Starcraft 2 Core i5 750 feedback

Hello Everyone,

About three weeks ago the computer I had at the time went thermo nuclear. The mobo, gpu, and psu all got toasted. I figured it was time to purchase a new computer.

Purpose: A gaming setup that aims to maximize Starcraft 2 performance, on about a $1000 CDN budget. In addition, this will be the computer that I use for my university studies.

Based on the this review by techspot on starcraft 2. I have decided to put together the following build:

- CPU = Core i5 750 Processor ($199.99)
- CPU Cooler = Noctua NH U12P SE2 ($59.99)
- MOBO = Asus P7P55D-E LX ($138.99)
- GPU = MSI GeForce GTX 460 Cyclone ($209.99)
- MEMORY: 4GB G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3 1600Mhz ($50.99)
- PSU: OCZ GameXStream 850 W ($119.99) or the Corsair HX 650W ($119.99)
- CASE: Antec Nine Hundred Two ($109.99)
- Hardrive:WD Caviar Black (640 GB, 64 Cache, 7200 RPM) ($59.99)

Total: $949.92

Please comment on the selection of parts, the value of items (buck for bang), and whether you feel the two purposes of the system will be achieved adequately.

Thank you,

Aldin

Message edited by Aldin_d2x on 12-12-2010 at 05:33:30 AM

Reply to Aldin_d2x

SAMSUNG DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L LightScribe Support - OEM
$17.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6827151188

select item 2 quantity of item 2
ASUS M4N98TD EVO AM3 NVIDIA nForce 980a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard
$144.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6813131636

EVGA SuperClocked 012-P3-1572-AR GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
$377.30 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814130595

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
$61.49 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6820231277
Subtotal: $601.77

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$99.98 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6811119197

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$74.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6822152185

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply
$139.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6817139009

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact"
29.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6835103065
Subtotal: $344.95

Message quoted 1 times

I actually prefer the first build, because I I never really trusted amd sli and all that stuff. But the second one will perform better in games.

------------------------------ i7 930 - Lian li a71f - aerocool v12xt - 850hx - 470gtx - ga x58a ud5 - 640gb WB black in raid0 + 2x2tb - nh d14 - 6gb redline enhanced 1600 cl6
Reply to Somebody_007

Am I just completely missing it, Or did niklas just completely forget about a cpu?

Reply to falseg0d

yeah well niklas comepletely missed the cpu

Reply to Anonymous

the original is pretty decent as a build, IMHO.

I'd disagree with parts of Niklas's build.

I'd swap out the case and the motherboard. I'd get a AS Rock 870 Extreme 3 for $95, a 6-Core Phenom II X6 1075t ($200), and a less expensive case (Rosewill Destroyer, CM 912, Antec 300)

I'd also suggest the Seasonic 620W 80+ Bronze PSU ($100) or the 80+ Silver 750W ($110)

Message quoted 1 times

------------------------------ We have no wish to offend you, unless you're a twit.
My PC: I5-2400, ASRock H61-VS, Mushkin 4 GB 1333, HD 6850, 2x Seagate 500 GB HDD, Corsair 430W, Rosewill R102 case
HTPC: Phenom I 9650 2.3Ghz, 4 GB DDR2-800, 120gb hdd, HD4850 512MB, Ultra 500W
Reply to ScrewySqrl

WOW i guess i did miss the CPU, something dont work right with copy and paste with newegg.ca. The cpu was in a combo @ one time.

The first build i would have to say to get a cheeper HSF and CASE to allow for a better GPU say a GTX 470, and get a samsung F3 1TB HDD

On the other hand wait to SB comes out in 3 to 4 weeks

Niklas_13 wrote :

SAMSUNG DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L LightScribe Support - OEM
$17.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6827151188

select item 2 quantity of item 2
ASUS M4N98TD EVO AM3 NVIDIA nForce 980a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard
$144.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6813131636

EVGA SuperClocked 012-P3-1572-AR GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
$377.30 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814130595

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
$61.49 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6820231277
Subtotal: $601.77

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$99.98 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6811119197

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$74.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6822152185

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply
$139.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6817139009

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact"
29.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6835103065
Subtotal: $344.95

Thanks for the reply. At first glance, I noticed that I missed DVD burner Some of the stuff you suggest is aimed at a much higher end platform than I would prefer. I do not plan to overclock the CPU or SLI the GPU's. That said, I do not have use for the 850TX. It's just too much power.

ScrewySqrl wrote :

the original is pretty decent as a build, IMHO.

I'd disagree with parts of Niklas's build.

I'd swap out the case and the motherboard. I'd get a AS Rock 870 Extreme 3 for $95, a 6-Core Phenom II X6 1075t ($200), and a less expensive case (Rosewill Destroyer, CM 912, Antec 300)

I'd also suggest the Seasonic 620W 80+ Bronze PSU ($100) or the 80+ Silver 750W ($110)

I haven't done any research on the AS Rocks? How are they as mobos? I went with the Antec 902 because I didn't think it would be as much of a nightmare for cable management as some of the ones you've suggested.

