Mid-Range Gaming and Graphics-Programming System

[ExcelF]

Hi guys,
currently I'm building a new system.

Purpose: Game- and graphicsprogramming for PC and XBOX360, Gaming (titles like GuildWars 2, Diablo 3, League of Legends)

Budget: 850-900 max (My preferred price is 850, but I could go up if there is a big difference in performance to gain)

This is what my current built looks like:

Case : Xigmatek - Asgard Pro
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K, 4x 3.40GHz
Mainboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H, Intel Z77
Grafikkarte: AMD Radeon HD 7850 OC 2048MB, Sapphire
Memory: 8GB Crucial DDR3-1333 (2x 4GB)
HDD: 500GB Seagate Barracuda, 7200rpm
Power: 530W - BeQuiet! Pure Power L7

Particular questions:
1. Is there something to gain to change to Graphics card to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (GK106)?
As for the programming aspect it has PhysX, which is pretty interesting. Other than that is it worth the extra money or will games like the one I play be any better. Notice that it's very unlikely that I will play any sorts of shooter or rpgs like Crysis or Skyrim on the system since I use my XBox360 for that

2. Is the combination of CPU + Motherboard alright?
3. Is 530W enough to support the system?
4. In your opinion: Am I aiming to high with the hardware for my purposes?

And your overall impression of the system would be nice.

Thanks for your help

 

[excella1221]

Get the ASRock z77 Extreme4 instead. Cheaper, more features.
I'm not familiar with the casing.
Great GPU choice.
Get a 1600MHz RAM.
I've never encountered that PSU manufacturer before. Best get from the known ones, it should be the last thing you should cheap out on since a bad PSU can fry half your components if it fails.

I think your budget is good for your purposes.

 

[ExcelF]

Based on your advice I have come up with this:
GPU: 1 x SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 7850 OC € 209,90*
CPU: 1 x Intel® Core™ i5-3570K € 209,90*
PSU: 1 x Cooler Master GX-550W € 64,90*
Case: 1 x Cooler Master Elite 431 Plus + Window € 54,90*
Motherboard: 1 x ASRock Z77 Extreme4 € 134,90*
HDD: 1 x Seagate ST500DM002 500 GB € 56,90*
Memory: 1 x Corsair DIMM 8 GB DDR3-1600 Kit € 34,99*
DVD-Rom: 1 x Samsung SH-118AB/BEBE € 13,99*
-------
about 780€

Prices are from alternate. Had to change some brands aswell
What do you think?

 

[excella1221]

Great stuff. Though CM PSUs seem to have semi-bad reviews from what I've seen.
Please consider Antec, Seasonic, OCZ, or even Rosewill if it's available.

Which site do you buy from? Maybe I can help.

 

[ExcelF]

Thanks for your help. I'll check for a diffrent PSu.
The site is: http://www.alternate.de
It's german tho

 

[zanedragonknight]

I'd say to bump it up to the ASRock Extreme 6 if you can; it'll support the Ivy Processing series, in case you need to upgrade in the future.

The i5 3570k is only necessary if you are going to overclock; otherwise, stick with the 3550; they're almost the same.

If you can afford the 660, go for the Ti version; it will give you a large boost in performance, compared to the 7850, in my experience. And, it's easier to tinker (again, in my experience).

Change the PSU to a well known company; eliminate any danger. Trust me on this.

Upgrade the HDD to at LEAST 1 TB. It'll help, eventually.

You can calculate the PSU you need with this:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

I would change the case to the Cooler Master Enforcer, for better airflow, more storage options, and a sexier looking case.

Otherwise, you're good to go!

 

[ExcelF]

What do you mean by Ivy Processing? Afaik is the i5 3570K already an Ivy Bridge model.
Do you think an extra fan for the CPU is needed other than the boxed one?

 

[ExcelF]

OK, I'm running this PSU now: OCZ ZS550W 2x PCIe, black
Only question remains is the one about the extra fan for the CPU?
Gonna order the system tomorrow

Cheers

 

[excella1221]

If you'll be overclocking, yes. You'll want a aftermarket cooler.
I suggest the Hyper 212 EVO.

If you won't be overclocking, the stock cooler will be fine.

 

[zanedragonknight]

I'm sorry for any confusion; anything with the "77" at the end will support the 3rg generation intel processors, when they come out at the end of next year. If you want to update your processor in the next couple of years, your motherboard will support the new processor.

If you are overclocking, you need:
(a) A processor with "-k" at the end, because other processors can't be overclocked easily.
(b) A motherboard with "Z" at the start, because "H" motherboars can't be overclocked.

For cooling, I'd go with the Cooler Master Hyper TX3 EVO Cooler as my CPU fan, or a liquid system if you can afford it. You should make sure every fan slot on the case is full. Sorry, I'm not familiar with this case company. Are they reputable?

The OCZ is fine. Make sure it has a good warranty, though! With OCZ, you can honestly never be too sure.

If you have any doubts or problems, feel free to PM me or write it in the forums. Good luck with your system.