Building a New I5 ivy bridge gaming Rig

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510
HI all,

So I am planning on building a new pc in a month or two and wanted some feedback on the options I choose. I will not be upgrading my monitor / keyboard / mouse / peripherals.

Currently I have: ( just mentioning the important stuff)
AMD phenom x2 black edition OC to 3.8ghz and all cores unlocked.
ati radeon 5770 1GB
4GB DDR2
corsair 650w 80+ bronze certified PS.
cosmos 1000. COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000

My plan is to replace everything except for the case. Right now I only have the budget to buy 1 video card, but would like to get another.

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: November / December

Budget Range: $1500 After Shipping ( not including rebates)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: GAMING!! guildwars 2, bf3, skyrim, lots of others and BF4 eventually....

Are you buying a monitor: No



Parts to Upgrade:

Everything except case. My current cosmos 1000, has 1 intake and 3 exhaust fans. The top two exhaust fan's are the really loud scythe fans Scythe DFS123812-3000 "ULTRA KAZE"

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Location: Santa Fe, NM

Parts Preferences: by brand or type: I would like to go for an intel CPU with an AMD video card. I have had a good track record with amd recently for GPU's. I usually by amd processors as well, but everyone says the I5-3570k rocks!!

Overclocking: Yes I would like to bump up the cpu a little bit. I would like to get away with just using a coolermaster V8.. I have good air flow in my case and my scythe fans exhaust heat really well.

SLI or Crossfire: No for now, but I would eventually by another 7870 or a matching video card based on the communities suggestions.

Your Monitor Resolution: 22in 1680x1050 next year I will buy a 24in that is capable of 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I am hoping that the coolermaster V8 has adequate cooling for some minor over clocking. Currently my amd x2 is overclocked with all cores unlocked and it only gets hot in the summer. I have never had any thermal issues. I am running a generic aztec liquid cooling system. I have had friends and co workers use the V8 and the love it. Considering my scythe fans are so loud I don't think I would notice the difference between the v8 and a liquid cooling solution. This will also be my first pc with an ssd, and my thoughts are to have a good ssd that I can install some games on. Any comments thoughts on this would be appreciated. Is 256GB overkill? Should I get a smaller ssd and just use it for caching?

I know my cosmos 1000 case won't have support for USB 3 on the front, but I am not to worried about that... Is there any reason why I should upgrade my case? If so I was looking at the coolermaster 942 COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Time for an upgrade. Visual improvement for my games.. Mainly just to have something that can chug through the latest games coming out.

Include a list of any parts you have already selected with descriptively labeled links for parts. Please do not post only links.


Motherboard

ASRock LGA1155 Z77
ASRock LGA1155 Z77

CPU

I5-3570k LGA 1155
I5-3570k LGA 1155

Case

Using current cosmos 1000
COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000

Video Card

GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870
GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870

Hard Drives

Data Drive
WD1TB Caviar Black HD

Boot drive (plan is to put games on here as well)
Samsung sata 3 256GB SSD

RAM

GSKILL PC317000 X 2 (is it worth it to have 16GB... I do like to multitask. I figured $60 for 8GB is not bad, so might as well.)
GSKILL PC317000 X 2

Power Supply

Corsair 750w 80+ gold
Corsair 750w 80+ gold

CPU Cooler

Coolermaster V8
Coolermaster V8

DVD burner

Samsung
Samsung DVD-RW

Thanks for taking the time to read through this.

:eek:
 
Solution
http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PRO750W-Semi-Modular-80Plus-Supply/dp/B005IUVYA2/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347949610&sr=1-4 $111.71 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $101.71
XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80Plus 750 Watt Power Supply (Silver)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1066148 $336.98 save: $13.00
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O65JXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2EUTVCJXLAJ4K $32.42 & this item ships for FREE...
You have a 3.8ghz quad core. I see no reason to upgrade it now, get yourself a modern video card and your good to go for some time.

Wait for Haswell and get yourself a new monitor first. A new build would be a waste at 1680x1050.

http://www.staples.com/Samsung-S24B240BL-24-inch-LED-Monitor/product_458095?cm_cat=358129&cm_ite=Ongoing+-+Staples+Basic&cm_ven=CJ&PID=361116&SID=FWb4k7du&cm_mmc=CJ-_-361116-_-361116-_-10422268&cm_pla=361116&AID=10422268&storeId=10001&CID=AFF%253A361116%253A361116%253A10422268
 
Some fixes to that build. You shorted yourself in the GPU dept big time by going too expensive in other parts of that build.


1) 16GB of RAM for a gaming build is crazy. 8GB is over kill but RAM is dirt cheap atm and 8GB is a way of future proofing.

2) The CM V8 was a crappy cpu cooler when it first came out years ago and it hasn't improved with time. It's an over priced paper weight.

3) It's always best to start these threads about a week or even less before purchasing. Prices and tech change on almost a daily basis.


This psu down below is manufactured by Seasonic as are all XFX psu's.

http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PRO750W-Semi-Modular-80Plus-Supply/dp/B005IUVYA2/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347949610&sr=1-4 $111.71 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $101.71
XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80Plus 750 Watt Power Supply (Silver)


This board down below supports SLI and is geared for over clocking with it's 8+3 phase configuration. If you think you will need more sata ports then look at the Asrock z77 extreme4. There isn't any reviews yet on that board down below for the fact it was just released less than a week ago.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1061098 $152.98 save: $8.00
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O65JXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2EUTVCJXLAJ4K $32.42 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-WINDFORCE-PCI-Express-Graphics-GV-N670WF2-2GD/dp/B008LZKLF0/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347991105&sr=1-3&keywords=gigabyte+gtx+670 $399.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $379.99
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 670 WINDFORCE 2X OC Edition 2048MB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 2x DVI/HDMI/DP SLI Ready Graphics Card GV-N670WF2-2GD

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-R7950-TWIN-FROZR-3GD5/dp/B007NG3WR2/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1347927463&sr=1-2&keywords=7950 $329.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $314.99
MSI AMD Radeon HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 DVI/HDMI/2xMini DisplayPort PCI-Express Video Card R7950 TWIN FROZR 3GD5/OC
 

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510
Thanks for the responses.

