$1500 New Build Gaming PC - i7 2600K

b2lu

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Hello,

I'm looking to build a PC for gaming and here's the checklist I found on this forum. Sorry it'll be a bit long!


Approximate Purchase Date: Week of Nov 7th, 2011

Budget Range: $1500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming

Parts Not Required: DVDROM, Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: www.tigerdirect.ca, www.ncix.com
I did, if not all, my searches on TigerDirect so maybe some parts NCIX will be cheaper.

Country of Origin: Canada

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: No, but possible in the future so I better get a CrossfireX-Ready MB

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080


Here's the list of parts I'm looking at... please advise on what should be modified and why. Thanks!

CPU:
Intel Core i7-2600K BX80623I72600K Unlocked Processor - Quad Core, 8MB L3 Cache, 1MB L2 Cache, 3.40 GHz (3.80 GHz Max Turbo), Socket H2 (LGA1155), 95W, Fan, Retail - $320
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073159&Sku=I69-2600K

CPU FAN:
Cooler Master RR-212E-20PK-R1 Hyper 212 EVO Universal CPU Cooler - 120mm Fan w/ PWM, LGA 1366, 1156, 1155, 775, FM1, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2 - $42
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1284316&CatId=798
or something cheaper
Corsair CAFA50 A50 Air Series Performance CPU Cooler - 120mm, LGA 775, LGA 1366, LGA 1156, AM2, AM3 - $30
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6101294&CatId=493
or maybe hydro?
Corsair CW-9060001-WW Hydro H40 CPU Liquid Cooler - Socket LGA775, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1366, AM2, AM3, FM1 - $60
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1241960&CatId=499

MB:
GIGABYTE GA-Z68AP-D3 Intel Z68 Motherboard - ATX, Socket H2 (LGA1155), Intel Z68 Express, DDR3 2133MHz, SATA 6.0 Gb/s, RAID, 7.1-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, SuperSpeed USB 3.0, CrossFireX Ready - $110
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1165562&CatId=7212

PSU:
Corsair CMPSU-650TXV2 Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 Power Supply - 650 Watts, ATX, 140mm Fan, 80 Plus Bronze, SLI Ready, Active PFC - $85
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7195036&CatId=1483

SSD:
Corsair CSSD-F120GBGT-BK Force GT Series Solid State Drive - 120GB, 2.5", SATA III, 6Gbps - $190
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744446&CatId=5300
or
OCZ VTX3-25SAT3-120G Vertex 3 Solid State Drive - 120GB, 2.5", SATA III - $200
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=91218&CatId=5300

HDD:
Seagate ST31000524AS Barracuda Hard Drive - 1TB, SATA 6Gbps, 7200 RPM, 32MB - $140
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=61389&CatId=2459

VCARD:
Sapphire 100312-3SR Radeon HD 6950 Video Card - 2GB, DDR5, PCI-Express 2.1 (x16), HDMI, Dual DVI, DisplayPort, DirectX 11, Dual-Slot, CrossFireX Ready, FREE Dirt3 Game Download Coupon - I already have this, no change! Bought it for $270 before tax

RAM:
Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 Vengeance 8GB PC12800 DDR3 RAM - 1600MHz, 2x4096MB, Non-ECC, Unbuffered - $70
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7025810&CatId=3473
or
G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Memory - $53
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=44267&vpn=F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL&manufacture=G.Skill

CASE:
What's a good case that looks good, can fit the parts (long video card, huge cpu fan), and cheap! Check out TigerDirect.ca or NCIX.com and let me know!

Ok so that's my list. For the video card, I unlocked it to a 6970 and using 6970 speeds (880mhz/1375mhz). I'm thinking of getting a CPU fan because I want to OC it. What I'm wondering is that since the stock CPU can Turbo Boost to 3.8ghz, that means stock fan can handle when it's running at 3.8ghz? So only if I want to OC over 3.8ghz should I get the CPU fan?

As for the motherboard, I'm not sure what to get but I want to use SSD SATAIII so what's the best motherboard for that? I chose this one cause it's the cheapest Z68 w/crossfire ready, DDR3 2133mhz (could be 1600mhz), USB 3.0, etc.

