New build (~$900 CAD)

[RCx240]

Purchase date: Within a week

Budget: $900 CAD

Usage: Gaming, Developing, Internet, homework

Parts not required: GPU(GTX 460), PSU(Corsair AX650), HDD(WD Caviar Black 1TB)

Preferred websites: memoryexpress.com, NCIX.com

Country: Canada

Parts preference: Intel/Nvidia

Overclocking: Maybe

SLi/CrossFire: Maybe

Monitor resolution: 1920 * 1080

Additional comments: Upgrading from an E8400, right now I have the following build in mind:

Corsair 300R Case (Black)
Intel i5 3570k
Asus P8Z77-V Z77 Motherboard
Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3 1600MHz Dual Channel kit (2 * 8GB)
Crucial M4 128GB SSD
Total: $840 CAD

That said, it's been quite a while since I've done a build, and I haven't really been keeping up with all of the new tech lately. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[precursoris]

The parts you've selected look good. But the weakest link in your build by far is the video card.

One option is to try to return/sell it and go for something stronger. Something like the 7850, 560 Ti, or even 6950 depending on your budget.

7850: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131473
560 Ti: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500196
6950: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102987

If you can't afford this, then I suggest you downgrade to 8 GB VRAM, which is more than enough anyway. You can also go with the i5 2500k and save some more.

Option two is to go SLI and stick in another 460. Especially if you don't or can't sell/return the card you already have. Personally, I prefer a single high end card.

 

[RCx240]

I figured that would probably be the case, but I'll probably hold off replacing it for a while yet at least.

Can I expect anything new to be coming in the near future for GPU's?

 

[motorneuron]

AMD has already released its latest and greatest, so there are a bunch of good medium-high and very-high-end cards (7850, 7870, 7950, 7970), along with discounted cards from last generation that are still good (6870, 6950, and 6970 in theory, though I've seen very few). nvidia has only released two $400+ cards, which are both great, but they haven't done their more mid-range gamer cards yet.

Given your budget, precursoris has given you a great set of leads. I would not go for an SLI right off the bat.

I also agree with precursoris that 16 GB of RAM is probably more than you need; is there a particular reason (you list "developing" as a use) that you need 16 GB? You can also save a few bucks by getting an i5-2500k (Sandy Bridge), which for your purposes is essentially the same as the IB 3570k. If your priority is gaming, the IB processor will make zero difference, but upgrading the 460 will make a huge difference.

 

[RCx240]

I only really went with the 3570K instead of the 2500k because I can get it for about $6 more than the 2500K, and It's IB instead of SB. As for RAM, Dropping it to 8GB shouldn't be a problem. By "developing" I don't really mean anything too serious, mostly just my school assignments (I'm a Computer Science student) and I'm presently working on an Android App.

I had hoped to avoid upgrading the GPU again already, since I just got the 460 about 14 months ago, but I guess it can't be helped.

So then with a 7850 added and dropping to 8GB of RAM, I'm currently at the following:

Case: Corsair 300R $66.99
Processor: i5 3750K (Pricematch to $236.24)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V $214.99
GPU: MSI R7850 2GB $259.99
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 * 4GB) $59.99
HDD: Crucial M4 128GB $119.99
DVD drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST $24.99

Total:$983.18

 

[motorneuron]

Well, you don't really HAVE to get the 7850. And it's not like SLI on the 460s will be bad. But it's always a bit frustrating to spend $100+ on older tech.

You can stick with the single 460, ride it out another year and then get something else nicer or cheaper. The 460 is still a pretty good card. So think about what games you'll be playing and how much it will matter to you to have the extra detail or frames.

 

[RCx240]

I guess it's something I'll have to think about before I order. Thanks for all your help.

 

[RCx240]

Best answer selected by RCx240.