Best Bang For My Buck

[Net]

Need:

1. intel cpu
2. mobo
3. ram (unless the system fits DDR3 1600, then I don't need ram)
4. heatsink/fan

Do I overclock: medium. i'd like to have it super fast stock, but if i can get a certain combo that can be faster by overclocking then yes.

Current Parts:

1. Corsair 850watts TX
2. Antec 300 case
3. Geforce GTX 660
4. Kingston Hyperx 8GB DDR3 1600
5. 120GB SSD

What do I do:

1. Software development ( I like my compiling to be instant. )
2. Mild gaming (nothing that a gtx 660 can't handle)
3. I usually have a development ide up (eclipse EE), music, several browsers, and a few other apps up. I like my experience with applications to be instant.

Budget: $500

 

[mfenn]

Yes, you can use your current RAM, though you might want to buy some more of the same model to get to 16GB.

As for the rest, I would do:

Xeon E3-1230 V2 $240
ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP $80
Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600 8GB $45
Xigmatek Dark Knight II $35
Total: $400

 

[Net]

thanks. i found a really good prices at microcenter on an i7 3770k.

i7 3770k $224
asus p8z77-v lk lga $124
noctua nh-14 $80 (at newegg)

decided to keep my other 8gb of kingston hyperx for a total of 16GB

planning on picking it up tomorrow evening. thoughts?

 

[Sleepingforest]

So you actually live near a Microcenter? That's the only way to get that deal. You probably don't want to get a Noctua; the Xigmatek Dark Knight mfenn posted will do nearly as well for less than half the cost.

 

[Net]

I do, nice thing too is that it was another $40 off since they are running a combo on that setup plus $15 mail in rebate

The Xigmatek Dark Knight looks good. I'd get it if I was getting another but I'm leaning more towards eking the most overclock I can out of the 3770k since its a k version.

 

[Eureka]

I do, nice thing too is that it was another $40 off since they are running a combo on that setup plus $15 mail in rebate

The Xigmatek Dark Knight looks good. I'd get it if I was getting another but I'm leaning more towards eking the most overclock I can out of the 3770k since its a k version.

The $80 cooler doesn't give you a huge amount of headroom over a $20 cooler. You have another 10°C of cooling.

And to be honest, the 3770K will most likely hit a voltage peak rather than a temperature peak. 10°C isn't enough to get the kind of crazy overclocks you'd like by cranking up the voltage.

I'd get a Hyper 212+ for $20 on Newegg when it's on sale. Put the $60 towards something else, you won't really see that difference.

 

[mfenn]

thanks. i found a really good prices at microcenter on an i7 3770k.

i7 3770k $224
asus p8z77-v lk lga $124
noctua nh-14 $80 (at newegg)

decided to keep my other 8gb of kingston hyperx for a total of 16GB

planning on picking it up tomorrow evening. thoughts?

If you're near an MC, then you should get the i5 3570K + Z77 Pro3 for $225. Much better deal than the i7 3770K.