Anything I should change about this gaming build

[hudter]

I'm about to order these parts and I want to know if there is anything I should change in this budget build. It's at $650 now and I dont want to go any higher. Thanks

COOLER MASTER Elite 431 Plus RC-431P-KWN2 Black Steel Body (0.5mm SECC), ABS plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119256

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) FPB 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625

Rosewill Green Series RG530-S12 530W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS Certified, Single 12V Rail, Active PFC "Compatible with Core i7,i5" Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

GIGABYTE GA-B75M-D3H LGA 1155 Intel B75 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128555

Intel Core i5-2310 Sandy Bridge 2.9GHz (3.2GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I52310
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.996847

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[g-unit1111]

For $650 you can do way better on the motherboard and GPU, and the Hyper 212 isn't needed if you're not going to overclock.

Try this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($164.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 600W ATX12V Power Supply ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $668.88
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

 

[DeusAres]

I only have one question...Since the cpu and mobo you selected are going to be extremely limited in overclocking potential, why are you spending an extra $20 on an aftermarket cooler. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It'll help keep your cpu and components stay much cooler, I'm just wondering why you wouldn't save the cash and put it towards something else.

Take a look at this GPU...it's similar to the 550ti in price, but it's much faster. Just look at these benchmarks...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7770-7750-benchmark,3135-8.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7770-7750-benchmark,3135-6.html

I'd also recommend this RAM; it's the same price and brand as what you selected but has better aesthetics in my opinion...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

 

[g-unit1111]

I only have one question...Since the cpu and mobo you selected are going to be extremely limited in overclocking potential, why are you spending an extra $20 on an aftermarket cooler. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. It'll help keep your cpu and components stay much cooler, I'm just wondering why you wouldn't save the cash and put it towards something else.

Take a look at this GPU...it's similar to the 550ti in price, but it's much faster. Just look at these benchmarks...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7770-7750-benchmark,3135-8.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7770-7750-benchmark,3135-6.html

I'd also recommend this RAM; it's the same price and brand as what you selected but has better aesthetics in my opinion...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

The 6870 has better overclocking potential and outperforms the 7770 in most tests. Get it while you can.

 

[hudter]

Will the i3 have enough CPU to run DayZ well because that game is poorly optimized?

 

[ilikegirls]

For $650 you can do way better on the motherboard and GPU, and the Hyper 212 isn't needed if you're not going to overclock.

Try this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($164.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 600W ATX12V Power Supply ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($22.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $668.88
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

I think he should keep the Hyper 212 because you dont know where he lives and what the temps are there. Plus for how cheap the Hyper is, I think its a well worth investment.

Regarding the i3, I think he should start with a strong base which means a good CPU, PSU and Motherboard. Graphics cards get updated, and change all the time while the rest usually stay the same for much longer. If he has a good baseline for his computer with a strong i5 and a good motherboard, he can always upgrade later to a better GPU but a least in a year or so when games start using real quad core he will have the computer to handle them.

 

[hudter]

What about this build

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.956695

CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (100314-3L )

and if yes should I add the better power supply to the bundle?

 

[g-unit1111]

What about this build

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.956695

CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (100314-3L )

and if yes should I add the better power supply to the bundle?

The problem with those pre built systems is the cases and power supplies are crap for the most part.

I think he should keep the Hyper 212 because you dont know where he lives and what the temps are there. Plus for how cheap the Hyper is, I think its a well worth investment.

Regarding the i3, I think he should start with a strong base which means a good CPU, PSU and Motherboard. graphics cards change get updated and change all the time while the rest usually stay the same for longer. If he has a good baseline for his computer with a strong i5 and a good motherboard, he can always upgrade later to a better GPU but a least in a year or so when games start using real quad core he will have the computer to handle them.

That's a good point but it's also better to get the best GPU you can get for your money and it's always better to get whatever's fastest. In the sub-$150 category the 6850 and 6870 are always favored over the GTX 550TI - better framerates and better support for multiple monitors.

It's true that real quad core setups are always better than dual core but the i3 is no slouch either, I use the same CPU in my work PC and it works great for what I need it to do.

 

[DeusAres]

The 6870 has better overclocking potential and outperforms the 7770 in most tests. Get it while you can.

Yup, I'd go with g-unit's build. The 6870 is yet even faster than the 6850 and the 550ti. I don't have much time to put together an entire build for you and research parts, therefore I only gave a couple recommendations.

Will the i3 have enough CPU to run DayZ well because that game is poorly optimized?

I'm not entirely positive, although I'm gonna say it should. Most games are more GPU intensive than CPU. If I'm not mistaken, the i3 2120 has hyperthreading...so you'll still have 4 logical cores. Should run just fine.

 

[ilikegirls]

That's a good point but it's also better to get the best GPU you can get for your money and it's always better to get whatever's fastest. In the sub-$150 category the 6850 and 6870 are always favored over the GTX 550TI - better framerates and better support for multiple monitors.

