Building a computer, need Suggestions.

[janas19]

it says minimum 500 watt (Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 30 Amps.)?

Yeah, those requirements are fairly conservative. I'd say you're good. :thumbup:

 

[aimforsilence]

So to power it do i use the PCI-e power cable from the PSU and the 2 molex to pci-e adapter for the 2nd power port on the card?

 

[janas19]

So to power it do i use the PCI-e power cable from the PSU and the 2 molex to pci-e adapter for the 2nd power port on the card?

Yep.

 

[mfenn]

Alright so this is what I've come up with. Please critique as necessary! NOTE Prices are in CANADIAN dollars!

Case - Cooler Master Storm Scout $89.99
Mobo - Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 $134.99
CPU - intel Core i3 2100 $129.99
GPU - eVGA GeForce GTX 560 Ti $229.99
RAM - GSKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB PC3-12800 2x4GB $32.99
HDD - Seagate 500GB Sata III $89.99
DVD - Samsung Burner $16.99
WiFi - Patriot Wireless N USB Adapter $13.99

Total without tax = $738.92

If I added a 60GB SSD for windows only it's be only $823.91

the SSD I picked was a Patriot Pyro SATA III 60GB SSD

Let me know what you all thing, THANKS!!

You need a PSU in that build, but you already knew that. As for the rest, it is OK. Not great, but not terrible either.

Here are some changes that you can make to improve the system for the same budget overall:

- Case: At the end of the day, the case is just a box to put stuff in. You don't have the budget to be spending $90 on a case. The Rosewill Destroyer has similar aesthetics for $50 (-$40)
- Mobo: A very good rule of thumb is to think very carefully before spending more on the mobo than you are on the CPU. Since you are not overclocking, there is really no need to get a Z68. MSI H67MA-E45 $100 (-$35)
- GPU: A Radeon 6950 2GB is faster and has more VRAM for better performance at high resolutions and with AA. 6950 2GB $280 (+$50)
- RAM: For $35, you can get 8GB of DDR3 1333. (+$2)

 

[aimforsilence]

You need a PSU in that build, but you already knew that. As for the rest, it is OK. Not great, but not terrible either.

Here are some changes that you can make to improve the system for the same budget overall:

- Case: At the end of the day, the case is just a box to put stuff in. You don't have the budget to be spending $90 on a case. The Rosewill Destroyer has similar aesthetics for $50 (-$40)
- Mobo: A very good rule of thumb is to think very carefully before spending more on the mobo than you are on the CPU. Since you are not overclocking, there is really no need to get a Z68. MSI H67MA-E45 $100 (-$35)
- GPU: A Radeon 6950 2GB is faster and has more VRAM for better performance at high resolutions and with AA. 6950 2GB $280 (+$50)
- RAM: For $35, you can get 8GB of DDR3 1333. (+$2)

So the reason I picked that mobo was because I wanted Z68 to use intels new SSD caching system with my normal HDD. I already picked out a new set of ram. a 2x4GB kit. As far as the case, I figure I get somthing I really like because the case is the 1 part i'll use from build to build. Thanks for the GPU suggestion, not sure if i'll do that though as the store im buying from is 60 - 70 bucks more than the GTX. But i'll look at motherboards again and maybe pick a vheaper Z68 board. It must be able to do SSD caching (which i believe all Z68's can) and it must have USB 3

 

[aimforsilence]

to add to this i've decided to get the intel Intel BOXDZ68DB Motherboard. as I can get it for $119. so that shaves $15 off the price. Plus I have alot of Price matching i'm doing and also a few rebates. So after it's all said and done I shouldent be spending more then $900 canadian, which is great!

 

[janas19]

So the reason I picked that mobo was because I wanted Z68 to use intels new SSD caching system with my normal HDD. I already picked out a new set of ram. a 2x4GB kit. As far as the case, I figure I get somthing I really like because the case is the 1 part i'll use from build to build. Thanks for the GPU suggestion, not sure if i'll do that though as the store im buying from is 60 - 70 bucks more than the GTX. But i'll look at motherboards again and maybe pick a vheaper Z68 board. It must be able to do SSD caching (which i believe all Z68's can) and it must have USB 3

So you're going to spend an additional $35 for a Z68, plus another $50 for a reputable SSD, ($85 total) just for SSD caching?

