2nd Build - Gaming

[unholy]

I'm building myself a new system basically. Last time I was here was ~3.5 years ago(forgot my original username) It's technically my second build

Anyways, I'm looking to "rebuild my system" with a budget of around $550 or so. I'm doing this for two reasons. First off, I'm doing this largely because my motherboard just died on me and I'm tired of trying to fight with a 3yr old system.

I'm recycling my Hard drive (1.5TB) and I also have a 250GB that I can convert into an external eventually.

XFX ATI HD Radeon 5770 1GB to re-use
600W OCZ Gamexstream(i think) PSU
have a copy of Win7 Pro sitting on an .iso on my current external.
DVD burner/reader drive



CPU - Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760 - $210

Mobo - Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-H55-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $125

Memory - Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ - $90

Case - Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $80


Does anyone see any glaring issues with compatibility or things that I could do better with to save money? Would you recommend I get a new PSU to accommodate things? It seems to hold up quite well now, but not sure about power draw from the Intel i5 and the 5770.

What should I get for a CPU cooler as I've only ever used stock coolers before?


FWIW it's worth I'm coming off an MSI K9A2 board, AMD Athlon X2 5200+ system.

[orbrit]

Another option for Mobo would be a P55 chipset - especially as you already have a HD5770 GPU.
Look at the ASUS P7P55D-E LX for $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131634


G. Skill has has some QC issues recently, so probably best to stick with Corsair, Kingston or Crucial.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145218

600W is plenty for the i5-760 and HD 5770.

Stock cooler is fine if you don't plan on OCing.
If you want to OC, look at the CoolerMaster Hyper 212
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065

[Khalil]

Top notch CPU with a mid-low range video card for a gaming rig, makes no sense at all.
Read this post so you have a better understanding of how best to build a gaming rig!

Building a Gaming Rig 101

[orbrit]

He's not trying to build a rig from scratch - just update failed components and get the best bang for buck while doing it.

It's a tough choice - he already has a HD 5770 which is a decent card.
I guess another option would be to get a Crossfire capable motherboard and less CPU and buy another HD 5770.

If this is an option then go with the P7P55D Pro for Crossfire capability.
No point getting the P7P55D-E Pro, as you won't have enough PCIe lanes to run Crossfire and SATA 6GB/s or USB3.

[Khalil]

I would sell that 5770 on ebay and get an Asus/Diamond/HIS 5830 and forget the i5 and go with E7500 with a P45, there is no felt advantage what so ever with the i3/i5 over the LGA775 when it comes to gaming. Benchmarks might show it but humans are not benchmark machines.
Newegg.com - ASUS P5Q SE PLUS LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80571E7500
Good luck!

[orbrit]

Some games do need powerful CPUs, so we should probably ask, what games are you playing?
If it's only first person shooters then it's GPU all the way.

If you're looking at playing FFIXV or any newer DX11 games you will want to factor CPU into your decision.

[glc]

I'd be a bit concerned about trying to Crossfire a couple 5770's with a 600 watt OCZ. 600 watts is right at ATI's recommended minimum, and OCZ's haven't had the best quality record recently.

Khalil makes a good point, but in this case I'd go with the LX board and the 760 - if you have a need for a quad core. Otherwise, the i3-540 is a great little gaming processor. Look at replacing the 5770 later when it can't handle your games the way you want. Sure, a socket 775 will do the job, but it would essentially shut off any significant future upgrade possibility.

On an admin note - we don't allow multiple accounts. I'd be happy to help you try to re-establish the old one. PM me with the e-mail addresses you may have used with the old one and I'll see what I can find.

[unholy]

I've never used Crossfire/SLI so I'd like to stay away from that if I can. I've also been an AMD guy, so I know next to nothing about the current Intel CPU market.

What Orbrit said about building a new system while utilizing my older still working parts is exactly correct. Like I said I've mostly been an AMD guy, but I figured hey why not this time.

As far as the games that I play, I play a bit of everything.. Battlefield Bad Company 2, L4D2, CIV 4, Hearts of Iron 3 etc..

