Need help understanding h67, z68, p67

[rbj8611]

I plan on building myself a new system. I plan on running Battlefield 3 on High - Max settings. Im looking into a gtx 560, but with that card can I have my computer monitor(through vga) and my TV(HDMI) as displays at the same time? Might be a dumb question because my current PC is about 7 years old and can output 2 vga's at once. If it can, what chipset should I go with? Im getting a i3-2100(My mind is made up), so I don't plan on overclocking (i5-2500k) unless someone can tell me there's a drastic difference in the performance I will get, and only gonna run 1 video card so dont need SLI. Will the h67 work for me or should I spend a little more on the z68? Im not sure about the p67 because I would like to have integrated graphics if possible. Please steer me in the right direction

 

[shamsmu]

I dont think the gtx 560 would be able to run battlefied 3 maxed out. You need at least a gtx 580 for that. Or a gtx 560 ti sli.

Are you planning to get the i3 2100 or the i5 2500k. If you get the i5 2500k, overclocking it to 4.5ghz would make a drastic difference. i3 2100 is dual core cpu which you may overclock it but the difference would be minimal.

Now if you want to overclock, then get a p67/z68 board. Otherwise save your money and get a cheap h61/h67 board. Maybe spend the money on a better graphic card like the gtx 580/ hd 7850/hd 7870. Gaming depends mostly on the gpu and none of those cpu's would bottleneck any of those graphic cards.

 

[mocchan]

If you're planning on getting a GTX560, GTX560 Ti, HD6870/7850/7870, they will have a DVI/HDMI output anyway, so you don't really need integrated graphics.

Anyway I have a few comments to make on what shamsu has said before me.

The i3-2100 is a great chip, however I would recommend you get an i3-2120/2130. It's only a little bit more expensive, and it has a higher base frequency.

I wouldn't recommend overclocking the i3's at all...As the multipliers are completely locked, and base clock overclocking is very risky.

Now onto your question about different chipsets.

H67 - Has the ability to use the Integrated HD3000 Graphics on your Intel Core CPU's, but has NO overclocking ability.

P67 - Gives you the ability to overclock your CPU but absolutely NO ability to use the Integrated Intel Graphics.

Z68 - Gives you the ability to Overclock AND use the Integrated Intel Graphics. Basically Z68 has all the features the other chipsets have respectively. And a few features special to the Z68 chipset, such as Intel Smart Response technology (or was it called Rapid Storage Technology?).

Now about i3-21xx vs i5-2500k, there is a pretty big gap in performance due to the i3 being a dual core (with hyperthreading), and the i5 being a TRUE quad core CPU.

Now as you said you don't plan on overclocking, what is your budget? Maybe you can squeeze in an i5-2400 in your rig. The 2400 has NO overclocking capabilities as it's multiplier is LOCKED, and it's an i5, meaning it has 4 real cores instead of two hyperthreaded ones.

Also about your GPU, I would highly suggest getting a Radeon HD6870 or GTX560 Ti. They will offer more performance for just a little more cost.

TL;DR - I would suggest getting a beefier GPU, such as a HD6870 or GTX560 Ti, maybe a Radeon HD7850 if your budget allows it. The i3 2100 do fine, but I suggest a i3 2120/2130. Motherboard is up to you, I would personally get a Z68 board for upgrade purposes in the future, but an H67 motherboard may do fine for your needs.

 

[rbj8611]

I dont think the gtx 560 would be able to run battlefied 3 maxed out. You need at least a gtx 580 for that. Or a gtx 560 ti sli.

Are you planning to get the i3 2100 or the i5 2500k. If you get the i5 2500k, overclocking it to 4.5ghz would make a drastic difference. i3 2100 is dual core cpu which you may overclock it but the difference would be minimal.

Now if you want to overclock, then get a p67/z68 board. Otherwise save your money and get a cheap h61/h67 board. Maybe spend the money on a better graphic card like the gtx 580/ hd 7850/hd 7870. Gaming depends mostly on the gpu and none of those cpu's would bottleneck any of those graphic cards.

I want to spend little as possible so I would like to get an i3 2100. you think the 560 can run battlefield at at least high settings? I'm not overclocking. Also what about the displays?

 

[mocchan]

GTX560 will be able to run Battlefield 3 on at High to Ultra settings. It's still a very modest card so you have nothing to worry about. I just prefer something beefier.

What resolution is your monitor?

 

[rbj8611]

If you're planning on getting a GTX560, GTX560 Ti, HD6870/7850/7870, they will have a DVI/HDMI output anyway, so you don't really need integrated graphics.

Anyway I have a few comments to make on what shamsu has said before me.

The i3-2100 is a great chip, however I would recommend you get an i3-2120/2130. It's only a little bit more expensive, and it has a higher base frequency.

I wouldn't recommend overclocking the i3's at all...As the multipliers are completely locked, and base clock overclocking is very risky.

Now onto your question about different chipsets.

H67 - Has the ability to use the Integrated HD3000 Graphics on your Intel Core CPU's, but has NO overclocking ability.

P67 - Gives you the ability to overclock your CPU but absolutely NO ability to use the Integrated Intel Graphics.

Z68 - Gives you the ability to Overclock AND use the Integrated Intel Graphics. Basically Z68 has all the features the other chipsets have respectively. And a few features special to the Z68 chipset, such as Intel Smart Response technology (or was it called Rapid Storage Technology?).

