Doing my first build, Want someone to double check parts

[DrUgZ]

PM me your address. I can't stand to see someone give Microsoft $100, i'll mail you a burned copy.

 

[rocket hamster]

PM me your address. I can't stand to see someone give Microsoft $100, i'll mail you a burned copy.

Will do when needed.

 

[Glocky]

Just a quick input - you'd be very stupid to give up Z68 for shitty P67. SSD caching is just ONE feature of the newest, and fastest chipset currently available.

You make that statement very categorically, but it isn't as simple as that especially considering it's quite the on-going debate. Depending on what people are after, Z68 may not make sense. For a bang for the buck gaming system, SSD boot + installing the specific game(s) on it would outperform SSD caching albeit at the price of a larger SSD (depending on the number of gaming titles), but at least everything would load fast, not just what is in the cache. The another tidbit is that in some games, the QuickSync/Virtu stuff decreases FPS. So if Hamster doesn't get a SSD at all, and won't be using Virtu since he is getting a 6870, shelling out for a Z68 doesn't necessarily make sense. All that said, if a Z68 mobo is on sale, with all the options that Hamster needs, then yeah, rock it. But if at time of purchase he can't afford SSD and a solid P67 board is in the right price range, then that would make the most sense.

 

[rocket hamster]

I was planning on getting a SSD a bit later since it's not required for a computer. I also don't mind waiting for things to boot as this gives me time to go to the bathroom.
Since I'm not buying anytime soon, I guess I'll keep looking for a mobo.

 

[Glocky]

I was planning on getting a SSD a bit later since it's not required for a computer. I also don't mind waiting for things to boot as this gives me time to go to the bathroom.
Since I'm not buying anytime soon, I guess I'll keep looking for a mobo.

This AsRock mobo has good reviews ... added a CPU cooler that is regarded as good bang for the buck up for light to moderate overclocking (i.e. at stock speed/volts you'll never have a heat problem).
If you don't ever plan to overclock, consider the i5-2500 or i5-2400

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.69 @ DirectCanada)
CPU Cooler: Corsair CAFA70 61.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($46.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock P67 Extreme 4 (B3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($154.88 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($92.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($159.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.98 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Asus DVDE818A7T/BLK/B/GEN CD Reader, DVD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $889.49
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2011-12-23 16:20 EST-0500)

 

[OG buckshot jr]

I see what you're saying Glocky, no doubt. My point is this: let's put aside all of the SSD and caching/booting features and look at the chipset performance. It's the newest, and yes without the caching features, fastest available. It's not even a huge price gap from a P67, and considering the fact that it's the motherboard - NOT something you want to upgrade later; in fact, this should be the very LAST thing you ever have to upgrade. I would rather cheap out on a hard drive/ram/etc. and get a better motherboard, because down the line if you'd like to upgrade (literally) ANYTHING, you're motherboard is prepared to not only accept that upgraded hardware, but use it to it's fullest potential.

The reason I'm very 'pro' Z68 is because my brother and I built him a new rig in the last 6 months, and we went the P67 route. Then we saw a sale and nabbed him a Z68 EVGA-something-something motherboard (a really good one, but I can't remember the exact model), and my God did it make a nice difference (everything from improved thermodynamics, component positioning, features, speed, future-proof compatibility etc.). It also really improved the overclock potential of his chip 10-fold. I got him to 4.5Ghz (Intel Core i5-2500K) within a half-hour, stable, under 50C full load. Yes, I understand not everyone will be looking to overclock, but my main point is for just a wee bit more, the massively important, "central brain"/hub of your entire computer can be upgraded from a "great" rig, to an "amazing rig". To me, that's just worth it everytime, and in the long run WILL save you money.

Anyways, Not to argue, I only wished to add some advice/opinion

 

[Glocky]

I see what you're saying Glocky, no doubt. My point is this: let's put aside all of the SSD and caching/booting features and look at the chipset performance. It's the newest, and yes without the caching features, fastest available. It's not even a huge price gap from a P67, and considering the fact that it's the motherboard - NOT something you want to upgrade later; in fact, this should be the very LAST thing you ever have to upgrade. I would rather cheap out on a hard drive/ram/etc. and get a better motherboard, because down the line if you'd like to upgrade (literally) ANYTHING, you're motherboard is prepared to not only accept that upgraded hardware, but use it to it's fullest potential.

The reason I'm very 'pro' Z68 is because my brother and I built him a new rig in the last 6 months, and we went the P67 route. Then we saw a sale and nabbed him a Z68 EVGA-something-something motherboard (a really good one, but I can't remember the exact model), and my God did it make a nice difference (everything from improved thermodynamics, component positioning, features, speed, future-proof compatibility etc.). It also really improved the overclock potential of his chip 10-fold. I got him to 4.5Ghz (Intel Core i5-2500K) within a half-hour, stable, under 50C full load. Yes, I understand not everyone will be looking to overclock, but my main point is for just a wee bit more, the massively important, "central brain"/hub of your entire computer can be upgraded from a "great" rig, to an "amazing rig". To me, that's just worth it everytime, and in the long run WILL save you money.