So I'm really flexible. All I know is that I want an new case as the current one I've got has seen better days. Also as far as PSU, It's a 3yr old PSU as well so I'm not sure if I'll want to update that too?

@ GLC, PM sent

[unholy]

Case/RAM Combo


Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-890GPA-UD3H AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX


A buddy of mine picked this out for me to purchase, but I thought I'd just run this by you guys over here at PCMech first too see what your opinions are on this.

Again, I'd still be using the 600W PSU and the XFX 5770 GFX card(Yes I know)

My concern with this however is how hot this could run. I've had troubles with temperatures before and would rather try to more proactive about this rather than reactive.

[orbrit]

If you're on a limited budget, why spend that much on a case.
G.Skill is not recommended at this point due to some QC issues.
Stick with Corsair, Kingston, Crucial.

Look at the ASUS equivalent of that board
Newegg.com - ASUS M4A89GTD PRO AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s ATX AMD Motherboard

That CPU will game just fine. Bottleneck will still be the 5770 but it's still a pretty good card.

[unholy]

In that case, this would work no?

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

I know ASUS is decent if not probably the best as far as boards go, but something keeps drawing me towards the Gigabyte boards for some reason. Not sure why

Then I'd just have to pick out a case, any recommendations there? I currently have an Antec 900 that's seen MUCH better days.. At one point, I dropped it while unloading it and it's all marked up. Cracked the plastic window as well. (Thankfully I had pulled everything out to test components for a friend)

I'd like to have some LEDs, but I don't want it to be super loud like my Antec 900 is/used to be

Something like this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112250

[unholy]

So I finally was able to find an older PSU and GFX card to test my system with and it boots first time. Turned from dead mobo to dead psu. Saved myself a ton of $$$ as now I only have to replace the PSU!

I figure I get that since the 650W is only $10 cheaper if I factor in the rebates. Plus it gives me room to upgrade a lot.

Since that frees up $$$, I was looking at getting a 64bit version of Win7(copy I have is 32) but I'm unsure about the way it is sold on newegg

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems

Or do I need to get the Full version(this will be a complete fresh install) Not sure what they mean by the OEM or what not?

[David M]

OEM means it is intended for custom builders or for owner installation onto factory computers. More important, OEM means its less expensive but you get no customer support from Microsoft. You can buy a retail version that's packaged in the box with customer support from Microsoft, but it is more expensive

If you are going to reinstall from scratch, then get the full 64 bit version of Win7.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...201-Pack%20for

I like reinstalling from scratch because you start out with a clean slate. You are not dragging any sort of garbage over from the previous OS. The downside is you have to back up your files which has to be done anyways.

Or you may want to get the Home Premium version if you do not need these additional features....
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...oducts/compare

[glc]

Don't waste your money on Full - the OEM is all you need.

[David M]

I was not recommending the full version for him. I was mentioning the alternatives. But wouldn't that depend on the type of user? If it's someone that is not familiar with computers then with the full retail version they would be getting customer support, right? Not that they couldn't get it here.

[Nikon]

basicly, here is the breakdown:

if you feel comfortable troublshooting and fixing your own software problems, and compatability problems, go with the OEM version. this also has the limitation of only being useable one ONE pc, it is not transferable, meaning you cannot change the mobo specificly.

if you dont feel comfortable,or may change the mobo, get the full version.

the only difference is the support and only on one pc

[glc]

it is not transferable, meaning you cannot change the mobo specificly.

This is NOT necessarily true. This copy of OEM XP Pro is now on its 4th motherboard.

[David M]

When you talk to tech support in Bhopal, tell them you had to change the motherboard on your computer or the hard drive or whatever. They have given me a break each time I asked. Never say you are moving your OS to another computer.

[glc]

I haven't had to call once - it's reactivated online every time.

[unholy]

Okay, well i went with the Win7 Pro - OEM

as I'm fairly confident in my abilities as far as software goes. however, by using this I'm only getting the actual key for it correct(not a physical disc)? I'll have to download a .iso from their website or something from what I've read through the reviews on Newegg?

And like David M said, I can always come here as I still have my laptop that I'm using now.

[glc]

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems

This package contains a DVD and an installation key.