Looking for advice on building a new comp

[rhino56]

I plan on building a new comp this weekend, the one i have now lags in games which is sad, it used to be pretty good.

current
asus rampage mobo
qx6800
3870x2
2x1 gb ram
2x 150 gb raptor

i would like to stay around 2500 with my budget, get a ssd for games and OS, use my 2 raptors in raid 0 for more space but still decent performance.

i was thinking another asus mobo
ASUS Rampage III Formula LGA 1366
Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz
CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Corsair Obsidian Series 650D
Corsair Force Series 3 CSSD-F120GB3A-BK 2.5"

PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II 950W

Not sure what vid card would be best, Sure i would love to get the 6990 but i dont really want to spend 700 on a video card. would running 2 6850's in crossfire help much with BF3 and other games? Or is it like a 20% increase with the second card.
Any feedback?

 

[Black-Wolf]

I'm an Asus fan also great boards. 2500K for gaming.
Go with a crucial m4 for your ssd fast and reliable.
No personal experience on the 6990, but other members have recommended the 2 6950's.
When ever I buy a PSU I look for reviews and test results. Certification isn't always a dependable guide line.

 

[lehtv]

$2500 is way more than you need to spend on a gaming setup, not counting monitor(s). $1500 gets you a top notch dual-GPU rig. What kind of monitor(s) are you using?

No point going with the old i7's. +1 on i5-2500K

Here's a good start, $1000 midrange PC: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2192841 (-$100 without the HDD)

If you want 6950 crossfire + overclocking, change to a 750W PSU e.g. XFX 750W. Feel free to change the case to something more 'premium' like that Corsair 650D but personally I think that's a bit overpriced. You can get a perfectly capable case with great cooling for less than that, e.g. Fractal Design Arc Midi, Corsair 500R, HAF 922.

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB)

You can get 8GB 1600 for $40-50. Sandy Bridge (= i5-2500K and other new Intels) doesn't noticeably benefit from memory faster than 1600mhz.

would running 2 6850's in crossfire help much with BF3 and other games? Or is it like a 20% increase with the second card.

Crossfire gives you about 80-90% increase in average framerates, less than that in minimum framerates. A single 6950 2GB will run BF3 @ 60fps on medium settings 1080p, playable on high or near-ultra (no AA). 6950 2GB Crossfire will run BF3 at constant 60fps on Ultra.

 

[rhino56]

I'm an Asus fan also great boards. 2500K for gaming.
Go with a crucial m4 for your ssd fast and reliable.
No personal experience on the 6990, but other members have recommended the 2 6950's.
When ever I buy a PSU I look for reviews and test results. Certification isn't always a dependable guide line.

I've always had no problems with the pcp&c psu's, that's why i chose that one. i used to like the Antecs until i had 3 burn up on me.
You think the 2500k is gonna be better for gaming than the bloomfield? ill have to get a different socket if so.

 

[lehtv]

For all your CPU and GPU comparison needs: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/

 

[rhino56]

Thank you lehtv.

I wont need a HD as i can just use the raptors i have for storage drives, i do have a 750 watt pc power&cooling psu im using right now, that would be enough for 2x6850?
So even when overclocking having a higher speed ram wont benefit it by allowing it to clock higher?

 

[lehtv]

Why would you want two mid-range GPUs as opposed to one higher end GPU, or two higher end GPUs when your budget easily allows for that? Do you already own a 6850?

Your 750W PCP&C is enough even for overclocked 6950 crossfire. This is 6950 2GB Crossfire at stock: "System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 473W" (from http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6950-crossfirex-review/14)

So even when overclocking having a higher speed ram wont benefit it by allowing it to clock higher?

Correct. Sandy Bridge overclocking is independent of RAM speed because you only adjust the multiplier, not the base clock.

 

[Zap]

ASUS Rampage III Formula LGA 1366
Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz
Do not get that CPU/mobo. Socket 1366 is a 3 year old platform!!! Get this instead:
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 motherboard
Core i5-2500K CPU

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Do not get that RAM. $105 for 8GB of DDR3 is ridiculous. Get something like G.Skill Sniper or Ripjaws. Look for voltage at 1.5v or less, speed at 1600MHz data rate and price under $50. Heck, there's a promo code at Newegg right now for some Ripjaws for around $36 for the 8GB kit.

