Build to game on my 30"

[RaphTheTurtle]

Hi!

I'm looking to build a computer in the next few weeks. I am pretty comfortable with hardware in general, but my last few years have been focused on server stuff, so I don't know anything about what is good for gaming at this point. My goal is to play games well at 2560 x 1600 on my 30" monitor. Other than that, the PC will just be used for web-surfing and such. My budget is $2000-2400, not including the OS. The only components I already have are peripherals. I figure I will need the following:

CPU
Heatsink
RAM
Motherboard
Videocard(s?)
Hard Drive(s?)
Power Supply
Case

I live in Atlanta, Georgia, so can purchase from anywhere US based or go to a retail store if needed.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[lehtv]

In general, you'll want

CPU i5-2500K and a decent heatsink, from CM 212+ to high end Noctua
RAM 2x4GB DDR3 1600 1.5V
Mobo Z68 SLI/Crossfire, e.g. Asrock Z68 Extreme3, Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3, Asus P8Z68-V
GPUs 6950 2GB Crossfire or wait until next-gen
HDD 1TB 7200RPM
SSD Crucial M4 64GB/128GB
PSU 850W modular, e.g. Corsair HX850, XFX 850W XXX, OCZ ZX 850W, Corsair AX850
Case in the $100-150 range, e.g. Corsair 500R

This should end up at the $1400-1600 range, no need to spend more than that really. Save the rest for upgrades down the road.

It might be worth it to pursue Tri-fire on your resolution, I'm not entirely sure though. It would ensure a bit smoother frames and eliminate microstutter. It'd cost you another $300-400 ($250 GPU, perhaps more on the mobo, $50-100 more on PSU).

 

[mfenn]

In general, you'll want

CPU i5-2500K and a decent heatsink, from CM 212+ to high end Noctua
RAM 2x4GB DDR3 1600 1.5V
Mobo Z68 SLI/Crossfire, e.g. Asrock Z68 Extreme3, Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3, Asus P8Z68-V
GPUs 6950 2GB Crossfire or wait until next-gen
HDD 1TB 7200RPM
SSD Crucial M4 64GB/128GB
PSU 850W modular, e.g. Corsair HX850, XFX 850W XXX, OCZ ZX 850W, Corsair AX850
Case in the $100-150 range, e.g. Corsair 500R

This should end up at the $1400-1600 range, no need to spend more than that really. Save the rest for upgrades down the road.

It might be worth it to pursue Tri-fire on your resolution, I'm not entirely sure though. It would ensure a bit smoother frames and eliminate microstutter. It'd cost you another $300-400 ($250 GPU, perhaps more on the mobo, $50-100 more on PSU).

Good choices, though I would also consider a non-modular supply like the XFX Core 850W.

OP, you have couple of Microcenters relatively close by, one in Marietta and the other in Duluth. It is probably worth your while to pick up the CPU there for $180. You can also get the GA-Z68XP-UD3 in combo with the CPU for $80 AR.

 

[RaphTheTurtle]

Thank for the advice! I think I'm closing in on a build. Consider this a quick bump for any more advice before I put together a list of parts for all of you to tear apart.

 

[Blain]

The longer the thread floats around the more insecure you'll be with the choices.
Hit the buy button and don't look back.

 

[RaphTheTurtle]

Ok! Thanks for the awesome advice! Based on advice here and some of my own research here is my current plan. Please tear it apart and tell me what I should change.

CPU - Core i5 2500K (purchased from Microcenter) $179.99
Mobo - Asus P8Z68-V PRO $194.99
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-P8Z68-V-P.../dp/B00503EA80
RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (4 x 2GB) $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...3ff20a0f88478b
HDD- 2x Hitachi 750 GB HDS721075KLA330 $50 total (purchased through my job)
SSD - Crucial M4 128GB $209.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148442
Videocard - 2x XFX Radeon 6950 2GB $500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...k=HD-695X-CDFC
HSF - Noctua NH-D14 $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835608018
PSU - OCZ ZS Series 750W 80PLUS Bronze $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341049
CD - Lite-On DVD Burner $17
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106289
Case - Cooler Master Storm Sniper $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119194

Total cost: $1481.93

Thoughts?

 

[mnewsham]

Looks good, I dont really like OCZ PSU's but that's a brand thing
With your budget remaining I would wait for next gen GPU's then upgrade

 

[lehtv]

The Storm Sniper doesn't have front-panel USB3 so that function of the motherboard would be unused. I would get Asrock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 (which lacks internal USB3 headers), it costs $70 less... Alternatively, change the case to something with USB3.

