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Another SB build, Thoughts/ Suggestions please

W

Western

Weaksauce
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
87
1st build you guys helped me with, I ended up donating the components to a family member shipping overseas, so back again. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions in advance.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming 85% FPS, civ., web surfing, Some photoshop, light Black and White graphics, basic office like Quickbooks.

2) What's your budget?
trying to stay as close to $1,300 not including tax/shipping somewhat flexible though, cheaper is always better if comparable. may need more to incorporate the monitor $

3) Which country do you live in?
U.S.A. near Ft. Worth Texas

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? . CPU,MB,PSU,OS,RAM, monitor, case, Damn near the whole thing!

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Have 2 or 3 DVD/cd/ RW internal drives, will try to use one, also have a 19-1 card reader I'd like to use. Keyboard, mouse, speakers if needed.

6) Will you be overclocking?
Never have, but like too
7) 7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it? This is where I have trouble (major). I will assume at this point at least 1920x1080 , but also like some of the reviews and advice I have got here TN, ISP, 120hz, I will list what interest me below, but for no technological reason because I am in the total dark on this.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Likely immediately start to pick up parts as they become available along with the funds. (After I get y'alls blessing of coarse).

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc. Would like SLI/Crossfire option. have several external pieces that use USB, but cant honestly answer that one on a tech level.. Like the reviews on the board I chose.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
I will need the OS, prefer Win 7. Thought about the OEM, but don't want the license headache they talk about . Need thoughts here.


List of components I like, based on some of your previous recommendations and reviews.

CPU Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz $179 @ Micro Center
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

MB ASUS P8Z68-V PRO LGA 1155 Newegg $179 w/rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131730

RAM Left out by mistake: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) Newegg $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231402
UPDATED G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) ORDERED
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231402


PSU XFX Core Edition PRO850W Newegg $119 (750 was about the same$$ Actually like the XFX Black but it was gone.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207011
UPDATED AND ORDERED COLOR=Cyan]CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015

GPU XFX HD-697A-CNFC Radeon HD 6970 2GB Newegg $349
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150517
ORDERED

CASE COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Advanced RC-932-KKN5-GP Steel ATX Newegg $ 119 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160
UPDATED AND ORDEREDCorsair Graphite Series 600T
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139007

DVD/BURNER ADDED: SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner Black SATA New Egg $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151243

Monitor This is where I really struggle, I'll list a few I am interested in. would like to stay in the 24" range +/-

LG - IPS Series 23" LED Monitor (Thanks Tony)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/LG+-+IPS+Series+23"+LED+Monitor/2031077.p?skuId=2031077&id=1218306466603

ASUS ML248H
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236111

ASUS ML239H Black 23" IPS Panel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236122

HDD SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB Micro center $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

CoolerCOOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Newegg $25 after instant rebate still recommended??
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

OS Originally going with WIN 7 Home 64 bit OEM, but wondering about the 1 pc install perimeters???
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754 ORDERED Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit[/COLOR]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

I hope this format is better than the last time I was here, rather get help then in trouble for my mis-management of the thread.

I do have some concern with the Asus products, well actually the supposed RMA/ quality issues. (see thread in Motherboards)

Remember I am a newbie, all I have done is read and try to understand it, so if some of my components seem dumb or missed matched, that's why I'm here. Monitors seem to be a real SOB to figure out for me.

Thanks!!
 
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For the CPU and Motherboard, consider this set:

$245 (after some rebates) - Intel Core i5-2500k and ASUS P8Z68-V LX

or

$215 (after some rebates) - Intel Core i5-2500k and Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3

The above prices don't include your sales tax, but it'll be cheaper than getting the motherboard separately.

That's a good PSU, but probably overkill for this application.

I would consider one of these two instead:

$65 (before $15 MIR) - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-620 620W
or
$95 (before $25 MIR) - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W

GPU selection is spot on. Although I've heard rumors about the Radeon 7000, but I don't know when. It could be less than a month, it could be 3+ months.

