CPU cooler, RAM, graphics card. how to pick?

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Seth Steenbergen

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Dec 31, 2013
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10,510
Hey guys hows it going? I'm New to the website but not computers. I'm working on building me a new machine and having a few issues finding the info I need for a few parts.

First the CPU and mobo i am going to use is the AMD FX-8350 and the Asus Crosshair V Formula-Z. Since the FX has a 4.0 stock clock with 4.2 turbo I do not need a crazy cooler. Ive never worked with liquid cool and would prefer not to but if it is recommended then I do not mind learning. I was thinking the Cooler Master Hyper n520 unless someone has a better idea.

For RAM I am looking for 16 GB and found some from G Skill. I know there isn't a big difference between 1600-1866 but since the 1866 is only 5$ more I may get that. Both have a CAS Latency of 10 so if someone has a better idea I am open to suggestions but would prefer them to keep a red or black color scheme, must be my slight OCD haha.

Graphics cards I found were an ASUS GTX 650 & 660. I know the 650 would be cheaper but would the extra power be worth it? Also open to suggestions here but I'd like to keep it mildly cheap. I know high end cards are pretty up there in price so I could make a small exception. The 650 I found for $165.99 the 660 for $199.99 so if possible I'd like to keep it under $250.

Case I am using is the Cooler Master HAF X if you need that info for anything. If there is any info you need just ask and I will provide. Also in advance I wish you all a happy new year and safe travels to anyone on the road!
 
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I'm running the liquid cooling system I suggested and it's keeping my CPU (4930k @ 4.7ghz) nice and cool and is just a great and easy to use system.

Personally going from amd (my first pc) to intel I saw a world of difference and i will never go back. Sure they are a bit more expensive but well well worth it. It depends on what you'll be doing but if you do think you'll go intel let me know in say a percentage how your time using the computer will be spilt up and I suggest one too you.

Well I've had this problem and a lot of other guys have too, while gaming on high the games can be pulling around 95% of your VRAM for a 2gb graphics and with new games coming out your just saving yourself trouble in the future, but I'd say 3gb should...
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wehler53

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Dec 30, 2013
492
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Hey mate,

First off you can go with a pre assembled water cooler, such as the thermaltake 3.0 performer or extreme they are as simple as screw it in and plug it in and your good to good (easier then an air cooler even)

With amd remember that they are only gaming processors and you'll suffer in all other aspects. Because of their low single core performance.

As for the graphics card, try and get a 4gb VRAM card as that will stop games from hitting the roof. So I'd suggest maybe looking to send a bit more and look at a GTX660 or gtx670 but definitely go with 4gb!

Hope that helps if you have any further questions please ask
 
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Seth Steenbergen

Honorable
Dec 31, 2013
19
0
10,510


My PC right now uses an AMD A8 on an ASROCK A75 Extreme6 board and it does great with other stuff and gaming. I just want something a bit faster and stronger so I'm gonna keep the HD and CD drive and give the rest to my brother. It's not very high end but for him he will manage just fine with it for a while. I'll probably go with liquid cool if it's as easy as you say. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess.

As for graphics card, what advantage would I gain by getting one with 4 GB VRAM? Right now they all look crazy expensive. The 660 I am looking at is 2 GB for $200. The reviews on it all say it's great too. I did find a few 660's and a 670 with 3 GB for $219.

RAM is still an issue though. I may just get the 1866 and see if I can improve the latency and timings a bit.
 
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wehler53

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Dec 30, 2013
492
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18,865
I'm running the liquid cooling system I suggested and it's keeping my CPU (4930k @ 4.7ghz) nice and cool and is just a great and easy to use system.

Personally going from amd (my first pc) to intel I saw a world of difference and i will never go back. Sure they are a bit more expensive but well well worth it. It depends on what you'll be doing but if you do think you'll go intel let me know in say a percentage how your time using the computer will be spilt up and I suggest one too you.

Well I've had this problem and a lot of other guys have too, while gaming on high the games can be pulling around 95% of your VRAM for a 2gb graphics and with new games coming out your just saving yourself trouble in the future, but I'd say 3gb should do. The run is spend as much as you can on a graphics card now and then when it slows back in time buy another.

To be honest I wouldn't bother with 1866hz as I believe the max usable frequency even with the new ivory-bridge-e's is still not up to that. (Diff between 1333mhz (my choice) and 2400mhz is 2-3fps at very best. So you need to decide if the price gap is worth it.
 
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