For the RAM, I read that since the CPU can only support up to 1333mhz, there's no use of getting anything faster. But I've also read it's good to get 1600mhz as long as the volts is 1.5v or less. I think the G.Skill might be better for a cheaper price but TigerDirect doesn't have them. Maybe I'll just hop over to NCIX for them if they're really better.

Lastly, I always tend to cheap out on the PSU but I believe this one I have should be good. It's Tier 2 from this site (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?108088-Official-XS-Power-Supply-Ranking-Phase-I) and it's only $85 so I think I can live with that.

Please comment or give suggestions to what I can improve/cheap out on and why!

Thanks in advance!!!
B.
 
Solution
For your budget and not having to get a graphics card, thats going to open up a lot of doors for you...
Definitely get either i5-2500K or i7-2600K, either are fine for your system, and yes the 2600K will be overkill for your use. Some say that the 2500k is better for gaming but meh you really cant say that, the 2600K kicks butt period. I would base the decision more on if you need the $100 for some other component in your system or just want to save it.
The CPU Cooler, well there are a LOT of options and CM Hyper 212 is a solid choice. Check http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2619&page=5 for a huge list on performance and noise levels. I would set a price for the cooler $40-$60 is probably good and see how they compare...

Emelth

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Here is a build i am currently working on myself, You dont need i7 the i5 is perfectly able and better for gaming

Rosewill BLACKHAWK Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147107

Intel Core i5-2500K - $220.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

ASRock Z68 Extreme4 - $180.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157250

Enermax ETS-T40 T.B.APOLLISH CPU Cooler - $44.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835214024

MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 2GB - $270.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127608

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB - $140.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Crucial M4 64 GB SSD - $115.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $47.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

Rosewill Xtreme Series RX750-S-B 750W Continuous @40°C ,80 PLUS Certified - $90.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182067

Total: $1206 (not including MIRs/Shipping)

 

b2lu

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Thanks for the reply, Emelth. Couple of questions - Did you do alot of research for this rig? Any specific reason you went with the Crucial M4 SSD as opposed to other brands such as Intel, OCZ, or Corsair? Any reason why the Rosewill PSU? Check out the link I posted for PSUs, Rosewill is in the Tier 5 section in the old list (2006) but couldn't be found in new list. That wasn't an exhaustive list so that's why I'm asking why you chose it. Everything else looks good.

Thanks!
 

b2lu

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Thanks roblaw, I'll do the check while this thread gets more replies. If newegg.ca offers a huge discount on some parts, I might get it there. I just don't like the hassle of returning stuff via mail. TigerDirect/NCIX have stores near me where I can go in personally to complain if I get defects =)

Thanks!
 

Emelth

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If you cant tell by looking at all the parts I was going for a whole Blue LED them I find it very, relaxing? i guess you can say. I read the reviews for most of the questionable parts (which is only the cpu cooler and psu) and they all turned out to be loved by all who used them. Crucial M4 has been coming famous recently when the OCZ had an issue with theirs but I do believe they have fixed the problem since more feedback has become more postive. But I would stil stick with the M4
 

Emelth

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If you want you can also add another 560 Ti and still be under the $1500 mark, the cooler is still the only questionable part for me due to the fact that a lot of people said its huge most of them that used it said they had only a couple inches of free space between the side but still it look awesome XD

I put a lot of research into my builds and the builds I suggest for other people on the forums, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I wont advise something crappy without having a good reason and even then I would explain why.
 

b2lu

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Replying to you and roblaw.. Yes OCZ had a problem but they fixed it with a new firmware. That's a hassle though so it looks like i'll need to look into Crucial M4 then!

Thanks!
 

Emelth

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Never forget that just because a couple others have had issues with it doesnt mean you will as well, I also believe they fixed it like i said in my previous post Tom's Hardware actually voted for it to be the best at the beginning of Sept. I would still take a look at it if it were to save me a couple dollars. For some reason when I buy parts they always work and I've never had a problem with them. So people are not so lucky. Its just the luck of the draw and the "care" the package gets while in shipping and in use.
 

