New PC Build

[troggers]

Approximate Purchase Date: Likely this week, pending any suggestions to wait.

Budget Range: 1100-1200

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming (BF3, WoW, Diablo III), Movie viewing

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com (open to others if there's a significant price gap)

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences:

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050 and 1280x1024 (only display games on my primary 1680x1050 display)

Additional Comments:

I don't keep up with technology trends like I used to so I'm not sure if there's a huge benefit to wait until Q3/Q4 of this year. I'd rather not spend extra money for a nominal upgrade. On the other hand, if an extra $100-200 is a big time benefit, that's certainly doable. I'm somewhat flexible. Thoughts on heatsink? I don't know if I really intend to OC. I don't know that I'd actually need/use any on top of the stock settings.


Motherboard: ASRock Z68
CPU: Intel i5-2500k
PSU: Antec HCG-750
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 922
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB (4x2GB) DDR3 1600
SSD: Corsair Force Series 3 120GB
HD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
GPU: HIS IceQ X Turbo Radeon HD 6850
BDROM: Samsung SH-B123L
Total: $1160 (Shipping incl.)

 

[geekapproved]

Looks like a good setup man, you obviously did some research.

You really won't even need to overclock if you add a second 6850, the cpu at stock will max them out as is.

 

[genghiskron]

id definitely take a sapphire hd6870 for the same price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

id also say youd be fine with the p67 version of the mobo, as you almost certainly wont be making use of the z68 features (not that theres anything wrong with the board):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229

the force 3 has had alot of problems from its release, which is why its priced so low. if thats the drive you want to go with, make sure you read up about how to install it properly as i hear that can be the largest source of problems.

but agreed it is an excellent build.

 

[geekapproved]

Both your links are the same

 

[genghiskron]

whoops. the asrock p67 extreme4 i meant to link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229

 

[troggers]

I split the difference and went with this Gigabyte z68. Only $10 more than the ASRock p67 you just linked. Having onboard video as a backup certainly can't hurt and whatever benefit SSD caching does should justify the $10 difference. Any thoughts? I've never used a ASRock mainboard before but have heard good things about them (mainly reviews from newegg and here)

I added a Noctua D14 as a just in case. My office upstairs stays relatively warm actually and I'm in the midwest (see: 90-100 degrees every day lately). Also, I switched to that Sapphire 6870 you linked earlier.

That puts me at $1180 (incl. shipping and MIR)

 

[genghiskron]

that board doesnt actually have onboard video. the early gigabyte z68 models left out that feature. ssd caching is an alternative to using your ssd as a system drive (google "intel smart response"). using your ssd as a system drive (OS + program files) is a better option, so you wont really use that feature.

here are some other z68 options if you want the onboard video feature(but again, that z68 extreme4 you orginally had is a great choice):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.719145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.715129
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.714823
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.719133

the d14 is a premium cooler for overclocking enthusiasts. if you just want to keep your temps low, the tirelessly recommended hyper 212+ is a good choice, and will hold a decent overclock (although maybe not in a 100F room):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
or if you want something a good bit cooler and quieter:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.710631

hopefully thats more helpful than confusing

 

[troggers]

Ok. I just completely misinterpreted SSD caching. I intend to use my SSD as an OS/Programs drive anyways, so thanks for setting me straight. P67 it is, and back to the ASRock you originally linked.

Thanks for the cooler recommendation. I didn't mean to say my room was 100F, just the outside temperature. My office is typically under 80F, with 80F being a max probably. I just have poor A/C circulation in my apartment, so my temperature range is 10F-15F between downstairs and upstairs. That Hyper212 should more than adequately fit my needs. Can't complain about the cost either!

I think I'm all set then. I really appreciate all the help.

 

[geekapproved]

There is no Z68 motherboard with onboard graphics. Period.

The graphics is built into the cpu, and all Z68 motherboards allow you to use the cpu's on die graphics. Even the early ones. lol

I have a $60 Asrock motherboard and really love it. My first Asrock. Setup was a breeze and love the UEFI bios.

 

[troggers]

Best answer selected by troggers.

 

[genghiskron]

no the gigabyte z68x-ud3 and z68x-ud4 do not allow you to use the cpu's on die graphics because they dont have any video outputs. they have since released the z68xP-ud3 and z68P-ud4 which have an hdmi port. lol.

 

[geekapproved]

Interesting. I had no idea.