Rate my new build please!

[royaleduke]

Okay, I've been an avid PC hardware enthusiast and I finally came across some funds to build my own PC since my laptop had a terrible accident and I've wanted a proper PC for years. Just want to see what you guys think of this set-up, previously my laptop was the most advanced piece of hardware I owned LOL(which, sadly isn't saying much).

As for the games, I'll probably be playing stuff like Crysis 1/2/warhead, Source games, and probably BF3 on this instead of my 360.

Approximate Purchase Date: About a month


Budget Range: Max...about $800. May or may not increase.(Bet on Not.)


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, basic usage


Parts Not Required: KB/M, gamepad, Monitor/screen

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com preferably.


Country of Origin: Colorado, USA


Parts Preferences: AMD build only, Intel is out of my budget range, Nvidia or ATI for Gpus

Overclocking: Maybe


SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1080P, LCDTV


Parts list:

PSU- OCZ modxstream Pro 600watt modular PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

GPU- MSI GTX 560 Ti Twin Frozr

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127594

OS- Win7 64bit home premium

MB- MSI 870-G45 AM3 amd 770 motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130290

CPU- AMD Phenom II X4 955

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

Case- Rosewill Challenger gaming case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Hard Drive- WD Caviar Blue 500GB hard drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

Disk Drive- Asus 24x DVD Burner

DDR memory- G.skill DDR3 1600 4GB(2x2GB) memory

 

[ignoranceabound]

Did you look at the i3-2100 and an LGA 1115 motherboard? They should be comparable in price to what you selected and perform better, especially if you plan to overclock and will need to add another $30 to your budget for a CPU cooler.

If you plan to SLi down the road that PSU will be insufficient; a 560 SLi system consumes 500-550W which is more than that PSU can provide for the 12V. Get this modular one instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207007&Tpk=xfx%20650%20modular

You will also need to overclock your CPU if you want to SLi or there will be a severe bottleneck.

I don't see why you can't fit a i5-2500k into your system with a $800 budget.

 

[mgf derp]

Based on the following three performance tests I will suggest some possible build ideas that would fall into your budget range. http://www.techspot.com/review/305 [...] page7.html, http://www.techspot.com/review/336 [...] page5.html, http://www.techspot.com/review/405 [...] page5.html
CPU- Intel Core i5 2400 $190 or Intel Core i5 2500k $225
GPU- Nvidia GTX 560Ti $240 or AMD Radeon HD 6950 1Gb $240 Or Higher if possible
Motherboard- P67 ASRock Extreme 4 $160 Z68 Gigabyte UD3P $160 Depends on your connection needs, perfered brand (if any), and style choices
PSU- Single card- Corsair CX600 V2 600w $70 or Silverstone Strider 600w $70
Multicard- Antec Earthwatts 750 750w $90
RAM- 4Gb GSkill Ripjaw X DDR3 1333mhz $47
8Gb GSkill Sniper DDR3 1333mhz $80
Case- Really subjective hear. A few personal picks
CoolerMaster HAF 912 $60
Zalman Z9 Plus $70
CoolerMaster CM 690 II $80
CoolerMaster Storm Scout $90
NZXT Tempest Evo $110
NZXT Phantom $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115074
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115072
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 28Fermi%29
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 0HD%206950
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813157229
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128493
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256071
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231438
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231417
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119233
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811235027
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119215
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119196
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811146062
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811146067
Prices Lowest- $767 Highest- $922
Add a HDD to the lower priced build and you have a Intel quad core with either a Nvidia or AMD card. Check this thread http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=31&post=312559&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=1&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0 for working links as I just copy pasted. Hope this helps

 

[royaleduke]

Did you look at the i3-2100 and an LGA 1115 motherboard? They should be comparable in price to what you selected and perform better, especially if you plan to overclock and will need to add another $30 to your budget for a CPU cooler.

If you plan to SLi down the road that PSU will be insufficient; a 560 SLi system consumes 500-550W which is more than that PSU can provide for the 12V. Get this modular one instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207007&Tpk=xfx%20650%20modular

You will also need to overclock your CPU if you want to SLi or there will be a severe bottleneck.

I don't see why you can't fit a i5-2500k into your system with a $800 budget.

Well, buying a i5-2500k costs more than the AMD set-up. It comes out to $900 and something dollars on Newegg so that's a nogo.

I plan to overclock later, as for SLI I can't do that on a AMD based chipset anyway. I'm limited to $800 total.

As for SLI or Crossfire(if I choose AMD cards) I'll probably not do that for awhile and when I do I'll get a better PSU(probably a corsair 850TX).

EDIT: I also have to buy the OS.

 

[ignoranceabound]

Violations of the rules of conduct will not be tolerated.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/282333-31-read-first

 

[mgf derp]

Using my build you could stay within budget by looking for combos with Win 7. Also you could save money by downgrading the Motherboard, Graphics Card, or Power Supply to fit your budget. Just ask for recommendations and we will provide.

 

[striker410]

Guy in the post above already priced out SB system for your price range; honestly for a gaming PC you should set aside some money to go over budget.

quotemsg]
No no, don't torrent. That's like saying the games the devs make are not worth buying. That's their job, they have to get paid for creating those wonderful games to make more.. And besides, steam puts lots of deals on around holidays if you are short on money. An easy and legal way of obtaining cheap games legally.

 

[royaleduke]

Using my build you could stay within budget by looking for combos with Win 7. Also you could save money by downgrading the Motherboard, Graphics Card, or Power Supply to fit your budget. Just ask for recommendations and we will provide.

I don't want to compromise on the graphics card, as far as PSU and motherboard suggestions go, I'm open to debate on the entire build really, but I cannot go over, and preferably I'd like to go under.

If could spring for more money I would, and if I end up doing so I will definitely let you guys know.

