Gaming Build Check

[13lackOut]

Hello,

I'm building a new PC for gaming purposes, trying to keep it fairly budget. Here is the list of components


Processor: Intel Core i3 560 Dual Core Processor – CPU 82
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/intel-core-i3-2120-s1155-sdy-bridge-33ghz-5gt-s-hd2000-igp-850mhz-3mb-cache-core-r-33x-65w-retail

Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3-B3 Intel Z68 Socket 1155
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/gigabyte-ga-z68x-ud3-b3-intel-z68-s-1155-ddr3-sata-iii-6gb-s-raid-sata-pcie-20-(x16)-atx

Graphics XFX HD 6850 AMD Radeon Graphics Card - 1GB
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1gb-xfx-hd-6850-4000mhz-gddr5-gpu-775mhz-960-cores-eyefinity-hdmi-2x-mini-displayport-2x-dvi

RAM Corsair CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB 1600MHz CL9 DDR3 Vengeance Memory Two Module Kit 32
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9-1600MHz-Vengeance-Memory/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1327187693&sr=1-2

PSU Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-500CXUK 500W Power Supply (PSU)
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500w-psu-corsair-builder-series-cmpsu-500cxuk-80-eff-uncertified-quiet-fan-atx-v23

Hard Drive 500GB HN-M500MBB Samsung Spinpoint M8 Hard Drive – HDD 55
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb-samsung-hn-m500mbb-spinpoint-m8-25-hdd-95-mm-sata-ii-3gb-s-5400rpm-8mb-cache-12ms

Heat Sink Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler 15
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/arctic-cooling-freezer-7-pro-v2-s775-1155-1156-1366-am3-am2plus-am2-939-up-to-130-watts

I'm just wondering if there are anythings i can change to improve performance? while keeping the price similar.

With current parts sub vat it comes to around £390 and I guess I'll have to cough up the extra £80 for windows.

Any Advice is appreciated.

 

[g-unit1111]

That's a pretty good build but you have to be careful with the RAM. The Vengeance line is good but the tall heat sinks will interfere with any coolers you plan to install. Be sure to get the low-profile version.

The Freezer 7 is an OK fan if you can get a Hyper 212 I'd be more inclined to recommend that.

 

[ali2837]

your cpu (1st gen i3) is socket 1156, but your mobo is socket 1155, they are incompatible

if you want to save on windows 7 get oem @ £70 - but make sure its 64bit

 

[ali2837]

your cpu link goes to i3 2120, did you mean that, then it is compatible

 

[g-unit1111]

your cpu (1st gen i3) is socket 1156, but your mobo is socket 1155, they are incompatible

if you want to save on windows 7 get oem @ £70 - but make sure its 64bit

Ha, I didn't catch that.

The i3-2120 is excellent for games and everything else but it is a dual core. If you want to spend a bit more I'd recommend the i5-2400.

 

[ali2837]

i think a better value board would be the gigabyte z68 ap d3 - check it out

 

[ali2837]

if youre getting the i3 2120, your cooler is fine as you cant overclock much, you might want to check your case fits your graphics card and motherboard - what model is it

 

[13lackOut]

Thanks for the help guys. The processor is the one on the link, not the description. Dunno what happened there.

Additionally i can't really afford the jump to i5, i was originally going for the AMD Phenom II x4 960t but decided i3 would be better. I'll go for that motherboard you suggested, looks good.

The case I have is an old NZXT i don't know how to check the model number though? I checked my motherboard size and its ATX standard.

Hows my PSU doing i was worried it might not hold up?

Also is it worth paying the extra cash for the 6870?
I'm looking to play bf3 and other recent releases.

cheers

 

[13lackOut]

That's a pretty good build but you have to be careful with the RAM. The Vengeance line is good but the tall heat sinks will interfere with any coolers you plan to install. Be sure to get the low-profile version.

The Freezer 7 is an OK fan if you can get a Hyper 212 I'd be more inclined to recommend that.

do you mean this fan? Sold.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coolermaster-hyper-212-evo-4-heat-pipes-direct-contact-with-120mm-quiet-fan-lga775-1155-1156-1366-am

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks for the help guys. The processor is the one on the link, not the description. Dunno what happened there.

Additionally i can't really afford the jump to i5, i was originally going for the AMD Phenom II x4 960t but decided i3 would be better. I'll go for that motherboard you suggested, looks good.

The case I have is an old NZXT i don't know how to check the model number though? I checked my motherboard size and its ATX standard.

Hows my PSU doing i was worried it might not hold up?

Also is it worth paying the extra cash for the 6870?
I'm looking to play bf3 and other recent releases.

cheers

If you want to check the model number it should be on a barcode on the back of the system.

The X4-960T certainly isn't a bad choice either you can get one and the motherboard for less than 200.

The Builder Series is fine. A lot of people are hesitant to recommend it because of certifications, ratings and so on but for the price it's from a top-tier manufacturer and it's generally really good quality. I bought the CX430 for use in an HTPC and it's been really solid and quiet so far.

I'd definitely say it's worth paying the extra money for the 6870 if you want to get good frame rates.

do you mean this fan? Sold.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coo [...] 56-1366-am

Yes. The Evo is the new version of the Hyper 212 and it's got a lot of excellent reviews. I have the 212+ and it's been one of the best fans I've owned so far.

 

[ali2837]

Thanks for the help guys. The processor is the one on the link, not the description. Dunno what happened there.

Additionally i can't really afford the jump to i5, i was originally going for the AMD Phenom II x4 960t but decided i3 would be better. I'll go for that motherboard you suggested, looks good.

The case I have is an old NZXT i don't know how to check the model number though? I checked my motherboard size and its ATX standard.

Hows my PSU doing i was worried it might not hold up?

Also is it worth paying the extra cash for the 6870?
I'm looking to play bf3 and other recent releases.

cheers

if you get the hd6850, it means you can upgrade to crossfire in the future, which saves money now, with hd 6850 you can play bf3 on me-high settings, also for the case, just measure and make sure your gpu fits with at least 1/2 inch for cables, try and also check theres good cooling, maybe consider another case fan

 

[13lackOut]

Can't seem to find the case number on the back, its a 2006 case. It's one i got off cyberpower, im reusing the sony disc drive too. I'll probably upgrade to the 6870.

Is my PSU powerful enough though? to run the 6870?

 

[13lackOut]

Found it on NZXT

http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/crafted_series/apollo

 

[azeem40]

It is by a small margin. I recommend 550W if you don't plan to Crossfire.

 

[ali2837]

Your gpu fits , i would suggest getting another fan though, 2 old fans might not be enough

 

[13lackOut]

Sounds good, thanks for the Advice. I might change my HD to this
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/250gb-western-digital-wd2502abys-re3-sata-3gb-s-7200rpm-16mb-cache-89ms-ncq

as I keep most of my files on my laptop anyway.

 

[ali2837]

it seems fine, but beware as newer games take upto 20gb each, you might want an upgrade later

 

[g-unit1111]

Can't seem to find the case number on the back, its a 2006 case. It's one i got off cyberpower, im reusing the sony disc drive too. I'll probably upgrade to the 6870.

Is my PSU powerful enough though? to run the 6870?

450 - 500W minimum is required for a 6870. As long as you have that you should be good. Definitely reuse any and all components you can.