyond that, you'll need Noctua or CoolerMaster CPU Coolers for LGA1155 Socket.

A SeaGate 1TB Barracuda SATA 6.0GB/s HDD would be better IMO. $59.99

Other things are just fine.

 

[rdukeman]

Ohh, I did not even think about that. The old socket is not an i5. If I can get 4Ghz on stock then that is good enough for me.

Thanks for the suggestion on the SeaGate.

 

[008Rohit]

Ohh, I did not even think about that. The old socket is not an i5. If I can get 4Ghz on stock then that is good enough for me.

Thanks for the suggestion on the SeaGate.

One thing : After overclocking the processor, if you see a noticable change in the processor temperature, do fit a CoolerMaster "Case" fan.
I don't think you'll ever need to overclock it anyways, as 3.7Ghz turbo is more than enough to me.

 

[mnewsham]

AFAIK the samsung F3 and the WD black are the two fastest 7200 RPM drives available at the moment (that i know of anyway). I would not get the seagate. I would stick with the Samsung F3

 

[Meghan54]

Nice selection, but a couple of changes I'd at least investigate.

First, the memory. Newegg has a G. Skill 8GB set for $9 more than your choice, but is speed rated at DDR3-1600 and has a CAS of 8. "Sticker price" at Newegg is $79, but until 8/3, it has a $20 off promo code on the detail page of the memory, and also has free shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231445



And as you're going to Microcenter, another thing I'd look at. While that Asus motherboard is a solid choice, it really doesn't offer much over other choices in the Z68 arena. And while it may overclock a tad better than other choices out there (ultimate OC may be 100-200MHz over other boards......), there are cheaper alternatives that would serve your purpose just as well and save some $$.

I'd look at the Gigabyte Z68X-UD3H-B3 board. It's gotten good reviews, OC's almost as well (within a 100MHz or so) as your Asus choice and gives gaming and overall performance almost identical to the Asus board. The Gigabyte's shortcomings, if they can be labeled shortcomings, are only having 2 PCI-e x16 slots instead of the three the Asus board, meaning you cannot run three video cards, and only has 4 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports on the rear I/O panel....the Asus has more USB 2.0 ports. But the Gigabyte does have 3 additional USB 2.0 internal headers for 6 more ports and another USB 3.0 internal header for two more ports.

From Hardware Secrets' review of the Asus P8Z68-V PRO:

The Gigabyte Z68X-UD3H-B3, on the other hand, is cheaper and has a better audio codec, but comes with only two PCI Express x16 slots.

(Link to page: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/ASUS-P8Z68-V-PRO-Motherboard/1321/9)


Hardware Secrets' conclusion page on their review of the Gigabyte: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Gigabyte-Z68X-UD3H-B3-Motherboard/1290/9

The Gigabyte lists for $149, so with the $40 off, it'll run you $109. Then there's a $15 rebate on it.

 

[DominionSeraph]

I would not get the seagate. I would stick with the Samsung F3

This.
Seagate has had quality issues.

I don't see anything wrong with your build in the OP -- it's just a pretty pricey motherboard. You can pick up the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 and have it at $75, $60 after rebate.

 

[rdukeman]

Seems the Microcenter near me is out of stock on the Gigabyte Z68X-UD3H-B3. Anyone have a suggestion on another board that is similar?

 

[mnewsham]

Seems the Microcenter near me is out of stock on the Gigabyte Z68X-UD3H-B3. Anyone have a suggestion on another board that is similar?

What store is near you?

 

[rdukeman]

the OC/Tustin location. I ended up going with the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3

 

[mnewsham]

I think that one is a bit better anyway. (just smaller)

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

While you are there, invest in coolmaster 212.. it's like 25$

 

[mfenn]

the OC/Tustin location. I ended up going with the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3

This plus the parts listed in the OP are a solid build! Looks like you did your homework.

 

[mfenn]

Nice selection, but a couple of changes I'd at least investigate.

First, the memory. Newegg has a G. Skill 8GB set for $9 more than your choice, but is speed rated at DDR3-1600 and has a CAS of 8. "Sticker price" at Newegg is $79, but until 8/3, it has a $20 off promo code on the detail page of the memory, and also has free shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231445

I guess it comes down to whether or not you view it as $9 or 18%. I can appreciate the "it's $9 so might as well" argument, but that RAM most definitely won't increase performance by 18%. Probably more like 0-2%, depending on application.

 

[rdukeman]

I'm having a problem. I am trying to install the 2500k right now in the z68ma-d2h. It doesn't seem to want to lock into place when I pull the lever. Also, it seems to be grinding the side of the metal pieces of the processor. Is this normal?

 

[fffblackmage]

"Also, it seems to be grinding the side of the metal pieces of the processor."

I'm guessing you're referring to the Integrated Heatsink (IHS). Don't worry about scratching that with the locking mechanism.

Just make sure the CPU is in the correct orientation when locking it in place. It'll make some terrifying noise as you lower the lever, but that's normal.