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Attention Mid-Range System Builders - Updated 08/01/2015

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Dannar26 said:
Would the current setup tolerate RAM with a slightly higher voltage?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104173

1.65v instead of 1.5v?
Click to expand...

Will it explode? No. Is 1.65V out of spec? Yes.

I would pass on that RAM since its out of spec and $58 is too much to be paying for 8GB of DDR3 1600 CAS 9. You can get 8GB of Crucial Ballistix LP DDR3 1600 1.35V CAS9 for $44.

bovinda said:
Just want to add some props for this thread. Great job mfenn. Thanks for this. It's a great resource. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Thanks! :awe:
 
mfenn said:
Will it explode? No. Is 1.65V out of spec? Yes.

I would pass on that RAM since its out of spec and $58 is too much to be paying for 8GB of DDR3 1600 CAS 9. You can get 8GB of Crucial Ballistix LP DDR3 1600 1.35V CAS9 for $44.
Click to expand...

I only ask because it's what I have in my current set up. I think I got it for much cheaper than it is now.

As usual, thank you Mfenn, master hunter-gatherer of computer components!
 
New update. Some deals on the CPU and PSU are gone, but the 650TX V2 is good at $50. I swapped the SSD to the 840 now that it has had a chance to prove itself, and the 200R remains a fantastic deal at $35 AR.
 
New update, the 200R is back and we've got a Capstone Gold modular PSU in there. Also the Dark Knight II is $35, which is a great deal!
 
Just a quick post to say THANKS! to mfenn for an awesome sticky. It was highly beneficial and a great starting point to putting my parts list together. 🙂
 
Skyrim can put a 7970 to its knees though, when using mods. With my OC'd 7950, I often get only 40-50 fps using ultra settings no MSAA, 2K textures, and Skyrim Enhanced Shaders ENB. If using uGridstoLoad=7 instead of the default 5, that's another 5 fps off.

Also, FYI, you will have to use an FPS limiter (set to 59 or 60) to smooth out Skyrim with a 7970, and I don't just mean vertical sync. Skyrim Enhanced Shaders ENB has an in-built fps limiter, but you can also use MSI afterburner or Dxtory.
 
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New build, only minor changes and price adjustments. I will mention that if you don't mind splitting up the order, you can get the i5 3570K for $214 from SuperBiiz with coupon code MELTDOWN.
 
When I check the site for the deal on RAM I'm not seeing the notice for free RAM anymore... do you know if this is just temporary or if the deal is over?
 
It's over cos none of the other boards that used to have that promo have it anymore.

For a build with a single GPU board I'd rather have a Gold 550W than a Bronze 650W given the same cost and quality. Besides the TX650 only has two PCIe connectors anyway.

However I'd change the board to an MSI Z77A-G45 with SLI/CF support and better CPU power delivery for less cost ($107 AR AP). To complete the dual GPU package means +$15 for a Capstone 650-M, unless you can find a better deal
 
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LightField said:
When I check the site for the deal on RAM I'm not seeing the notice for free RAM anymore... do you know if this is just temporary or if the deal is over?
Click to expand...

Yeah it's probably over. I'll do a new build tomorrow that takes into account the latest pricing.
 
New build, the biggest change is that the GPU is back at the GTX 670. 7970's have risen to $400, which doesn't seem like a good deal any more. You could swap the GPU out for one and still be at the same price as last week's build though.
 
Nydomos said:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231460
This RAM has 15% off promo code until 3/7
Click to expand...

Not bad, but it's still $50 AP. That a good bit to be paying for DDR3 1866 when the performance benefits of faster RAM are only very slight on Sandy Bridge and newer.

Nydomos said:
What features does the Asrock z77 Extreme 4 have over the Pro3?
The Extreme 4 has 8+4 Phase power, the Pro 3 has 4+1 phase. Does that mean it OCs better?
Click to expand...

Does it OC better? In the absolute sense, probably. Will you notice the difference on midrange coolers? Probably not.

The Extreme4 does have a bunch of other features over the Pro3 like x8/x8 PCIe configuration, eSATA, 2 more USB 3.0 ports and two more SATA 6Gb/s ports. However, it costs $45 (50%) more than the Pro3, so it's not worth it unless you need one of those extra features.
 
I've updated my little sub-guide to include a brief lesson on PSU efficiency. The gist of it is this: going from 80 Plus Bronze to Gold isn't worthwhile unless your electricity costs are above $0.35 KWh or the Bronze is only $40 less than the Gold unit--it takes more than the warrantied lifetime of the unit (assuming up to 7 years) to break even.
 
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New build posted. I've done the usual PSU, case, HDD shuffle. The big change is that the 7970 3GB is back now that it's well below $400 again. I now know how much you guys love that card! :awe:
 
thx mfenn, love the 7970. err, does newegg watch this thread (xD), the 7970 is up to $400 after rebate.
 
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