Final Build Before Purchase - Please Help Review

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QuickSilver402

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May 16, 2011
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Hey everyone, I got the funds rolling... so here is what I've got for my build (thanks to Azeem40 for all the input):

It went a bit over budget... but I'm alright with that since I think these are all high quality parts.

Please feel free to comment.

EDIT: I realize all the links are annoying so here's a simple list:
EDIT #2: After looking at some of the deals on newegg.ca (damn you Americans with your better deals overall!) I think I'm going to spring the extra $30 to get the HAF 932 Advanced.

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
PSU: Antec EarthWatts Series EA-750 Green 750W ATX12V v2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000
CPU Cooling: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
SSD: Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda ST500DM002 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
GPU: SAPPHIRE 11196-00-40G Radeon HD 7950 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2
MOBO: ASUS P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS

Case:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

PSU:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371051

CPU:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

CPU Cooling:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

OS:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

SSD:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442

HDD:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767

GPU:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102962

Keyboard:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191

RAM:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231461

MOBO:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131781



Grand Total (With taxes and shipping): $1,818.47



What does everyone think?



Thanks again.
 
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jmsellars1

jmsellars1

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Looks like you are planning a Crossfire setup by the looks of that PSU but Crossfire isn't recommended on that board with the 2nd slot being x4. You want x8/x8 really. You can easily drop the PSU down to around 550-600W to save a bit of cash. Or for just a bit more you can get the Seasonic X-560, I plan to run the same card as you with an overall similar setup on the same PSU.
 
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jmsellars1

jmsellars1

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Crossfire isn't really suitable as an upgrade option, by the time you feel that your card needs an upgrade you will just be adding an old card which isn't recommended. There is a reason noone recommends GTX 280 SLI etc. Multi card solutions aren't necessary for 1080P single monitor setups anyway.

Also Crossfire has a lot of drawbacks:

Pros:

Sometimes good price/performance
More potential for multiple monitors

Cons:

Very high power consumption
Will normally run hot and noisy
Not all games are compatible
More driver issues
 
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Q

QuickSilver402

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Ahhh really? Didn't know that.

So do you think that Mobo will be up to snuff for a future card? Say in a year?

Also, would an OEM Windows 7 be validated between new mobos?

Finally, if I'm dropping the wattage for the PSU for a single card... what is the advantage of going with the more expensive one that you suggested?
 
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vollman1

vollman1

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aqe040466

aqe040466

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The Intel i5 2500K is cheaper in Micro Center. Take a look at their website.
 
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jmsellars1

jmsellars1

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The more expensive one I suggested is higher quality and more efficient, that translates to:

- Slightly lower overall power consumption
- Cooler and quieter
- Gives cleaner, more reliable power.

It is also fully modular which means the inside of your case will be more tidy and may slightly improve airflow.

Lastly it has a feature where the fan won't spin unless it gets hot or you pull more than 200W. Basically it's 0db completely silent while browsing and watching videos etc. The fan just kicks in for games.
 
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steadywaters

steadywaters

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- I've read some posts around multiple forums where people with the LX had difficulty overclocking their chip due to a seemingly handicapped BIOS UEFI version. Get the P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 - more $$.

- Check out this previous post on Windows 7 OEM license transfers:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/30822-63-windows-motherboard-upgrade-possible

- The SeaSonic X-560W carries an 80 PLUS Gold efficiency certification and it's modular.
 
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Q

QuickSilver402

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Sold. I've swapped the Antec with the Seasonic in my cart.
 
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Q

QuickSilver402

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Since my Windows will be tied to the mobo, can that mobo effectively last me for a while? Say... if I want to XFire Future GPUs as a means of upgrading in the future?
 
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Q

QuickSilver402

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I see the benefit of having a better mobo since my Windows will be tied to it. But the PSU that you are suggesting brings the grand total to about $2005.

Roughly a $50 difference (taxes/shipping) between the OCZ ZX and the Seasonic.

 
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vollman1

vollman1

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With rebate the OCZ is $139.99 on newegg (unless you cannot get the rebate).

The benefit is that you don't limit your system.

If you are working off of a strict budget, then I can see making some sacrifices to fit, but you look like you want a system that is upgradable not just one that is the cheapest you can get.

What mark are you trying to stay below cost wise? I may have missed it.

Edit:

http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-Fully-Modular-80PLUS-Performance-compatible/dp/B004NMF9ES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328048594&sr=8-1

Maybe Amazon.com would be a bit cheaper for you?
 
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Q

QuickSilver402

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I was originally trying to keep it at $1700 w/ monitor. It appears I may be going $500 overboard ;)

That being said... if this thing can last, and has the future upgrade potential, I'm willing to spend that extra money so that I'll save in the long run.

I spent $2200 on my laptop and it's lasted me for 6+ years.
Spent $2300 on my original desktop and its still going... 8 years on.

I can see the value of going to the next price bracket if it is an overall cost effective solution.
 
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