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i7-2600K Enthusiast Build

N

neilpan

Member
Hey guys,

I've been a silent member for a long time. Finally, its time to upgrade my existing E8400 build. I am a gamer, overclocker and an engineer 🙂 I've been a little rusty on the newest and the greatest, but not a total newb. At least from the CPU standpoint.

So here is what I've decided so far. I'd greatly appreciate your input and comments.

CPU: i7-2600K (got it at a great price - I work for Intel)
Mobo: ASUS P8P67 Pro (when it comes back to stock. Currently own a Gigabyte)
GPU: HD 6970 (currently own 8800GT)
Case: Corsair 800D (currently own Lian Li mid tower)
Memory: no clue at all (please advise on the size/type/speed/brand. I have win 7 64-bit)
PSU: Corsair 650W (any other suggestions?)

I already have an Intel SSD and a couple of DVD burners. Also, own all the peripherals like mouse, keyboard, display, speakers, etc.

I am looking forward to the upcoming games, especially Diablo III and Skyrim. Technology moves pretty fast and Intel still hasn't told us whether Ivy Bridge would be compatible with the selected mobo. However, I do want to make it slightly future proof. Money also isn't a problem. Just don't want to waste it beyond diminishing returns.

Thanks guys!!!
 
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Is there any reason that you want the Pro? If you never see yourself going SLI or Crossfire (and you probably won't given the games you listed), then I see no reason to spend the ~$180 on the Pro. Either get the vanilla P8P67 or the GA-P67A-UD3.

The case is big, expensive, and unnecessary, but you know that. Your current Lian Li should be fine actually.

Finally, I think that 2x4GB of G.Skill DDR3 1333 is the way to go for memory.
 
@mfenn: No particular reason to go for the Pro. I didn't know better. I read the review on Anandtech and adopted the recommendation. Case is huge and I like it. Overkill, but I just like the way it organizes all the cables.

Thanks for the RAM suggestions. Would these be okay if I overclock?

Any suggestions for liquid cooling? I think the case will easily accommodate a rad. I want to make sure that the system itself is future proof, i.e. I could buy newer cpu blocks as I upgrade in future without having to buy a whole new cooling system.
 
Seeing as the i7-2600k already runs crazy cool anything besides air is frankly overkill. And Sandybridge does NOT overclock using RAM so RAM wont matter with the OC.
 
haha you guys are convincing me into building a very uncool pc 😀 I wanted it to look badass with all them liquid hoses and blue leds and stuff!
 
You may consider the HD 6950 2GB over the 6970. What resolution will you be gaming at?

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/293?vs=292

It is considerably cheaper ($240 vs $320 after rebate) and at stock speeds can hang pretty close. People are still having great success unlocking the 6950 to 6970 speeds, though if you do that please read up on it first.
 
I've already got an Intel SSD. It is one of the best upgrades I've ever made. About the video card, I agree - you're right. I could get 6950. I'll be playing at 1920 res.
 
I'm personally a big fan of the Corsair TX series. I really don't know if the merits of single rail power supplies are justified or not, but I've purchased two of them over the past few years and they have been rock solid. My .02
 
Another thing, if you can wait for the Z68 chip-set, hold off. It leaves a nice option for a low power drawl machine. You could take out the video card, still use the Intel HD graphics for general use and by then pick up a cheap 1155 sandy chip like the i3 2100T (35w TDP)
 
The only two cases I am considering is the 800D and Thermaltake Level 10 GT. About the same price. GUYS! I am going to put this up on my solid walnut desk - Needs to be swanky looking! I'd go with the Level 10 case if it wasn't so damn expensive.
 
neilpan said:
The only two cases I am considering is the 800D and Thermaltake Level 10 GT. About the same price. GUYS! I am going to put this up on my solid walnut desk - Needs to be swanky looking! I'd go with the Level 10 case if it wasn't so damn expensive.
Click to expand...

Pssssh aint got shit on Lian Li PC-A71F only $199.99 Or go all out and get the $429.99 one
 
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Go with the level 10 GT. I got one last week and am LOVING it. It is cooler and better air flow then my HAF 922 I replaced. It.s cable management is second to none and is an amazing looking case.

-Gromet

Mobo: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe
Processor: Intel i7 2600k
Case: Thermaltake Level 10 GT
Memory: 16GB Corsair Dominator DDR3-2000
Video Card: Visiontek HD Radeon 6970
Cooling: Corsair H70
Storage: Corsair RealSSD 128GB - Hitachi 7200 RPM 2TB
 
Gromet said:
Go with the level 10 GT. I got one last week and am LOVING it. It is cooler and better air flow then my HAF 922 I replaced. It.s cable management is second to none and is an amazing looking case.

-Gromet

Mobo: ASUS P8P67 Deluxe
Processor: Intel i7 2600k
Case: Thermaltake Level 10 GT
Memory: 16GB Corsair Dominator DDR3-2000
Video Card: Visiontek HD Radeon 6970
Cooling: Corsair H70
Storage: Corsair RealSSD 128GB - Hitachi 7200 RPM 2TB
Click to expand...

It's a nice case but if im spending money on myself i tend to lean towards Lian Li one of the best higher end cases i have ever used for a build was the Lian Li PC-B10. I loved that case, it was sad that it wasnt mine and i was building for a friend. Nonetheless that was my favorite case to work on so far in any build i have done.
 
If its between the 800D and the other one, definitely get the 800D I looked at a review on youtube and IMO it seemed like cheap quality. I have the 800D, I also just picked up the 650D and from judging the video, these seem to be better quality.

I also agree with the Lian Li suggestion. My very first case was a Lian Li. Currently I own the PC A20, V1100b (modded for h20 cooling), and a PC 60. My other cases are the 800D & 650D and a ABS Black Pearl: all top tier quality.
 
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