I5 750 build - RAM & Mobo unsure

Hi guys, this is my build at the moment. I've already purchased the case (CM Storm Scout), OS (Win7-64), DVD Drive (Lite-On w/lightscribe) & the PSU (Corsair 650HX). I need help choosing the Mobo & RAM.


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Some parts already purchased, so now, or in the next week or so.

BUDGET RANGE: $1,000-$1,200 with a monitor

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming mostly.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: currently a keyboard, mouse, & speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, ZIpZoomfly, Amazon, Tiger, etc. they're all good

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Boston - USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: i5 750, a 23-24" LCD (must have an HDMI port), either an HD 5770 (with a 2nd card down the road) or a budget busting HD 5850. I am open to all else.


OVERCLOCKING: Most likely yes. CROSSFIRE if I go with the 5770.

MONITOR RESOLUTION:1920x1080 or 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: As I said above, I've already purchased some of the parts. Here is what I purchased so far.

CPU: Intel i5 750 @ Microcenter $149.99

PSU: Corsair 650HX

Case: CM Storm Scout

OS: Windows 7 64-bit

DVD: Lite-ON DVD burner with Lightscribe

Hard Drive: Samsung F3


Here is what I need:

Motherboard: I'm leaning toward the Asrock Extreme p55 as it's $140, and can crossfire at x8. It's gotten terrific reviews so far.

Asrock Extreme P55 - $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813157172

I'm also considering these 3 pricier boards:


EVGA P55 SLI 132-LF-E655-KR - $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813188055

GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD4P - $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128400

ASUS P7P55D-E Pro - $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131621


RAM: I'm clueless, please help! There are so many options my mind is numb.


Monitor:

Acer 23" - $199
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824009179

ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms(GTG) HDMI - $179
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236059

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI - $189
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236052


Graphics:

HD 5770 or an HD 5850, depending on my budget. Most likely a single 5770 for now, with a second later.


----------------------------------------

Comments: Please let me know what you guys think. My main concern at the moment, or the area where I'm most confused, is with the RAM and Mobo.

The RAM is confusing because there are so many different choices on Newegg. They all look the same to me, and in every thread someone recommends a different model RipJaw, or Corsair. Someone mentioned the new ECO Ram too. This will be my first ever build, so talk to me like I'm a newb. I know the RAM can't be higher than 1.65v, and some people say that the difference in performance between the different types suggested is minimal anyway. I could really use this to be explained to me like I'm a 4 year old. Again, all advice is appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hope I didn't forget anything.

I personally went for the P55-UD4P just because I like Gigabyte so much. I don't have any experience with Asrock though, so I can't really comment on them. That board looks nice on first glance.

Alright, I'll try to help on the ram choice:

Requirements:
Dual Channel DDR3 1.65V or less.

Preferences:
CL7
1333MHz if not OCing processor
1600MHz if OCing processor
1.5V or less.

Recently, GSkill has put out some excellent and cheap ram, so I see no reason why not to get ram with 7-7-7-21 or the like latency. After that, at stock processor clocks the ram runs at 1333MHz. If you buy 1600MHz ram, it will merely downclock to 1333MHz (so buying too fast is fine). If OCing, 1600MHz will give you a little more performance. And finally, less voltage = less heat and possibly longer life. If certainly can't hurt, so go as low as you can find/afford on voltage.

Was looking at deals while surfing and came across this "advertised in the the NY times"
ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 ATX Xtreme 144.00
Free ups shipping
J + R------Thats about the cheapest I've seen a 2x 16.0 board its 170.00 at newegg
http://www.jr.com/asus/pe/ASU_P7P55D/

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've seen the ECO series recommended elsewhere. Anyone else think that it would be a good choice?

^what are you talking about..it's only x16 x4..
proof from ur link "Expansion Slots: 2 PCIe X16 slots support (Single graphic card @ X16 (blue), dual graphic card @ X16 and X4 (blue and block)); 1 PCI Express 2.0 x16 (x4 mode), 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1, 2 PCI (3.3V/5V) "

actually it's 149.99 on newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

Hi guys, I'm back again. I've waited for the after Christmas sales to buy the remaining parts I need, and as a result I've decided to buy the ASUS P7P55D EVO Motherboard since it's on sale with a $40 off promo.

Any comments on this choice before I buy? Good choice, bad choice? I was leaning toward the Asrock as it was a better value at $140, but this looks too good to pass up.

ASUS P7P55D EVO Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-13131407

I've decided on this Graphics card as well. The HIS H577FM1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit. Good, bad? It's $10 off with a promo.

HIS H577FM1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-14161317


That leaves me with the RAM. Grrr.... I'm confused on this one. These are some of the choices I've narrowed it down to.

