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07-31-2012, 02:30 PM
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#1 |
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Member (6 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 36
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Upgrading / Rebuilding - Gaming Rig
So my HIS Radeon HD 5870 finally died after a history of fan troubles and I'm using it as an excuse to rebuild most of the rig. Trying to keep things under $1000, though if there's significant performance gains to be had I could see spending as much as $1250 or $1500.
What I've read makes it sounds like the 7870 is a great card but I'd like some feedback on which manufacturer's version to get or if another card would be more cost effective. I run a dual-monitor setup with a primary monitor at 1920x1200 and a secondary monitor at 900x1440 (portrait). Interested in running games at highest detail on the main monitor. As for other components, I think the only core component worth keeping is PSU - Corsair 650W My current CPU (a Core 2 Duo E8500) keeps up well enough but I definitely feel like it could be improved so I was thinking about: CPU - Intel Core i5-3450 which of course means upgrading to a new motherboard and new RAM. Currently considering Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws (2 x 4GB) DDR3 2133 And whatever graphics card I get I'll need to measure the inside of my case (a Raidmax Smilodon) because it was a tight fit with the 5870 and I can probably afford to have a roomier box with bigger fans, like: Case - Cooler Master Storm Enforcer Lastly, I've been running a 256 GB WD HDD for a few years now and I am done with being frustrated by a full disk drive. While I'm at it I've been thinking about getting a SSD for boot / games I run frequently but I'm curious just how fast a SSD is having never experienced a computer with one before. HDD - Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 7200RPM SSD - OCZ Agility 3 120GB SSD Last edited by miyamamo; 07-31-2012 at 05:16 PM. |
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07-31-2012, 04:46 PM
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#2 |
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Member (3 bit)
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 6
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I just completed a build with the i5 and couldn't be happier at this point.
If you are going for the i5, you might as well go for the unlocked 3570K Ivy Bridge for just a few extra dollars: Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K Which works very well with the Z77 chipset. I also recently got a Gigabyte and went with the UD5H WB WiFi, but that is $90 more that what you posted. Maybe consider the UD3H for $149: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128544 I would also consider a sink for the CPU. I went with Cooler Master V6 GT which is gigantic, but looks flipping awesome in that Storm Enforcer case: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER V6 GT RR-V6GT-22PK-R1 120mm DynaLoop CPU Cooler w/ Universal bracket & Dual Fan Some of the pros on this site like the Hyper 212 also. A little less flashy: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+ Of course if you get a great big heat sink, low profile RAM is a must. The Corsair Vengeance without the huge cooling fins works great. I got 16Gb of: Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B I also used the Storm Enforcer case and for the money, it is fantastic. With some extra wire ties, cable clutter is very managable with around 3/4 inch behind the MB tray. It is also very customizable as far as drive space is concerned and comes with a built in SSD cage. SSD boot drive is defintly the way to go. Boot times are FAST AS HELL. I think the pros are going to suggest Intel over Ocz though. Proven reliability is where it's at, and they are dropping prices in August. Maybe look at the 520 series OEM version. No cable or mounting kit included, but you don't need the kit with the Enforcer and your MB should come with a cable: Newegg.com - Intel 520 Series Cherryville SSDSC2CW120A310 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - Internal SSD As far as the GPU goes, I am at a loss because I am an idiot. I went with the GTX 560 Ti 2Gb X2 in SLI. This is mainly because I already had the one, so I got a second with my new build. I am sure there are way more cost effective choices for the money you are spending. I hope I am not spouting off inaccurate suggestions. If I am, I am sure the regulars will let me know about it. I do know I am happy with that Gigabyte, Ivy Bridge i5, and Corsair low profile combo. There is an incredible amount of potential in that build. Good Luck! Last edited by Dgrooves; 07-31-2012 at 04:52 PM. |
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