Last minute changes to SB Build

[zepfan_75]

So, after finally making up my mind on a build, this is the list that I've came up with.

CPU: I5 2400 189.99
Mobo: Asus P8P67-M Pro 149.99 out of stock
GFX: MSI GTX 460 Hawk edition 199
OD: Asus 24x DVD-RW 18.99
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500gb 49.99
PSU: Antec Truepower 650 79.99
Heat Sink: Corsair A70 46.20
Case: Cooler Master CM690 II Advanced 89.99

RAM: My bro. bought some ram for me
Budget: 800-850

Can anybody give any suggestions for improvement on this build? I'm going to be playing a lot of FPS's and RPG's at 1920x1080.

 

[WR2]

Hello zepfan_75;
How is your budget doing? Can we nudge the graphics card up a bit to a GTX 560 Ti? It's not too far away from that expensive GTX 460.
PNY VCGGTX560TXPB-OC2-S GeForce GTX 560 Ti
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133380

 

[WR2]

This is a good deal - after the rebate!
XFX XXX Edition 650W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207002

 

[zepfan_75]

Would that be a very cost effective jump? I thought that the Hawk edition had enough overclocking headroom to last a good while.

How much should I rely on a rebate?

I've read of some reference design 560 TI's having 30% better performance over 460's but neither of these are reference.


I get lost in the details some times :S

 

[WR2]

The pre-overclocked cards have some of that 'head room' already used up.
And the GTX 560 Ti has a LOT of room for overclocking.

You have to look at the company giving the rebates and the track record for coming through. Usually NewEgg customer Feedback shows when companies start playing games. XFX and PNY look OK to me. Fill out the forms - very carefully - and keep good records.

 

[WR2]

Geforce GTX 560 ti overclocking guide

 

[zooted]

Also I noticed that 5870's are dropping to the 200$ range. That is a lot of performance for that money.

 

[zepfan_75]

Ok I'll keep that in mind..So how does the rest of my build look?

 

[WR2]

Another example: Galaxy GeForce GTX 560 Ti GC Overclocking Review

What motherboard are you looking at now?

Since you don't have an overclocking CPU I'd go with a less expensive CPU cooler - or even the stock Intel CPU cooler.
CORSAIR A50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181012&Tpk=Corsair%20A50

 

[zepfan_75]

Mother Board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131707&Tpk=Asus%20P8p67-m%20pro

I have heard of people being able to overclock a this CPU before even though it isn't a k branded CPU, is this incorrect?

 

[zepfan_75]

"windows ranks this cpu at 7.5. cpuz says it runs at 3.7 multiplier at 37x100. get this cpu is amazing even thought is no unlock you can still get up to 3.9 ghz not bad for a lock cpu."- Anonymous Poster on Newegg in the comments section of the I5 2400

there was another poster that said that Intel put a cap on this processor at 3.99, but he also stated it was for all 1155 processors and I know thats incorrect.

 

[WR2]

It's 'sort of correct'. The little 'nudge' you can give the i5 2400 isn't in the same class you can get with the K models. And you won't need a top air cooler for that nudge.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core-i5-2500-2400-2300_11.html

 

[zepfan_75]

So a lower end cooler is more suitable then this? Ok. I just thought it was practically mandatory.

I guess the Corsair A50 would be alright then.

 

[WR2]

In stock finally!!
ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard $160

A50 saves a bit of money on your way toward getting the GTX 560 Ti and thats a very good thing IMO.

 

[zepfan_75]

YES!, I've been trying to save money and get good performance. I'm learning the advantages of rebates *as long as it comes in*

I have been looking for that board too, but decided on that Asus

 

[WR2]

Antec Three Hundred Illusion case $70 and free shipping. Saves $30 over the excellent RC-692 when shipping figured in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

 

[zepfan_75]

Do you know if it will fit the larger video cards
*bights fingernails*

 

[WR2]

Yes it does.

 

[WR2]

Not that the 560 Ti @ 9" is a long card. But it does fit the long 10.5" cards.

 

[zepfan_75]

good, that puts the 560 in my budget then
Thank you for your help!

 

[zepfan_75]

Best answer selected by zepfan_75.

 

[WR2]

I think that's a smart move. I'd take that type of trade (case for GPU upgrade) anytime.

 

[zepfan_75]

The only reason that I had budgeted a 690 II adv. was because I figured I would have to upgrade down the line, and I would need some space, but now I don't have too so soon.

 

[zepfan_75]

Update: bought everything but case and PSU so far