Gaming Computer Upgrade

[manik12]

Hello,
this is my current computer, Ive got only my graphics card updated:

Processor: Intel Core2 Quad CPU Q8400 @2.66GHz
RAM: 4 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 666MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5P43TD PRO (LGA775)
Graphic card : Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 Ti
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Power Supply: Corsair HX520W Modular Power Supply
HDD: Western Digital WD500AAKS Caviar blue (16MB cache)

But I am planning to upgrate everything else besides graphics gard, because I am experiencing some compatibility issues, at least I think so.
I found some tutorial for putting together a good gaming PC in one magazine so I managed to make this set up:

Processor: Intel Core i5 3570K - 3.4GHz BOX
RAM: CORSAIR DDR3 2x4096MB Vengeance
Motherboard: ASUS P8Q77-M
Graphic card : Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 Ti
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Power Supply: CORSAIR TX650W
HDD: Western Digital Green 1,5TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB WD15EARX

So community do you think this set up is worth it, just for games?
And is everything necessary to upgrade? Like I cant keep my power supply right? I wanted to save some money

Thank you very much in advance for answers and tips .

 

[lunyone]

* CPU is perfect option, IMHO.
* Mobo is good too.
* GPU is a good option, since you already have it!
* I would stick with the PSU, unless you think you need a new one. Your currently one should last at least 5+ years.
* HD should be find for Data drive, but I'd consider at least a 128 gb SSD, if you want to add some pop to load times. It'll depend on whether or not you value an SSD or not.

 

[lunyone]

No it is not worth it. You have Q-77 MoBo. Take a Z-77 or B-75 if you want a mATX.
If you do not overclock. Take this cpu: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637e31230v2

Better value for money.http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Xeon+E3-1230+V2+%40+3.30GHz

No need to upgrade PSU.
Take a rather new SSD. Samsung 830 256GB or 128GB. OCZ vector is good too.
And reliable Intel 330/520 is good.

What case do you have? This is good Mobo if you take that xeon or if you do not overclock CPU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gab75md3h

If you take 3570k then take Z-77 and a good CPU cooler and overclock it.
Xeon is faster than 3570k at stock.
Good Z-77 MoBo is gigabyte X-D3H
Good quiet CPU cooler: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-cpu-cooler-rr212e20pkr1

I missed the Q77 chipset, which to me shouldn't be use for gaming, IMHO. It'll work, but you'll be limited. I would go with z77 chipset also.

 

[iceclock]

budget?

 

[manik12]

Thakns o lot so far
I ll dig into those MoBos and might choose another one.
Budget? the new components I posted would cost me 500 EUR - 90 PSU while you said my current one is good enough.
so I would say something about 410 EUR

 

[manik12]

hmm that Intel Xeon E3-1230v2 3.30Ghz cost the same as Intel Core i5 3570K - 3.4GHz BOX
But Xeon is made for servers, is that no problem for me while I just want it for games ?

And why do you say "If you do not overclock. Take this cpu Xeon" ?? hes not able to be overclocked ?

 

[jcurry23]

don't get a zeon,

 

[manik12]

don't get a zeon,

why not ?

 

[manik12]

Good Z-77 MoBo is gigabyte X-D3H

What do you say about ASUS P8Z77-V LX ?

I would rather buy Asus I didnt have anything Gygabyte yet.

 

[manik12]

So in the end do you think this build is worth it ?

Processor: Intel Xeon E3-1230v2 3.30Ghz
RAM: CORSAIR DDR3 2x4096MB Vengeance
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77-V LX
Graphic card : Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 Ti
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Power Supply: Corsair HX520W Modular Power Supply
HDD: Western Digital Green 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB

I got three questions if I may about this build.

1. Is "Intel Xeon E3-1230v2 3.30Ghz" good for games, while its server processor?

2. Is 520W gonna be enough for this build ?

3. And is this HDD "Western Digital Green 1TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB" fast enough (7200rpm)? Because at rotational speed it just says IntelliPower.

Thank you very much for help

 

[swifty_morgan]

I have one on a board. I game on it. I haven't ran benchmarks to see if compares with a "standard" 1155 processor. I get no slow ups, everything seems to run fine.

a friend of mine owns one a a mini itx asrock board and he say it runs fine. ( dominator ram )

get the fastest memory your board and BIOS can support.

other than that I can't say anyting. I use the machine for working ( firepro ) and nvidia for gaming )

 

[lunyone]

* Not sure why you want a Xenon CPU, the i5 3570k is plenty of CPU for 98% of peoples needs/wants.
* That 520w PSU is plenty for your needs, unless it's over 6 or 7 years old and has been stressed for that whole period of time.
* The WD Green HD is designed for lower power so it might be a bit slower than the 7200 rpm Blue or Black editions. I'm betting it's running at 5400-5900 rpm's, but haven't found a specific answer yet.

 

[manik12]

* Not sure why you want a Xenon CPU, the i5 3570k is plenty of CPU for 98% of peoples needs/wants.

Its not that I want him specifically, its just that "NooB12" told me that I should get Xenon and at some benchamrks the Xenon has better scores.
But on the other hand I found that Xenon isnt made for gaming, and i5 is much more.

Actually even here wins i5

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Xeon-E3-1230V2-vs-Intel-Core-i5-3570K

So I will take i5, looks much better for games.

And now when I will get Intel Core i5 3570K - 3.4GHz BOX is the motherboard I chose good for it please ?

EDIT : this motherboard "ASUS P8Z77-V LX "

 

[iceclock]

depends if ur overclocking. if u wanna overclock and not have 4 extra hyper-threading cores i5 3570k is good, if not for 4xtracores. the xeon is quite good market and asus p8z77 good bord

 

[manik12]

Thank you all for your advices and answeres, you have been very helpful
In the end I ordered:

CORSAIR DDR3 2x8192MB Vengeance RAM (more RAM for my multitasking )

Intel Core i5 3570K - 3.4GHz BOX - for future overclocking

ZALMAN CNPS14X - cooler

Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB SATA6Gb/s (I wanted little bit more speed, and didnt want to buy SSD)

ASUS P8Z77-V LX (this one didnt change)

 

[iceclock]

good job

+1