Help me build/upgrade my new gaming PC

[Nvidiaguy07]

EDIT: Since IVB looks like it wont be come out until next year, im gonna try and pick up a 2500k now i think.

The Q6600 rig in my sig is what im currently using, and i think im finally ready to upgrade. Anyways heres my situation:

-PC will be used for: Gaming mostly. BF3, Skyrim, etc. Also i have an interest in installing OSX, so i would like to get super compatible parts if i can help it. I also want to try to get a decent OC.

-Im in the US, and buy most of my stuff from Newegg and sometimes Amazon. // I prefer Intel and Nvidia(duh). I Like my gigabyte motherboard, but no preference there really.

-I'll be gaming at 1080P for as long as i can imagine.

-I would like to start buying parts now (especially memory as i heard prices may rise), and then drop in the CPU anywhere from now to when IVB comes out.

-I already have all the software i need.

So, the parts Im looking to upgrade are:

CPU: ($150-250) Obvious that I need to upgrade this. I have decided on either a 2500k (used for cheap) or the IVB equivalent when it comes out in a few months.

Memory ($whatever) I don’t want to have less than I currently do, so whatever memory will allow me to accomplish a good OC and is a good deal im cool with. Not like memory is that expensive right now, so whats the best? Would like to order ASAP.

Motherboard ($100-200) I usually go mainstream, and I need something that is a good overclocker. I’d like to keep my hackintosh options in mind when buying. Should I go Z68? Or would it be smart to wait for new motherboards that come with pci-e 3.0? How much more would they be, and would the first batches be overpriced and underperforming compared to ones that will come later? Not currently SLiing, but would not be opposed to it if it were worth it.

CPU cooler ($0-60) Right now im using a Tuniq tower, but I would like to keep with paired with the Q6600 that will be going into my secondary computer. So my options are: A Zalman 9700 NT that is currently installed on a AM2+ board (not even sure if its IVB compatible, or if I can order new parts to make it fit) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118020 , or I have a brand new Hyper 212 plus lying around. I could sell one or both of those, and buy something else if that’s a better idea. Like I said I want a pretty big OC, but im not going insane over it.

Case (0-$150) Currently I have a P180, and an Antec 900 to choose from. I personally hate dealing with the 900 (cables, drive cages, etc) and don’t want to go with that. I actually like the P180, except its huge, and I heard its not good for Overclocking. I wouldn’t be opposed to buying a brand new case (makes it feel more like a whole new computer too).

Power Supply – Using a 750tx right now. Bought it to be future proof, but its just too many cables for someone who doesn’t have 4 graphics cards. If it has a high enough resale value, id like to sell it and get a modular PSU for ~100. I have a preference for Corsair, but not a strong one.

Hard drives/DVD drives/everything else is staying. (unless my SSD can get a decent price, then I’d consider selling and getting a slightly bigger/faster one). GPU is ok, but if I can sell and upgrade to something a little better I wouldn’t be opposed.

Priorities are getting a motherboard and memory first, then I can go from there. I have a few months until IVB drops anyway.

 

[Blain]

It may help expedite things if you listed suggestions that you didn't like in your other upgrade thread.
No need covering the same ground again.

 

[SickBeast]

For the cooler I just got a nzxt havik 140 for $45 and I quite like it. It's significantly better than a hyper 212+ and that's saying a lot.

 

[DominionSeraph]

OSX? Well, a C2D with a GT210 should work.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

i5 2500k
z68 mobo
Hyper 212+ evo
8GB RAM
Source 210

 

[SickBeast]

I'm actually starting to think that the Hyper 212 is weak for an Intel setup. Those rigs hit 80C+ under load. You can shave off 20C with a higher end cooler. If you can find something on sale like I did you can get something way better than the Hyper 212 for about $45.

 

[mfenn]

I'm actually starting to think that the Hyper 212 is weak for an Intel setup. Those rigs hit 80C+ under load. You can shave off 20C with a higher end cooler. If you can find something on sale like I did you can get something way better than the Hyper 212 for about $45.

The Hyper 212+ obviously has is limits (like any cooler) and isn't what you want if you want to hit huge voltages. It is perfectly fine for your average 4.0-4.5GHz OC though.

 

[mfenn]

Priorities are getting a motherboard and memory first, then I can go from there. I have a few months until IVB drops anyway.

Please please please don't buy a mobo separate from the CPU. While Ivy Bridge is theoretically compatible with Z68 mobos, there is absolutely zero reason to buy a mobo now and have it just sit there in the box for months. You'll be better off just getting a Z77 when Ivy Bridge drops.

You're honestly better off just saving your money and buying everything at once. That way you can ensure that your return windows sync up and you will be able to take a holistic look at the entire rig. There's nothing worse than being boxed into suboptimal choices because you bought a critical piece before you had all the info.

 

[Charlie98]

I'm actually starting to think that the Hyper 212 is weak for an Intel setup. Those rigs hit 80C+ under load. You can shave off 20C with a higher end cooler. If you can find something on sale like I did you can get something way better than the Hyper 212 for about $45.

The Hyper 212+ obviously has is limits (like any cooler) and isn't what you want if you want to hit huge voltages. It is perfectly fine for your average 4.0-4.5GHz OC though.

I would tend to agree with both of those statements... the 212+ is fine for a normal OC, but if you want to get silly with the voltages, look elsewhere. The only way I got my LinX temps down, even after adding 2 more fans, was to reduce voltage. And I don't think there is that big of a performance difference between the + and the EVO... real world.