RAM: $38 (before $10 MIR) - CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333

OS, cooler, and hard drive are all good picks. Though that Samsung F3 is really only worth about $50 to $60 under non-shortage related circumstances. And $75 really isn't that bad given some of the other prices I've seen.

The HAF 932 is a good case from what I've read, but it's HUGE. And might be more than what you need, but cases are an area where you can assign a value to how it looks that I can't quantify. I have to admit though that my case knowledge is limited but there are others on the forums who have more flushed out opinions on specific models.

On those monitors, try and check them out in store if you can. I like IPS displays, even for FPS games. I appreciate the better colors more than the 2ms response times of TN panels. However, there are many who disagree with me, especially when it comes down to cost. But I'd try and check them out or explore what a store's return policy is in case you end up not liking the monitor for one reason or another.

You might have enough room in the budget for an SSD, but to be honest with my Samsung F3 I have no complaints. I usually am one of the first to load on BF3 and sleep states are vastly improved over what I had previously. So I still get instant on (I know it's not a full boot) and very good load times.
 
If the main feature that you need from any motherboard is CrossFire and SLI support, then you don't need the Asus P8Z68-V Pro. That's not because the board is bad -- it isn't, and Asus fixed the issues that plagued its P67 boards with its Z68 successors -- but rather it has a lot of features that you may not use. Go with this (somewhat) cheaper board instead:

$130 - Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3

... But if Micro Center is still having its in-store combo deal special -- where you take $60 off the price of a P67 or Z68 board when you buy it alongside an i5-2500K, i7-2600K, or i7-2700K processor -- then go ahead and grab the P8Z68-V Pro. But buy it at Micro Center as part of the combo deal with the i5-2500K

Are any of your optical drives SATA? If so, you can reuse them. If not, it may be easier to simply buy a new SATA optical drive. Yeah, a new drive would add about $20 more to your parts total, but it may reduce a lot of headaches.

I noticed that you didn't have any RAM listed. No problem, as all that you need is:

$39 - G.Skill Value Series F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT 2x4GB DDR3 1333

Unless there's a Cyber Monday deal that I'm unaware of, you're not going to find a good performance 1TB hard drive available for less than $100. The recent floods in Thailand have devastated HDD stockpiles to the point that there are shortages. Oh, and a newer drive has overtaken the Samsung as the performance champ:

$150 - Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721010DLE630 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s HDD

Though XFX is fine, 850 watt is more than you need for one video card. Are you really planning a dual-card SLI or CrossFire setup in the near future (within the next six months)? If not, you may be better served by going with a lower powered yet equally capable power supply like:

$65 - Antec HCG-620 620W PSU (Black Friday sales price)

You're fine with your choices in the OS, CPU cooler, and case. However, please keep in mind that the price for the HAF 932 is a sales price (which expires on Monday). Another, cheaper case to consider is the HAF 932's little brother, the HAF 922 (which is also on sale).

For the monitors, I'll try to keep it simple. Choose one out of the two IPS monitor that you prefer looking at. Basically, monitors with IPS panels offer better color reproduction than monitors using TN panels. Though TN monitors have comparatively faster refresh rates, which makes them better for gaming, IPS monitors have improved to the point that you can use them in games and rarely (if ever) notice any ghosting or any other visual problems. (In the long run, however, for best color accuracy, you'll also need to consider a display calibrator like the Datacolor Spyder 3. But that's another story for another time.)
 
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Thanks for the reply's, I did miss adding the RAM, don't know how I did, but I updated it. Please compare to your recommended RAM.

As far as the case, I had originally picked the HF922 ,I like the added options in the 932, (front access points) If I miss read the specs I have no problem changing it.

PSU, I was worried when I went SLI/Crossfire later my power needs would go up so I tried to stay close to what you guys recommended on my 1st build. If cheaper is the same quality, count me in.

I don't know if it makes much difference, but in time I want to possibly add an SSD or another HDD or both. Also considering possible upgrading to 2 monitors later since my brothers seem to be "cool" probably wont, but neat option. I also had an external Backup "thingy" but since I have had poor results with backing up correctly, I'm not sure what I will do here.

