New PC Build

[jimenezhj]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my current system to be used for gaming:

Current system:

Mobo: P5Q-SE
CPU: Q6600
GPU: AMD Radeon 4850 512
RAM: OCZ something ~ 2x1gig
OS: Windows XP
PSU: 550W CoolerMaster Extreme
Case: not needed (I own an Antec 300)
Other peripherals: Not needed
Gaming Resolution: 1920x1080

I'd like to base a build/upgrade around the 2500K.
Budget would range from $1000 - the lower the better =p

Please advice?

 

[mjmjpfaff]

Do you overclock?

will you crossfire/sli? by the looks of this build you wont

Overclocking-i5 2500k 220$: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-2500K-Processor-3-3GHz-LGA1155/dp/B004EBUXHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1308925843&sr=1-1

not oc'ing- i5 2400 190$: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-2400-Processor-3-10GHz-LGA1155/dp/B004EBUXIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1308926656&sr=1-1

Mobo 120$: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157230&cm_re=asrock_p67_pro3-_-13-157-230-_-Product

sli/cf mobo 169$: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00518M74I/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1308925922&sr=8-12&condition=new

Ram 57$: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145324&cm_re=8gb_1600-_-20-145-324-_-Product

ssd 110$: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227725&cm_re=ocz_agility_3-_-20-227-725-_-Product

GTX 560 ti 220$: http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Superclocked-PCI-Express-Graphics-01G-P3-1567-KR/dp/rebates/B004XUCCRM/ref=rebate_olp_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1308926735&sr=1-5

 

[jimenezhj]

I'm looking to overclock ~ probably not going to crossfire/sli though

quick question though - this is only my 2nd build and I've never really heard anything about Asrock other than the fact that they are ASUS's sub. How reliable are they? Also, should I invest in a z68 board vs p67? not really sure about the difference between the two

 

[ps3hacker12]

for gaming i'd say just upgrade the GPU, RAM, and that not-so-good CoolerMaster PSU, apart from those components your current setup is great! and that Q6600 can be easily overclocked and is still today a great performance CPU.

if your still not satisfied with performance then i think you should do a complete overhaul, (but upgrading from the Q6600 to the 2500K, would not be as big a leap as you'd think).

the best option for your system would be to just go for a GPU upgrade, PSU upgrade (RAM upgrade would be optional 2gb is ok, but since your mobo has 4 RAM slots you can just add another 2x1gb or 2x2gb).

what i'd reccommend:
an ATI 6950 2gb (HIS):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372&cm_re=ati_6950-_-14-161-372-_-Product

PSU: Antec EA-650W 80+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

1066Mhz DDR2 2x1gb ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104008

tots up to 260 + 65 + 40 = $365, for a great performing gaming PC!

and if you want further performance, then OC that Q6600 with an aftermarket cooler, it can easily reach 3.1Ghz or so if not higher.

great performance after market cooler: (optional, $66)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015

all the parts that i listed (part from the RAM) can also be moved over to the new build if you decide in the future to go for a new build too!, the H60 is currently cheaper than the H50 on newegg, hence why i chose it (and can be moved over to a 1155 rig or AM3 rig in the future too!)

 

[mjmjpfaff]

i went to asrock after my asus p8p67 pro board never worked. i have had no problems with asrock. if you are just gaming you will not need a z68 board. you might also want to get windows 7 home premium oem- http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premum-System-Builder-Version/dp/B002NGJO4M/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IE2SPDW40G9NE&colid=NKXTPS8044HJ and load it onto your ssd for quick boot up. the total with windows 7 oem= 827$. you may want to invest in a gtx 570/radeon 6970

 

[mjmjpfaff]

for gaming i'd say just upgrade the GPU, RAM, and that not-so-good CoolerMaster PSU, apart from those components your current setup is great! and that Q6600 can be easily overclocked and is still today a great performance CPU.

if your still not satisfied with performance then i think you should do a complete overhaul, (but upgrading from the Q6600 to the 2500K, would not be as big a leap as you'd think).

the best option for your system would be to just go for a GPU upgrade, PSU upgrade (RAM upgrade would be optional 2gb is ok, but since your mobo has 4 RAM slots you can just add another 2x1gb or 2x2gb).

what i'd reccommend:
an ATI 6950 2gb (HIS):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372&cm_re=ati_6950-_-14-161-372-_-Product

PSU: Antec EA-650W 80+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371044

1066Mhz DDR2 2x1gb ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104008

tots up to 260 + 65 + 40 = $365, for a great performing gaming PC!

and if you want further performance, then OC that Q6600 with an aftermarket cooler, it can easily reach 3.1Ghz or so if not higher.

great performance after market cooler: (optional, $66)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015

all the parts that i listed (part from the RAM) can also be moved over to the new build if you decide in the future to go for a new build too!, the H60 is currently cheaper than the H50 on newegg, hence why i chose it (and can be moved over to a 1155 rig or AM3 rig in the future too!)

like ps3hacker says with a better aftermarket cooler you can o.c. your Q6600 more giving you more performance which is another viable option

 

[jimenezhj]

Best answer selected by jimenezhj.

 

[jimenezhj]

Thanks guys - Should I consider upgrading to Windows 7? or just stay on windows xp?

 

[ps3hacker12]

Thanks guys - Should I consider upgrading to Windows 7? or just stay on windows xp?

windows 7 would be a great upgrade, many new games are 'build for windows 7' if you do go for 4gb+ ram definetely go for a a windows 7 64bit upgrade. Remember if you do go for a windows 7 upgrade, get the 64bit version!