Is it really worth it? Just as a side note, you do realize that SSD caching will not affect your boot times?

 

[aimforsilence]

So you're going to spend an additional $35 for a Z68, plus another $50 for a reputable SSD, ($85 total) just for SSD caching?

Is it really worth it? Just as a side note, you do realize that SSD caching will not affect your boot times?

Should I just discard the SSD all together? I'm fine with just a 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3 drive. And if thats the case, what motherboard should I be looking at? www.memoryexpress.com

To add to this, It needs to have USB 3!

 

[janas19]

Should I just discard the SSD all together? I'm fine with just a 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3 drive. And if thats the case, what motherboard should I be looking at? www.memoryexpress.com

To add to this, It needs to have USB 3!

I would suggest you save yourself the $85 and wait for SSD prices to come down to make it your primary drive. Really a Z68 is mainly for overclocking. :thumbup:

 

[aimforsilence]

Is the Intel BOXDZ68DB mobo @ $119 good? i'd only be saving 20 - 30 bucks if I got somthing cheaper then that. and honestly I dont really like any of the cheaper boards. and since im no longer getting an SSD i can spend an extra 20 bucks on a better motherboard..

 

[janas19]

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX32599

This board has integrated video, USB 3.0 connectors, and two x16 PCI-E slots! Plus it is going for $20 off so it's only $109. That's a pretty good deal, imo.

 

[aimforsilence]

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX32599

This board has integrated video, USB 3.0 connectors, and two x16 PCI-E slots! Plus it is going for $20 off so it's only $109. That's a pretty good deal, imo.

would it be a better board then the intel one? the intel one will only be 10 bucks more..?

 

[aimforsilence]

another thing i wanted to ask is if it might be smarter to just get an AMD phenom or FX processor and an AM3+ board?

 

[Topweasel]

another thing i wanted to ask is if it might be smarter to just get an AMD phenom or FX processor and an AM3+ board?

Not really. Its a flexible CPU, but its pretty much a semi jack of all trades. A has a nice feature set. Chipset options are actually superior, but it doesn't really have any ooomph. About the only day to day use it is superior at is VM stuff.

As for the z68 I would ignore recommendations not to use it. You can always throw a K in there later if you want to go overclocking and really outside the case itself its the most annoying part to replace. Plus big fan of the caching. Lets you be flexible with the HDD and gives you the benefit of SSD feeling on the stuff you use the most and if your use case changes you don't have to worry about what gets room on the SSD, its done automatically.

If you did decide to drop the Z68, you can get a OCZ Synapse Cache drive later that does the same thing. But at that point you could probably get a good size SSD.

 

[aimforsilence]

Alright, so this is what I'm getting.

Case - Corsair Carbide Series 500R (WHITE)
PSU - Corsair Builder Series CX600 V2
MoBo - Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3
CPU - Intel Core i5 2500K (Note Mobo & CPU are on sale bundled.. its cheaper then getting an i3)
GPU - eVGA GeForce GTX 560 Ti
RAM - Patriot Gamer 2 Series, Division 2 Edition DDR3 8GB (2 x 4GB)
HDD - Western Digital SATA III 500GB 7200RPM
DVD - Samsung Burner
WiFi - ASUS USB Wireless N

All this comes up for less then $850 Canadian

Not bad I have to say!

 

[mfenn]

If you did decide to drop the Z68, you can get a OCZ Synapse Cache drive later that does the same thing. But at that point you could probably get a good size SSD.

Topweasel, you are really good at arguing against yourself, you know that? :awe: ()

Basically, if your entire reason for getting Z68 is for SRT, then you are better off just getting a less expensive H67 mobo and using the money saved on the mobo for a a bigger SSD so that you don't have to use SRT in the first place.

 

[mfenn]

Alright, so this is what I'm getting.

Case - Corsair Carbide Series 500R (WHITE)
PSU - Corsair Builder Series CX600 V2
MoBo - Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3
CPU - Intel Core i5 2500K (Note Mobo & CPU are on sale bundled.. its cheaper then getting an i3)
GPU - eVGA GeForce GTX 560 Ti
RAM - Patriot Gamer 2 Series, Division 2 Edition DDR3 8GB (2 x 4GB)
HDD - Western Digital SATA III 500GB 7200RPM
DVD - Samsung Burner
WiFi - ASUS USB Wireless N

All this comes up for less then $850 Canadian

Not bad I have to say!