Anyways, Not to argue, I only wished to add some advice/opinion

I hear ya there... PSU and mobo, worst places to skimp. Just for fun, any change the P67 that was failboat was a long end board/brand?
I guess I was being a bit of the devil's advocate, as I was trying to recommend based on what Hamster said he was looking for.

For me, since I game *AND* do other stuff, my choices would differ, but I tried to ignore my preferences and give the best thoughts within the given parameters. Otherwise, I'd be recommending Crossfired 7970s lol which would spend Hamster's budget and then some just in video cards.

 

[rocket hamster]

Okay, then how about the original mobo I chose?
http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/asus-motherboard-p8z68vle

and this one:
http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz68xud4b3

 

[rocket hamster]

UPDATE: Going Thursday to NCIX to see if I can find an optical drive cheaper than $30, get the case. Will order parts on weekend and be building during spring break.

Also, can I get MIBs from buying in store?

 

[excalibur]

I personally think the CPU cooler is one of the most important parts in gaming and for the durability of the system. I have used liquid cooling on all the computer i have built. I overclock my pc pretty hard and keep my cpu temp under 30 degrees C.

Overall the build looks good for keeping the price under 1000.

 

[rocket hamster]

I personally think the CPU cooler is one of the most important parts in gaming and for the durability of the system. I have used liquid cooling on all the computer i have built. I overclock my pc pretty hard and keep my cpu temp under 30 degrees C.

Overall the build looks good for keeping the price under 1000.

Here is what I have now, changed the HDD and the PSU. I don't plan on OCing right away and probably will get a CPU cooler later.

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.69 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 6870 1GB Video Card ($159.99 @ NCIX)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.98 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: OCZ 650W ATX12V Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX)
Optical Drive: Asus DVDE818A7T/BLK/B/GEN CD Reader, DVD Writer ($18.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $946.60
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-02-29 10:18 EST-0500)

 

[postpwned [gay marriage 2012]]

I don't see much point in overclocking modern Intel CPU's. They're already powerful enough stock, and they have their built-in "turbo" auto-overclocking shit. I, therefore, haven't touched my cooler (although if a good one went on sale for like half-price I'd probably think about it. My north bridge runs crazy hot.)

Another thing to keep in mind is the modular PSU you decided to go with helps you out on heat, since your case will be better organized and less crowded. People who go crazy with cooling systems would be better off just buying higher-end components and leaving them stock. I guess it's more of a hobby for some people.

Overall the build looks good to me. We should start a benchmark thread if there isn't one already and you can see how you compare.

 

[Cock]

I don't see much point in overclocking modern Intel CPU's. They're already powerful enough stock, and they have their built-in "turbo" auto-overclocking shit. I, therefore, haven't touched my cooler (although if a good one went on sale for like half-price I'd probably think about it. My north bridge runs crazy hot.)

TurboMode = Intel Propaganda at work

Turbo mode has nothing to do OverClocking. it's just a method of saving power when you're not using anything CPU intensive. Ex; My i5 runs at 700Mhz when I'm web browsing and 2.3Ghz when I'm gaming, again nothing do to with OverClocking since 2.3Ghz is the reported max speed.

I have OC'd my CPU to 900+Mhz, on air. With a little knowledge and a smart motherboard you can get a lot more performance with little work.

People who go crazy with cooling systems would be better off just buying higher-end components and leaving them stock. I guess it's more of a hobby for some people.

I agree people should buy better components, but I never leave anything stock for speed/cooling. They charge too much $$ for TINY boosts in speed so fuck em.

 

[excalibur]

Build looks good. I am a fan of the modular PSUs i got a Kingwn 1000 watt.
BTW if u were ever to take use of the SLI/Crossfire feature of your motherboard by adding a 2nd graphics card you will more than likely need to upgrade your PSU watts. but for what u have now your good

And Cock is correct on the real use of the Intel Turbo Boost.

 

[Cock]

Im jellous RocketHamster that build looks sick. Good choice on Mobo :clap:

 

[postpwned [gay marriage 2012]]

Also I would look at what you can get on ebay. I bought my CPU's brand new still in the unopened boxes from ebay for a huge savings.

 

[$alvador]

Looks good, I have an AM3+ Extreme3 board and it's great for the price.

 

[rocket hamster]

http://imgur.com/U4pR0,yzWJ8

Missing case and monitor, getting tomorrow.

Building this next week probably.

Cost is about $1300 Because my mom made me get windows since she doesn't like software piracy. Price matched the CPU, and Mobo.

Different graphics card because they didn't have the one I wanted and couldn't get it Tuesday.

Expect complete build sometime next two weeks, still need a desk.

 

[rocket hamster]

Also forgot. Different PSU because this was 700w and cheaper since it wasn't modular and on sale.

 

[rocket hamster]

Okay guys, my ATX12V1 cord on my PSU isn't long enough go go through the cable management slots, or just straight to is since the video card is in the way. What do?