Delirious788

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For your budget and not having to get a graphics card, thats going to open up a lot of doors for you...
Definitely get either i5-2500K or i7-2600K, either are fine for your system, and yes the 2600K will be overkill for your use. Some say that the 2500k is better for gaming but meh you really cant say that, the 2600K kicks butt period. I would base the decision more on if you need the $100 for some other component in your system or just want to save it.
The CPU Cooler, well there are a LOT of options and CM Hyper 212 is a solid choice. Check http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2619&page=5 for a huge list on performance and noise levels. I would set a price for the cooler $40-$60 is probably good and see how they compare on the list. I would not do stock CPU Cooler/Fan if you are going to OC period.
MB is fine
For the PSU check out the Corsair TX750 V2. You may need a little more with the HD 6950 and OC the CPU, but maybe not and 650 is fine. It is hard to say. If you do Crossfire later on down the road you will need at least 750 watts maybe 850 watts. Something to check out...
Definitely go with Crucial M4 128GB for your SSD. They are a beast compared to most other SSDs. If you can hold off on buying a HDD, I would due to the huge spike in price from the flooding. 1TB used to go for like $80.
RAM, I guess you should go with the G. SKILL, since cheaper and has good reviews.
Case-wise, CoolerMaster HAF and 690 II Advanced are good cases. It is hard to say, since really this depends on good reviews and if you like the look of it, and you can get pretty crazy futuristic looking cases or just plain simple cases. A mid tower for $100 is probably fine for your needs or you can spend ~$170 for a huge full tower for more room.
 
Solution

b2lu

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Thanks Delirious. I chose the 2600k cause it's hyperthread so I'll see 8 threads in task management instead of 4, seems like 'double' for the cost of $100 bucks haha~ Although the 2500k is more the main stream CPU for the great price... if i overbudget, maybe this is something i can cut back on... the cpu cooler/fan site is nice! i'll read it thoroughly before deciding. I'll take your advice on the PSU since it's not alot more to up it to the 750w. I also really like the Coolermaster HAF case but it is a bit expensive... maybe i'll go with something 'CoolerMaster' that's cheaper because i like how they have alot of slots of fans.

Hey bhw, any reason why this motherboard? if it's this motherboard vs the one i chose, what's the upgrade?

Thanks!
 
Hello. Just a few suggestions about your gaming rig.

1st: Just as many people suggested and will suggest, a 2600k have absolutely NO advantage over an 2500k when it comes to gaming. Sometimes you will have to disable!!! hyperthreading in order to achieve same fps as 2500k!. Unless you are doing something heavy-threaded like video rendering (which obviously is not gaming) its not worth it.

2nd: Do NOT by any means buy a Hard Disk for a couple of months unless you want to spend $$ equally to an SSD :p. Its better to keep the money and use the ssd for some time and then buy the same HDD for $100 less.

3rd: You can buy a better PSU for future use like placing an other 6950/6970. With $1500 spending its a shame not to placing a little more on the PSU.

Verdict: To be honest with the money you can save from some changes, you can end up with a 2500K, 8GB RAM, and Crossfire 6950 which will be ridiculusly faster than a 2600k with 6950/6970.
 

b2lu

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Hey Memnarchon, thanks for your reply!

1st: I do agree with you that 2600k will not benefit for gaming - I read the BF3 benchmark on Tom's Hardware and it showed that i3 vs i7, i3 actually came out with higher FPS. They also compared i7 running 8, 6, 4, and 2 threads and they all show the same FPS. Do you think i7 will benefit for future gaming?

Here's an example... back a few years I got a computer and had to decide between two CPUs - Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0ghz vs Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4ghz. I ended up with the E8400 beacuse I didn't think I'd need a quad. But if I had gotten the quad back then, maybe my current rig could run BF3 fine with the unlocked 6950. Currently it seems like the CPU is the bottleneck to my performance. I have no idea how my current rig would run if I had the quad, what do you think?

2nd: Do HDD price will drop soon? So I should just stick with the 128 SSD till I run low? Sounds good!

3rd: If I do cut back on the CPU and HDD, maybe i can get a better PSU =) The $1500 actually includes the sunkcost of the videocard, which cost $300. So it's $1200 excluding vcard.

Thanks so much for your input!
 

b2lu

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On the second thought, if I didn't get a HDD, I'd be installing all my applications onto the SSD and when the SSD runs low, I'll need to reinstall all my applications that I don't want on the SSD onto the HDD?? Hmm!... something to think about...
 

b2lu

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What about this?

