Please critique this gaming build

M

Mizugori

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
1,240
I have been out of the loop for a while, now I am planning to build a new PC mainly for gaming. I want to make sure I don't do anything stupid since I haven't been following things for a bit, been very busy with work and whatnot for the past year or so.

Please make any suggestions and/or point out any potential issues. If you notice a part that you think should be swapped for another, please speak up! Thanks :)

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Case: I have a decent Black Centurion ATX Case that I will be reusing.
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CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073
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Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131773
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Video Card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130604
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Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445
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Power Supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088
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Hard Drive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442
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DVD Burner:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
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Operating System:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992
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Please answer the questions in this thread http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1349433

This is just some notes from me, once you answer the questions the guru's can totally help you out with specifics and deals

Get this ram / psu combo (if you want 850watts) TX is much better then the GS line
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.826186

If you want top notch and modular, get this HX power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.826254

Note: There is no need to get the faster ram, it doesn't matter for sandy bridge.

Get the 2500k instead of the 2500, that way you can overclock (which is so easy it's crazy)

I prefer MSI motherboards to the Asus, but that's just my opinion.
 
I just swapped the cpu for the 2500k after I realized my error, I do indeed intend to OC it. And I swapped my ram and psu for the TX combo, thanks for that find!
 
For a single 560 ti, you don't need that much juice (maybe 500 W max). That said, if you want some future proofing, you can buy a Seasonic X-750 for $120 (you would have to buy it today though).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087

Also, instead of the 2500, pick up a 2500k (unlocked multiplier) that's on sale here.

http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57962&vpn=BX80623I52500K&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1141

You'll also need an after-market heat sink to overclock the 2500k. The Corsair A70 is a good choice at $20 AR (just make sure the dimensions are in line with your case).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181011
 
Seasonic X-750 or XFX 650/750

For ram, I would get lower voltage stuff and 1600 class speed 9,9,9,24 1.5v,
Corsair Vengeance with low profile spreader, Gskill also has quite a few kits Ripjaw/RipjawX/Sniper SE the model numbers for the Gskill are the 1600 speed, model # ends in GBRL,GBXL,GBXM,GBSR all are very good, very overclockable and also use lower voltage, thing that I understood for Intel chips, max voltage they like to use for ram is 1.65v, so by having lower voltage ram 1.5v you have a better chance of getting a higher speed for the ram.

Also, I know others will say something on this, however, in regards to benchmarking, gaming, "work" the 1600 at mentioned timings wins 9/10 so it is worth having and really the cost is negligable vs the 1333 kits.

Also, just curious, why 16gb? for most users 8gb is far more then enough, unless you are currently using 8gb and need more of course.

For coolers A70 ir hyper 212+ with an extra fan. We had another thread on this, so if for some reason the A70 goes up in price or something, the Hyper 212+ with http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=2945 as an extra fan, will actually be cheaper overall(if these is no rebate) and you will get very similar performance to the A70.
 
Okay what is the best power supply for my needs? I don't know how many watts I really need. and I didn't realize the memory bundled with the corsair psu is 1333, now that I see that I do want to get 1600 instead...

*edit* okay picked this ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445

*edit* okay picked this psu... thoughts? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088

*edit* is there a good alternative cooler that isn't so damn big? I don't think that's going to work well in my case...
 
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For ram I wouldnt pay the extra for the CL8, the actual performance difference between CL8 and CL9 is virtually non existent, and the price difference is quite a bit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...06127 600006069&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB (2 x 4GB)

I am using the ripjawX GBXL red ones, they are capable of 1866+, the Sniper SE are also apprently very overclock freindly .I know the GBXL ripjawX can do 9,9,9,24 1T at 1.5v and have room to go higher speed with a little higher timings such as 9,10,9,28 and even looser then can do close to the 2k range(though it really depends)

I would go with GBXL, GBRM(red or blue) or sniper SE for the good overclocking aspect, they are very capable, and much cheaper(you would save $20 for the same size kit and lose little to no performance from doing so from changing from the 8,8,8,24 to the 9,9,9,24 kits)

Seasonic X are wicked good power supplies for the cost, there is another 2 options here, for slightly less, I would do some reviews for the actual cables though to see what better fits your needs
XFX Core Edition PRO650W $89.99-$79.99 with MIR
XFX PRO750W $129.99 $99.99 after MIR
NZXT HALE82 650 $99.99 $69.99 after MIR
NZXT HALE82 750 $109.99 $79.99 after MIR

Now, I am not downing the Seasonice unit, they build some of the best units out there, myself, I would prefer a larger overhead 62a or so, so for me minimum I would go is 750, however for your needs a 650 should be fine, the price, a silver certified unit such as corsairs HX or XFX Pro with silver cert would save a few $ outright cost, and still be efficent. I would read up on them in revciew to see which cable lengths/management you like better.