I was under the impression that Seasonic manufactured Corsair's PSUs? I have a local computer store that is selling the Corsair HX 650 at $104. I will try and snag it as soon as I can.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by Aldin_d2x on 12-12-2010 at 05:44:26 PM

Reply to Aldin_d2x

Aldin_d2x wrote :

Thanks for the reply. At first glance, I noticed that I missed DVD burner Some of the stuff you suggest is aimed at a much higher end platform than I would prefer. I do not plan to overclock the CPU or SLI the GPU's. That said, I do not have use for the 850TX. It's just too much power.

I haven't done any research on the AS Rocks? How are they as mobos? I went with the Antec 902 because I didn't think it would be as much of a nightmare for cable management as some of the ones you've suggested.

I was under the impression that Seasonic manufactured Corsair's PSUs? I have a local computer store that is selling the Corsair HX 650 at $104. I will try and snag it as soon as I can.

If your not OCing or going to xfire or sli then a good 550W PSU is fine, on your build you dont need a HSF if your not OCing so put that 59.99 into a better GPU say a GTX 470. Also get a samsung F3 1TB

Message quoted 1 times

Niklas_13 wrote :

If your not OCing or going to xfire or sli then a good 550W PSU is fine, on your build you dont need a HSF if your not OCing so put that 59.99 into a better GPU say a GTX 470. Also get a samsung F3 1TB

It seems like everywhere I've read the cooler that comes along with the i5 is complete garbage.
A bulk of my information was obtained from techspot's review on the CPU/GPU components for SC2.
http://www.techspot.com/review/305 [...] rformance/

It seems as thought the 460 is the best bang/buck out there. What are your thoughts on this?

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Aldin_d2x

Aldin_d2x wrote :

It seems like everywhere I've read the cooler that comes along with the i5 is complete garbage.
A bulk of my information was obtained from techspot's review on the CPU/GPU components for SC2.
http://www.techspot.com/review/305 [...] rformance/

It seems as thought the 460 is the best bang/buck out there. What are your thoughts on this?

Well Intel wont give you a HSF for the CPU that will cause it to over heat and kill the CPU or they will have to replace it. ( So if your not OCing save the money and put it in a better GPU. Yes the GTX 460 is a good card but if you want to play at higher settings @ 1080 with AA and eyecandy on IMO a better GPU wont hurt and it will last longer when new game come out.

I'd forget the 470 though IMO it's either the 570 or 460

------------------------------ i7 930 - Lian li a71f - aerocool v12xt - 850hx - 470gtx - ga x58a ud5 - 640gb WB black in raid0 + 2x2tb - nh d14 - 6gb redline enhanced 1600 cl6
Reply to Somebody_007

AS rock is a great brand, its an offshoot of Asus

------------------------------ We have no wish to offend you, unless you're a twit.
My PC: I5-2400, ASRock H61-VS, Mushkin 4 GB 1333, HD 6850, 2x Seagate 500 GB HDD, Corsair 430W, Rosewill R102 case
HTPC: Phenom I 9650 2.3Ghz, 4 GB DDR2-800, 120gb hdd, HD4850 512MB, Ultra 500W
Reply to ScrewySqrl

Here is my recommendation that should easily max SC2 at any resolution:
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Advanced Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
XFX P1-650X-CAH9 650W ATX12V v2.2 / ESP12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
$30 USD mail in rebate, no idea why they would have USD rebates in canada, but if stores accept US money than you should be fine, here in the US some places will take canadian money but not all
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve CPU Cooler
Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760 and EVGA P55 LE 123-LF-E653-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
$40 mail in rebate, not USD
CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
Again, a $10 USD mail in rebate

The choice: A gtx 460, 6850, 6870 or 570
GTX 570: A total of $983 without any mail in rebates or shipping
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814127552
6870: Total of $871
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814121401
6850: Total of $817
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814102908
GTX 460: Total of $828 before additional $30 mail in rebate on the gtx460
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6814130566

------------------------------ How To Ask For New Build Advice
Pick a best answer
Reply to duk3

Solid recommendations. Can you please clarify on why you like the EVGA mobo and GPU versus the Asus and MSI brands? As well, why the and as well the Coomaster Case vs the Antec?

Reply to Aldin_d2x

EVGA is a good brand with an excellent warranty. Basically between the three, I'd suggest whatever is the least expensive. You can overclock them yourself to match factory overclocks

------------------------------ We have no wish to offend you, unless you're a twit.
My PC: I5-2400, ASRock H61-VS, Mushkin 4 GB 1333, HD 6850, 2x Seagate 500 GB HDD, Corsair 430W, Rosewill R102 case
HTPC: Phenom I 9650 2.3Ghz, 4 GB DDR2-800, 120gb hdd, HD4850 512MB, Ultra 500W
Reply to ScrewySqrl

And in this case, the EVGA motherboard is cheapest, especially with the $40 mail in rebate. Also, EVGA has one of the best warranties/customer support (lifetime on GPU and 3 years on motherboard).
If for whatever reason you like the ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte motherboard over the EVGA, go for it as it will fit in your budget.
The graphics cards I chose are really just the cheapest ones that are from what I would consider a good brand.
Same goes for a case, it's really your preference if you want the Antec 902/CM HAF 922/Lancool PC-K62/CM 690II Advanced, depending on individual looks/features. Come up with a case you like the look of, then look at reviews for it to see how its quality/features are.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by duk3 on 12-13-2010 at 02:45:45 AM