Radeon 6990
two Radeon 6850 in Crossfire
Something you need to realize is the 6990 is one physical card, but on the card are two Radeon GPUs running in Crossfire. Also, the 6850/6870 are not as high end. A better choice would be a 6950. Running two cards will give you a benefit in BF3. What resolution are you running at? If it is 2560x1600 or 2560x1440 or you are using Eyefinity, then you probably want two Radeon 6950 2GB models. Otherwise you are probably fine with one, or maybe get the slightly faster 6970. BTW when are you buying the parts? The next generation Radeons have been announced and reviewed, but they won't be out for another week (at the earliest, unless delayed).

PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II 950W
That's a lot more power than you need, and can run two 6990 in Crossfire. Even running two 6950 in Crossfire you only need around 750W. If you end up only running a single card, then you only need around 550W or so, and that's for the highest end cards too.

2x 150 gb raptor
Are these the older Raptors and not VelociRaptors? Ditch them. Probably in most things a single Hitachi 7K1000.D will match the performance, give you 3x the capacity, create less noise, draw less power, create less heat and take up less room in your case.

i would like to stay around 2500 with my budget
Is that really how much you want to spend? I guess that's why you choose more expensive parts then.

Here's what I would recommend for you assuming you are running a single monitor at 1920x1200 or lower resolution, and knowing you can spend up to $2500, and you use this primarily for gaming. Prices are "regular" and deals may or may not be found.

Core i5-2500K CPU $220
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 motherboard $190
8GB DDR3-1600 1.5v dual channel kit $50 or less
random CPU cooler that has at least 3 heatpipes and uses one 120mm fan $40 or less
random Radeon 6970 $340 thereabouts
Samsung 830 256GB SSD (or any other decent SATA 6G 240-256GB SSD) $370 thereabouts
second SSD for RAID $370
Hitachi 7K1000.D 1TB hard drive $120
random DVD writer $20
random decent quality (Corsair/Antec/XFX) 500-650W PSU $100 or less
Corsair 650D case $190 (since you choose it)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
=$2110

Heck, maybe you CAN double the graphics cards and up the PSU to $750W to hit your $2500 budget?

 

[rhino56]

Why would you want two mid-range GPUs as opposed to one higher end GPU, or two higher end GPUs when your budget easily allows for that? Do you already own a 6850?

Your 750W PCP&C is enough even for overclocked 6950 crossfire. This is 6950 2GB Crossfire at stock: "System Wattage with GPU in FULL Stress = 473W" (from http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6950-crossfirex-review/14)



Correct. Sandy Bridge overclocking is independent of RAM speed because you only adjust the multiplier, not the base clock.

I meant 6950, i been comparing so many different ones i got lost for a moment on what i wanted lol. I currently have a 3870x2 card which was great for me but it lags even in cod black ops.
so at this point i have

i5-2500k
ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
Crucial M4 CT128
XFX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB

I am gonna stick with the case even though i know it's over priced, i just like it better than the others. I normally get lian li cases so this may even be a downgrade for me.
Ill try the ASrock mobo as everyone has had good things to say about it, and there are so many things on the asus rampage formula board i have i dont even use now.

I have a Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC monitor right now and ive been pretty happy with it.
i don't think i would want a bigger one.
Thanks for all the help much appreciated.

 

[lehtv]

2x 150 gb raptor
Are these the older Raptors and not VelociRaptors? Ditch them. Probably in most things a single Hitachi 7K1000.D will match the performance, give you 3x the capacity, create less noise, draw less power, create less heat and take up less room in your case.

Even with the hard drive prices so high, I'm going to have to agree with that.

i5-2500k
ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
Crucial M4 CT128
XFX Double D HD-695X-CDFC Radeon HD 6950 2GB
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB

:thumbsup:

 

[rhino56]

ASUS Rampage III Formula LGA 1366
Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz
Do not get that CPU/mobo. Socket 1366 is a 3 year old platform!!! Get this instead:
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 motherboard
Core i5-2500K CPU

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Do not get that RAM. $105 for 8GB of DDR3 is ridiculous. Get something like G.Skill Sniper or Ripjaws. Look for voltage at 1.5v or less, speed at 1600MHz data rate and price under $50. Heck, there's a promo code at Newegg right now for some Ripjaws for around $36 for the 8GB kit.

