Spec Check - CPU setback?

[The1TrueJack]

Hello all,

My current spec is as follows:

CPU: Pentium G620 Dual Core @ 2.6GHz
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 570
PSU: Coolermaster GX RS650-ACAAE3-UK (650W)
Memory: Corsair 2x4GB DDR3 (1333)
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-H61MA-D2V GEN3 Intel H61
HDD: 500GB WD Green
CASE: Coolermaster Elite 430 Black Mid Tower
COOLER: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro CPU Cooler

I'm trying to run Skyrim at max with a comfortable margin for texture mods etc.

My only concern is with the CPU- I've been lead to believe that it should just max out skyrim, but as i said, im looking for a tad extra- is it up to the task?

 

[clutchc]

+1^
But, that's depending on the resolution you are playing at. Care to tell us?

 

[The1TrueJack]

Ah ok. I was hoping 1920 x 1080, but i guess that's too optimistic..

That said, from what I've read in an issue of Custom PC - they claim the G620 can manage it at around 30fps. And by the way, 30+ fps is what I'd be looking for. I come from console gaming, which is pretty much that anyway most of the time..

 

[gamerk316]

It will be OK, but will struggle in some games more then others. Don't be shocked if some games run at ~45FPS, and others are unplayable maxed out.

 

[clutchc]

You'll have to back off on some of the eye candy at 1080p. But the GTX570 will give that G620 a good workout, and you may be surprised. Since you appear to already have the components, try it and see if you are satisfied. If you want to exchange the CPU, go for the i3-21xx with hyper threading. It won't be bottle necked by the 570.

 

[The1TrueJack]

i3-2120 instead of the G620 but then end goal is a better motherboard (I'd get that now) and the 2500K or 3570K CPU..

Righty ho then-

Current Spec:

CPU: Intel CPU Core i3 2120 Sandy Bridge Dual Core Processor Socket 1155
GPU AMD Radeon HD 6870 1GB
RAM: 2x2GB Corsair 1333MHz
Mobo: Ivybridge Ready Asus P8Z77-V LX Intel Z77 Socket 1155 Motherboard
PSU: 400w Antec High Current Gamer (80 plus Certified)
Cooler: Freezer Pro 7 v2
HDD: 500GB Seagate 7200rpm etc etc

How's that looking for around max settings?
(I know the 6870 is a downgrade from the 570, but it lowers the psu requirement and thus affords me the i3)

Oh, and the although the mobo is higher-end than the CPU and GPU really, it means I can upgrade to an i5 3570K and the GTX 670 when I get the cash together right? Of course I'll be adding a beefier PSU as well.

 

[clutchc]

That combination will give you playable gaming at 1080p. You don't really need the Freezer 7 cooler since you won't be overclocking the i3, although I have one on another build of mine. It makes for a much quieter cooler than the stock one.

 

[The1TrueJack]

That combination will give you playable gaming at 1080p. You don't really need the Freezer 7 cooler since you won't be overclocking the i3, although I have one on another build of mine. It makes for a much quieter cooler than the stock one.

Ahuh, but would 'playable' equate to max settings at 30+ fps? I suspect it might be borderline :/

Also, yeah, the cooler is more for the future when I upgrade to the 3570K. It's very reasonably priced!

how about a GTX 570 for $250 over the HD 6870..

Well, the 6870 is priced at £120, whilst the 570 is £185 and upwards.. Is there anywhere that would offer to close that gap? I'm all out-stretched as it is really!!

 

[clutchc]

Frame rate in games is dependent on so many variables. The i3-2100/HD 6870 combo should provide 30FPS+ in most modern games at 1080p. But you will run into the occassional GPU demanding game (Ex: BF3) that may struggle unless you back off on some settings (like AA). The beauty of the i3-21xx is that its HT allows it to perform nearly as good as if it had 4 cores... in games.

 

[The1TrueJack]

Awesome- so I've arranged a way to get the i3-2120 as well as the GTX 570.

All that's left to decide on is a case. The current spec leaves little room for flexibility. Could anyone of you suggest what are the minimum features of a suitable case for my spec? Eg. fans, ventilation - and do I need the Freezer CPU cooler? (Won't be overclocking this build)

i3 2120 Dual Core @ 3.3GHz
GTX 570
Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H Intel Z77
Cooler Master RS650-ACAAE3-UK GX-Series 650W
2x2GB Corsair DDR3 1333MHz
500GB Seagate HDD

 

[The1TrueJack]

Best answer selected by The1TrueJack.

 

[clutchc]

Awesome- so I've arranged a way to get the i3-2120 as well as the GTX 570.

All that's left to decide on is a case. The current spec leaves little room for flexibility. Could anyone of you suggest what are the minimum features of a suitable case for my spec? Eg. fans, ventilation - and do I need the Freezer CPU cooler? (Won't be overclocking this build)

i3 2120 Dual Core @ 3.3GHz
GTX 570
Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H Intel Z77
Cooler Master RS650-ACAAE3-UK GX-Series 650W
2x2GB Corsair DDR3 1333MHz
500GB Seagate HDD

Something like the $50 Antec One will provide excellent air flow and keep the price down.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129181
I would add a front 120mm fan for intake, because the rear and top are exhaust. But that can be had for an extra $5-$10. Not totally necessary, though.

The Freezer Pro 7 can be held off for now. Since you're not going to O/C the i3, there's no need for it unless you find the stock fan too noisy.

 

[clutchc]

Antec One is NOT AS GOOD AND HAS WORSE COOLING/AIR-FLOW...

Worse than what?

I have one sitting on the table next to me with an i5-3450 and HD 6950. Prime 95 and Furmark don't raise MB, CPU, or GPU temps much at all. Gaming is equally as cool. With the added front fan, what's the issue? I've never temp issues with any case I've ever built with (other than a close top Lian Li).

 

[clutchc]

That's also good. And at a good price. Would need a massive dust filter on top if no fans were installed.