Feedback on my build idea

ccamfield

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
12
0
10,510
Hey all,

This is heavily based on the Tom's Hardware System Builder Marathon enthusiast build, but some brands aren't available at my local store and I've bumped up the memory and power supply, and picked a quiet case.

(http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc-overclocking-do-it-yourself,3366.html)

Also I'm really not sure whether to go AMD as it recommended, or Intel.
AND... is it still worth going with a separate SSD and HD? There's those new hybrid drives coming to market, right? Worth investigating instead?

Would love your opinions.

There are rebates on a couple of things here but I'm listing my local list price in $Cdn.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 ($90)
Processor: AMD FX-8350 ($205)
Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($35)
Memory: Mushkin Enhanced Blackline DDR3-1600, 2x8gb ($75)
Graphics: will be transferring my current card (7870)
SSD: OCZ Agility 3 120GB ($100)
HD: WD Black 1TB SATA3 7200RPM 64MB Cache ($100)
Optical: LG GH24NS90 OEM DVD burner ($17)
Case: Antec Solo II ($130)
Power: Antec EarthWatts 750W Power Supply ($115)
 

ccamfield

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
12
0
10,510
P.S. Unlikely to add many more cards or to overclock whatever I get. Well, I'll probably keep a second 250 GB hard drive from my current machine for a little extra storage.
 

nix327

Honorable
Nov 25, 2012
417
0
10,810
You have a nice build there..but i'd lose the ssd and use the money to get an i5 3570k and a asrock extreme4 motherboard..

edit: you can add the ssd later..its more of a luxury than a necessity.
 

ccamfield

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
12
0
10,510
I hear you on the i5, I think I'll go for it. And I'll look into the mobo.

But losing the SSD entirely? I don't know... my current machine doesn't have one because it's kind of old, but the idea of a super fast boot REALLY appeals.
 

nix327

Honorable
Nov 25, 2012
417
0
10,810


the ssd does improve the overall performance of your pc.. if you think you need the faster boot and transfer speeds then yes..get the ssd..are you going to overclock the cpu?

if you fill this out it will be easier to suggest parts

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/353572-31-build-upgrade-advice
 

ccamfield

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
12
0
10,510
Sorry, good point!


Approximate Purchase Date: today would be awesome, but realistically, this month. My current machine is working very reliably.
Budget Range: $1000.
System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, internet, watching movies
Are you buying a monitor: No. Have a 24" Samsung
Parts to Upgrade: (e.g.: CPU, mobo, RAM): Everything except monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Do you need to buy OS: Yes (Win 7 I think)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: www.canadacomputers.com. Local store with very good prices.
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada, fwiw
Parts Preferences: Not particularly
Overclocking: No (I think I'm gunshy after having overheating problems with an earlier MicroATX system...)
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Additional Comments: Quiet.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: poor game performance in World of Tanks
 

ccamfield

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
12
0
10,510
Ok so let me update the list...

Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4? ($150. $35 mailin rebate)
Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K ($230)
Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($35. $5 mailin rebate)
Memory: Mushkin Enhanced Blackline DDR3-1600, 2x8gb ($75)
Graphics: will be transferring my current card (7870)
SSD: OCZ Agility 3 60GB ($70)
HD: WD Black 1TB SATA3 7200RPM 64MB Cache ($100)
Optical: LG GH24NS90 OEM DVD burner ($17)
Case: Antec Solo II ($130)
Power: Antec EarthWatts 750W Power Supply ($115)


These things are on sale for Boxing week (while available)

Seagate Barracuda 2TB HD ($80)
Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB stick ($30)
Corsair Enthusiast Series TX850 power supply ($90)
Intel Core i5-3570 ($200)
Zalman LQ-310 Ultimate Liquid CPU Cooler ($50. $20 rebate)
 

nix327

Honorable
Nov 25, 2012
417
0
10,810
The i5 3570k and z77 mobo are for overclocking..since you are not overclocking the i5 3470 is plenty for gaming..you won't need the 750w for a single gpu rig..the antec 520w is good modular psu..and for a case get any good case you like..

cpu: i5 3470- 184$
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=4_65&item_id=050255

mobo: gigabyte ga-h77m-d3h- 90$
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=26_722&item_id=047294

ram: kingston hyperx blue 2*4gb- 30$
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=24_311_312_612&item_id=041084

hdd: wd 1tb 7200rpm 64mb cache- 95$
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=15_1086_210_212&item_id=029337

ssd: samsung 840 120gb
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=179_1088&item_id=053765

psu: antec hg 520- 70$
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=33_443&item_id=045162

optical: asus drw 24b1st- 17$
http://www.canadacomputers.com./product_info.php?cPath=3_61&item_id=029356

edit: and the custom cpu cooler is for overclocking too..no need for it in this build..let me know if you want to change something..
 

ccamfield

Honorable
Oct 15, 2012
12
0
10,510
I was going to get the overpowered power supply to ensure that I can upgrade the video card in maybe 2 years and still be able to run whatever it is.

Thanks nix, that's super helpful! :)