Radeon 6990
two Radeon 6850 in Crossfire
Something you need to realize is the 6990 is one physical card, but on the card are two Radeon GPUs running in Crossfire. Also, the 6850/6870 are not as high end. A better choice would be a 6950. Running two cards will give you a benefit in BF3. What resolution are you running at? If it is 2560x1600 or 2560x1440 or you are using Eyefinity, then you probably want two Radeon 6950 2GB models. Otherwise you are probably fine with one, or maybe get the slightly faster 6970. BTW when are you buying the parts? The next generation Radeons have been announced and reviewed, but they won't be out for another week (at the earliest, unless delayed).

PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II 950W
That's a lot more power than you need, and can run two 6990 in Crossfire. Even running two 6950 in Crossfire you only need around 750W. If you end up only running a single card, then you only need around 550W or so, and that's for the highest end cards too.

2x 150 gb raptor
Are these the older Raptors and not VelociRaptors? Ditch them. Probably in most things a single Hitachi 7K1000.D will match the performance, give you 3x the capacity, create less noise, draw less power, create less heat and take up less room in your case.

i would like to stay around 2500 with my budget
Is that really how much you want to spend? I guess that's why you choose more expensive parts then.

Here's what I would recommend for you assuming you are running a single monitor at 1920x1200 or lower resolution, and knowing you can spend up to $2500, and you use this primarily for gaming. Prices are "regular" and deals may or may not be found.

Core i5-2500K CPU $220
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 motherboard $190
8GB DDR3-1600 1.5v dual channel kit $50 or less
random CPU cooler that has at least 3 heatpipes and uses one 120mm fan $40 or less
random Radeon 6970 $340 thereabouts
Samsung 830 256GB SSD (or any other decent SATA 6G 240-256GB SSD) $370 thereabouts
second SSD for RAID $370
Hitachi 7K1000.D 1TB hard drive $120
random DVD writer $20
random decent quality (Corsair/Antec/XFX) 500-650W PSU $100 or less
Corsair 650D case $190 (since you choose it)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
=$2110

Heck, maybe you CAN double the graphics cards and up the PSU to $750W to hit your $2500 budget?

That would be the most i would want to spend, but anything i save is money in the bank
I'm at 1448.00 in my cart right now. I plan on buying friday at the latest but might just order today.
The raptors i have are the older ones sadly i think i will follow that and just get a 1 tb drive like you said, never know i may end up with a bunch of files someday that are huge.
right now my typical usage is 150 gb of stuff which i could probably get rid of 50 gb with no problems.
Would it be worth it to get 16 gb of ram since it's so cheap or just not needed? When i got my 2x1gb sticks i have now i thought i would never need that much lol

 

[lehtv]

Would it be worth it to get 16 gb of ram since it's so cheap or just not needed?

No. Even 8GB is not really needed for most users, but still a good way to ensure you never run out of RAM. 4GB sticks are better $/GB than 2GB sticks.

16GB is useful for stuff like HD video editing and running multiple virtual machines.

 

[mfenn]

That would be the most i would want to spend, but anything i save is money in the bank
I'm at 1448.00 in my cart right now. I plan on buying friday at the latest but might just order today.

How are you getting to that price? Can you post everything that is in your cart because that seems to be about $250 too much for what we are discussing here.

Also, the 650D isn't that great of a case, especially when you consider its price. There are plenty of Lian-Li's available for less. The PC-9F has the classic Lian-Li styling and aluminum construction for less than $100 AP.

 

[rhino56]

How are you getting to that price? Can you post everything that is in your cart because that seems to be about $250 too much for what we are discussing here.

Also, the 650D isn't that great of a case, especially when you consider its price. There are plenty of Lian-Li's available for less. The PC-9F has the classic Lian-Li styling and aluminum construction for less than $100 AP.

I really like a lot of the features the 650d has, like the wire management, dust filters, airflow design,top sliding door for a HD, location of the usb ports and the slide out upper HD tray that locks in a different location for better airflow and more space. Not that i'll need that tray at all though probably.
The reason for the price is i had windows 7 and a keyboard that wasn't discussed i think.
but here is what i have.

 

[fastamdman]

If you have more money to spend, I HIGHLY recommend getting a gtx580 instead of that card. Also you could get 8gb of 2133mhz ram for like 25 bucks more if you wanted to, even though its not a HUGE difference for everything, in some areas it can help. As far as the motherboard, I hate asrock and a lot of people here know it. If you have the funds, I would go with any decent asus board. The features those boards have are amazing.

 

[lehtv]

If you have more money to spend, I HIGHLY recommend getting a gtx580 instead of that card.