1) got it. Any opinions on the speed of ram I selected and the timings?

2) thanks for the input. I saw the part you recommended. Should I go for a WC solution?

3) Well if I can talk my wife into it, I might be able to get it in October. If prices drop even better!



So save some money by cutting the ram & ps and opt for a better video card. Which is better in your opinions. gtx 670 or the HD 7950...?

Will the cpu cooler you mentioned allow for some minor over clocking? Will the ram in the combo you linked allow for some minor over clocking to bump the speeds up. Do I even need to worry about it?

Thanks again
 

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510
Well I am not completely against waiting, I just feel that my system is keeping up with some of the more modern titles.

A new Monitor is definitely in the works. This is the one I was looking at: Samsung 27in Anyone have other suggestions?

Would it really be worth it to get a nice new video card and put it in my current system?
 

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510


If I didn't want to wait, what would your suggestions be?

What do you think about upgrading video card with a HD 7950, upgrading the monitor and using an ssd as a boot drive ( I have 3 7200 RPM drives I can use for data)?
 

1600hz is fine but those Asrock boards usually combo with 1866Hz and 2133Hz RAM. For a great set of RAM that won't hold you back then look at this set down below.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226245 $55.99 FREE SHIPPING
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model 997015
 


My suggestion would be to go with what you already picked out but with coolermaster hyper 212. If you wanted to spend more on a video card, that's up to you.
 

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510



Ok, Thanks for the advice. One last question. Any reason why I should not use the first combo you mentioned? I could just get that board and then buy the mushkin ram separately. Will the speed really matter that much?
 
http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PRO750W-Semi-Modular-80Plus-Supply/dp/B005IUVYA2/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347949610&sr=1-4 $111.71 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $101.71
XFX PRO750W XXX Edition Semi-Modular 80Plus 750 Watt Power Supply (Silver)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1066148 $336.98 save: $13.00
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K
ASRock Z77 Extreme3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O65JXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=A2EUTVCJXLAJ4K $32.42 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler with 120mm PWM Fan (RR-212E-20PK-R2)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226245 $55.99 FREE SHIPPING
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model 997015

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SH-222BB-BEBE-Internal-Software/dp/B006B7R9PU/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347995768&sr=1-2 $20.45 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
Samsung SH-222BB/BEBE 22X SATA DVDRW Internal Drive (Black), Bulk without Software

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Caviar-Internal-Desktop/dp/B0036Q7MV0/ref=sr_1_5?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347995740&sr=1-5 $98.03 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200 RPM 64 MB Cache Internal Desktop Hard Drive Bulk/OEM - WD1002FAEX

http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Extreme-2-5-Inch-Solid-SDSSDX-240G-G25/dp/B006EKJ8UI $186.60 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
SanDisk Extreme SSD 240 GB SATA 6.0 Gb-s 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SDSSDX-240G-G25

http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-WINDFORCE-PCI-Express-Graphics-GV-N670WF2-2GD/dp/B008LZKLF0/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1347991105&sr=1-3&keywords=gigabyte+gtx+670 $399.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping | Price after rebate: $379.99
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 670 WINDFORCE 2X OC Edition 2048MB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 2x DVI/HDMI/DP SLI Ready Graphics Card GV-N670WF2-2GD

Total: $1,242.17 *not including shipping & mail in rebates


http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_z $91.05 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack
 
Solution

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510



Thanks for all your help and even finding me cheaper pricing on some of the parts I already choose. I really appreciate it!
 

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510



One last thing. I noticed that the ram you linked is CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9, not the 1600mhz

Did you mean to link some 1600mhz pc3-12800 RAM, or was that a typo? I found this 1600mhz corsair for $40 CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B
 

Corsair Vengeance is great RAM (low profile version) but the XMS...not so great. That board I linked combo's with that new Patriot Intel Extreme RAM... 1600, 1866, and 2133... you want the 2x4GB combo and it also combo's with the Crucial BallistX which is great RAM. In fact it's linked in that first post of mine on here. G.Skill is also makes great RAM but go for the combo's and save yourself some money. I lean towards the Crucial as far as those combo's go for the fact that RAM doesn't have those large cake cutter heat spreaders which impede any decent size after market cpu h/s like that CM EVO.
 

skillsdog

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
15
0
10,510



I'm thinking of going with your second combo ( the mobo plus cpu) and then I could just buy the crucial ballistX separately

crucial

BTW, Can the 750w PS you linked me handle 2 gtx 670's if I upgrade down the road...?

Thanks again!
 

750w not only can handle two of those cards in SLI, it gives you plenty of headroom for extra drives, over clocking, etc... Those XFX psu's (Seasonic OEM) are as solid as it gets.
 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006050%20600006127%20600000261%20600006157%20600006069&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB%20%282%20x%204GB%29 <---- That's all the 2x4GB CL9 1.5v RAM on newegg. You want low profile RAM. Corsair Vengeance (low profile), G.Skill Ares, Mushkin, or the Crucial Ballastix on that link. You want to stay away from those tall cake cutter heat spreaders that look like they could pass for a hair comb. All those tall heat spreaders do is screw you big time when you try to mount your cpu heat sink.