PC building Help

[Guest]

Hello!

I want to make a new PC and not spend over 900 euros cause my laptop can't play games like skyrim and bf3 on max. I was wondering if this would do the job. Later when I have another 200 euros to blow, I am thinking of getting another gtx 560 ti and put it in SLI mode. What do you guys think of this:

ASUS P8Z68-V LX € 102,90
Intel ® Core ™ i5-2500K € 199,90
MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II/OC € 209,90
Corsair 8 GB DDR3-1600 Quad-Kit € 51,90
Samsung 500 GB SATA2 € 64,90
Sony Optiarc AD-5280S-0B € 14,99
Aerocool Vs-4 € 37,99
Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 x2 € 7,19 (each)
LG Flatron E2351T-BN € 129,90

Total 898, 66

Would this be able to run those games in ultra settings?

Thanks in advance!

 

[danraies]

Would this be able to run those games in ultra settings?

Nope. From what I've read you're not going to be able to max out bf3 at 1080p with one card. That being said, you're pretty close to a good build at your price range and that build plus a second 560ti should run bf3 on ultra settings.

Problem 1: There's no power supply on that list. You'll need something around 500W to run one 560ti and around 700W to run two 560ti's (assuming you're not overclocking). There's more to power supplies than total wattage, but if you go with a good manufacturer (I'd start with Corsair, Seasonic, or Antec) then those wattages are about right.

Problem 2: The ASUS P8Z68-V LX is a good budget board but it's not good for SLI. I know it has two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots but they only run in x16/x4 mode and that x4 is a problem for SLI. You need a board that has at least x8/x8 mode. The cheapest option that I know with x8/x8 is the ASRock Extreme3 Gen3.

It's not going to make a performance difference, but for your RAM get a 2x4GB kit (only two modules) instead of a 4x2GB kit (four modules) because they're usually the same price and the 2x4GB kit will allow you to upgrade to 4x4GB later if you want.

 

[trispir]

I am running a similar build as you. I run BF3 on half ultra/high settings and that's only because I don't like to watch my frames dip below 40. Running 35+ fps in BF3 and you will have no issues, golden. With my settings I am running @60 fps pretty much consistently, and most often between 50-70 depending on situation. I have the ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 and I can tell you that I love it so far. Looks and performs great, I am very happy with my purchase. I have the i5 2500k that is working great and have been OC'ing to 4.2 at around 1.25v with a CM Hyper 212 plus cooler.

If you want 8GB of RAM you should go with the 2x4GB option. If you decide to get the ASUS board make sure it will fit corsair memory(or any memory) with your after market heatsink fan. Corsair memory might be close to the fan on ASRock board, I had to use the 2 and 4 slots on mine with my G.Skill ram.

If you want to run it Ultra and still have amazing unnecessary fps than you should SLI/CF or go with the GTX 570. I like to have great fps but also maintain amazing graphics and the build you are going for will work great.

 

[Guest]

First of all, thanks for both the replies!

I changed my motherboard to GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 (Intel ® Z68 Express), I heard this is very good for SLI as well. Its just that I don't have good experience with ASRock, my last one just died in around 4 months and I couldn't get a refund on that. So I want to stay away from that firm. But on the website the one you two recommended and the one I found have the same price.

I also changed my ram to 8 GB G. Skill DDR3-1600 Kit. There are just 2 sticks, so I can add two more sticks later as you suggested.

I also forgot to add the PSU to that list but it is an OCZ ZS750W. Not sure what the 80 plus bronze means. Is it that much better to have an 80 plus gold?

 

[danraies]

That's a good board. The only reason I recommend the ASRock over that Gigabyte is because the ASRock is cheaper in the US.

You know, rationally ASRock is a good company and one bad board doesn't mean you should stop trusting them. However I had a bad experience with an MSI board once and I just can't bring myself to buy another one. There are plenty of good mobo manufacturers - I can't blame you for hedging on ASRock.

80+ gold is obviously better, but in your range you shouldn't pay extra for it. I think OCZ is in the second tier of PSU manufacturers, but that one offers plenty of power so it'll be fine.

@trispir what resolution are you using? I don't buy 60fps in bf3 on ultra at 1920x1080 from a single 560ti.

 

[trispir]

I am running 1920x1080 on a XFX Radean 6950 2GB. Remember though, I said Ultra/High. I have shadows and couple things set on High. No AA.

 

[danraies]

I am running 1920x1080 on a XFX Radean 6950 2GB. Remember though, I said Ultra/High. I have shadows and couple things set on High. No AA.

Ok, that makes more sense. I have a Radeon 6950 2GB and I get similar results. I play with everything maxed out except AA and I get about 50fps on 1600x900.

 

[Guest]

I decided to put in a few extra bucks.. its around 920 euros now.. also a new PSU, hope i can do sli with this in the future and upgrade the ram..

X-Warrior Black Edition (3x 5,25" extern, 4x 3,5" intern, 1x 2,5" intern)
GX750 (750 Watt) - coolermaster
Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 (Intel® Z68 Express)
Flatron E2351T-BN (23 inch)
Core™ i5-2500K (4x 3300 MHz)
N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II/OC (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti)
500 GB SATA2 (500 GB) - samsung
AD-5280S-0B (24 / 8 / 12 speed) - sony
8 GB DDR3-1600 Kit (8192 MB - G-skills RipjawsX

Will i be able to add a couple of fans and a coolermaster v8 on the CPU later to overclock the system?

 

[danraies]

That CPU will easily overclock. It's literally just a few clicks in the bios to change the multiplier and you're above 4.0ghz. You will want an aftermarket cooler, though, and the V8 is fine.