Build Advice for a 2nd time builder

[napes22]

I'm looking to upgrade from my current PC which is about 6 years old at this point (see my sig). I've been having trouble with overheating as of late, and my I've reached the end of the upgrade path for AM2.

I'm looking at building a Core i5, but trying to keep the prices down as much as I can. Any suggestions on how to bring the price down without sacrificing quality? I figure I'd continue to use my ATI HD4850 video card unless i see a really good deal on Cyber Monday. Right now based on rebates and shopping around I can get the below for $850 total.

Case: Corsair 600T (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139007)
Motherboard: GigaByte GA-Z68XP-UD4 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128507)
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K 3.3GHz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072)
Power Supply: Corsair HX750 Modular 750Watt (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139010)
SSD HD : Crucual M4 128GB (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148442)
RAM: G.Skill Sniper Low Voltage 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231461)

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. Gaming / General everyday use
2. What YOUR budget is. Anywhere from $700 - $900
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. US
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. Intel processors, motherboard not Asus (too many problems in the past)
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts. HD4850 IceQ and Hard Drives
6. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system. Default for now, but I'd like the option to OC.
7. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with. 1650 x 1050
8. WHEN do you plan to build it? By end of year

 

[Zap]

Here are working links. Pricing includes shipping but does not include taxes (if any) or rebates (if any). I've included my comments.

Corsair 600T case $160
Expensive. I know part of it is that you have to like how it looks, but consider that a $160 case does nothing for your computer (as you have specified) that a $60 case cannot. That extra $100 can go towards a graphics card upgrade. Alternatives:
Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W $80
Rosewill Destroyer $55
Cooler Master Storm Scout $70

Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 motherboard $185
On the expensive side, but might be worth it. Plenty of cheaper motherboards in the $100-150 range that overclocks just as well.

Core i5-2500K $225
Good.

Corsair HX750 PSU $156
Good but way expensive and overkill. The first thing is that unless you go multiple GPUs, your configured rig does not need more than around 500W even with a (single) graphics card upgrade. The second thing is that you don't want a "crap" power supply, but you also don't need "the best" since for most people it adds zero tangible value to a computer over any other "not crap" PSU. The third thing is that if you buy the right capacity PSU, you won't have that many extra cables (maybe just one or two extra strands) so paying extra for modular cables doesn't add much value. Antec Neo Eco or HCG series are great values and very decent quality, as is the Earthwatts. Just choose the cheapest one at 500W or more.

Crucial M4 128GB $210
Good. Might want to look up some deals for this. Alternates are any Sandforce 2200 series drives now that firmware problems have probably been fixed. There are some of those drives from Corsair and OCZ available lately for well under $200 for 120GB. Alternatives:
Plextor PX-M2P 128GB $185 (uses same Marvell controller as Crucial M4)
OCZ Agility 3 120GB $150 after rebate (Sandforce 2200 controller)
Corsair Force Series 3 120GB $170 (Sandforce 2200 controller, cheaper than OCZ if you don't do rebates)

G.Skill Sniper 8GB dual channel DDR3-1600 1.25v $45
Good. I wouldn't pay too much extra for special RAM, but this is pretty much what any RAM (without rebates) is going for these days, so may as well.

 

[lehtv]

Patriot 8GB 1600 $30 AR

If I were you I'd take Zap's advice and spend less on the case, motherboard and PSU, and buy a new GPU and/or monitor.

 

[fastamdman]

Case: Should get something cheaper.
Motherboard: AMAZING mobo, but a ud3 would suffice you well too.
CPU: Perfect
Power Supply: Get something cheaper, like a tx650 or 750 v2
SSD HD : Great ssd
RAM: Good ram but you can find cheaper.

 

[napes22]

Great advice guys thanks.

Motherboard: I was hoping to get something to be as future proof as possible, but if a UD3 or even the ASRock that I've seen on the boards for $100 would suffice I'd go that rout. It looks like with a Rebate I can get the Gigabyte UD3P for $150

PSU: I have a 520W but it's 6 years old, and I'd rather get a new one to prevent any damage to my new parts. I'll take a look at what's out there by Antec or others.

Case: The main reason I liked the Corsair was for the built in fan control, wire management and air flow. Specifically how you can remove the 2nd drive bay to create a direct flow of air from the intake to the Video card. It's definitely pricey, but I can also get it for 129.99 AR on Amazon.

CPU: Should I invest in an aftermarket cooler? I'm not looking to OC right now, but it would be a nice option in the future.

Any advice from others would be welcomed and much appreciated!