6950 2GB Crossfire would be a lot better.

Also you could get 8gb of 2133mhz ram for like 25 bucks more if you wanted to, even though its not a HUGE difference for everything, in some areas it can help.

Will never notice the difference.

@rhino

If you're going to spend $200 on a keyboard, at least get one with long-lasting mechanical switches (or this one).

 

[Zap]

I have a Dell UltraSharp 2407WFP-HC monitor right now and ive been pretty happy with it.

At those resolutions, probably a single high end card would be fine.

That would be the most i would want to spend, but anything i save is money in the bank

Ok.

right now my typical usage is 150 gb of stuff which i could probably get rid of 50 gb with no problems.

Perfect for a single large 240-256GB SSD. Heck, you don't even need a HDD at this time.

Would it be worth it to get 16 gb of ram since it's so cheap or just not needed?

Not worth it for gaming. Games are 32-bit software, limiting them to using 2GB RAM.

Core i5-2500K CPU $220
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 motherboard $190
8GB DDR3-1600 1.5v dual channel kit $50 or less
random CPU cooler that has at least 3 heatpipes and uses one 120mm fan $40 or less
random Radeon 6970 $340 thereabouts
Samsung 830 256GB SSD (or any other decent SATA 6G 240-256GB SSD) $370 thereabouts
random DVD writer $20
random decent quality (Corsair/Antec/XFX) 500-650W PSU $100 or less
Corsair 650D case $190 (since you choose it)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
=$1640

 

[rhino56]

6950 2GB Crossfire would be a lot better.

Will never notice the difference.

@rhino

If you're going to spend $200 on a keyboard, at least get one with long-lasting mechanical switches (or this one).

I went with the logitech as i have a g-15 for a long time now and no problems with it. I looked at the KB's you posted and decided to get the razor instead of the g19

 

[mfenn]

6950 2GB Crossfire would be a lot better.

Will never notice the difference.

@rhino

If you're going to spend $200 on a keyboard, at least get one with long-lasting mechanical switches (or this one).

:thumbsup: to this, especially the part about the keyboard. Spending $200 on a keyboard with rubber dome keyswitches is a travesty.

 

[mfenn]

I went with the logitech as i have a g-15 for a long time now and no problems with it. I looked at the KB's you posted and decided to get the razor instead of the g19

Why not just keep the G15? Is there anything in particular that is wrong with it?

 

[rhino56]

Why not just keep the G15? Is there anything in particular that is wrong with it?

It still works, just pretty aged looking from so much use and my stickers are all faded on it. I just figured since im getting a new comp might as well get a new kb also

 

[rhino56]

So this is what i ended up with after much debate.

Asus maximus extreme IV Z
2500k sandbridge
2x4 gb gskill ripjaws 2100
Noctua NH-D14
crucial m4 128gb ssd
750 gb hitachi
corsair 650d
logitech g-19 keyboard
win-7 pro

I did some reading on the mech kb's and a lot of complaints on noise, so i went with the g-19 anyways and i love it.

I am very impressed with speed of this comp, running stable at 4.8 ghz, i haven't even tried to push it any further as it just isn't needed.

 

[Zap]

Asus maximus extreme IV Z
2500k sandbridge
2x4 gb gskill ripjaws 2100
Noctua NH-D14
crucial m4 128gb ssd
750 gb hitachi
corsair 650d
logitech g-19 keyboard
win-7 pro

Very nice! A bit overkill on RAM and cooler, but if you have the budget they're nice gear.

 

[mfenn]

Very nice! A bit overkill on RAM and cooler, but if you have the budget they're nice gear.

Did you miss the three hundred and thirty-nine dollar motherboard?

OP, I hope you can return that stuff for a refund, because you got seriously bent over.

EDIT: Also, $160 is way too much to spend on a rubber dome keyboard. Logitech is laughing all the way to the bank.

 

[rhino56]

Did you miss the three hundred and thirty-nine dollar motherboard?

OP, I hope you can return that stuff for a refund, because you got seriously bent over.

EDIT: Also, $160 is way too much to spend on a rubber dome keyboard. Logitech is laughing all the way to the bank.

I REALLY like this KB, My g-15 i had for 5 years and it still works fine, I was just ready for an upgrade. After looking at the mechanical KB's and reading the complaints about how loud they were i chose not to get one. And any problems i may ever have with this KB i know Logitech will do more than you would expect a company to do for you where there were nothing but complaints about the razors service.