The 2 ISP monitors I have above seem pretty similar, except for the warranty. The LG is the one Tony found for me earlier this year. Any thoughts between these 2 and any other ISP's you can recommend a look at in the 24" range. Is 120HZ worth looking at?

Please explain if I need to be concerned with the OS as in OEM?

I will try Micro center 1st since I can walk-in and at times they have some great deals, I also have heard that Fry's will price match and they are half as far. So I have several purchasing option, including the net.

Thanks!
 
I have the HAF 912. Only comes with 2 120mm fans but I didn't want LED fans or other ugly case and like the front power button and LEDs and also the drive configurations of the 912 a little better. I just bought the 4-pack of CM fans to fill the rest of the spots. At that time, there wasn't the big rebate on the 922 and it was a last minute decision (originally was going to reuse my full tower.. quickly shot that down)

I have a 2600K and the stock cooler does fine at stock clocks (3.5 GHz at 70°C package temp running Prime) At 3.9 GHz, temp is around 83°C and at 4.2 it is around 88. I don't like to run systems hot so I have a TR True Spirit 120 (review on sticky in overclocking section of forum) on its way over. Another + for the mobo tray cutout in the new cases. No need to pull the board to change coolers.

I have a Gigabyte board. Been happy with it.
 
You'll see no noticeable performance difference between CL7 RAM and CL9 RAM, so go with the cheaper (CL9) set.

The OEM OS licensed is restricted to one computer (realistically, the motherboard) and dies when the computer dies. If you anticipate using the same Windows 7 license on two or more systems over time, go retail. However, the retail license only works on one computer at a time; you can't have two computers using the same (activated) license simultaneously.

Keep in mind that anything you buy after today may lose its sales price. I believe that many Cyber Monday sales will be different from the Black Friday sales. Revisit this thread and tell us your "final" plans before you make any purchases. We may offer different suggestions based on what is on sale at the time.
 
Paragon said:
I have the HAF 912. Only comes with 2 120mm fans but I didn't want LED fans or other ugly case and like the front power button and LEDs and also the drive configurations of the 912 a little better. I just bought the 4-pack of CM fans to fill the rest of the spots. At that time, there wasn't the big rebate on the 922 and it was a last minute decision (originally was going to reuse my full tower.. quickly shot that down)
Click to expand...

So you like the 912 or preferred the 922? I like the specs of the 922, but also like the Extra size and "my perceived" extra options on the 932 Steel too.

Tiraides, thanks, I updated my RAM (couldn't figure out how to run a line through the original) Also on the OS, I will stick to the OEM then. I was just unsure from what some guys say about the update path for it costing more in the long run for the license.

I really don't anticipate getting the holiday deals because of time restraints, so I will have to shop around.
 
Unless you intend to have a lot of HDDs, just get the Asus P8Z68-V (not the PRO) if you decide to go with the Asus. The PRO only adds the extra SATA ports, so it normally isn't worth the extra cost (unless you find it on sale).
 
I would be happy with either. If I could get the 922 at the price of the 912, I'd go for it. The 912 was my best option when I went to Microcenter to buy a case. It looks like there is a switch to turn off the LEDs on the front fan. I do like the sleeker look of the front on the 922. Just plan on getting a few fans for the side panel. Looks like it takes a few 120mm or 200mm like the top.
 
Western said:
Tiraides, thanks, I updated my RAM (couldn't figure out how to run a line through the original) Also on the OS, I will stick to the OEM then. I was just unsure from what some guys say about the update path for it costing more in the long run for the license.
Click to expand...

Consider that Windows 8 comes out next year, so if you were to significantly upgrade your machine in 2013 or beyond, you'll probably upgrade to that as well, making the OEM vs. full copy for Windows 7 an unlikely issue. Plus, doing a price check on an OEM vs. full copy results in only a $90 difference. So if you really need to move the Windows 7 license in the future, you're only out $10 for another OEM license.
 
tiraides said:
The OEM OS licensed is restricted to one computer (realistically, the motherboard) and dies when the computer dies.
Click to expand...