It's true that real quad core setups are always better than dual core but the i3 is no slouch either, I use the same CPU in my work PC and it works great for what I need it to do.

I totally agree with choosing the 6850/70 over the 550 ti, but isnt is possible to pick a gpu that will get the job done well while also leave room for better core components?

 

[g-unit1111]

I totally agree with choosing the 6850/70 over the 550 ti, but isnt is possible to pick a gpu that will get the job done well while also leave room for better core components?

There's things you shouldn't skimp on. I do agree with that. The i5 is a good choice but anything below the 2450 or 3450, you might as well get the i3-2120. You can always add a new CPU later if your needs change, that's the beauty of LGA 1155.

 

[hudter]

Is this case fine?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147023

 

[ilikegirls]

There's things you shouldn't skimp on. I do agree with that. The i5 is a good choice but anything below the 2450 or 3450, you might as well get the i3-2120. You can always add a new CPU later if your needs change, that's the beauty of LGA 1155.

You know I can see where you are coming from, and I agree with it.
For the same reason you can upgrade your GPU later, you can upgrade the CPU later. My question is: Isnt it worth it to have a quad core for $50.00 more?

If he had a lower budget i would agree with a better GPU but with his budget wouldn't the jump to a true quad core be a better boost than the $50.00 boost a better GPU would get you?

 

[g-unit1111]

You know I can see where you are coming from, and I agree with it.
For the same reason you can upgrade your GPU later, you can upgrade the CPU later. My question is: Isnt it worth it to have a quad core for $50.00 more?

If he had a lower budget i would agree with a better GPU but with his budget wouldn't the jump to a true quad core be a better boost than the $50.00 boost a better GPU would get you?

Not necessarily - games rely far more on the GPU than CPU anymore, having a good CPU helps, but having a good GPU will ultimately get you further, and I always try to emphasize purchasing the best GPU you can get for the money as opposed to two weaker ones.

Is this case fine?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147023

That should be decent - just avoid brands like Xion, Apevia, Xclio, Raidmax, and so on, and you should be fine.

 

[ilikegirls]

This shows where I come from when I say a true Quad Core is a better choice.

Skyrim:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-3.html
StarCraftII:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-6.html

But I do realize that some games only want a better GPU past a curtain point like BF3
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-4.html

So i guess what really matters is what games are going to be installed.

 

[ilikegirls]

Is this case fine?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147023

That should be decent - just avoid brands like Xion, Apevia, Xclio, Raidmax, and so on, and you should be fine.[/quotemsg]

+1

 

[hudter]

I play games like: Dayz, tribes, blacklight, and I'm going to get borderlands 2

 

[ilikegirls]

Well I checked ARMA II ( the game Dayz is modded on) and it should be fine with what you have quad core or dual. Im not sure about tribes or BlackLight but they are both free to play games that are not that intensive on either GPU or CPU.

Borderlands 2 isnt out yet so i cant say much about it. If its anything like the first one, its more GPU intensive.

 

[ilikegirls]

Just like G-unit said, most games are GPU intensive so if you have the ability to get an i5 and a 6850 without cutting anything important like PSU down i would go for it. Other wise i would tell you to get the better GPU. After seeing the games you are going to play, it will do you much better than a quad core.

I still believe a true quad core is better, but in this specific case, a better GPU will give you the better fps boost.

 

[ilikegirls]

Seems like tribes also like the quad core better though:
http://www.techspot.com/review/522-tribes-ascend-performance-test/page5.html

 

[hudter]

what about minecraft?

 

[ilikegirls]

what about minecraft?

I wouldnt worry about Minecraft. It's a very simple game and I'm sure no matter what you end up getting it would run just fine

 

[Zaker172]

As far as I know games use hyperthreading very poorly, that's why most people get an i5 for gaming not the i7. Other than that i3 is a good budget cpu and even outperform amd's quad core CPU's in some areas.

Yup, I'd go with g-unit's build. The 6870 is yet even faster than the 6850 and the 550ti. I don't have much time to put together an entire build for you and research parts, therefore I only gave a couple recommendations.

Will the i3 have enough CPU to run DayZ well because that game is poorly optimized?

I'm not entirely positive, although I'm gonna say it should. Most games are more GPU intensive than CPU. If I'm not mistaken, the i3 2120 has hyperthreading...so you'll still have 4 logical cores. Should run just fine.

 

[DeusAres]

As far as I know games use hyperthreading very poorly, that's why most people get an i5 for gaming not the i7. Other than that i3 is a good budget cpu and even outperform amd's quad core CPU's in some areas.

They use hyperthreading poorly when it's anything over 4 cores. 8 threads is just too much for gaming at this moment, and is poorly optimized. However, if more than two cores are needed for other games, those extra threads in the dual core processor will help boost the performance a bit. I understand your point about the i5 and i7, but that doesn't necessarily apply here in terms of the i3 vs i5.