BD Ready Gaming Build 8/22

[xBiffx]

So I would like to upgrade now rather than wait for BD to release in a month or so. I am building this system with the idea that I will just drop in a new 8 core BD towards the very end of the year/beginning of next year.

Edited based on comments

AMD Build

Motherboard
ASUS Sabertooth 990FX
Processor
AMD Phenom II X4 840 3.2GHz (instead of x6 1100T)
Memory
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
Graphics Card
EVGA SuperClocked GeForce GTX 560 Ti (instead of GTX 570)
Case
Antec Three Hundred
Power Supply
Antec EarthWatts 650W
Hard Drive
Western Digital 1TB 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s (instead of SSD)
BD-ROM Drive
LG 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Drive

Total comes to $864.38


More suggested Intel Build

Motherboard
Gigabyte Z68
Processor
Intel Core i-5 2500K 3.3GHz
Memory
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
Graphics Card
EVGA SuperClocked GeForce GTX 560 Ti (instead of GTX 570)
Case
Antec Three Hundred
Power Supply
Antec EarthWatts 650W
Hard Drive
Western Digital 1TB 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s (instead of SSD)
BD-ROM Drive
LG 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Drive

Total comes to $954.38

Keep in mind the AMD Build will have a new BD 8 core processor so its processor is temporary for a few months.
Please let the comments fly. I have zero feelings and you won't hurt me if you tell me to go 2500k or wait for BD outright. I do love AMD and think Intel is overpriced but that won't stop me.

 

[Ken g6]

To begin with, please answer the rest of the 10 questions in [thread=80121]the stickied thread[/thread]. For instance, what do you want to use this build for?

Also, just curious: you say you "love AMD"; why did you go for nVIDIA then?

 

[Crap Daddy]

So, you drop 190$ today on a CPU that's around 40% weaker in gaming than a 220$ CPU (i5-2500K) and then in a few months time you'll buy another CPU which will be at least another 200$ to hopefully match the performance on that 220$ CPU. That's cool.

 

[mnewsham]

Intel is overpriced but you are buying a CPU that costs 190 bucks that gives a LOT less performance then the intel offering at 220 bucks? Are you serious? You then want to buy a new CPU in a few months that could potentially cost more and has no indications that it will be faster then this 220 dollar intel offering.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Intel > AMD currently and will always be.

AMD's BD probably wont be able to beat Intel's SB and IB :/ sorry man

 

[mfenn]

So, you drop 190$ today on a CPU that's around 40% weaker in gaming than a 220$ CPU (i5-2500K) and then in a few months time you'll buy another CPU which will be at least another 200$ to hopefully match the performance on that 220$ CPU. That's cool.

This.

Intel is overpriced but you are buying a CPU that costs 190 bucks that gives a LOT less performance then the intel offering at 220 bucks? Are you serious? You then want to buy a new CPU in a few months that could potentially cost more and has no indications that it will be faster then this 220 dollar intel offering.

And this.

OP, you are spending a combined total of $380 on the AMD mobo and CPU. You can get an ASRock Z68 Pro3 and i5 2500K for $340.

As for the rest of the build:
- RAM: Overpriced. You can get G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB for $40.
- GPU: Overpriced. You can get a GTX 570 for $275 AR.
- PSU: The CX600 is decent but EA-650 is a better PSU and only $55
- SSD : You couldn't pay me to take an OCZ SSD right now. Luckily, you can get another Sandforce SF-2281 SSD like the Mushkin Chronos for $200.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

+1 to mfenn

 

[xBiffx]

Thanks a bunch for the input. I was awaiting the Intel > AMD responses. I anticipated this as it is the logical answer. Its been a long while since I went with Intel but your arguments are all true. I can definitely reconfigure and see what the bottom line comes to. As for the GPU, I know that Radeon = AMD but not im my book. I don't care who owns them, I still will go with an NVIDIA. I have never, ever bought ATI and I never plan to. Now if its being given away, thats another story.

Again, thanks for all the input, I agree with everything concerning the Intel/AMD debate.

 

[xBiffx]

I was just looking to reconfigure and found this combo deal. Seems awesomely priced.

 

[Ken g6]

Doesn't look like a particularly good deal to me. I'm sure I could put together a better system...if I knew what you wanted the system for.

Please answer the rest of the 10 questions in [thread=80121]the stickied thread[/thread]!

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Please answer the rest of the 10 questions in [thread=80121]the stickied thread[/thread]!

YESSSSSSSSSS:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[xBiffx]

1. PC Gaming will be the main task for this build. I play games like LoL, HoN, COD#, CS, I want to be able to play the new Battlefield.

2. My budget is about $1200. Max would be $1500 but if I could get it more like $1000, even better.

3. I will be buying parts in US.

4. Brand preference is AMD but this has already been discussed about. Intel is fine.

5. I will not be reusing any parts. Everything new, complete system.

6. I have searched similar threads and really I was trying to build a BD ready system but you can see from the above posts this is not an economical or logical way to go.

7. I don't plan on overclocking right away but eventually I would like to get some better cooling and overclock to the 4Ghz range.

