First Build - i7, GTX 570 for BF3/SWTOR Gaming - Will it work?

WIGamer

Distinguished
Dec 27, 2011
3
0
18,510
I have significantly edited my original build.

Thanks for the original recommendations (first 2-3 replies) - I have decided to go with the i5 to upgrade the 570 to a 580. I also went with an i5 and Z68 combo that provides a relatively cheap mid tower and hopefully a sufficient 650W PSU.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next 2 days

Budget Range: $1100-$1400 range, lower preferred

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies

Parts Not Required: I have a 36 inch LED TV with fast refresh rate that I'm hoping to use

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: none

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: NVidia, Intel, Non-ASUS

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Only if it's more economical on first purchase (I do not plan on upgrading)

Monitor Resolution: Unknown

Additional Comments: I only plan on using this for another year as I will be leaving the country. I do not plan on upgrading.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



I found a combo deal that includes the processor and RAM that I want with a cheap case. I'm just wondering if the PSU and mobo is worthwhile.

I am building a PC for the first time and specifically to play BF3 and SWTOR at high settings. I will only be using this computer for 1 year and have no plans to upgrade to SLI in the future. My main concern is with the compatibility of the PSU, cooling system and whether or not I can save money by downgrading in these areas. Also, any case recommendations?

I chose the following combo deal that includes the processor (i5) and RAM that I want with a cheap case. I'm just wondering if the PSU and mobo is worthwhile

$624 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.755265

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

BYTECC 6 ft. 18AWG Power Cord w/ 3 Conductor PC Power Connector

GIGABYTE LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s ATX Intel Motherboard

Antec 650W ATX 12V v2.3 Power Supply

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)

Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive



GPU: GTX 580 - $499
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130587

SSD: OCZ Agility 3 60GB - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227725

Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118031 - $24

Cooling: 212plus - $29
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

OS: Windows 7 Premium - $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Keyboard/Mice: Looking for recommendations on the most versatile (most buttons) and comfortable wired mice and keyboard under $200 total

Headset: Unknown

Current Total (without keyboard/mice/headset): $1402

I've been reading that dual Radeon 6850s ($150 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908) would be superior and cheaper to the GTX 580. Is this true and if so is the 650W PSU and that mobo still the best option?

I'm hoping to play BF3 at max settings without fps lag (so ~60 fps to insulate for low points). My budget is flexible within another $150 dollars to reach this standard if that's necessary.

Thanks again.


 

WIGamer

Distinguished
Dec 27, 2011
3
0
18,510
Thanks for the replies so far. I have significantly changed my build by discovering a combo. I have opted for the i5 and reallocated those funds to upgrade to a GTX 580. The combo also includes a 650W PSU and a Z68 Mobo.
 

WIGamer

Distinguished
Dec 27, 2011
3
0
18,510
I am currently debating between two paths for GPU:

Either spend $500 on GTX 580 or spend $300 on 6970 and wait to see if I want to upgrade to another 6970 with CF. I prefer nvidia and Id prefer to avoid CF if it's going to be additional hassle, but the benchmarks ive seen place the 6970 close to the 580 (for $200 less) and far beyond with the CF ($100 more).

If I decide to 6970x2 CF what PSU wattage should I go with?