 

[fastamdman]

The ud3p is a waste, just get the ud3. I don't like asrock from personal experiences so I would go with the gigabyte ud3. I actually have one for sale in the classies, using it now and LOVE it.

Corsair makes GREAT psu's, but I would go with there tx650 or tx750 . Hell you could run a cx500 and be fine too.

The cooler A LOT of people run is the 25.00 hyper 212+. I am using it now and temps stay VERY low.

If you are not going to overclock, don't buy a 2500k or a cooler. If you will overclock, get the 2500k and a cooler. Otherwise its a waste. There is NO reason not to o/c, all 2500k's can do 4.5ghz with ease.

 

[mfenn]

Overall, I agree with Zap. I would definitely go for the Z68 Pro3 and one of the less expensive cases.

The most glaring thing about the OP is the combination of, "1. What YOUR PC will be used for. Gaming / General everyday use" and "I figure I'd continue to use my ATI HD4850". The biggest difference in gaming performance is going to be gotten by upgrading the GPU. Use the money saved on the case and mobo to get yourself a 6870.

 

[napes22]

Would I notice that much of a decrease in performance if I opted for the 64GB M4 to save myself $90 on the SSD and use my 150GB Raptor to store all program files? The Plextor PX-M2P Series that was mentioned by Zap looked like a good option at 128GB.

This is what I'm looking at now based on feedback (all prices include tax, shipping and rebates):

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3 $135 @ Newegg (The UD4 price went down to $155 after rebate, so it may be worth getting still)
CPU: Intel i5 2500K $180 @ Microcenter (in store)
Power Supply: Corsair 650HX $95 @ Newegg
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 $45 @ Newegg
Case: Corsair 400R Carbide $97 @ Microcenter (in store)
SSD : Crucial M4 64GB $114 @ Newegg

This puts me at $670 total for the build without including the price of a new video card.

I was looking at the HIS IceQ for a GPU which is currently at $270 on Newegg. Or I could keep my 4850 and wait for the upcoming cards. Thoughts?

 

[ElFenix]

PSU: I have a 520W but it's 6 years old, and I'd rather get a new one to prevent any damage to my new parts. I'll take a look at what's out there by Antec or others.

i'm not replacing my corsair 520HX until they take it from my cold dead hands.

 

[napes22]

i'm not replacing my corsair 520HX until they take it from my cold dead hands.

I have the same power supply, bought back in 2006. Am I okay reusing it, and will I ever have issues with not enough wattage?

 

[ElFenix]

I have the same power supply, bought back in 2006. Am I okay reusing it, and will I ever have issues with not enough wattage?

with a single graphics card no, no issues.

if you're really set on a new power supply go as fast as you can to newegg, the antec neo eco 620 is on shell shocker for $35 AR.
http://www.newegg.com/special/shells...llShocker-EB1C

deal ends at 10 AM PST. or when they sell out.

 

[fffblackmage]

You'd be surprised. Just because you have a newer, more powerful computer, doesn't mean it'll necessarily need more power to run.

 

[napes22]

You'd be surprised. Just because you have a newer, more powerful computer, doesn't mean it'll necessarily need more power to run.

If the power supply does die eventually, will it damage any other computer parts?

I have never had any issues with the Corsair 520HX in the 6 years it's been running.

 

[fastamdman]

IF it does die, which it probably won't any time soon, it is unlikely that it will take anything else out with it. Generally they just fail to turn on. You are 100% fine using that psu. I have psu's that are over 10 years old and they are running just fine today.

Keep it, don't worry about it.

 

[mfenn]

Would I notice that much of a decrease in performance if I opted for the 64GB M4 to save myself $90 on the SSD and use my 150GB Raptor to store all program files? The Plextor PX-M2P Series that was mentioned by Zap looked like a good option at 128GB.

This is what I'm looking at now based on feedback (all prices include tax, shipping and rebates):

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3 $135 @ Newegg (The UD4 price went down to $155 after rebate, so it may be worth getting still)
CPU: Intel i5 2500K $180 @ Microcenter (in store)
Power Supply: Corsair 650HX $95 @ Newegg
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 $45 @ Newegg
Case: Corsair 400R Carbide $97 @ Microcenter (in store)
SSD : Crucial M4 64GB $114 @ Newegg

This puts me at $670 total for the build without including the price of a new video card.

I was looking at the HIS IceQ for a GPU which is currently at $270 on Newegg. Or I could keep my 4850 and wait for the upcoming cards. Thoughts?

The parts you posted look fine except for the PSU and GPU. The PSU is way too expensive for what it is, either keep using your 520HX or get the Neo Eco that ElFenix mentioned.

