1st Build Help Needed with Compatability, SLI, Power and Overclocking

[gpopp]

Hey guys

I'm new to PC building and I am looking to build a gaming rig. So far my list of parts include:

Intel i5 2500k
eVGA nVidia GTX 550 TI (SLI)
Gigabyte SKT-1155 Z68X-UD3H-B3 Motherboard (Rev 1.0)
Corsair 8GB 1600Mhz CL9 DDR3 Vengeance RAM
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB Hard Drive
Corsair CMPSU-750TXV2UK Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 High Performance 750W Power Supply
Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 Midi Case 

Do you think that these parts are suitable and is there any comparability issues that I need to address. And secondly should I buy a GTX 560TI instead of the 550 TI and when I can afford it, buy another and do SLI with them? And will I have enough power for my build? And will I need to Overclock?

Sorry this is so long but I really need the help, any help will be appreciated, thanks
   

 

[Pyrokinetic]

The Z68 chipset features Intel Smart Response, so it would be in your best interest to purchase a small SSD drive like a 60 or 64 GB Sandforce drive to pair with your hard drive. The 560Ti would be the better card, and depending on your size of your monitor and resolution, might just be sufficient and SLI being a waste of money. If you use a 24in or smaller single monitor, a single 570 is overkill. The 560Ti is probably the best price/performance value. I have an original Corsair TX750, no complaints, plenty of power. Need to overclock? That is your call...but with the 2500K, would be a shame not to...just make sure you have a good cooler...would recommend a sealed water cooling unit like the Antec 620 or 920. Also make sure you do your homework if you are new to overclocking...there are great how-to guides out there.

Also, just a personal preference on my part...I would go with a ASUS motherboard myself...just a personal preference and have not owned a Gigabyte board, so I cannot comment on how good they are.

 

[gpopp]

Thanks for the advice, I was looking around and saw the Asus P8P67 EVO REV and it looked like quite a good motherboard with SLI Compatability and USB 3.0.
As for the GPU, i would be using this PC with a 26 or 28 inch TV screen( is this a bad thing) so I think I would go for the GTX 560TI and maybe go SLI if I need to and have the money.

 

[gpopp]

Water cooling and an SSD are quite exensive and my budget is around £650 it could go higher it would just mean I wouldn't be able to buy the PC until I had enough money

 

[Pyrokinetic]

TVs are built for the viewer to sit further away than a monitor...the pixels are usually bigger and you get much less fine detail...in my view, not ideal. Hence why there are TVs and monitors...there is a difference. TVs also have the problem is that the max resolution may be 1080i (or 1080p) which is 1920 x 1080 pixels whereas common 27in monitors can display 2560 x 1440 pixels. This is why SLI is a waste using a TV...the TV resolution is not going to tax a single graphics card all that much despite the size. SLI is more commonly seen (and needed) when running 30in monitors and multi-monitor setups.

 

[Pyrokinetic]

For that money, you can still build a decent gaming system...you just have to be a bit more selective.

Check out the Intel Pentium Chips...the Pentium G630 was a Tom's Hardware recommendation...http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-2.htm

Asrock is another motherboard manufacturer with a good reputation: check out the ASRock Z68 Extreme3.

Find cheap DDR3 ram...stick with Corsair, GSkill, Mushkin, Patriot...just find a good deal and comparison shop.

With a single graphics card, a 750W power supply is overkill...look at 500W units...

 

[gpopp]

Thanks for the advice I'll stick with the single 560ti

You've been a great help man! Really made things much more understandable and clear

 

[loops]

All looks fine.

I'd look for a way to get a HD 7850 card in there. You could do i5 non K or i3 and z68 board or/and lower price PSU like a 650 watt from a good PSU maker. SLI is nice but it has more issues than just one good card.

The 550ti is ok but not something I would want to SLI. The gtx 560 would be as low as I would go for a sli set up.

 

[gpopp]

I'll choose a lower watt power supply and the gtx 560 ti as a single card, this would be cheaper and I can use the money to save up for a monitor, got any ideas for one( sorry I should probably start a new thread but oh well :L)

 

[Pyrokinetic]

Depends on what you wish to spend...the bigger the monitor...the more money. 24in is a good medium size and can get them at decent prices.

Also be aware of refresh rates...most monitors run at 60Hz, but "3D monitors" run at 120Hz...and even if you do not use the 3D feature, the 120Hz refresh rate makes the picture so much smoother...I have seen them in person and the difference is noticeable...however...again, there is a price premium for them. The cheapest one, the Acer GD235HZbid starts at $305 and is a 23in. A 24in is about $400 and a 27in about $600. Compare that with a normal 60Hz 24in, which is roughly in the $200 to $300 range.

 

[gpopp]

I'll probably stick to a low end monitor then, thanks for all the advice, sorry I've been such a hassle (PC noob)

 

[Pyrokinetic]

An individual willing to listen and learn is never a hassle...it is actually a pleasure as we all started out just like you.