While this is technically true, Microsoft seems to send a mixed message about OEM OS licensing. The Windows 7 activation servers don't seem to give a damn, and even if you have to call in with something like activating Windows XP, they'll just issue you a new activation number no sweat. And when I've tried to pin down their support agents on this point, they just hem and haw and politely cough, and one time I got disconnected from the call. :p So realistically, the main difference appears to be no support from Microsoft as you're either a "system builder" or a customer of one, in which case you would get your support from them.
 
I have the HAF 932, and it has alot of things going for it.
LOTS of room, nice cable management, great airflow.
However, the damn thing weights a ton.

I used the HAF 912 for my kids build last year.
It was a nice compromise on price, size, and functionality.

The ASUS P8Z68-V is a very solid motherboard choice.

I just upgraded using the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 (mainly for the firewire header).
it was stupid simple to do a basic setup.
 
Thanks for all the information! What do you think about this case? Reviews seem better than he 932, though there aren't many. I actually like the look better, but I guess that is a personal thing, it is cheaper. I like front USB.

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 BLUE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119224

Edit: On DVD drives, any recommendations? don't currently have a need for BlueRay. Might as well get one I know will work since the youngest one I have is around a 2005 model.
Thanks
 
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Generally speaking, the cheapest DVD burner you can get factoring in the cost of shipping and taxes. Usually around $19 to $21. Lite-On, Sony, Samsung, and LG are common brands.
 
Western said:
Thanks for all the information! What do you think about this case? Reviews seem better than he 932, though there aren't many. I actually like the look better, but I guess that is a personal thing, it is cheaper. I like front USB.

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 BLUE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119224
Click to expand...


Decent enough case but a tad pricey at $115 shipped considering these cases are available in that price range:
$115 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$115 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$120 - Corsair Carbide Series 400R ATX Case
$122 - Corsair Carbide Series 500R ATX Case
 
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tiraides said:
... But if Micro Center is still having its in-store combo deal special -- where you take $60 off the price of a P67 or Z68 board when you buy it alongside an i5-2500K, i7-2600K, or i7-2700K processor -- then go ahead and grab the P8Z68-V Pro. But buy it at Micro Center as part of the combo deal with the i5-2500K
Click to expand...

I called MicroCenter and can still get that deal until 12/4/11, That said, I also called Fry's, (half as far from me), they will price match but not the $60 off since it is a Micro Center promo.

The "tech" guy at Frys told me I should go with the p67 board since there was no real difference to the Z68 MB's, even though the boards are about the same $$. I am certainly not "tech" savvy, but what have I missed??
 
Western said:
The "tech" guy at Frys told me I should go with the p67 board since there was no real difference to the Z68 MB's, even though the boards are about the same $$. I am certainly not "tech" savvy, but what have I missed??
Click to expand...

Z68 adds access to access to the on-die GPU and provides SSD caching (of limited value, in most opinions) - it is basically P67+. If you don't need those things, you can save some money by going P67, but if the prices are about the same just get the Z68 - as the newer chipset it would, presumably, get better BIOS support, if nothing else.
 
Thanks Forceman,
The 2 MB's he quoted me where almost the exact same price, I think the p67 board was a Sabertooth. As far as SSD, I will eventually get one, but it will be when the prices drop somewhat, or I need it whichever comes first..
 
Tony, you are right about the HHD prices, I will have to see what I have, if they aren't to old to work. Hopefully the prices will recede.

Micro Center is understaffed it seems like, always buy when you try to call and confirm product availability. I have till tomorrow (12/04) for the special, if they have the parts in..
 
Made some changes and was able to order a few different items

Items I have on the way
Corsair Graphite Series 600T CC600TM Mid-Tower Gaming Case
CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX850

(Like the reviews of the case and it came bundled with the PSU for $40 off + $30 in rebates. 850w should do me in Crossfire next year with room to spare.)

XFX HD-697A-CNFC Radeon HD 6970 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

Waiting to see what MicroCenter does with the new specials on i5 2500k and MB

Waiting to go to Fry's to see the ISP's, especially the ASUS PA Series PA238Q Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236201
 
You mean IPS right?