The OCZ ZS750 is not without flaws according to techpowerup, and it only has 3 year warranty. I would get a high quality unit with 5-7 year warranty, and I would make sure it's 850W so that it'll have more OC headroom and that it'll last across future builds with possibly more power hungry graphics cards. Personally I'd like modularity too but you can drop that if you want to spend a bit less.

XFX 850W 80+ bronze, non-modular, 5-yr warranty, $120 and -$30 MIR
XFX 850W XXX 80+ silver, semi-modular, 5-yr warranty, $135
OCZ ZX850 80+ gold, fully modular, 5-yr warranty, $170 and -10% promo and -$30 MIRhttp://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62223&vpn=P1850BNLG9&manufacture=XFX&promoid=1282
Corsair AX850 80+ gold, fully modular, 7-yr warranty, hybrid passive/active silent fan, $175

The rest is :thumbsup:

 

[Ken g6]

Mobo looks excessive. I'd go with either the Extreme3 Gen3 or a bundle at Micro Center.

I'd spend the extra on a Corsair PSU, $90 AR. Better 12V rating.

 

[mfenn]

Mobo looks excessive. I'd go with either the Extreme3 Gen3 or a bundle at Micro Center.

I'd spend the extra on a Corsair PSU, $90 AR. Better 12V rating.

Agree. The Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 is ~$90 after combo at MC and has 95% of the functionality of the P8Z68-V Pro.

 

[mrjoltcola]

Well since you asked for it, I love to criticize...

My thoughts are that you have a $2000-2400 budget, but are building a $1400 quality build by cutting a few corners, assuming the current list.

I run 30" displays, and have tested a lot of graphics cards at this resolution. I've also built a handful of Sandy Bridge rigs lately with different spins, so here is my addition to what the other guys said:

1) I wouldn't start out with a dual GPU setup. Get the best single GPU to start with, but leave a slot open, try the games you will play before buying a second card. The aforementioned 6950 is a good card, I had one for a while on my 30" and it will run most games at 2560x1600 without the second card, unless you just want to get really high frames. I switched back to nvdia with a GTX 570 just because ATI drivers and utilities were a bit rough around the edges, but both cards are very similar. I can run BF3, Crysis or Crysis II at full resolution, by dialing anti-aliasing down just a notch. But before I'd start with 2 x 6950s, I'd rather begin with a single faster card. Personally, I prefer the 570 for value, but with the room in your budget, I'd start with a GTX 580. NOTE: One downside to Radeon cards. They cannot do 2 x Dual-link DVI. If you ever get a second 30", you need to get a newer one with Display Port. Not a problem, but for me, I already own two DVI displays.

2) Regarding your cooler - No need to overspend on it. Most people don't know, but the majority of chips will run just fine with a Cooler Master 212+ EVO at $34.I have one running a good 2600K on air at 5Ghz under load. Your chip will vary, but you may luck up, and even if not, the Noctua is only going to give you a 100-200Mhz advantage at high overclocks. No big deal with your budget, but I'd move that $30 into GPU, CPU or SSD. For 4.6Ghz, all you need is the EVO.

3) Case is nice, but don't forget to take a look at the HAF line. Drop by Microcenter and put your eyes and hands on them. I thought I liked the Storm line, but when I saw them in person, I decided the HAF cases looked better. Even the little brother HAF 912 at $50-$60 looks like a $100 case from the outside. None of the CM Storm cases holds a candle to the Corsair cases. Check out the 400R, 500R, 600T and 650D. I love to work with them.

4) Agree with lehtv, stay away from OCZ power supplies, I've heard bad things. Corsair and Seasonic are the only ones I'd look at with your budget.

5) SSD - Intel, Kingston and Samsung came up as the lowest failure / return rate in a study done earlier this year by some company analyzing an online retailer's database. No need to look at any other brands, in my opinion.

6) Would go with 2 x 4GB RAM rather than 4 x 2 GB. Using 2 sticks will give you more room later, and will also give you more options in coolers. Some coolers will not mount on many of the Sandy Bridge boards if the 1st memory slot is populated, unless you use low-profile RAM. Best option is 2 slots.

 

[mfenn]

1) I wouldn't start out with a dual GPU setup. Get the best single GPU to start with, but leave a slot open, try the games you will play before buying a second card. The aforementioned 6950 is a good card, I had one for a while on my 30" and it will run most games at 2560x1600 without the second card, unless you just want to get really high frames. I switched back to nvdia with a GTX 570 just because ATI drivers and utilities were a bit rough around the edges, but both cards are very similar. I can run BF3, Crysis or Crysis II at full resolution, by dialing anti-aliasing down just a notch. But before I'd start with 2 x 6950s, I'd rather begin with a single faster card. Personally, I prefer the 570 for value, but with the room in your budget, I'd start with a GTX 580. NOTE: One downside to Radeon cards. They cannot do 2 x Dual-link DVI. If you ever get a second 30", you need to get a newer one with Display Port. Not a problem, but for me, I already own two DVI displays.