8. I play all games at 1920x1080.

9. I plan on building system within the next month.

10. Already indicated in OP that I have zero feelings. Just try and keep it above the belt.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

i5 2500K
z68 mobo
8gb 1333 1.5v ram
1tb spinpoint
any case
gtx 560ti or 6950 2 gb
500~600 watt psu
SSD?
monitor..?

 

[Blue Shift]

If you're dead set on using this as a drop-in BD build, why not go with something a lot cheaper than the 1100T? Any AM3 processor will do; just check the Bench to see if it offers playable framerates across the board.

 

[xBiffx]

Thanks for the info Yamamoto..very helpful indeed.

I still have a few questions. First is, what is the major difference between this Z68 and this Z68? I am inclined to go with the second one but need to know what the difference is first.

Also, seems like I see people going with 1333 RAM rather than 1600 RAM. Is there a benefit to the 1600 or is it really pointless? I found this RAM and it seems like a pretty good deal although its 1600.

I think I will wait on SSD right now. Its too much $/GB still and it seems like there are still issues unless someone can convince me otherwise. I would go with a minimum 120GB for OS and games.

Sorry, forgot to mention I have two 24" monitors already.


Edited OP to reflect comments. Please let me know now what you think

 

[Ken g6]

Thanks for the info Yamamoto..very helpful indeed.

I still have a few questions. First is, what is the major difference between this Z68 and this Z68? I am inclined to go with the second one but need to know what the difference is first.

The part codes tell the story. One board is "UD4", ultra durability level 4. While I'm not really sure how the board is better than UD3, or D2, Gigabyte wants you to think it is made with better quality components. The other board is "UD3H", the next quality level down, but with HDMI output on the board. You don't need HDMI output on the board - you're getting one or more GPUs. So go for the UD4; or a cheaper board if you want to.

Also, seems like I see people going with 1333 RAM rather than 1600 RAM. Is there a benefit to the 1600 or is it really pointless? I found this RAM and it seems like a pretty good deal although its 1600.

Higher memory speed has no effect on gaming.

Edit: Try this memory instead.

I think I will wait on SSD right now. Its too much $/GB still and it seems like there are still issues unless someone can convince me otherwise. I would go with a minimum 120GB for OS and games.

Sounds like a good plan. Games, once loaded in memory, aren't affected by an SSD.

 

[Meghan54]

Just too bad you don't have a Microcenter nearby.

 

[xBiffx]

Just too bad you don't have a Microcenter nearby.

I don't but I am going to STL for Labor Day weekend and there is one in Brentwood. Very tempting to drop the cash then. So what say you now?

 

[Ken g6]

I say you should get the processor there, as long as it's on that sale, but probably not much else. I have one a couple hours' drive away, and when there a couple years back I asked about returns. If anything went wrong with what you bought there, you'd have to drive back to return it - unless you have a friend in STL who could return it for you?

 

[mnewsham]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231422

cheaper RAM, the RAM you picked is stupid because it costs more and gets in the way of the HSF.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

whenever i see the OP's avatar picture, i laugh xD

cheaper, generic ram is the best type of ram

 

[Patrick Wolf]

SSD's are worth it. Though it's fine if you want to wait awhile for prices to come down a little.

I'd go with this memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220570

And if you want to overclock a better HS/F is recommended. The AMD build isn't worth it; would cost you more to upgrade to BD later than just getting a 2500K now. Plus it's very unlikely BD will be a better gaming chip.

 

[mfenn]

The part codes tell the story. One board is "UD4", ultra durability level 4. While I'm not really sure how the board is better than UD3, or D2, Gigabyte wants you to think it is made with better quality components. The other board is "UD3H", the next quality level down, but with HDMI output on the board. You don't need HDMI output on the board - you're getting one or more GPUs. So go for the UD4; or a cheaper board if you want to.

Agree. OP, why are you willing to waste money on a fancy mobo but insist in getting a lesser GPU?

Higher memory speed has no effect on gaming.

Edit: Try this memory instead.

:thumbsup:

 

[xBiffx]

Agree. OP, why are you willing to waste money on a fancy mobo but insist in getting a lesser GPU?



:thumbsup:

Who is insisting on a lesser GPU? Seems to me like the GTX 560 Ti is just fine. I don't see the point in paying $100 more for the 570. And that motherboard is currently $159 which isn't a waste. I never skimp on a MB because, like the PSU what is the point of loading everything on a cheap second rate item. I have been burned in the past trying to save a few bucks on a MB.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

A more expensive board doesn't mean you'll have 0 problems. I bought the Z68X-UD4 and it suffered from the infamous boot loop issue until it died after 12 days. Plus those lazy idiots didn't implement a GUI BIOS like every other vendor. Frankly, Gigabyte's 1155 boards aren't that good when compared to the competition. If you don't plan on SLI/CF the ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 would be a solid choice.

I actually got my P8Z68-V Pro for $150 open box from newegg and it came with all accessories. They have one in stock now actually for $160. It's a great board, far nicer than the UD4.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16813131730R

Lastly, this is a gaming build and you play at a relatively high resolution. Get the best GPU you can. The 570 is better than the 560 Ti and that's all there is to it.