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New build for gaming

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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
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What started as a question about going to a crossfire setup on my current platform, has now brought me to thinking about a new build on some of my core components (cpu, mobo, ram, heatsink). I will be selling my current CPU w/ heatsink, MOBO, and RAM to make up some of the upgrade costs. Here is my current build -

Gigabyte ud3p-ep45 rev1.6
Intel Q9650 (no overclock)
Zalman 9700 Heatsink
8gb corsair xms2 DDR2
xfx 6950 2GB
Corsair Bronze 850w PSU
2x WD Blue 7200rpm 1TB drives mirrored
1x Corsair M4 128GB SSD
1x HP dvd-r drive
Lian-Li PC-60 case


1. Main things I use my machine for are gaming and Virtual Machines with VMWare Workstation. I game at 1920x1080 and I already have a 6950 2GB which I will be sticking with for the time being. I pretty much play BF3 but play tons of other games - Skyrim, The Witcher 2, LOTRO, etc.

2. Considering I could probably get around $300-$350 for the stuff I was going to be selling combined, my total overall budget would be around $600 for a new CPU, HS, MOBO, and RAM.

3. I will be buying from Newegg or Amazon most likely in the USA.

4. I want to stick with Intel for the CPU - usually go Zalman on the heatsinks. MOBO preference would be Gigabyte, but I have had good luck with ASUS as well. RAM I would probably go Corsair or Crucial.

5. I will be using everything from the build above minus the CPU, HS, MOBO and RAM.

6. I would definitely like the option of being able to overclock down the road when I need to push the CPU more.

8. 1920x1080 resolution is what I game at.

9. I plan on building this thing as soon as possible. Within a week or so after my research has been done and I've collected recommendations from this fine community :)

X. I will be re-using my software that I have on my current build.

I was thinking about the following items for completing this upgrade:

$220 - Intel 2500K CPU
$190 - GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX Intel Motherboard
$105 - G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)
$65 - ZALMAN CNPS9900MAX-B HS

Total - $580 free shipping

Any suggestions are welcome. I've been out of the upgrade game for a while when it comes to newer CPU/MOBO architectures so I'm a bit confused on what would be optimal for my budget. Thanks so much for your help in this everyone!
 
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the_meatloaf___

Junior Member
Mar 23, 2012
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CPU- Good, but you might think about waiting a week just to see how Ivy Bridge plays out.
Motherboard - Expensive, but if you feel like you need the features, go for it.
RAM - If you don't plan on ever upgrading to 32GB, it is cheaper to get 4x4GB sticks.
Heatsink - If it was me, I wouldn't worry about buying a new heatsink until you want to overclock. The stock heatsink will work fine until then.
 
lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
CPU Good, also consider Ivy Bridge i5-3570K.

Mobo Kinda expensive. How about Asrock Z77 Extreme4 for $135? I doubt it lacks any features you need. In comparison to the popular Z68 Extreme3, the Z77 Extreme4 offers more SATA 6gb/s ports and internal USB3.0 ports for the case front panel (which doesn't apply to your case, but still).

RAM $120 is the price for a 2x8GB kit. You can get 4x4GB for $90, e.g. G.Skill Ares. Do you find your current 8GB of RAM is not enough for vmware, or are you adding another 8GB just because it fits your budget?

Heatsink You intend to OC, but you don't seem to be a hardcore overclocker. A respectable 4.5GHz overclock, beyond which you get diminishing returns in terms of power consumption, thermals etc., can be achieved with an entry level tower cooler. However, Cooler Master Hyper 612 PWM is only $40 at the moment and it's a pretty high performing cooler. It'll definitely achieve a decent OC and temperatures, and it's also quieter than the Zalman.

With these changes you're looking at $485 for virtually the same performance, features and quality. I don't think you need to spend $600 on this upgrade. Save your cash for a later upgrade instead :).

EDIT: The Asrock motherboard comes with a feature called Combo Cooler Option, which basically means it has mounting holes for LGA775 coolers. You may be able to use your Zalman 9700 cooler.
 
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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
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Really good stuff guys.

I think I will go with the 4x4 ram config to save some cash. I definitely want to have that 16GB for my VMs as I like to be able to dedicate at least 2GB to each system I have running. With 16gb vs 8GB I can squeeze in a few more VMs for my lab.