Looks fine, but you didn't list prices. That will give us a better idea of if you're getting ripped off or not.

 

[Topweasel]

Topweasel, you are really good at arguing against yourself, you know that? :awe: ()

Basically, if your entire reason for getting Z68 is for SRT, then you are better off just getting a less expensive H67 mobo and using the money saved on the mobo for a a bigger SSD so that you don't have to use SRT in the first place.

No what i said was that if he wanted caching later he could get a synapse cache drive later but a larger ssd made more sense. Getting a z68 now allowing for throwing in a k chip later and cache ssd at normal ssd prices ~<$100 for a 64gb drive, i think that is better idea then playing minimalist at original build and having to completely tear apart a system if he changes his mind.

 

[janas19]

No what i said was that if he wanted caching later he could get a synapse cache drive later but a larger ssd made more sense. Getting a z68 now allowing for throwing in a k chip later and cache ssd at normal ssd prices ~<$100 for a 64gb drive, i think that is better idea then playing minimalist at original build and having to completely tear apart a system if he changes his mind.

Personally, I don't think recommending someone pay an extra $30 now so they can "possibly" upgrade to a K chip at some point in the future is a good idea.

 

[mfenn]

Personally, I don't think recommending someone pay an extra $30 now so they can "possibly" upgrade to a K chip at some point in the future is a good idea.

:thumbsup: Exactly. I've been around long enough that people's "big plans" for upgrades usually fall by the wayside once they've gotten their new computer built and are satisfied. The upgrade bug comes a 1-3 years later when the system is starting to feel slow and the distinction between H67 and Z68 is already irrelevant.

 

[Topweasel]

Personally, I don't think recommending someone pay an extra $30 now so they can "possibly" upgrade to a K chip at some point in the future is a good idea.

It's not just a K chip. Its also the most annoying pieces to change if change is needed. I don't think $30 is so much extra that you need to skimp on the least likely part to change.

 

[mfenn]

It's not just a K chip. Its also the most annoying pieces to change if change is needed. I don't think $30 is so much extra that you need to skimp on the least likely part to change.

See my response above. Typically upgrading patterns dictate that by the time the OP wants to upgrade the CPU, he will need a new mobo anyway. So why spend $30 on something that will probably never happen?

 

[janas19]

See my response above. Typically upgrading patterns dictate that by the time the OP wants to upgrade the CPU, he will need a new mobo anyway. So why spend $30 on something that will probably never happen?

Yes. Not only that mfenn, but as a matter of principle it would seem bad for ATGH folks to make recommendations based upon "possible options" rather than what the OP states he wants and needs now.

If we allowed that, hell, peoples cost for building a rig would balloon 10 or 20% each time.

I'm not trying to argue or be a dick, I just think it's a really bad idea to do that.

 

[Topweasel]

See my response above. Typically upgrading patterns dictate that by the time the OP wants to upgrade the CPU, he will need a new mobo anyway. So why spend $30 on something that will probably never happen?

Not just the CPU. Like RST that he was a fan of. At any time he can throw a small SSD into the computer and after a few uses almost anything a person uses on a daily basis is sped up to SSD levels. Vs. Having to then purchase a SSD then big enough that it fits all of windows and most of his general use programs at a minimum.

Between deciding he wants to clock his CPU 50% faster. IB. And SSD performance at affordable prices there are three reasons a user who is building a new computer might end up upgrading. Specially if its a users first time and they get the upgrade bug. There are other reasons as well, even within the same manufacturer $30 can be a huge difference between a mobo build with parts that are "good enough" and parts meant to withstand a little extra pressure, meaning to me more reliable at default situations.

 

[janas19]

You have to remember that for RST you have to buy an SSD in addition to a z68. For someone who is already buying the z68 for a K processor, this may be worthwhile. But for someone who isn't, SSD + z68 = $50 + $30 = $80. Is $80 worth the cost for your applications opening faster?