Optimization of i5 2500K based pc

[total noob]

dear community

I would very much appreciate some advice about how to optimize a pc i have recently built. I dont want to overclock, i just want all the parts to work their best in unison. Also a suggestion for the best bang for buck graphics card that will complement this spec (games: BF3, skyrim, mw3, star craft 2).

here are the specs

CPU: i5 2500K

RAM: 8gb Corsair XMS3 Vengeance DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz CL9 2x4GB (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

MOBO: gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 (rev. 1.3)
http://www.gigabyte.eu/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3973#sp

PSU: corsair tx650 v2
http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/enthusiast-series-power-supply-units/enthusiast-series-tx650-v2-80-plus-bronze-certified-650-watt-high-performance-power-supply.html

case: Bit fenix merc alpha
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/merc-alpha

thanks

 

[agiste101]

dear community

I would very much appreciate some advice about how to optimize a pc i have recently built. I dont want to overclock, i just want all the parts to work their best in unison. Also a suggestion for the best bang for buck graphics card that will complement this spec (games: BF3, skyrim, mw3, star craft 2).

here are the specs

CPU: i5 2500K

RAM: 8gb Corsair XMS3 Vengeance DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz CL9 2x4GB (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

MOBO: gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 (rev. 1.3)
http://www.gigabyte.eu/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3973#sp

PSU: corsair tx650 v2
http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/enthusiast-series-power-supply-units/enthusiast-series-tx650-v2-80-plus-bronze-certified-650-watt-high-performance-power-supply.html

case: Bit fenix merc alpha
http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/merc-alpha

thanks

A 560ti should do.

 

[kajabla]

How much are you willing to spend? What is your monitor resolution?
You should get the best single card that you can afford, depending on your budget.

You do want to overclock, actually
You won't have to dive in just yet, but in a few years, when that 2500K starts to seem balky, it'll easily stretch to 4.5ghz. It'll be like a whole new processor, and you'll save a lot of money. As such, get a heatsink (it's easy to install at first but annoying to add later). A $30 Hyper 212 Plus or a $50 Scythe Mugen 3 would be good.

That case is solid, but it only comes with one fan. I recommend that you add two or three more.

Besides the extra fans, there's not really any "optimization" to do if you don't want to play with overclocking on the graphics card.

 

[nukemaster]

If you get a different heatsink(i highly recommend it), I would recommend getting some lower profile memory so it does not hit the heatsink/fan

maybe this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233196

 

[kajabla]

^Yeah, but if I'm interpreting correctly the OP already owns the listed parts. Putting the RAM sticks in the outer slots will delay the problem, and when 8gb stops seeming like enough, 16gb kits should be cheaper.

 

[total noob]

i have connected my pc via hdmi to my 1080p TN panel 27 inch monitor. I have heard amd have poor drivers, and that nvidia due to their superior drivers are less troublesome. I also like the physx feature of the nvidia cards. Based on this I am naturally leaning toward Nvidia (please forgive any ignorance on this matter ).

 

[kajabla]

AMD has recently had a few driver issues, but I don't think it's fair to interpret it as a trend. Both companies make good stuff.
How much are you willing to spend?

 

[total noob]

thanks

willing to spend around $200

 

[kajabla]

Could you manage this one? EVGA 560 Ti, $210 after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130623