Anyway, the parts you've selected so far looks good.
 
Danny Bui said:
You mean IPS right?

Anyway, the parts you've selected so far looks good.
Click to expand...

LOL yeah Thanks Danny.

Struggling with the HDD right now any thoughts ? I have the Spinpiont listed since it was the "good" one earlier in the year, but Tiraides mentioned the Hitatchi, also is it true WD has Hitachi now??
And the Crucible 4 is a good SSD correct?if I do that now.

I have more flexibility in my budget, Why the changes above.

EDIT From what I'm reading, I don't have to use an HDD? I could just go with one SSD for now since the price difference is nominal, then as prices drop get an HDD? Correct logic????
 
Last edited:
Western said:
LOL yeah Thanks Danny.

Struggling with the HDD right now any thoughts ? I have the Spinpiont listed since it was the "good" one earlier in the year, but Tiraides mentioned the Hitatchi, also is it true WD has Hitachi now??
Click to expand...
Go with Tiraides' recommendation. He's right about the Hitachi being faster than that Samsung.

And yes, WD owns Hitachi's hard drive business now.

Western said:
And the Crucible 4 is a good SSD correct?if I do that now.

I have more flexibility in my budget, Why the changes above.
Click to expand...
Huh? Did you mean Crucial m4? And yes the Crucial m4 SSDs are good.

Western said:
EDIT From what I'm reading, I don't have to use an HDD? I could just go with one SSD for now since the price difference is nominal, then as prices drop get an HDD? Correct logic????
Click to expand...
Yes you can do that if you have a large enough SSD for your needs and can keep from downloading/installing too many games, apps, music, etc.
 
Thanks Danny!!

I will look at the Crucial m4 to see what is available, some stocks are starting to rebuild from Black Friday.

Any other considerations to consider? Brand or spec wise.

This is probably the better route, I have wanted to set it up like allot of guy's do with maybe 2 SSD's and maybe a HDD, but was a bit unsure if I would be able to configure multiples.

Thanks again
 
The Intel 510 is a good choice if you want an Intel branded SSD. I've also heard and read good things about the Samsung 830 SSD.

Avoid OCZ.
 
Thanks, now I need to settle on the size, initially thinking 60mb, but that was just for the OS, so may be smart to bump it to 128mb.

I read an article last night released by Hitachi, said they just reopened one plant and where still pumping water out of another, so maybe there is a light at end of the tunnel ,so to speak for a price drop soon.
 
It'll take a few months for the price to drop sadly. So definitely not "soon".

And you meant 64GB and 128GB right?
 
If you can go 120\128 instead of 60\64, DO IT.

I would actually wait and save a bit of money to get the 128Gb if funds are short.

Small OS drives become a pain in no time.
 
I can get the 128mb, (like the reviews of the Crucial m4 best) I have a HDD my brother gave me so I may can use it also in combination with an SSD. I will go get it and see if it something I can use, may have to post it here for clarification

Thanks for your reply

Never mind, it is a Maxtor fireball 40 GB..LOL maybe good for paper weight
 
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The Hitachi is available for the same price, so get it instead of the Samsung.

If you believe that you can live with a 64GB SSD, I won't stop you. If you want my two cents' worth, I recommend a 128GB model if you can afford it.
 
I concur with Tiraides. Unless the Samsung is significantly cheaper than the Hitachi, go for the Hitachi.
 
OK, ordered the Hitachi and the crucial M4 128gb,
I went ahead and also ordered the P8z68 V-PRO /GEN3 for the MB, Hey the wife ask me "which one do you want", sooo I'm not one to argue with the cook! and I aint waiting for her to think about it either!!

Have everything coming but the CPU, which I will get priced matched at Fry's. Still on the fence with the monitor, but sure like the Dell U2412M.

I hope when I put this thing together it will be nice, and if I run into a "snag" you guys are around.:D

Thanks for all the help, comments and direction. You guys that help everybody are great!
 
Went ahead and ordered the Dell Ultra Sharp U2412M for $269.10 +tax
since it was on sale today
 
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