Please help with gaming pc specs

[jt4975]

Hi


First time building a gaming pc. Looking to spend amything from $2500 to $2900 Australian dollars. I would like your advice. Any help will be much appreciated. Not sure about ram. Any suggestions on how I can improve this build or is it ok. Thanks in advance, Justin

SPECS:
Processor: Intel Core i7-860 (S1156) $335.00
Motherboard ASUS P7P55D-DELUXE P55) $306.00
Video Card HIS ATI HD5850 $385.00
Sound Card ONBOARD
Memory Corsair TW3X4G1333C9DHX 4GB Memory $188.80
Hard drive Samsung HD103SJ 1TB Spinpoint F1 $115.00
Optical drives LG RETAIL BH08LS20 BLK BluRay Burner $300.00
Case Antec TWELVE HUNDRED 1200 Full Tower Gaming Case, $250.00
Network card ONBOARD
Monitor Benq-v2400w-24inch-lcd-monitor $452.00
Keyboard Gaming Keyboard Logitech G110 $92
Power Supply Corsair HX-750 750W ATX Power Supply, 140mm fan $212.00
Operating System Windows 7 Ultimate OEM version
Speakers http://www.skycomp.com.au/product.aspx?id=190334 $82.00 Creative Inspire T6160 Speakers for PC gaming, 5.1 channel, Satellite speakers: 6W RMS x 5, 20W
CPU cooling http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/12491_Thermaltake_Big_Typhoon_VX_CPU_Cooler.aspx $73.00
Mouse Cyber Snipa Stinger Gaming Mouse http://www.shopbot.com.au/default.asp?kw=cyba+snipa+stinger&position=search $59.95
Total $2,790.80

 

[deadlockedworld]

Everything here looks pretty awesome. 4gb is good for now--you can always add more later as long as you have the slots.

The only other thing that could really boost performance would be a solid state drive for the OS/programs.

Also, depending on if you plan to superclock or crossfire--you dont really need the 750w corsair. The 650 would be more than powerful enough for this system. (Try the calculator at corsair.com if you dont believe me.)

 

[geofelt]

For gaming, get the best graphics card you can afford. Spend an extra $100 on a 5870. Pay for it with either:
1) Change from Antec 1200 to 902. Basicly the same case with fewer fans which are not needed.
2) Do you qualify for an academic license?
If so, you can get windows-7 at a discounted price.
Look for an upgrade version of home premium instead of OEM.
Upgrade is a retail version which gives you support from microsoft, unlike OEM(AKA system builder),
and allows a more hassel-free ability to transfer the os to a different pc(motherboard).
You get both 32 bit and 64 bit DVD's.

There is a legitimate two step instalation process to install an upgrade version
You install windows-7 from the cd, but do not initially enter the product code or activate.
After it installs, you have a fully functional OS for 30 days.
Step 2 is to insert the dvd again, while running Windows and then do an upgrade.
This time, enter your product code, and activate.
After activation. you may delete the initial version which is named windows.old.

Do you really need Ultimate? There are very few features that the home user would want.
Check out the differences on the microsoft Vista web site.
If you get a retail or upgrade version, you will still be able to upgrade to ultimate later.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'd want a current generation F3 instead of an older / slower F1 HD

The HX series from Corsair is a great PSU but there are better and one of those, the Antec CP-850 PSU is specifically made for that case. It is usually about $25 cheaper than the smaller HX-750 and, though the differences aren't large, the CP is simply a better / quieter PSU. Also gives you room for 2nd or even 3rd GFX card. Keep in mind that w/ a single GFX card tho, all you really "need" is a 650 watter.....the Antec SG-650 would be the top pick followed by the HX series from Corsair. See Editor's Choice list and reviews below:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_PSUs

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Antec_CP-850
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=142

http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/39044_Antec_850W_ATX_Power_Supply___Supports.aspx

Optical - Consider stepping up to a Plextor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827249057

Memory - With the quality of other components, the DDR 1333 CAS 9 doesn't seem to "fit" with the rest of your build. I'd look for at least CAS 7

CPU HS - http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/59587_Prolimatech_Megahalems_Rev_2_CPU_Cooler.aspx

MoBo - Consider this MoBo w/ USB 3 and 6 GB/s SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131606

I'd also consider a 1366 board at this build price range if you think you might Xfire in the future (that and a 920 should cost ya only an extra $30 or so, over your existing MoBo / CPU combo):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614

Monitor - Just be aware that production has been discontinued on this model.

 

[jt4975]

For gaming, get the best graphics card you can afford. Spend an extra $100 on a 5870. Pay for it with either:
1) Change from Antec 1200 to 902. Basicly the same case with fewer fans which are not needed.
2) Do you qualify for an academic license?
If so, you can get windows-7 at a discounted price.
Look for an upgrade version of home premium instead of OEM.
Upgrade is a retail version which gives you support from microsoft, unlike OEM(AKA system builder),
and allows a more hassel-free ability to transfer the os to a different pc(motherboard).
You get both 32 bit and 64 bit DVD's.

There is a legitimate two step instalation process to install an upgrade version
You install windows-7 from the cd, but do not initially enter the product code or activate.
After it installs, you have a fully functional OS for 30 days.
Step 2 is to insert the dvd again, while running Windows and then do an upgrade.
This time, enter your product code, and activate.
After activation. you may delete the initial version which is named windows.old.

Do you really need Ultimate? There are very few features that the home user would want.
Check out the differences on the microsoft Vista web site.
If you get a retail or upgrade version, you will still be able to upgrade to ultimate later.[/quotems

Thanks for the quick reply. I choose the Antec 1200 purely for cooling purposes. Is there much difference in terms of cooling between the Antec 902 and Antec 1200. Please note I dont really want to go through the trouble of buying more fans later on. I may add a 5850 in the future. As for the 5870 I don't a don't really want to pay $699.00 on a graphic card.