Now for your case, if you are using a centurion 590, if you want a damn good cooler, the Hyper 212+ with the extra fan fits in the centurion 590 but you will lose one of the side fans, its tight, but it fits(I had one for my intel build) The other option is one of noctuas units most of them will fit just fine, well except for the D14 which is huge :p such as C14- C12P etc, thier top down coolers work very well but are pricer

Now, the A70 being apprently 159mm tall would be so bloody close as far as fiting into the 590(if thats your case) it would be disturbing, it might be a touch to wide/thick/tall to be comfortable, Hyper 212+ is a bit smaller but still very good, and one of noctuas or even one of Corsair H series coolers such as H50/H60 would fit fine(they also work very well in push/pull but are $ and can be loud)
 
I just want a decent cooler for it that is NOT huge and will not take up a crapload of space or sound like an airplane. Price is not so much an issue. Any links?
 
Totally random but how much would it run me to go totally watercooled on this build?
 
Maplehamwich said:
I think if you filled out the above link Spudsdude suggested you might get some more help. That way there would be a more full understanding of what your needs are.
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I think I provided more than enough info and plenty of people have been helping me just fine
 
totaly water cooled(as in a custom loop) anywhere from $150-$35000 :p

The cheapest liquid coolers are Antec Kuhler H2O 620 Liquid Cooling System, or one of Corsair H units such as H50, 60,70.

But for the liquid coolers, you might save some room on the socket, however, if the rad/fan doesnt fit in the back of your case, your pretty much SOL, and like I stated previously, they can be pricey for the performance they deliver.

If you want a smaller more size freindly unit
Noctua NH-C12P, Noctua NH-C14, Zalman CNPS9900, Coolermaster Gemini II(just replace the fan for a better one) Scythe Big Shuriken(swap the fan to something bit more powerfull) Scythe Zipang, or even one of these
http://www.arctic.ac/en/p/cooling/cpu.html

I think the main thing to keep in mind, there are alot of really good heatsinks out there that offer terrific performance(but tend to be large to give that performance however alot of these are expensive or limited performance for that price(for the top down style coolers) if you are using Coolermaster 590 case it will fit the vast majority of heatsinks out there(hyper 212+ gauranteed as I have a 590 case as well) however, its going to be a touch tight not much your can do about that, there is only so many options after all(especially for a fairly cramped case as is) But for definate shorter size(you would have to check ram clearence) one of the ones I just mentioned might be a better fit.

I would still go with the Hyper, it may be tight, it may be huge as far as you see it, but it offers awesome performance considering its cost.
 
Mizugori said:
I think I provided more than enough info and plenty of people have been helping me just fine
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Mizugori,

If you took a minute to look through every previous build thread, there is a reason the same questions are asked of each person before seeking advice. You are no different and not special. It's not for fun, if you want to maximize your build, there are constraints and train of thoughts that go behind building a perfect system. Also just linking a item to newegg without the model or anything is a lot of work to be flipping back and forth to determine what you've picked and why. Just trying to help you buddy, you only get out of it what you put into it.
 
I don't need to read through previous threads to realize this, I have been on this board for years. I know how it works. I provided enough info to get the answers I need, and I got them. Plain and simple. There is no problem. If I was sitting here crying about not enough people helping me then it might be appropriate for you to step in and say ya know Mizu, you didn't provide enough info. But that's not the case.

Lots of people were able to work with what I provided and were very helpful to me and I'm thankful for that. Some people take forums way too seriously, to me it's just a FORUM for open dialogue. I post what's on my mind, other people respond, contribute, point out things I've missed, etc... It's not the LSATs there's no penalty if you don't get absolute every single i dotted and t crossed. I'm building a 1000 casual gaming rig not a kray super computer to calculate a cure for AIDs. Try to keep it in perspective. I got exactly what I needed and I appreciate all the help from everyone who helped me.

PrometheuSBoxeR said:
Mizugori,

If you took a minute to look through every previous build thread, there is a reason the same questions are asked of each person before seeking advice. You are no different and not special. It's not for fun, if you want to maximize your build, there are constraints and train of thoughts that go behind building a perfect system. Also just linking a item to newegg without the model or anything is a lot of work to be flipping back and forth to determine what you've picked and why. Just trying to help you buddy, you only get out of it what you put into it.
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well, if price is not so much an issue(I missed this) Corsair H in push/pull with different quieter fans, Some of the units, H60 H70, H80, H100, Antec Kuhler 620/920 or maybe even EVGA Superclock cpu cooler, NZXT Havik 120, ThermalRight AXP-140, or a full custom loop which you can build to the size you see fit :p

Now the hting with the H coolers is they are meant to be used in the back of the case where the exhuast fan would go, the H100 would go into the top of the case where the 2 top fans would be, the H100 is more or less overkill for anything but the Sandy-E X cpus or Bulldozer FX 8 core as these really pump alot of heat with overclocking, the Sandy 2500k gets nowhere near as hot, so therefore truly does not need as much cooling, H80 or one of the smaller units would work well, and if you go with the H50/H60/H70 as an example, you can "mod" it so it uses push/pull, it wouldnt look as nice, and the dimensions would be a little different, but you could get some wicked cooling with not to much noise paired up with quieter fans on these units that are meant to go in the back exhaust fan location.