EDIT: Using your links up there, every build I priced out still came out over budget by 100-150+ looks like Sandybridge isn't an option.

 

[mgf derp]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.644166
You could also check out this combo deal and add a Graphics Card like a 6870 or GTX 460 1Gb but I would say that a 2400+560Ti/6950 is going to game better then 2500k+6870/(560/460). Just my .02 hope it helps.

 

[mgf derp]

I don't want to compromise on the graphics card, as far as PSU and motherboard suggestions go, I'm open to debate on the entire build really, but I cannot go over, and preferably I'd like to go under.

If could spring for more money I would, and if I end up doing so I will definitely let you guys know.

EDIT: Using your links up there, every build I priced out still came out over budget by 100-150+ looks like Sandybridge isn't an option.

Are you including Win7 in the cost of your build?

 

[royaleduke]

Are you including Win7 in the cost of your build?

Yes, I have to buy the parts plus the OS under $800. That's why I figured the AMD build would be fine for gaming purposes as I was always under the impression Intel CPUs are better used for application work.

 

[striker410]

I'm not trying to jack the thread, but if the i3-2100 is over budget, the phenom x4 is going to be over as well.

You might also check around on craigslist for any XFX cards. Make sure the double warranty is valid though.

 

[royaleduke]

I'm not trying to jack the thread, but if the i3-2100 is over budget, the phenom x4 is going to be over as well.

You might also check around on craigslist for any XFX cards. Make sure the double warranty is valid though.

Except the Phenom II build I have saved in my wishlist on newegg comes out to about $765 after shipping for everything I need.

 

[ignoranceabound]

Violations of the rules of conduct will not be tolerated.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/282333-31-read-first

 

[mgf derp]

Since the Core 2's were released Intel has had the highend gaming sealed up and pretty much the midrange too (Where your build falls). To save money try these parts as swaps in my first posts build:
Motherboard: MSI P67A-G43/45 $125/$140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130583
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130582
Power Supply:
XFX Core Edition Pro 450w $55
Antec Earthwatts EA-500D 500w $60
Silverstone ST50F-ES 500w $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207012
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256061
Some people are going to say the 450w is too low but I am confident it will do the job as it is a quality psu. These cuts could save you up to $50 and no downgrade in gaming performance from the build in my first post.
The total would then be $767 right where your phenom build is except you get a core i5 2400 and gtx 560ti which will game circles around the phenom

 

[striker410]

well then how is the 2100 build over? The only things that have to be changed are the cpu, mobo, and ram (to 1.5v, which costs the same). The cost of components should be the same. What mobo do you have? There are numerous $100 h67 boards that will work, and lots of $7 h61 boards that will work.

 

[royaleduke]

I just don't know if I can stretch to a sandybridge set-up. There are a couple more factors(personal ones albeit) that will be going into this decision making process as well.

It's still between $875-950 bucks total, as much as I want a sandy bridge system I might have to go the lower end route with AMD.

in any case, I'll take everything said here under advisement and see if Maybe I can swing a core i5 build though it is unlikely I will be able to do so.

Again, thanks for all the advice and the links they've been very helpful.

 

[mgf derp]

You said your wishlist AMD build costs $765, my Intel build cost $767 with the revised parts I just recently posted. If you were willing to buy your build how is mine not affordable? Not trying to be mean, just trying to understand where your seeing this as unobtainable. Please explain and list what you want the parts to cost before the OS is factored in.

 

[ignoranceabound]

We're trying to make this clear: the i3-2100 (not even an i5) is a better gaming processor than the Phenom II and you will have better options to upgrade.

That being said if you are tech savvy (or willing to spend a couple hours on google) the Phenom II X4 clock at above 3.8ghz is an excellent choice. If you aren't as tech savvy get the i3.

 

[striker410]

Sounds like you're set on the AMD build. I love my amd to death, but intel is the clear winner right now. Why buy something just because you have brand allegiance, even though the other option is better? It's up to you. Not a big difference either way really.

 

[royaleduke]

well then how is the 2100 build over? The only things that have to be changed are the cpu, mobo, and ram (to 1.5v, which costs the same). The cost of components should be the same. What mobo do you have? There are numerous $100 h67 boards that will work, and lots of $7 h61 boards that will work.

OH. Doh! looks like i3 2100 is a possibility, I was adding the wrong CPU to the cart. It's kinda late over here and I'm tired LOL.

Hmm, so what would be the performance of the i3 2100 + GTX 560 ti? Think it'll be good enough for BF3?

EDIT: To the above poster, I am quite tech savvy and I know my way around a BIOS or two. I do plan to OC eventually.

EDIT2: Screw it, going Sandybridge.

Thanks dudes!

 

[striker410]

For sure. I'd bet near max at 45-60fps. (1080p)

 

[ignoranceabound]

Won't be disappointed with SB. The possibility of Ivy Bridge is also a nice plus though I'd be happy that the best CPU you can get for the LGA 1155 turns out to be the 2600.

 

[royaleduke]

For sure. I'd bet near max at 45-60fps. (1080p)

Good enough for me, I'm used to my PC games playing at sub 20 FPS.

I might stretch for the 2500k, if I can swing it.

Again, really appreciate it guys sorry if I've been a bit Pigheaded I love AMD but I've been reaserching what to do for my build for a long while and I originally wanted to do Sandybridge.

Looks like I'm going my original route.

 

[mgf derp]

Im still not seeing how you cant swing the i5 2400 or even the 2300. And as for overclocking I am not sure how much you have read about Sandy Bridge but non k processors are hard to overclock as most H67/P67/Z68 motherboards bclk will only go up a few mhz average is around 105mhz I have seen 107. So the 2100 will overclock .15-.2Ghz. We are hear to help as much as possible.