PC build thoughts

June 15, 2012 6:46:13 PM

This is the build i came up with for under $900. Any thoughts or comments? How will this fair with games such as BF3, ME3, and Skyrim. This is the first time i've built a computer so any help is appreciated.

Processor: Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000
----$209.99
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
----$114.99
Ram: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
----$46.99
PSU: Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
----$69.99
GPU: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7850 OC 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (11200-01-20G)
----$259.99
HDD: Seagate Barracuda Green ST1500DL003 1.5TB 5900 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
----$99.99
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer
----$69.99
Disc Drive: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner
----$16.99
Keyboard: V7 KM0Z1-5N6P Black USB Wired Slim Multimedia Keyboard
----$9.99

TOTAL: $883.91 with a $15 off promo on the cpu.

I also recieve a free copy of Dirt Showdown with the Gpu.

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nhasian

Homebuilt system Expert

June 15, 2012 6:53:07 PM

looks good except the MB and CPU. they are both last years models. You should get Ivy Bridge instead.

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geekapproved

Homebuilt system Expert

June 15, 2012 6:54:21 PM

Looks decent. Why Z68 if not overclocking or using dual video cards?

You could save some money with a H61/67.

I'd recommend a 7200rpm drive.

A good 550w psu would be overkill, this is a can't miss deal for $35 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Your saving $40-50 by going with Sandy Bridge over Ivy Bridge, which is pretty good.

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g-unit1111

Homebuilt system Master

June 15, 2012 6:57:43 PM

Go with the i5-3450 instead of the 2500 and a Z77 motherboard like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

And don't use a green hard drive as your primary HD - that will be a major bottleneck. Get this instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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geekapproved

Homebuilt system Expert

June 15, 2012 6:59:51 PM

G-unit has a good point with that cpu and motherboard, but if your not overclocking or using dual video cards, get this board for your i5-3450:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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g-unit1111

Homebuilt system Master

June 15, 2012 7:06:28 PM

geekapproved said:

G-unit has a good point with that cpu and motherboard, but if your not overclocking or using dual video cards, get this board for your i5-3450:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

But that's a micro ATX board though and I don't advise that because it will severely limit long term expansion plans. Go with this if you're getting an H77: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

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awesomeaustin88

June 16, 2012 2:05:46 AM

So the Ivy bridge is better? i was trying to look into it but couldnt find much.

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awesomeaustin88

June 16, 2012 2:12:28 AM

and which i5 ivy bridge should i go with? is there much difference?

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g-unit1111

Homebuilt system Master

June 16, 2012 6:54:52 AM

awesomeaustin88 said:

and which i5 ivy bridge should i go with? is there much difference?

The main two CPUs are the i5-3450 and the i5-3570K - and the only reason you would pick between the two is if you plan to overclock. If you don't plan to overclock go with the i5-3450. If you do then go with the i5-3570K.

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