Looking for New PC Input!

[ScoJoh]

Ok, here's the deal!

Over the past 5 years or so (I know, 5 years is an eternity of difference in the hardware world), I've really gotten away from knowing much about hardware unfortunately!!!

My job completely focuses around software development and support around CAD architecture... so when it comes to trying to build a new pc.... I've found myself utterly lost, and with time being nil... what with family etc (getting old sucks if you want to stay a gamer and still keep your family!!), I haven't been able to get the time to figure out what's what in the hardware world these days!

So, I'm looking to replace my current PC (AMD Athlon 64 3500+, Nvidia 8600, 2GB Ram) with something that will turn the games I'm trying to play into streamlined and beautiful! (currently everything new that I get that actually runs requires me to run at minimum vid settings (although I'm impressed with how good Arkum Asylum looked at minimum settings!)

So I need some advice hardware wise of my next PC. Spending Limit? I probably won't go over 1500 (although I would if my wife wouldn't notice a huge jump on the CC bill!), but that's not set and hard in place!

I'm definitely looking toward a quad core or better, as my work system is a quad and it screams. Although it's a work station so it's running a Quadro Card. Ram wise the more and faster the better, I figure minimum 6GB?

Idears?

[chuck462]

Howdy, I'm in the same boat as you.

I'd look at this Mobo, they were just restocked on Newegg: Asus Sabertooth P67 (been out of stock for over a week at least, and popped up last night =) )
Newegg.com - ASUS SABERTOOTH P67 (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Get the Intell B2600 or B2600K CPU

Those two will put you around $500, leaving you 1000 in your budget for a good video card, 8GB memory, PSU, HDD, Case and OS. Should be easy to stay under 1000 for those items unless you go overboard on the GPU.

[ScoJoh]

Awesome!!! Thanks!!

So.... what's the difference between the 2600 and 2600K? I've looked at the specs on New Egg and can't see any difference?

Also, anyone have a recommendation on Vid Card?

[birddog_61]

If your not going to get into overclocking then just get the 2600, the 2600k has unlocked core's for overclocking and it has better on board graphics. Since you won't be using on board graphics it comes down to if you want to OC or not. If your going to be using this for gaming mostly then you would be fine with the i5 2500 which is a little cheaper but games just as well as the 2600, you could take the extra and pocket it or put it on the graphics card that needs to be the focal point of a gaming rig. What resolutions are you planing on gaming at, and how many monitors are you going to be running?

[ScoJoh]

On my current system I set the res typically to about 1200 x 760 or so (I think that's it anyway) although I could go higher, but quite a few of the games i'm running are newer so I figure turning the res down helps up my performance with my aging hardware. I'm not picky on resolution currently... but if I had a powerhouse that could change :-)

I only have one Monitor and probably will continue with only one. It's a 24" HDMI that my standard desktop res is 1920 x 1200.

That's the monitor i'll be keeping. I find an old CRT to put on the old system so the kids have a little somethin to play on :-)

Thanks for the info on the processors, I'll take the i5 into consideration, especially if it means I"ll be able to get a higher end vid card.

[David M]

Originally Posted by birddog_61 If your not going to get into overclocking then just get the 2600, the 2600k has unlocked core's for overclocking and it has better on board graphics. Since you won't be using on board graphics it comes down to if you want to OC or not. If your going to be using this for gaming mostly then you would be fine with the i5 2500 which is a little cheaper but games just as well as the 2600, you could take the extra and pocket it or put it on the graphics card that needs to be the focal point of a gaming rig. What resolutions are you planing on gaming at, and how many monitors are you going to be running?

The K's have unlocked multipliers.

[ScoJoh]

Ok, here's what I got thus far:
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...px?ID=13631631

EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P3-1563-AR GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support ...

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS-324-98B

ASUS SABERTOOTH P67 (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL

I know I still need a case and power supply.... Case is probably an easy choice once I start looking, but when kinda power supply would I need? I know some parts spec'ed are lower than what the main board supports, which is fine, I'm kinda stuck between wanting a powerhouse monster and not having the financial means to do so... so I figure for now, spec some things I can afford and upgrade later! My last system I maxed out the potential for growth on the main board when I bought it, so there's no upgrading that fellow!

[David M]

Enough to power one GTX 560...
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Enough to power two cards for future expansion...
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

[ScoJoh]

Ok, I updated things!

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...px?ID=13631631

I added:
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm ...

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible ...

Grand total (not including shipping) is: 1107.91

Anything I'm missing? Or need to change/update etc? Input and recommendations most welcome!

[UpOnAHill]

I think you want 64 bit Windows 7 if you're going to run 4 gigs of RAM or more. Thats just according to this. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

Sorry, I shouldn't give advice as I'm a newbie, but I look at other threads just to learn what is best for me too.

