Help me choose my GPU/MOBO combination

[eNoq]

Hi,

To start off, I will be using my new pc for mainly gaming - watching movies - browsing.
Do I plan on OCing? I'm not sure, maybe in the future.
So far I have this:

i5-2500k
http://azerty.nl/0-2532-363903/intel-core-i5-2500k-3-3-ghz-lga1155-socket-l3-6-mb-doos.html.

8GB G-Skill DDR3-1333
http://azerty.nl/8-749-349249/g-skill-ripjaws-geheugen-8.html

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
http://azerty.nl/8-857-225309/samsung-spinpoint-f3-desktop-c.html

OCZ Vertex 2 90GB SSD
http://azerty.nl/8-1991-306045/ocz-vertex-2-series-solid-st.html

Cooler Master 700W
http://azerty.nl/8-1073-84030/coolermaster-silent-pro-m700-.html

Standard DVDROM
http://azerty.nl/8-863-167730/liteon-ihdp118-schijfstation.html

Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced
http://azerty.nl/8-1044-252897/cooler-master-cm-690-ii-advanc.html

That leaves me with about 400~ Euro left for a GPU and Mobo.
What would be the best combination for my setup?

 

[QwertyMusicMan]

You can get a slightly cheaper case, look around a bit.

Same goes for the PSU. A 750w can go for $75 USD. Just make sure it gets good reviews, PSUs are not something you want failing.

Drop the SSD and get it later. You really don't need it.

I'm going for a GTX 570 ($320 USD) and an ASUS P8P67 Pro ($175 USD) myself, so I would recommend that. You could downgrade to a 6950 and OC it, to save $50 USD or so.

Happy hunting!

 

[AdrianPerry]

You can get a slightly cheaper case, look around a bit.

Same goes for the PSU. A 750w can go for $75 USD. Just make sure it gets good reviews, PSUs are not something you want failing.

Drop the SSD and get it later. You really don't need it.

I'm going for a GTX 570 ($320 USD) and an ASUS P8P67 Pro ($175 USD) myself, so I would recommend that. You could downgrade to a 6950 and OC it, to save $50 USD or so.

Happy hunting!

The OP's links are in EURO's so I presume he's not buying from the US?

Firstly id recommend looking at 1600MHz ram as well, 1.5v CL9 - G.Skill and Corsair are popular choices and the price difference is usually very minimal between 1333 and 1600MHz.

For PSU, Motherboard and GPU you really need to decide if you wish to SLI/Crossfire at any point. Motherboards supporting only a single card are generally much cheaper than SLI ready boards. Lower wattage PSU's are also cheaper (650w is generally enough for a single card anything up to a 570/6970), 850w for SLI. Recommended PSU brands include XFX, Corsair, Antec, SeaSonic - look for 80PLUS ratings.

Generally based on your budget I think your looking at something like a z68 motherboard (around the 120-160 Euro mark) + GTX 570/ATI 6970.

A few SLI ready, recommended motherboards worth looking into: ASUS P8Z68-v PRO, Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3, ASRock Extreme3 Gen3

 

[eNoq]

Thanks for the replies guys.

@QwertyMusicMan
I do want an SSD, so I'm keeping that in my budget.
A GTX 570 + ASUS P8P67 Pro Would fit in my budget with a 10-12 euro stretch.

@AdrianPerry
Thanks for the tip, but I've seen that there's barely any difference between 1600Mhz/1333Mhz, but if the price is equal I'll ofcourse get the 1600Mhz.

If I manage to find a cheaper PSU I could get the higher memory.
I'll probably get the GTX 570 and a NON-SLI z86 motherboard.
Would you recommend that?

 

[AdrianPerry]

SLI potential is a choice you need to make yourself to be honest, mostly it comes down to budget. By the time you find that GTX 570 isn't performing as high as you want it to, you'll probably be looking at a whole new build entirely anyway. Or would at least have money to buy another motherboard to open up that upgrade path.

Id recommend taking a look at the ASRock Extreme3 Gen3 motherboard, in the UK and US its very very good value for money, providing SLI support at a nice low price (£115 in the UK) so i presume a similar figure in EURO's.

650w PSU, GTX 570, ASRock Extreme3 Gen3 should all fit into budget, without over-paying for a motherboard with SLI support.

Should you ever want to SLI in a couple of years time, switch out the PSU for something more powerful, buy another card, and your good to go.

 

[Outlander_04]

why would you choose a power supply before knowing which gpu you will be installing ?

 

[eNoq]

why would you choose a power supply before knowing which gpu you will be installing ?

Because it's going to be either a 560GTX-Ti or 570GTX.
And I found a 750W Cooler Master for 80 Euro.

I chose a ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 and MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr III Power Edition/OC
with 8GB 1600Mhz G-Skill.

Everything together I'm at 1004 Euro / 1374 Dollar.

 

[AdrianPerry]

I chose a ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 and MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr III Power Edition/OC
with 8GB 1600Mhz G-Skill.

Nice components there.


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Cooler Master PSU's tend to be avoided. If you do intend to go with CM, check some reviews out on google first, and see what kind of ratings the PSU gets - there's often better performance units at a similar price.

More recommended brands include: Corsair, XFX, SeaSonic, Antec, (some) OCZ.