Hello All--
I will be attempting my first build next week, and I am an absolute novice at this, so any help will be appreciated. I honestly haven't done as much research as I usually do, because this needs to happen soon, so I am open to suggestions for replacements/improvements, etc...
I have intentionally somewhat overpowered the system, because we tend to keep computers for a very long time, upgrading components, etc... to squeeze more life out of our computers. The computer whose slow and painful death necessitates this purchase is a 2002 Sony VAIO, if that gives you any idea. So I tend to think in terms of upgrade paths, leaving a little wiggle room to add components/RAM/whatever will keep the PC functioning for a little longer.
Approximate Purchase Date: this week or next
Budget Range: $1000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Research, Light Graphics Work, Gaming, Who knows?
Parts Not Required: monitor -- really need everything else, but OS, productivity software, keyboard not included in budget.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com for convenience, but I'm open to other reputable online sources
Country of Origin: US
Parts Preferences: Intel Sandy Bridge and compatible mobos. Stability and reliability are important, so I tend to prefer known reliable brands for other components
Overclocking: Probably, but not excessively -- will trade some performance for longevity
SLI or Crossfire: I want the capability to upgrade when I can afford a second card
Monitor Resolution: I honestly don't know - have a good sized ASUS monitor I haven't even used because I don't think my current system can drive it.
Additional Comments:
Stability and longevity are the two criteria most important to me. As I noted above, we tend to keep computers longer than most, upgrading components/memory, etc... regularly, so I want to build a system that will allow me to do that for several years at least. (No, I don't expect to get nine years out of this one, but I don't buy new systems every couple of years). Nothing is "future proof" -- technology moves too fast, but I'd like to at least be "future sensitive," able to upgrade this build for a while and maybe reuse components on the next build.
I'm right at the top end of my budget, so if anyone has suggestions to cut down the cost of the rig without compromising the longevity and essential nature of the build, I'd appreciate them.
Other important considerations: Energy use, noise (not critical, but I hate really loud pcs).
On to the build:
I tried to use the code from the "system builder" thread to make this easier to read, with comments or questions inserted after the component when I have them.
It's better than a VAIO
Processor:
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 - $220
So the 2500 is probably more processor than I need but I like the "unlocked" aspect of the CPU, which will allow me to overclock in the future - avoiding the need for a CPU upgrade for longer. It's also only $30 more than the 2400, and I don't want to be kicking myself in a year or two for not spending $30 now.
Motherboard:
ASRock Z68 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard -- $190
This one gave me the most trouble. I don't speak enough tech to understand all the benchmarks, etc..., but the Z series seemed more future-compliant than the P or H series (USB 3.0, etc...) and this board got the Tom's recommendation. I don't anticipate using the integrated graphics or a SSD (at least not soon), but I went with what seemed likely to become the new standard. Correct me if I'm wrong.
RAM:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) -- $85 - $15 Coupon -- $70
Again, this may be overpowered, but it seems like a good price, and I've read (somewhere) that 4 gb gets kind of tight on the sandy bridge. Buying 8 now seems like it will postpone the need to upgrade by a few months at least.
Graphics Card:
MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity -- $280
I chose this card for good performance, and I've read good things about operating temp and noise with the Twin Frozr II. I've also always believed you sink your money in the CPU, mobo, and GPU - in that order.
Hard Drive:
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive -- $65
I probably don't need this much space -- this might be a good place to save a few $$$.
Case:
Cooler Master HAF 912 Midtower Case - $60
Power Supply:
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply -- $90- $9 coupon = $81
Is this enough power? Is it enough power to handle some upgrades without requiring a new PSU?
Cooling:
Cooler Master Hyper N 520 92 mm CPU Cooler - $30
DVD Burner:
LiteON DVD Burner -- $21
Total System Cost (with discounts, but not MIRs): $1,015 (more or less)
I would love to bring this number down by about $65, but I'm not sure where.
Thanks in advance -- this community is great!
-- Chris