i5-2500k build

[Oalet]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Games; BF3, Skyrim, WoW, Future MMO/RPGs

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$400-420 after tax + rebates for motherboard, RAM, video card.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
U.S.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
Partial to EVGA/XFX video cards but open to other brands if they're great deals and reviews aren't too bad.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
Upgrading cpu, motherboard, ram, video card; reusing everything else.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default for the most part; might overclock in future if I feel I need the extra performance.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
1920x1080

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Would like to complete the build within this month or early Nov.

10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.

Hi, I just picked up a $150 i5-2500k processors from Micro Center and I'm looking for a motherboard, RAM, and video card to complement it.

Motherboard: I don't really know which would be suitable for me. I don't think I'll need PCI-E 3.0 as I will be skipping Ivy Bridge. My case doesn't have any USB 3.0 ports so I don't need the headers. Also not really interested in SLI/Crossfire. The main issue is overclocking. I'm considering the cheapest H67 board I can get away with so I can spend a little extra on the graphics card. I feel like my E8400 has served me well for over 3 years at stock settings and I'm hoping it will be the same with the i5-2500k. I'm the type of person where just the thought of having a .000001% unstable system doesn't sit well with me. But, I also feel like it'd be a waste to not overclock an unlocked processor and I might actually need to overclock some day to hold off on upgrading. Any comments/suggestions?

RAM: I'm going with the G. Skill Value Series 8GB (2x4GB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231424

Video Card: 560 Ti/6950 1GB or 2GB

 

[lehtv]

G.Skill value 2x4GB 1333 for $42 (newegg)
Asrock Z68 Pro3 $105 (newegg)

That leaves you ~$200-250 for a video card. I'd recommend Galaxy 560 Ti for $200 or XFX 6950 2GB dual-fan for $250.

I don't really know which would be suitable for me. I don't think I'll need PCI-E 3.0 as I will be skipping Ivy Bridge. My case doesn't have any USB 3.0 ports so I don't need the headers. Also not really interested in SLI/Crossfire. The main issue is overclocking.

And that isn't really an issue. Pretty much any board can get you to 4.4-4.5, and anything above that is just diminishing returns anyway (power consumption, heat...). I would prefer to keep the 2500K OC at 4.0 or just over (mhz/watt sweet spot). Paying for a board that can take you above 4.5 isn't worth the extra for your needs

Since you have a 2500K you should OC it, so a H67 board is out of the question.

I'd also like to make sure your PSU can take the upgrade?

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yeah. OP, you MUST use a P67 or Z68 chipset to overclock a "K" unlocked CPU. Intel, what a PITA, has disabled the ability to overclock a CPU on their lesser chipsets, the H61 and H67.

 

[R4in]

For mobo i would grab the ASUS P8Z68-V LE, really good reviews and its $129.99 on newegg. It only goes x16/x4 on PCI but since you have no need for SLI then its a really good deal.

 

[Oalet]

Thanks for the responses. I use a corsair 750TX. The AsRock Z68 Pro3 looks perfect for my needs. I noticed it has an alternative set of mounting holes for LGA775 heatsinks so I might be able to re-use my Xigmatek HDT-S1283. I was just wondering if you guys know of any issues with using this feature?

 

[mfenn]

G.Skill value 2x4GB 1333 for $42 (newegg)
Asrock Z68 Pro3 $105 (newegg)

That leaves you ~$200-250 for a video card. I'd recommend Galaxy 560 Ti for $200 or XFX 6950 2GB dual-fan for $250.

:thumbsup:

Thanks for the responses. I use a corsair 750TX. The AsRock Z68 Pro3 looks perfect for my needs. I noticed it has an alternative set of mounting holes for LGA775 heatsinks so I might be able to re-use my Xigmatek HDT-S1283. I was just wondering if you guys know of any issues with using this feature?

The 775 mounting holes work fine as long as you have a bolt-through style cooler. Usual RAM clearance issues apply of course, but those shouldn't be a problem with the G.Skill.

 

[lehtv]

There's also a nice rebate deal on the MSI 6950 2GB Twin Frozr II on newegg. Just $255 AR, IMO better choice than XFX at the moment