i3 mATX gaming build?

[wiatrog]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Next few weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $1000-1500

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: MMO gaming, video/photo manipulation and uploading, web surfing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: I prefer Intel and ATI (not sure why though). I was inspired by the recent article on Tom's about how a i3-530 was enough to keep an 5850 busy. This could really help with heat in my mATX case and provide more OC oppurtunity.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The quieter the better

LIAN LI PC-V351B Black Aluminum MicroATX $99.88
Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz LGA 1156 $119.99
Scythe SCSK-1100 100mm Shuriken Rev. B $29.99
MSI P55M-GD45 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX $119.99
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) $109.99
ASUS EAH5850 DIRECTCU/2DIS/1GD5 Radeon HD 5850 1GB $319.99
SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V $79.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB $84.99
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe $31.99

Total: 996.80

 

[Alvin Smith]

If you are going socket 1156 then get an i5-750 !

Otherwise ... Ask for help with an equivilent AMD build ... WAY better frags-per-dollar!

= Al =

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I agree that the i5 750 would be a much better choice. The dual-core i3 530 isn't really a good option since you'll be doing video editing. You really want a quad core for that type of work.

 

[Alvin Smith]

For "overall capability" as well as "platform longevity" (not to mention cost), I prefer the Phenom-II Black Quads on a (hex-ready) 890GX chipset (with future ports).

... But most 790 chipsets (just previous and nearly identical) can be up-flashed for hex-core support, as well ... so the AMD route gives you a VERY broad field of mobos (cost/size/features) to select from.

= Al =

 

[Alvin Smith]

I agree that the i5 750 would be a much better choice. The dual-core i3 530 isn't really a good option since you'll be doing video editing. You really want a quad core for that type of work.

And ... If you are even half-way serious, about HD video editing, then ... an i7-860 (socket 1156) has Hyper-Threading ... A worthwhile "step-up".

= Al =

 

[deweycd]

For cost vs performance, AMD will provide you with the best choice. I5 and I3 will cost more and provide less when going long term longevity.

 

[wiatrog]

My video work is mostly trimming and exporting brief videos to streaming format (with PowerDirector) and uploading to Vimeo.

 

[Alvin Smith]

Zactly ... no long renders and, any good gaming rig will do ya fine, for the media stuff ... no worries, at all, there ... just focus on the gaming build and the video will flow quite sweetly from "that".

= Alvin =