I agree with your other points, but I can't see the logic in going with a GTX 570 or 580 when you can buy 6950 2GBs for $250 all day long.

Also, an important question to ask is what your low framerate tolerance is. Yours is obviously pretty high at ~35 in BF3 with a GTX 570. There's nothing wrong with having a high tolerance (in fact it can save you a lot of money), but not everyone is the same. I for one consider 35 FPS frustrating and borderline unplayable in a shooter. Crossfire 6950 2GB gives you more than 60 FPS (72.5 to be exact) which is perfectly playable. Going over 60 also eliminates microstutter, so it's a good choice considering the OP's budget.

 

[mrjoltcola]

My logic is based on his budget. He's got $800-1000 left, so he can absorb $50 difference between a 6950 and a 6970 or 570. I'm recommending he try the single card then decide if he wants a second. I'd never jump straight to multi-GPU setup without evaluating the single first. The value of 2 x 6950 is unbeatable and a great recommendation. But for someone with more budget, why not start with a faster single slot card?

The 570 is my favorite because it brings 8-10% more frames in single card mode while still coming in at $300-350. The 580 is hard call, though, due to its retail of near $500, but I'd look at used ones instead, they can be had for $400 under warranty. Heck, my first brand new ASUS GTX 570 DirectCUII was bad out of the box, and had to be replaced, so buying new doesn't guarantee anything but warranty. I've had better luck with slightly used cards.

 

[mfenn]

My logic is based on his budget. He's got $800-1000 left, so he can absorb $50 difference between a 6950 and a 6970 or 570. I'm recommending he try the single card then decide if he wants a second. I'd never jump straight to multi-GPU setup without evaluating the single first. The value of 2 x 6950 is unbeatable and a great recommendation. But for someone with more budget, why not start with a faster single slot card?

The 570 is my favorite because it brings 8-10% more frames in single card mode while still coming in at $300-350. The 580 is hard call, though, due to its retail of near $500, but I'd look at used ones instead, they can be had for $400 under warranty. Heck, my first brand new ASUS GTX 570 DirectCUII was bad out of the box, and had to be replaced, so buying new doesn't guarantee anything but warranty. I've had better luck with slightly used cards.

By that logic, he should just get a single 6950 2GB and upgrade to a second card if he's disappointed with the performance, which I think that he will be.

Also, a GTX 570 and 6950 2GB are very close in performance at 2560x1600. The GTX 570 really starts being punished for its lack of VRAM at that resolution. Once you start talking about dual-GPU, then you also enable high AA which punishes the GTX 570 even more. So no, I don't think paying 20% more for a similar performing card is a good idea.

 

[RaphTheTurtle]

Ok, I've ordered most of the components. I took the advice about getting a higher quality PSU and getting 2 x 4GB RAM.

One last question about the videocards. I have decided to stay with the 2 x 6950 2GB cards. Now, the question is which brand/model should I get?

Any thoughts on which ones are better than the others?

Thanks!

 

[lehtv]

Sapphire 6950 $273 shipped, $20 MIR
XFX 6950 $270 shipped, $30 MIR

Sapphire for unlockability to 6970, XFX for transferable lifetime warranty. Sapphire has 2 year non-transferable warranty. Personally I'd go with XFX since it's cheaper at the moment, the warranty is nice (a dual-GPU setup can easily last longer than 2 years, and being transferable it's a good resale point); and with two GPUs it's less of an issue whether you get that extra couple of % from unlocking.

 

[mrjoltcola]

I agree with lehtv about only buying cards with serial# based warranties and/or transferrable warranties. This is one reason I no longer buy EVGA, new or used, even though I like their cards; I can't ask as much on resale, and I'm not willing to gamble on buying pre-owned myself without warranty. They put the ridiculous warranty stickers on the card intentionally so they fall off, so even as the original owner, my warranty is void because the sticker is lost (I have a 2-month old EVGA GTX560 that lost the sticker somehow). Of course I've also never had an EVGA card fail.

ASUS is my favorite along with MSI and XFX, for the same reasons. I like ASUS's DirectCU II designs the best, and they are about the coolest running models you can buy. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121431

All that said, the only card problems I've had have been right out of the box, so the 30-day retailer return policy covers me; sort of like cars, most of the failures are going to happen up front. Once past the break-in, it is probably going to last.

 

[mfenn]

Any of the cards that lehtv or mrjoltcola suggested are good choices. I would go with the Sapphire 6950 for the unworkability (10&#37 and because I don't worry too much about parts warranties. I'm the type of person where if it fails after a year, I'm going to upgrade anyway. You might be different though and that's OK.