------------------------------ How To Ask For New Build Advice
Pick a best answer
Reply to duk3

duk3 wrote :

And in this case, the EVGA motherboard is cheapest, especially with the $40 mail in rebate. Also, EVGA has one of the best warranties/customer support (lifetime on GPU and 3 years on motherboard).
If for whatever reason you like the ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte motherboard over the EVGA, go for it as it will fit in your budget.
The graphics cards I chose are really just the cheapest ones that are from what I would consider a good brand.
Same goes for a case, it's really your preference if you want the Antec 902/CM HAF 922/Lancool PC-K62/CM 690II Advanced, depending on individual looks/features. Come up with a case you like the look of, then look at reviews for it to see how its quality/features are.

I was really conflited about the case for while. Ideally if I had the budget I would have chosen one of the Corsair Obsidian beasts. In the end it came down to the HAF vs the 902. I think I will chose the Antec because it has a few more things I'm looking for than the HAF. Mind you, if it was the HAF 932 it would be no competition but for that I would have to pay.

In terms of the GPU EVGA sounds great! I had no idea that they had a liftetime warranty. That is definitely comforting to hear.

On second glance, unless I'm blind you're missing a HD in your recommendation. What are your thoughts about the Caviar Black?

Reply to Aldin_d2x

I'm blind, not you.
Not sure how I forgot HDD, guess this is just a forgetful thread
For $30 less and the same performance, the 1tb 7200.12 Seagate Barracuda:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] %207200.12

What are you looking for in a case that you get in the 902 but not the 922? Just curious, cases are really your preference, but I just see that the 922 a. is uglier than the 902, also doesn't have a black interior b. has similar cooling c. has better cable management features from what I see in reviews and d. is larger

Message edited by duk3 on 12-13-2010 at 03:14:38 AM

------------------------------ How To Ask For New Build Advice
Pick a best answer
Reply to duk3

I think I prefer the Caviar black with its 5 year warranty vs the Seagate 3 year warranty. I've also read the seagates run hot.

I could be a little nit picky and say that the 902 comes with dust filers and say it looks sexier. But really, when it comes down to it, I think the honest answer is I'm just a fanboy of theirs. The only thing that disappointments me is the cable management in the case. I'm probably going to drill two extra holes on the HDD bays. I also wanted to face my PSU downward. I emailed NCIX and asked if it was possible and their tech support said they run them upside down on the 902 with no problems. To me, it just seems a little uncomfortable with less than an inch to suck up clean air.

Reply to Aldin_d2x

Well, if you prefer the way the 902 looks (me too), then I would look at the Lian Li Lancool PC-K62:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] Tpk=pc-k62
I like it more, better cable management, dust filters, same/better looks IMO, tool-less design on everything, larger window, quieter with slightly less cooling. Of course that's just my personal preference, and the 902 is a great case.

Have you looked at the DF-30 if you like Antec?
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] &Tpk=DF-30

Also, what are you thinking about the rest of the computer?

------------------------------ How To Ask For New Build Advice
Pick a best answer
Reply to duk3

call me strange, But I never like spending huge amounts of money on a case $30-80 is usually my target for the case)

Have you considered the Rosewill Destroyer? Its (a lot) cheaper than the 902, and comes with 3 120mm fans with space for up to 7. (1 front intake, two bottom, two side, two top, 1 rear, comes with front, rear, and top fans). With all 7 fans active, it can move a LOT of air.

------------------------------ We have no wish to offend you, unless you're a twit.
My PC: I5-2400, ASRock H61-VS, Mushkin 4 GB 1333, HD 6850, 2x Seagate 500 GB HDD, Corsair 430W, Rosewill R102 case
HTPC: Phenom I 9650 2.3Ghz, 4 GB DDR2-800, 120gb hdd, HD4850 512MB, Ultra 500W
Reply to ScrewySqrl

Sorry about the delay, been preoccupied with exams. No, not strange at all. It looks very similar to the 902. Hmm, I might just have to get it

On another note, what kind of benchmarks/stress tests do you think I should run. It will be the first time I am putting together a rig.

Reply to Aldin_d2x

it should run clean on first startup. You can run any of the common overclocker/stress tools if you like. but don't over do it. Running Prime95 or Furmark for 24 hours stresses your CPU to the tune of 3-4 *months* of normal usage

------------------------------ We have no wish to offend you, unless you're a twit.
My PC: I5-2400, ASRock H61-VS, Mushkin 4 GB 1333, HD 6850, 2x Seagate 500 GB HDD, Corsair 430W, Rosewill R102 case
HTPC: Phenom I 9650 2.3Ghz, 4 GB DDR2-800, 120gb hdd, HD4850 512MB, Ultra 500W
Reply to ScrewySqrl

Forum Systems : New Build Starcraft 2 Core i5 750 feedback

Homebuilt

New Build

Prebuilt

CyberPower

Please mind