...and I would agree with mfenn... don't start buying parts piecemeal, you may wind up with good parts that you can't use or, perhaps worse, will provide less than adequate performance. So memory goes up 10-20%? That's $5-10 (for a standard 2x 4GB set.)

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

Alright so with news of IVB not coming out AT ALL this year, i might just jump on a used 2500k now.

Since IVB is only a little better than SB anyway, is it really even worth it to wait? The answer before when it was 2 months was maybe not, so now i think theres no way i should wait. Thoughts?

 

[DSF]

Alright so with news of IVB not coming out AT ALL this year, i might just jump on a used 2500k now.

Since IVB is only a little better than SB anyway, is it really even worth it to wait? The answer before when it was 2 months was maybe not, so now i think theres no way i should wait. Thoughts?

Considering your other thread, part of me says you may as well at least wait until you get the electric situation sorted out.

After that, I see no point in dragging it out unless you're interested in Nvidia's next round of offerings.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

Considering your other thread, part of me says you may as well at least wait until you get the electric situation sorted out.

After that, I see no point in dragging it out unless you're interested in Nvidia's next round of offerings.

haha well it should be sorted out before i move in.

and i misread the title of the other thread. I guess it was just IVB-E that was delayed. I was almost happy to hear it would be delayed, because it would make my decision easier. Im getting upgrade blue-balls.

 

[Charlie98]

Do you live near a MicroCenter? They have the $50 off 2500K/mobo deal going again for the rest of this month...

 

[mfenn]

Do you live near a MicroCenter? They have the $50 off 2500K/mobo deal going again for the rest of this month...

:thumbsup: to this. MC has a pretty unbeatable deal on the CPU+mobo.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

Do you live near a MicroCenter? They have the $50 off 2500K/mobo deal going again for the rest of this month...

:thumbsup: to this. MC has a pretty unbeatable deal on the CPU+mobo.

Goddammit i hate hearing about microcenter deals. I live in CT, the closest thing we have is best buy, and before that compusa

 

[Charlie98]

D: ...CompUSA is better than Best Buy, hell, anything is better than Best Buy!

There's an MC in Boston...

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

D: ...CompUSA is better than Best Buy, hell, anything is better than Best Buy!

There's an MC in Boston...

they both suck. Newegg and amazon are my only options. Boston is a far drive just to save a few bucks. Do they do online orders yet? Last time i checked they didnt.

 

[PhoenixEnigma]

Alright so with news of IVB not coming out AT ALL this year, i might just jump on a used 2500k now.

Wait, what? Do you have a source for that?

IVB-E has been pushed back to 2013, sure, but that's no big surprise, and frankly not a big deal for gamers. SB-E isn't/wasn't either - the extra core and memory channels aren't nearly worth the cost.

Ivy Bridge sans E is expected within a month, last I heard - and I'm pretty sure it would be big news if Intel threw tick-tock out the window at this point, particularly given that ES reviews are already out there.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

Wait, what? Do you have a source for that?

IVB-E has been pushed back to 2013, sure, but that's no big surprise, and frankly not a big deal for gamers. SB-E isn't/wasn't either - the extra core and memory channels aren't nearly worth the cost.

Ivy Bridge sans E is expected within a month, last I heard - and I'm pretty sure it would be big news if Intel threw tick-tock out the window at this point, particularly given that ES reviews are already out there.

yea i misread the title of the other thread - i corrected myself a few posts back.

Can you explain your last paragraph? im a little confused.

 

[PhoenixEnigma]

Pfft, that will teach me to pay attention to what I read.

Last paragraph - if Intel didn't keep the schedule they claimed even after reviews were out, people would be mad. I don't see that happening.

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

Pfft, that will teach me to pay attention to what I read.

Last paragraph - if Intel didn't keep the schedule they claimed even after reviews were out, people would be mad. I don't see that happening.

ah i got it now.

 

[Charlie98]

they both suck. Newegg and amazon are my only options. Boston is a far drive just to save a few bucks. Do they do online orders yet? Last time i checked they didnt.

If that's all you are getting, you are probably correct. No, CPU's are in-store only. :|

I still think the 2500k/Z68 now is the way to go... if you try to wait for The Next Best Thing you'll never get anything...

 

[Nvidiaguy07]

If that's all you are getting, you are probably correct. No, CPU's are in-store only. :|

I still think the 2500k/Z68 now is the way to go... if you try to wait for The Next Best Thing you'll never get anything...

well with IVB only a month or so away, wouldnt it be smarter to wait? How about a IVB and Z68?

I know pci3.0 will be available on new motherboards, but is it going to cost a lot more? Is it worth waiting for those new boards and chipsets?

 

[mfenn]

Ivy Bridge isn't really much faster than Sandy Bridge on a clock-for-clock basis. The real benefit is in reduced power consumption and overclockibility. Whether or not that's worth waiting for is up to you.

Similarly, PCIe 3.0 is only really useful in triple and quad Crossfire/SLI setups. Single GPUs and normal Crossfire/SLI don't fully utilize PCIe 2.0 yet, so 3.0 is of minimal benefit.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Ivy Bridge isn't really much faster than Sandy Bridge on a clock-for-clock basis. The real benefit is in reduced power consumption and overclockibility. Whether or not that's worth waiting for is up to you.

Similarly, PCIe 3.0 is only really useful in triple and quad Crossfire/SLI setups. Single GPUs and normal Crossfire/SLI don't fully utilize PCIe 2.0 yet, so 3.0 is of minimal benefit.

:thumbsup: