Completely new system for about $750.

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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Hello all,




I would like your opinions on my situation.
I am planning to make a completely new gaming rig, because the system I am using now can no longer keep up with the high demands of today's games.


I currently have:
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E7300 (3M Cache, Overclocked @ 3,2 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB).
Motherboard: Asus P5KPL-C/1600, P35/G33/G31 chipset and American Megatrends BIOS.
Internal memory: 4GB RAM.
Hard drive: Samsung HD502IJ 500 GB (SATA-300, 7200 RPM).
Hard drive: Maxtor 6Y160M0 160 GB (SATA 150, 7200 RPM).
Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce 9600 GT (512 MB, Overclocked @ 1 Ghz memory clock, 900 Mhz graphics clock).
Power supply: 400 Watts.
Monitor: Philips 170S (17 inch, 1280 x 1024, 75 Hz).



I want to replace almost everything (so also the motherboard and monitor etc.).
I do not need a new OS, new hard drives (except SSD) and a case.

Approximate purchase date: February.
Budget: approximate $750 (Before shipping).
Country: Netherlands.

Overclocking: Yes.
SLI/Crossfire: Maybe



I am looking for:
Processor: Intel or AMD, DDR3-1866 or higher, overclockable and 4/6 cores.
CPU cooler: about 2000 RPM.
Motherboard: AM3+ or 2011, DDR3 1866 Mhz or higher and SATA-600.
Internal memory: 8GB, DDR 3 1866 Mhz or higher and max. CAS latency 9.
SSD storage: 120-250 GB SSD (read/write: about 500 MB/s) and SATA-600.
And I will use my 2 hard drives for additional storage.
Graphics card: Nvidia, about 1000 cuda cores, at least 192 bit, GDDR5, about 1 Ghz base clock and 6.0 Gbps memory clock.
Powersupply: about 600 Watts.
Monitor: 1920x1080 (Full HD 1080p), LED, AH-IPS, about 20-26 inch, 60 Hertz or higher and a reaction time of max. 9 ms.



I have build this system already: My Future System Edit 3.
It is ~$750 (Before shipping).

It contains:
Processor: AMD FX 6300.
CPU cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus (2000 RPM).
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard (1866 Mhz).
Internal Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB (1866 Mhz).
SSD: Kingston SV300S37A/120G (120GB).
Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce GTX 660.
Power supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply.
Monitor: AOC i2267Fw (22 inch, 60 Hz, IPS and LED).


Let me know if this setup is possible, what you think of it and what could be improved (e.g. Intel i5 and other motherboard and/or a better graphics card (e.g. Nvidia Geforce GTX 760)).




Thank you.
 

animal

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Assuming the prices over there are similar (talking cost factor) to prices here is the USA, an AMD CPU/mobo set-up is probably going to cost less than an Intel equivalent, but especially if you are wanting Socket 2011. Even the cheapest 2011 CPU is on the expensive side of things and 2011 motherboards carry a hefty price-tag as well. So unless you are willing to consider a socket 1150 build, then AMD is the way to go, especially with the budget you propose.

As far as a monitor having greater than 60 Hz refresh rate, at your budget you will be hard pressed to get a 120/144 Hz monitor and be able to build a decent gaming rig.
 


This will play games at lowest settings at 1080p.

You need to sacrifice the SSD, get a slightly lower end motherboard, and drop the CPU cooler to get a MUCH better GPU. Also, don't even consider the 6200. It is complete trash compared to the 6300.
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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The system I have build in the first post is under 750 dollars (I do not need a case). I could also buy a less expensive 120 GB SSD in stead of 250 GB. Allright, I will go with an AMD CPU and related mobo. And I would like to overclock, especially with a 6300. So I guess a good mobo and CPU cooler is a must?

 

animal

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You don't have to get a top of the line motherboard, but I'd avoid the bottom end motherboards as well. And YES, you will need a good CPU aftermarket cooler to do any overclocking, just make sure what you want will fit your case.
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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I have updated my build and now have a Coolermaster hyper 212 plus (almost the same) and a 970 chipset. The 990's are too expensive..

Edit: What are the thoughts on my new build and how can my new build be improved even further?

Thanks
 


If this is for gaming I suggest sacrificing the SSD and getting a better GPU.

Also get this PSU. Better quality and cheaper: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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What kind of GPU would be recommended? I prefer the GTX 760, it is about the same price as a GTX 660 + SSD 120 GB. Any other GPU with that kind of pricetag (or lower ;) ) and within the same 'league'? Maybe an AMD Radeon?

Thanks.

 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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Alright, thank you. I will get an AMD, they are cheaper and the AM3+ sockets are more 'future proof' than the 1150's. As for the monitor, I found a nice monitor with 75 Hz, 5 ms reaction time, AH-IPS and LED for about 190 dollars :) (Philips 234E5QHAB).
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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Okay. I searched for more options and came across these:
1. Radeon R9 270X
2. Radeon R9 280X
3. Radeon HD 7870 XT (Tahiti LE)
4. Radeon HD 7950
5. Geforce GTX 670.
6. Geforce GTX 760.
7. Radeon HD 7970
(Ranging form cheapest (nr. 1) to most expensive (nr. 7).

I want my new graphics card to be one of those 7 (Or any other suggestions :p).

What do you think of 'em?
Which one is the best performing graphics card?
Could the 7 options be arranged from best performance to worst performance?

And which one has the most 'bang for the bucks'?

Thanks!

Edit: Nr. 2 should be the nr. last and numbers 5 and 6 should be switched..
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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Thank you. I'll pick one of those 7 GPU options.

Totally differrent question: Can I purchase RAM with a base speed of e.g. 2133 Mhz? The motherboard I am planning to purchase can handle 1866 Mhz, but also 2100+, IF overclocked. If i start with 2133 Mhz RAM, and the mobo is not yet overclocked (first boot), does that mean my computer will not boot?

(And a AMD FX-6300 CPU officially supports 1866 Mhz, but can also handle e.g. 2100 Mhz (if mobo supports it).)
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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Sorry for the late response, but thank you!

One last question, I am not sure which motherboard I should get..
Could you suggest a good motherboard which meets the following requirements?
I would prefer a 990 chipset, but if a 970 is possible, I would favor that one (cheaper ;)),
Capable of 2133 Mhz (if oc'd),
8+2 Phasing,
Heatsinked,
Minimum of 2 DDR3 RAM slots,
And SATA-600.
(If possible, SLI/Crossfire.)

And as cheap as possible.
My budget is around 100-125 dollars.

Thank you!


 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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I will be using an AMD FX 6300 (Maybe a 8350) and plan to do some overclocking.
I won't be using SLI/Crossfire.

 

julianboss

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Okay, those are indeed nice boards, especially for the price and they are capable of 2133 Mhz :) (if oc'd).
But according to this, the ASUS M5A97 R2.0 only has 4+2 phasing. I think that's not good enough for some real overclocking.

But is air cooling (Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO) enough for some real overclocking?
 

julianboss

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And what CPU (air) cooler do you suggest? Noise does not bother me that much, 30 to 40 dB is alright with me.
I thought of the following coolers:
be quiet! Shadow Rock Top Flow SR1,
Xigmatek Aegir SD128264,
Gelid Solutions Tranquillo Rev.2,
Scythe Mugen 4,
Thermalright HR-02 Macho Rev. A.

All around 30 to 40 euro's.
Do you know which one cools the best? (I can't find much info on aftermarket coolers..)
Or another suggestion?
 

julianboss

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Jan 26, 2014
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Thank you! I've got all the information I need to know now! :)

I think this thread can be closed now.