I have never bought an ASRock, board but I will check it out and compare it to Gigabyte, which is my preferred brand. Good point on the cooler....I can always pick that up when I am ready to overclock, but looking at some comments I should overclock right off the bat as there isn't huge difference between the Q9650 and the 2500K? Am I reading this correctly?

Something I was also hoping to get from a new build would be PCI 3.0, USB 3.0, SATA 6gig ports - all things my current socket board doesn't have.

So will this upgrade will be worth my time or would I be better off sticking with my current build? Any more thoughts? Thanks again for the guidance and input!
 
lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
Well, it will be worth it as long as you are not content with the current CPU performance, and as long as you feel that more RAM is definitely needed. It's not terribly costly if you can get a good price for your old components.

I think it's a good idea to overclock right off the bat so that you get the most out of your CPU upgrade. With OC (~4.5GHz), 2500K will be almost twice as fast compared to stock Q9650.

It could also benefit you to wait a while and see whether 2500K price falls as 3570K is released.
 
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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
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66
Thanks lehtv :)

I now have a good idea of what to do. I read some reviews on that ASRock board and it looks really really solid. I might take a chance and give them a try with this next build.
 
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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
39
0
66
Awesome! Thanks so much. I really appreciate it! Not a huge deal that it would most likely be 2 separate pairs if I bought 2 packs to get to 16GB?
 
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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
39
0
66
So one quick question - is the main difference between the 2500k and 2600k just the hyper threading support? Just doing some final research on the builds suggested by you and I'm going to consider looking for some used gear here in the trade section as well as new parts. Thanks again!
 
M

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
r1sefromru1n said:
Awesome! Thanks so much. I really appreciate it! Not a huge deal that it would most likely be 2 separate pairs if I bought 2 packs to get to 16GB?
Click to expand...

A 16GB kit is the same as two 8GB kits which is the same as four 4GB single sticks in every respect except for the packaging. Honestly, I would just get the least expensive name-brand memory that I can find. You're not likely to be able to tell a difference between this DDR3 1333 kit and a DDR3 2133 kit unless you are benchmarking.

r1sefromru1n said:
So one quick question - is the main difference between the 2500k and 2600k just the hyper threading support? Just doing some final research on the builds suggested by you and I'm going to consider looking for some used gear here in the trade section as well as new parts. Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Yes, the HT support is the main difference. The i7 also is 100Mhz faster and has some more L3 cache, but those are less important.
 
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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
39
0
66
Ok I just found out I have a MicroCenter local to me (I just moved from the east coast to Minnesota). They have what i want to build much cheaper than Newegg. This is what I'm thinking now:

2500K - $179.99
ASrock Z77 Extreme4 - $89.99 (combo with chip)
Corsair 16GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) (Four 4GB Memory Modules) - $82.99 w/rebate

Total Build Price minus tax - 352.97


Any thoughts as I am about to go down and get my parts? Might do a Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus cooler for overclocking as well, as its 19.99 from MicroCenter after rebate.

Thanks for the help again everyone!
 
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lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
2500K - $179.99
ASrock Z77 Extreme4 - $89.99 (combo with chip)
Corsair 16GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) (Four 4GB Memory Modules) - $82.99 w/rebate

Total Build Price minus tax - 352.97

Any thoughts as I am about to go down and get my parts? Might do a Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus cooler for overclocking as well, as its 19.99 from MicroCenter after rebate.
Click to expand...

Looks good. The only thing I'm concerned about is the RAM, as I've seen the black Corsair XMS3 kits specced as 1.65V before. E.g. this kit. Since ordering from newegg you wouldn't have to pay the local sales tax you could get the G.Skill Ares RAM for about the same price.
 
lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
Yes, I know it says 1.5V. Was just a bit cautious because other black XMS3 modules had been 1.5-1.65V or 1.65V. Corsair's website confirms it's supposed to be 1.5V, and it lists Asrock Z77 Extreme4 as compatible. So you should be fine with that :)
 
R

r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
39
0
66
Sweet! Heading down to MicroCenter after work then to pick up my stuff. I'll post back after to report how everything is working. Thanks again!
 
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r1sefromru1n

Member
May 22, 2009
39
0
66
Got everything installed this weekend. Went with my final build above which was the i5-2500K, ASRock Z77 Extreme4, and Corsair XMS3 16GB. This thing is running like a dream. Thanks for all the help. I truly appreciate it!
 
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