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Need re-build advice

J

jermany755

Weaksauce
Joined
Nov 24, 2008
Messages
93
Hey guys, I've been waiting for Ivy Bridge to release to upgrade my E8400 box. Early reviews are uninspiring, though, so now I'm thinking about saving some money and getting a 2550k after the Ivy Bridge release. Preferably on a Fry's sale. I have been out of the game for awhile though, so please give me input on component options.


1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, coding, surfing

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$800 max including tax and shipping. Cheaper is better.

3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
Seattle area

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU: 2550k
MB: ?
RAM: ?
PSU: ?
SSD: ?

I already have a 640GB HDD, but want to add a 60GB (minimum) SSD as an OS/game disk. I rarely play more than 2 games during any given time frame, so I don’t think I need to go crazy on SSD size. Enlighten me if there are other reasons to invest in a larger SSD.

I have been so pleased with my Corsair PSU that I want to donate it to my girlfriend’s Q6600 rig that has been running on an EarthWatts EA430d up until now. I’ll finally feel comfortable overclocking that puppy and getting full potential out of the chip. Anyways, is there any reason not to buy the cheaper TX750 V2? Or I may go modular with the HX750.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
My current setup is in my sig. I will be reusing the GPU, HDD, case, and all peripherals.

6) Will you be overclocking?
Yes.

7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
1920x1080 23&#8221; <- possibly 2 of these in the future, but not looking to upgrade video card yet.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
After Ivy Bridge release. Hoping for price drop on Sandy Bridge.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.
USB 3 is the only thing I think I really need. I'm not sure if most motherboards include SATA 3 and PCIe 3 these days, but these features aren't exactly required.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, Win 7 64bit.
 
You do realize prices are almost guaranteed NOT to drop after IB. Intel never lowers it's price on old CPUs just because the new ones come out. Go look at prices of the CPUs prior to SB. They haven't moved. With that being said, there will be IB processors priced similar to SB processors that will most likely out perform them. (Speculation on the performance, but you'll know before you buy anyway)

Do also note that USB 3 and PCIe 3 will be officially supported on IB motherboards, so another reason to wait until after the release of IB.

A 750W PSU will be overkill for your needs unless you plan to SLI current generation GPUs. With that being said, the Corsair TX650 V2 is a sure bet, even the modular version.

You'll hate going with a ~60GB OS/Game drive. Go with a 128GB+ model and look for the Corsair M4 128GB. It's been going on sale a lot lately (For under $140) so wait until it does that again before your final build and pick it up.
 
Well no price drop is disappointing, but similarly priced IB processors would take the sting out. I guess we'll see.

As for the rest, thanks for the spot-on advice as usual. The upgrade bug is starting to carry me away! =)
 
Skillz said:
You'll hate going with a ~60GB OS/Game drive. Go with a 128GB+ model and look for the Corsair M4 128GB.
Click to expand...

QFT! 60GB is way too small. Windows backup folder will use ~8-10GB after a couple of years, windows 7 total space will be 15-18GB.

That leaves you 2-3 games tops to have on the SSD and you'll always have to fight for space.

Why are you switching power supplies? if the 430w works for your GF, there's no reason to give her your 750w. That seems like a waste.
 
J Macker said:
Why are you switching power supplies? if the 430w works for your GF, there's no reason to give her your 750w. That seems like a waste.
Click to expand...

I will be using the Antec in a HTPC build that I intended for it originally. Also I never felt comfortable overclocking her Q6600 or video card (can't remember what model at the moment) without a little more power overhead. It probably would have been fine, but everyone has their personal comfort zones.

I'll probably end up getting the 650w that Skillz suggester for her and keeping the 750w to myself.
 
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