CPU+Mobo and GPU advice.

[Lorez27]

Hi everyone, first time post but long time lurker. I'm selling off my CPU/Mobo + GPU to a friend which frees up some cash to upgrade. Please refer to the old parts below just if your curious. I will most likely be ordering new parts at the end of the week.

AMD Phenom II X6 1055t + Gigabyte 880-GMA
Sapphire HD 7850 2GB

I use my rig for majority gaming, streaming while gaming and heavy multitasking. Occasional video editing and audio editing. Currently have a dual 24" monitor setup but am looking for any reason to go Eyefinity or Nvidia surround. I also have a specific site i will be using for my purchases as its my parents computer company parts supplier, and thus I would not need any "newegg, ncix" links as what I will post will inevitably have the parts I will purchase in it.
I also work in a video game compat department which consists of building gaming rigs all day and have also been able to try out just about anything under the sun except current Gen Nvidia/AMD cards besides the one I currently own. And yes I do enjoy overclocking so this can be factored in but not entirely essential.

Now, I know I'm leaning towards intel for my next CPU my choices are as follows. There are more intervals between some but there are the ones i would have my eye on.
CPU INTEL i5 3450 W/IGP LGA 1155 $177.99
CPU INTEL i5 3470 W/IGP LGA 1155 $180.99
CPU INTEL i5 3570 W/IGP LGA 1155 $199.99
CPU INTEL i5 2550K LGA 1155 $209.99
CPU INTEL i5 3570K W/IGP LGA 1155 $222.99
CPU INTEL i7 3770 W/IGP LGA 1155 $284.99


Would most likely go with a cheapy B75 Mobo unless someone has a good reason why i should splurge for a higher end one.

I've always had ATI cards and am reasonably pleased with them but would not hesitate to buy a Nvidia either, here are my choices I have in mind. if someone could weigh in in Eyefinity VS Nvidia surround as far as FPS and quality it would be much appreciated as well.
SAPPHIRE RADEON HD7870 2GB FLEX EDITION $249.99
GIGABYTE GTX660 Ti 2GB DDR5,HDMI,DVI,DP $279.99
ASUS GTX660-TI-DC2O-2GD5, 2DVI/HDMI/DP $292.99
SAPPHIRE RADEON HD7950 3GB DDR5 FULL $299.99

In an ideal world i'd just buy the most expensive of both but i don't mind buying 1 high end CPU/GPU but I doubt both. So for gaming which high end would be more cost efficient and even lower ones of both tiers are great cost/performance I wouldn't mind that either.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Poltregeist]

Always lean intel if you have the money. The 3570k will suit your needs if you are overclocking. If not, get the locked 3570 for a little bit cheaper, although it's only $20 more. As for the X6, it WAS a good CPU in it's day but for that price an i3 will suffice. Between the video cards, FORGET THOSE 660tis. They have a 192 bit memory bus that makes them perform horribly for their price point. A 7950 will serve you well. For a motherboard, go with an ASRock Extreme 4.

 

[Lorez27]

Sounds like a plan. With a i5-3570k at what overclocking point would you think a aftermarket cooler be necessary? Just to know if i should plan to order one at the same time or down the road when I want more juice.
Factor in that I have a Antec 900 case, as far as airflow goes.

 

[Poltregeist]

Sounds like a plan. With a i5-3570k at what overclocking point would you think a aftermarket cooler be necessary? Just to know if i should plan to order one at the same time or down the road when I want more juice.
Factor in that I have a Antec 900 case, as far as airflow goes.

If you want to overclock ANY CPU an aftermarket cooler is necessary. The stock cooler can barely handle normal loads. I suggest a Noctua NH-D14, Thermalright Silver Arrow, or Phanteks PH-TC14PE. They all perform similarly and it really comes down to aesthetics. Also to take into consideration is the height of the coolers. Make sure they can fit in your case with that side fan. Otherwise that fan will have to be removed.

 

[Lorez27]

Best answer selected by Lorez27.