Obviously the rad would require decent airflow and static pressures to get its best cooling, but there are tons of good fans that are quieter or many that offer significant airflow, H coolers I am not fond of, I like aircooling better(it works fine for my needs) but for you, the rad in the back or top of case might be fine, for me, I didnt like the concept :p
 
Mizugori said:
Some people take forums way too seriously, to me it's just a FORUM for open dialogue. I post what's on my mind, other people respond, contribute, point out things I've missed, etc... It's not the LSATs there's no penalty if you don't get absolute every single i dotted and t crossed
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Cool bro. You're definitely not taking them too seriously and over reacting to peoples suggestions.
 
Mizugori said:
I don't need to read through previous threads to realize this, I have been on this board for years. I know how it works. I provided enough info to get the answers I need, and I got them. Plain and simple. There is no problem. If I was sitting here crying about not enough people helping me then it might be appropriate for you to step in and say ya know Mizu, you didn't provide enough info. But that's not the case.

Lots of people were able to work with what I provided and were very helpful to me and I'm thankful for that. Some people take forums way too seriously, to me it's just a FORUM for open dialogue. I post what's on my mind, other people respond, contribute, point out things I've missed, etc... It's not the LSATs there's no penalty if you don't get absolute every single i dotted and t crossed. I'm building a 1000 casual gaming rig not a kray super computer to calculate a cure for AIDs. Try to keep it in perspective. I got exactly what I needed and I appreciate all the help from everyone who helped me.
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Enough info to get the answers you need? You're building a gaming computer, yet we don't even know what resolution you'll be playing at. Not to mention the games you'll be playing, and graphics settings you'd like to accomplish. How many monitors? Triple monitor setup? This is all relevant.

You talk about possibly watercooling your system. Will you be overclocking? Video cards? Some OC better than others, again.. all relevant. The list goes on, it's your money. I was just trying to help.

The point is, it's not about getting help, it's about getting the right help. A sales person would have a field day with you because you aren't asking the right questions and would be taken advantage of.

Do you live near a Microcenter? Do you actually like to save money? If a 70/100 is considered sufficient for you, great. Some of us including people like Danny Bui take everything into factor, and calculate for it. Everything is relative to your budget and goals. All to benefit you.
 
Mizugori said:
I think I provided more than enough info and plenty of people have been helping me just fine
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It's amazing how rude someone can be to someone who is trying to HELP them.

You are not entitled to free advice, so please treat others with respect.
 
PrometheuSBoxeR said:
Enough info to get the answers you need? You're building a gaming computer, yet we don't even know what resolution you'll be playing at. Not to mention the games you'll be playing, and graphics settings you'd like to accomplish. How many monitors? Triple monitor setup? This is all relevant.

You talk about possibly watercooling your system. Will you be overclocking? Video cards? Some OC better than others, again.. all relevant. The list goes on, it's your money. I was just trying to help.

The point is, it's not about getting help, it's about getting the right help. A sales person would have a field day with you because you aren't asking the right questions and would be taken advantage of.

Do you live near a Microcenter? Do you actually like to save money? If a 70/100 is considered sufficient for you, great. Some of us including people like Danny Bui take everything into factor, and calculate for it. Everything is relative to your budget and goals. All to benefit you.
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I think the part where I said I'm looking to spend about 1000 made it abundantly clear that this is not going to be triple-monitor setup or one of those rigs that can't even function at normal (lower) resolutions.

Honestly guys come on. I'm not wasting any more time explaining my reasoning here it's SO simple. A lot of people helped me and I got all the info I needed so clearly my thread was effective. I'm moving on to other threads now.
 
well, I do see what OP is saying, it doesnt seem like he was edging for a complex solution, just a gaming rig with a couple parts in regards to some options, kind of like a "give me the idea, then I will ask the questions" or point out some various options here.

However, I do agree with a few of the other posters in regards to being a little more clearly defined on the needs.

I suppose like OP said, going by the choose parts, most of the options were already chosen, so, it did narrow it down some, just a few things in regards to the cooling, power supply etc, more minor details then anything.

I guess, just be patient, we dont all ask quesitons in the same way nor need suggestions/directions the same either. Like anything there is 2 sides to every coin, in this one, should have been done as suggested to make the best recomendation, but OP said he is happy, thats what counts :)
 
Just another note on the cooler, if you wanted lower profile not huge, there is another option I noticed today beyond the few I have already pointed out Cooler Master GeminII M4 CPU Cooler, it does allow some overclocking headroom from the review I had seen elsewhere 4.2Ghz on a 2600k which is actually pretty decent.

So, for LP, Gemini II, Cooler Master GeminII M4 CPU Cooler, one of the H coolers, Noctua C12 P, C14, Scythe Big shuriken to name a few :)
 
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