[ScoJoh]

You are 100% Correct!!! I failed to even look at the 32/64 bit aspect of things on that!!!! I'm used to having both 32bit and 64bit discs available in the same box here where I work!!! Ouch that would have really sucked!!!

Thanks for pointing it out!

[UpOnAHill]

It would make sense to have 32/64 in the same box. No problem though!

[chuck462]

From previous suggestions on other threads, I'd get rid of the G-skill memory and go with Corsair, Kindston or A-data.

[ScoJoh]

Ok, for 15 bucks more I found this from Corsair.... Good option/upgrade?

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

[ScoJoh]

I gotta be honest... last time I build a PC (5+ years ago) there wasn't so many different types of RAM!!! You got PCXXXX whatever and you were good to go as long as your Mobo supported that particular PCXXXX type!!! Now I'm seeing Timings and Latency etc and while I know it was there before, it usually wasn't a big deal..... Is it still not a big deal or does all that really really matter???

[David M]

Some of what you are seeing is RAM meant for the overclockers market.

These days basic RAM for new computers is going to be DDR3, 1.5 volt 1333 or 1600 without big heat sinks or mentions of tight timings. This is the most reliable type of RAM.

[Deathdiesel]

Agreed with whats been said above, you could probably do with DDR3 1333 RAM, and pocket the rest, 1600 is meant for OC. Corsair is a good brand. Also what games do you plan on playing? Because if you wanted you could always grab a better GPU considering your under budget.

[David M]

Many boards now natively clock 1600 RAM which requires that the user do nothing.

[Deathdiesel]

Originally Posted by David M Many boards now natively clock 1600 RAM which requires that the user do nothing.

Yeah, but isnt it a bit overkill? Or am i wrong? I know that most moderns like the p67 set run 1600 stock.

[David M]

Well...if the RAM is designed to be stable at 1600 and the board clocks it at 1600 automatically with no fuss then it's not an overclock by definition....right? Overclock traditionally is when something is pushed past its design parameters..right? I think engineers are now setting the capabilities high and the starting point low so they can make and call something overclockable....which sells more.

I don't really know for sure.

[ScoJoh]

I looked for 1333 Ram and can't find to many listing for Corsair... most of what I found was GSkill... and the Corsair ram I did find, was only a few dollars cheaper than what I listed before, so I figure for 15 bucks, give me overkill is that's indeed what it is :-)

I think (if I'm not missing anything essential, and I don't think I am) once I get final approval from the wife (this'll be about half of our income tax refund!!) I'll be placing the order!! (once the P67 MoBo is back in stock......)

[David M]

This is what you want, times two.....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-322-_-Product

I don't see any 2 x 4GB kits available.

[ScoJoh]

Oh there ya go!! Thanks! I was looking for a 2 x 4gb kit indeed! That'll actually be a little cheaper!

[glc]

Ram:

Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

Hard drive:

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

[ScoJoh]

Done!

I added the WC Black... Little more expensive, but from my reading, it looks really good! Man.... long gone are the days when the only difference between HDD was how much storage they had! So... where can I go to find out what all this Blue, Green, Black thing is??

Also, thanks for the memory! With the rebate (if I can order it sooner than later) it'll be cheaper than the other ram I had in there and should make up the difference between the old drive and the new one!

hopefully that MoBo come in stock soon.... (also still shmoozin the wife on the new pc issue!)

[glc]

Blue = mainstream drive, 3 year warranty
Green = low power optimized drive, 3 year warranty, good for storage.
Black = premium drive, 5 year warranty, optimized for speed.

[ScoJoh]

Thanks GLC!!!! That helps and explains a whole lot!

[Deathdiesel]

Originally Posted by David M Well...if the RAM is designed to be stable at 1600 and the board clocks it at 1600 automatically with no fuss then it's not an overclock by definition....right? Overclock traditionally is when something is pushed past its design parameters..right? I think engineers are now setting the capabilities high and the starting point low so they can make and call something overclockable....which sells more. I don't really know for sure.

I know the issues been resolved, but, i think you misinterpreted what i was saying/i worded it wrongly. I meant 1600 is mainly meant for overclockers/overclocking because of the higher speed, and is slightly unnessecary for general purposes when 1333 is cheaper and does just as good for most applications. Maybe im wrong, just thought id clarify.

[ScoJoh]

Ok, final build and if all plays out right I'll be submitting the order either tonight or tomorrow night!!!

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan
Newegg.com - Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan

ASUS SABERTOOTH P67 (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - ASUS SABERTOOTH P67 (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

EVGA 01G-P3-1563-A1 GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) Maximum Graphics Edition Crysis 2 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1563-A1 GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) Maximum Graphics Edition Crysis 2 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500
Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136533

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer
Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer

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

Final recommendations and input welcome!

[glc]

Only change I might suggest is get an -AR series EVGA card instead of that -A1. The AR's have a lifetime warranty and also qualify for EVGA's trade-up program.