G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 99%3A29402

G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $94.99


G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $95.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231193

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145260

Then there are a number of Ripjaws frm Gskill that rate extremely high. Does anyone recommend a specific RAM that goes well with this Mobo, and set up? Thanks in advance everyone!

Here is a Power Search of the DDR3 /1600 RAM from Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 99%3A29402

This MSi mobo supports two pci 2.0 slots running at 16x and is cheaper, this 5770 is cheaper, and this ram has a lat of 7 which is pretty good for DDR3 ram.

$S180W$
SAPPHIRE 100283-2L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product
$155 -Free Shipping


MSI P55-GD65 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
HARD|OCP Gold Editor’s Choice Award
http://www.newegg.com/product/prod [...] 6813130239
$160 -Free Shipping


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231275
$92 -Free Shipping

Moth, thanks for the advice. I already pulled the trigger on the ASUS Evo Mobo. At $154 I just couldn't resist. I have two questions about your post.

1) Is the SAPPHIRE 5770 better than the HIS 5770? I've always wondered if one manufacturer is better than the other when it comes to similar model cards. Anyone have an opinion here?

2) If I plan on OC'ing, doesn't the RAM need to be 1600, as opposed to 1333?


Thanks in advance.

Hey RW, I'm still undecided on the ram. I'm very much like you in the respect of buying the right components and researching. I'm still taking my time because the Spinpoint HD's aren't due until tomorrow.

I chose an expensive GPU because I not only want it to last, but I've never had a decent card before.

I ended up ordering:

Sapphire Radeon HD 5850 1GB PCIe DDR5 w/HDMI & DVI

Had to grab it from TigerDirect because the Egg ran out moments before I was lined up for the purchase.

Presently I'm still deciding on RAM and a Tower but I still need to order a HD, CPU Cooler and a DVD burner.

I'm waffling on the Cool Master Storm Sniper or the CM HAF 922.

I'm not trying to take over this thread but any help in these areas would be genuinely appreciated.

Get the cheapest ram you can with a lat of 7. The Eco ram uses less volts so it gives you more headroom to overclock. But either way, overclocking your ram will not make any noticeable impact on system performance. As you can see, "slow" ram makes no significant difference in games at all. In fact, you can see here that even $100+ 1600 ram is beaten by lower clocked, cheaper ram (1333). So don't worry about memory. Just make sure its compatiable with your mobo and pop it in.


This ram is good for OC, as you have more headroom because its low voltage:

G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231318
$98 -Free Shipping

This ram will give the same performance as the eco ram if you don't OC, but its cheaper:

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231275
$92 -Free Shipping

Either ram is fine. If your talking about people on Newegg complaining about ram, ignore it. Newegg reviews are useless, because the people who comment are not professionals, and anyone can say anything. Just get the Eco ram, as it has a low voltage which gives you more headroom when OC.

Like I said, don't worry about customer reviews. A lot of people say their ram was DOA, but what really happened was that they transmitted static electricity to the ram when they touched it, damaging the ram/mobo. Like I said, Newegg reviews are not made by professionals.

The ram on Gskill.com and Newegg are exactly the same:


G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] L7D-4GBECO

Model
Brand G.SKILL
Series ECO Series
Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO
Type 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
Tech Spec
Capacity 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Speed DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
Cas Latency 7
Timing 7-7-7-21-2N
Voltage 1.35V
ECC No
Buffered/Registered Unbuffered
Multi-channel Kit Dual Channel Kit
Heat Spreader Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
Parts Lifetime limited
Labor Lifetime limited

=============================


[ ECO ] F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=244
Main Board intel
System Desktop
System Type DDR3
M/B Chipset
Intel P55
CAS Latency 7-7-7-21-2N
Capacity 4GB (2GBx2)
Speed DDR3-1333 (PC3 10666)
Test Voltage 1.35 Volts
PCB
Registered/Unbuffered Unbuffered
Error Checking Non-ECC
Type 240-pin DIMM
Warranty Lifetime

Which one? This is just a list of all of there 12000 ram. You need to link to a specific set of ram.

There isn't any significant difference between the monitors features except their screen size and their price tag. The Dell would be a good choice as you get a 24" screen, 50,000 : 1 contrast ratio, hdmi, only for $180. Thats a pretty good deal for a good monitor, so I would recommend the Dell, but its your choice though.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help over the last few months. Be it by replying directly to a thread, or question I had, or by answering someone else's. I've been enjoying my i5 system for a month or so now, and it's kick ass. This was my first ever build, and without the things I learned at this website, in this forum, I never would have been able to make one. Thanks a million fellas!