The GPU is a good choice from a performance perspective, but there are better 6950 2GB cards out there. For example this Sapphire is $245 AR and can be potentially unlocked to a 6970.

As for SSD vs. HDD, here's a graph that should convince you.

 

[napes22]

The parts you posted look fine except for the PSU and GPU. The PSU is way too expensive for what it is, either keep using your 520HX or get the Neo Eco that ElFenix mentioned.

The GPU is a good choice from a performance perspective, but there are better 6950 2GB cards out there. For example this Sapphire is $245 AR and can be potentially unlocked to a 6970.

As for SSD vs. HDD, here's a graph that should convince you.

I'm going to stick with my existing 520HX since it has done me well in the past (and save myself some $$). After seeing that graph, it's a no brainer to go for the 128GB for my system drive.

Only thing I'm on the fence about is the UD3 vs. UD4 for the motherboard, but Newegg now has the UD3 for $110 after rebate. Kinda hard to pass up. The UD4 is down to $160 after rebate.

 

[mfenn]

I'm going to stick with my existing 520HX since it has done me well in the past (and save myself some $$). After seeing that graph, it's a no brainer to go for the 128GB for my system drive.

Only thing I'm on the fence about is the UD3 vs. UD4 for the motherboard, but Newegg now has the UD3 for $110 after rebate. Kinda hard to pass up. The UD4 is down to $160 after rebate.

The UD3 is an easy pick IMHO once you look at what the UD4 actually gets you. The UD4 has a couple of eSATA ports, a different heatsink, and a different color scheme. Not worth $60.

 

[napes22]

So it looks like Newegg cut the price of the UD3 and the G.skill ram ($110 after rebate, and $30 after instant rebate respectively). I'll probably place orders for these today or tomorrow unless there is a chance prices will drop on Cyber Monday. I have however read a lot of mixed reviews on the Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3, around boot loops and not recognizing USB and/or SSD connections. Anyone experience anything similar?

To revisit the power supply discussion, if I decide at some point overclock, which is why I am getting the 2500K, will the 520W power supply be enough to get the overclock to the desired level?

 

[fastamdman]

Get the ud3 over the ud4. Buy now instead of cyber monday. Your psu is 100% fine to use while overclocking.

As far as the boot loop issues, its a VERY common thing as is bios corruption. I have the ud3 so I know a thing or two about it. I wouldn't worry about the boot loop issues, or any of the others but some people have horrible issues with the board.

The ud3 has my vote and seal of approval though, don't look into it to much, there are a lot of idiots out there that have no idea whats going on and they write reviews on newegg giving things 1 egg, then come back and give it 5 because they didnt install a driver lol.

 

[mfenn]

To revisit the power supply discussion, if I decide at some point overclock, which is why I am getting the 2500K, will the 520W power supply be enough to get the overclock to the desired level?

That depends on what your desired level is. Will you stress it a bit if you go for a 5.0 GHz suicide run? Probably. You won't have any problems with a stock or reasonable voltage increase (~1.35V).

 

[napes22]

I guess ill be sticking with my 520 until i decide to overclock my system. (Although the Corsair 650TX is 60 after rebate. At that point ill grab an aftermarket cpu cooler as well.

As for case I really like the Corsair 400r, and tiger direct has it marked down to 69 AR and the 600T is 89AR. Are these two cases still over kill given the price drop?

 

[mfenn]

The 400R is a very nice case. The 600T is OK, but not as well designed IMHO.

If you want a new PSU, the XFX 650W at $45 is a much better deal than the 650TX. They are practically the same PSU, the XFX is just less expensive.

 

[napes22]

Thanks to everyone for their help.

I went ahead and ordered the Case, Motherboard, RAM, and SSD. Newegg sold out on it's $200 i5 2500K deal, so I'm trying to find another deal on the processor.

Haven't decided if I'm going to get a new PSU, on the fence about the $45 XFX 650W only because I've heard horrible things about their rebate process (if the rebate even comes through).

Graphics card still up in the air but I'm leaning towards the Sapphire 6950 2GB.

 

[mfenn]

NCIX US has the i5 2500K for $215. Not a great price, but it is in stock. If you get the CPU and XFX PSU from there in the same order, you will get free shipping as well.

 

[napes22]

NCIX US has the i5 2500K for $215. Not a great price, but it is in stock. If you get the CPU and XFX PSU from there in the same order, you will get free shipping as well.

Looks like NCIX is sold out too. Do you know of any other sites that has it at a reasonable price? Looks like Directron has $225 with free shipping.