Now about i3-21xx vs i5-2500k, there is a pretty big gap in performance due to the i3 being a dual core (with hyperthreading), and the i5 being a TRUE quad core CPU.

Now as you said you don't plan on overclocking, what is your budget? Maybe you can squeeze in an i5-2400 in your rig. The 2400 has NO overclocking capabilities as it's multiplier is LOCKED, and it's an i5, meaning it has 4 real cores instead of two hyperthreaded ones.

Also about your GPU, I would highly suggest getting a Radeon HD6870 or GTX560 Ti. They will offer more performance for just a little more cost.

TL;DR - I would suggest getting a beefier GPU, such as a HD6870 or GTX560 Ti, maybe a Radeon HD7850 if your budget allows it. The i3 2100 do fine, but I suggest a i3 2120/2130. Motherboard is up to you, I would personally get a Z68 board for upgrade purposes in the future, but an H67 motherboard may do fine for your needs.

My budget is about $600. Thank you for all of the info. Only reason I was going with the i3 2100 is because I can get one for $90. Maybe I'll go with an i5

 

[mocchan]

My budget is about $600. Thank you for all of the info. Only reason I was going with the i3 2100 is because I can get one for $90. Maybe I'll go with an i5

You're very welcome

Actually for your budget, I would highly suggest going with the i3-2100 (since you can get it for so cheap) and invest in a good GPU.

So far, I'm thinking of this...

i3-2100 for your CPU
Radeon HD6870 (around 160 dollars on newegg)
and an H61/H67 chipset motherboard

That right there should total around 300 dollars, which leaves you another 300 dollars to get your RAM, PSU, Hard Drive, and Case sorted out.

 

[rbj8611]

GTX560 will be able to run Battlefield 3 on at High to Ultra settings. It's still a very modest card so you have nothing to worry about. I just prefer something beefier.

What resolution is your monitor?

I haven't even picked out a monitor yet but more than likely a 1920 x 1080(didn't include that in my $600 budget because it may end up being free) . I would probably end up with a cheap monitor and use the pc on my tv more than anything

 

[rbj8611]

You're very welcome

Actually for your budget, I would highly suggest going with the i3-2100 (since you can get it for so cheap) and invest in a good GPU.

So far, I'm thinking of this...

i3-2100 for your CPU
Radeon HD6870 (around 160 dollars on newegg)
and an H61/H67 chipset motherboard

That right there should total around 300 dollars, which leaves you another 300 dollars to get your RAM, PSU, Hard Drive, and Case sorted out.

this is exactly what I was going to do just wasn't too sure if I was gonna cut performance too short

 

[shamsmu]

I want to spend little as possible so I would like to get an i3 2100. you think the 560 can run battlefield at at least high settings? I'm not overclocking. Also what about the displays?

Actually I just realised, you would be able to run it on high settings no problem.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/battlefield-3-graphics-performance,3063-3.html

But your card may struggle to run it smooth on ultra.

IMO i3 2100 and gtx 560 would keep you rolling for the time being.

But a i3 2130 and gtx 560 ti would have done bit better for extra $50. But since your budget is so stretched, leave it as it is.

This is a good cheap lcd http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100

 

[mocchan]

this is exactly what I was going to do just wasn't too sure if I was gonna cut performance too short

Alright cool, we're on the same page then.

This would make a very modest gaming rig for the money! It'll provide you enough horse power to play Battlefield 3 on High to Ultra settings (maybe lower settings for Multiplayer), and probably almost max out Skyrim.

You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Also, if you've come up with a parts list, can you show me? (RAM, PSU, Motherboard) so maybe I can make suggestions

 

[rbj8611]

Alright cool, we're on the same page then.

This would make a very modest gaming rig for the money! It'll provide you enough horse power to play Battlefield 3 on High to Ultra settings (maybe lower settings for Multiplayer), and probably almost max out Skyrim.

You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Also, if you've come up with a parts list, can you show me? (RAM, PSU, Motherboard) so maybe I can make suggestions

Honestly I was only set on the i3 and gtx 560(you have swayed my gpu decision though so I'm not sure anymore lol). I was just gonna find power supply, HDD, case, and RAM as I find them on sale but please make suggestions!

 

[rbj8611]

Actually I just realised, you would be able to run it on high settings no problem.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/battlefield-3-graphics-performance,3063-3.html

But your card may struggle to run it smooth on ultra.

IMO i3 2100 and gtx 560 would keep you rolling for the time being.

But a i3 2130 and gtx 560 ti would have done bit better for extra $50. But since your budget is so stretched, leave it as it is.

This is a good cheap lcd http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100

I do think I would like that monitor! I may be able to squeeze in an extra $50 if the performance increase would be noticeable....decisions, decisions

 

[mocchan]

If you can squeeze in an extra $50, I would suggest going for a stronger GPU

Like I said before, the i3-2100 will do fine, getting an i3-2120/2130 will only give you a SMALL increase in performance, so I would rather put that money elsewhere, such as the GPU.

GTX560 Ti, or Radeon HD6870/6950 will perform absolutely perfectly. They are all in the $160-$210 price range.

Also, the monitor Shamsu linked is very good, it gets my vote.