I have choosen to go with windows 7 home 64 bit OEM for $136. Its cheaper than retail and as for installation my mate is going to help me build it and he is a system builder.

Thanks for your input.

 

[jt4975]

Everything here looks pretty awesome. 4gb is good for now--you can always add more later as long as you have the slots.

The only other thing that could really boost performance would be a solid state drive for the OS/programs.

Also, depending on if you plan to superclock or crossfire--you dont really need the 750w corsair. The 650 would be more than powerful enough for this system. (Try the calculator at corsair.com if you dont believe me.)

Hi I plan to crossfire in about a year or so. Is a 650 watt power supply sufficient enough for a 5850 crossfire.
Thank,
Justin

 

[geofelt]

If your psu is a quality unit with 4 6 pin pci-e power connectors you will be fine.
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-5000/hd-5850/Pages/ati-radeon-hd-5850-system-requirements.aspx
Quality units come from Corsair, PC P&C, Seasonic, Antec. There are others. Most 600-700w units do not have the 4 connectors, and I don't like to use molex to 6pin adapters.

Looks like a large premium to go from 5850 to 5870 for you. The 5950 will be good.

The Antec 902 comes with two 120mm front fans, and plenty of exhaust fans. It is more than enough for any vga configuration. Remember that the 58xx cards are using 40nm technology and do not generate as much heat. My 902 and 5870 is fine with all fans on low.

Windows-7 upgrade for home premium should cost about the same as oem. But, you get a retail OS, not oem, and you get both 32 and 64 bit dvd's.
The price you pay is a second install. Consider it.

 

[christop]

you could get the i7 920 and save a few dollars.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Hi I plan to crossfire in about a year or so. Is a 650 watt power supply sufficient enough for a 5850 crossfire.
Thank,
Justin

Oh-- never mind then. For crossfire you definitely want to get the 750w.

 

[jt4975]

I'd want a current generation F3 instead of an older / slower F1 HD

The HX series from Corsair is a great PSU but there are better and one of those, the Antec CP-850 PSU is specifically made for that case. It is usually about $25 cheaper than the smaller HX-750 and, though the differences aren't large, the CP is simply a better / quieter PSU. Also gives you room for 2nd or even 3rd GFX card. Keep in mind that w/ a single GFX card tho, all you really "need" is a 650 watter.....the Antec SG-650 would be the top pick followed by the HX series from Corsair. See Editor's Choice list and reviews below:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_PSUs

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Antec_CP-850
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=142

http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/39044_Antec_850W_ATX_Power_Supply___Supports.aspx

Optical - Consider stepping up to a Plextor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827249057

Memory - With the quality of other components, the DDR 1333 CAS 9 doesn't seem to "fit" with the rest of your build. I'd look for at least CAS 7

CPU HS - http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/59587_Prolimatech_Megahalems_Rev_2_CPU_Cooler.aspx

MoBo - Consider this MoBo w/ USB 3 and 6 GB/s SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131606

I'd also consider a 1366 board at this build price range if you think you might Xfire in the future (that and a 920 should cost ya only an extra $30 or so, over your existing MoBo / CPU combo):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131614

Monitor - Just be aware that production has been discontinued on this model.

Thanks for the advice. Is Corsair TR3X6G1600C7D 6GB (3x 2GB DOMINATOR) PC-12800 (1600MHz) DDR3 For X58 MB i7 Core, 3x240- ram better. Please advise me on the fastest ram.

 

[jt4975]

Not sure on the power supply. Looking at the Antec 650W (AUD $219)Signature Series and the Antec 850W (AUD$179). I would like to have a silent system but I may want to buy another 5850 when they are really really cheap.

 

[jt4975]

Everything here looks pretty awesome. 4gb is good for now--you can always add more later as long as you have the slots.

The only other thing that could really boost performance would be a solid state drive for the OS/programs.

Also, depending on if you plan to superclock or crossfire--you dont really need the 750w corsair. The 650 would be more than powerful enough for this system. (Try the calculator at corsair.com if you dont believe me.)

Is a Antec SG 650W quieter than a Antec 850W? I am not sure which one to get. The 850 is cheaper and I may want to add another 5850 in a year or so. Which would you recomened and I may also do some overclocking.

 

[geofelt]

Faster ram is not worth it:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/memory-scaling-i7,2325-11.html

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Thanks for the advice. Is Corsair TR3X6G1600C7D 6GB (3x 2GB DOMINATOR) PC-12800 (1600MHz) DDR3 For X58 MB i7 Core, 3x240- ram better. Please advise me on the fastest ram.

The fastest DDR that's worth buying is DDR 1600......the fastest with respect to CAS timings is the Mushkin 998691 w/ 6-7-6-18 timings

Is a Antec SG 650W quieter than a Antec 850W? I am not sure which one to get. The 850 is cheaper and I may want to add another 5850 in a year or so. Which would you recomened and I may also do some overclocking.

There's three PSU's in the highest category:

Antec SG-650
Antec SG-850
Antec CP-850 (requires Antec 1200, P183, P193 case)

The SG series is the top if the line but with the larger form factor of the CPX design, the CP series matches the SG in almost every category for half the price.

 

[geofelt]

For good info on quiet computing issues, visit www.silentpcreview.com

Here is some info on the quietest psu's:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/Recommended_PSUs

It includes the three Antec units mentioned by jacknaylorpe.

 

[monkey86]

I dchange the ram for gskill pc3-16000 ram (2000mhz), i bought some for less than £100 and people swear blind that they are rated in the top 2!