AMD FD8120FRGUBOX FX-8120 Processor - Eight Core, 8MB L3 Cache, 8MB L2 Cache, 3.10GHz (4.00GHz Max Turbo), Socket AM3+, 125W, Fan, Unlocked, Retail
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1239958&CatId=7341

Benchmarks for it isn't good, but it's actually got 8 real cores as opposed to i7 where it's 4 cores, hyper threaded... people say games won't take the split cores so for i7 hyperthread, games still see it as 4 cores. But for this AMD, it's got 8 cores, so will games see this as 8 cores? Idk what I'm saying since this CPU didn't do well in benchmarks, I think i5 should be the way to go.
 


1. This is a reason I have Q6600. I knew that games will soon take advantange of the 2 additional cores and also at those times 2,4Ghz was enough with even 2 cores to play games so I didnt have problems back then and I am enjoying the benefits of additional cores today. But back then the price of Core2duo of 3Ghz and Core2Quad 2,4Ghz was $10. (I bought Q6600 $250 while The same Core2Duo (3Ghz) was $240). And you cant compare 2 additional cores for $10 with only hyperthreading for $100. Maybe in the near future gaming might take advantage of additional threads but Hyperthreading should give you around 15% average performance (source: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/288?vs=287 ) like other multithreaded programs give. What I see is that games require more gpu horse power nowadays than cpu especially in 1080p resolutions and more (and I see that this gap will grow more as the resolutions go up) (In Dirt3 3 you will see that at 1080p resolution 2500k is faster than 2600k (see anandtech link). And about FX8120: Its not better than 2500k for gaming, why buying it? (in terms of gaming performance its like a PhenomII X4 BE 975-980 or core i3).

2. After the flood disaster that hit HDD factories we are waiting when they will be able to feed the market again. The only thing we can do is patience.

3. Well I wasnt saying placing a lot of $$ on PSU. Just something like $50 more for a corsair HX650 or HX750 which can have 4x 6+2 pins for PCI-E for Crossfire.

I hope this helps you :)
 

Delirious788

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The current problem...multiple cores maybe be fairly old tech, but it is new to games...fairly recently have games started taking advantage of multiple cores, which means games are still learning how to use all the cores efficiently. All programs in general are working on this. With this being said the pc standard in gaming is slowly becoming 4 cores in a pc(there's still a TON of dual cores pcs out there), but what about the future? Will 8 cores be the next standard and when? i7 is 8 threads, new bulldozer(AMD FX-8120) is 8 "cores", and haswell(intels next set of CPUs after ivy bridge) is rumored to have 8 cores(if that is really true, hard to say just now). So yes 8 cores is probably going to be next, but it is going to be IMO, which is a complete impossible-to-guess guess, another 4 to 5 years, 3, the earliest. Basically, i7-2600K will last you the longest(I think easily 4 years), i5-2500K will last probably just as long but will struggle at times, and I sadly wouldn't touch the FX-8120...

Its hard t predict the future, but if your budget allows it then go with the i7-2600K, but you need to save $100 then drop down to the i5-2500K. Both CPUs will get you far down the road...
 

Delirious788

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The thought with getting a 128GB is so you can have the OS, games, and programs installed on it. The SSD will greatly affect the start-up/launch times of programs...therefore to get your best performance you will want to have programs and such installed on it. Granted games are becoming 10+ GB in size, so as time goes by you really might just have to switch out your old games with your current games. Also just keep your documents/pics/music/whatever else in one spot, because that will be something you'd want to move off of your SSD to your HDD. My OS drive is a 160 GB HDD and it is at 130 GB with the OS, tons of programs includinga few huge ones like solidworks, autocad, and photoshop, and 9 games on it. You should be fine, just be smart at what you install until you get a HDD. I think HDD suppliers are back to making HDDs it is just a matter of waiting to get back into the full swing of things due to shipping constraints(flooded area makes it hard to get supplies in and product out) and replacing damaged machinery. Don't quote me on that but I think that is the current state of things.
 

b2lu

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Thanks guys for all the input. I think I have a good idea of what to get...

it'll be... an i5 (down)... crucial m5 128gb (up)... corsair 750txv2 psu (up)... drop the extra hdd till later (down)...
so i'll probably be getting this rig built with less than the budgeted price, always a good thing =)