Requesting tips/ideas for my second build

[fiskrens]

Hello AnandTech forums. After almost 2 years with my half-assed first time self built computer. I decided to start a new project. My pc will be used for mainly gaming, perhaps streaming as well. My budget is around 1,000 euros(~$1,400). Considering I plan on using my old PSU, and perhaps my old RAM sticks. I believe I should be able to get a pretty good high end computer. I will be purchasing all my parts from Sweden(either www.Komplett.se or www.oc.nu).

So here is the current plan.


Processor: I've decided that I want either the
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3Ghz(~165 euro)
or the
Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4Ghz(~245 euro)
leaning towards the latter.
Motherboard: Here's where I'm clueless. Something that works great with a quad sandy bridge processor, USB 3.0 not too important, I'd like a ps/2 connector for my keyboard.
PSU: Corsair TX 850W(I currently own this and plan on keeping it for the build).
RAM: Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1333MHz 8GB CL9(I currently own this and plan on keeping it for the build.) However, if you(person that knows better than me) feel like I would benefit too much by replacing it let me know.
GPU: I'm a bit torn here. I've had a good experience with NVIDIA in the past but I don't know very much about their new 400 and 500 series. I've looked at the GTX 560Ti but I would like some more knowledge here. I will be playing on a 1680x1050 resolution but I want to be able to play at 1920x1200.
Case: Thinking about a
Antec P183 V3 Advanced Midi Tower
Cable management looked quite good, my PSU is non modular and has TONS of cables so it's quite important. I don't want a too big of a case max ~50cm height and ~25cm width.
Additional Cooling: I used an AMD stock cooler before, and it's absolutely horrible. I don't really know much about intels stock coolers but if it's on level with the AMD one I would need to get a CPU cooler.

I do not plan on overclocking but would like the option to do so in the future.

I do plan on building this as soon as possible so no tips about upcoming releases etc(unless it's really crucial). I'm sorry about not being so precise but I really don't know what I prefer as this is my first Intel build. Any tips will be appreciated and strongly considered.

 

[Puppies04]

Save some money go with the I5, doesnt seem you are going to be doing anything where you will notice the hyperthreading.

Pretty much any P67 motherboard will do for your needs, check out the asus p8p67 LE.

Your PSU and RAM is fine.

A 560TI is more than enough for 1680*1050 gaming, if you are happy witht the price then go for it.

For the relativly small price check out the coolermaster hyper 212 i have heard very good things about it although the standard cooler is more than enough until you start overclocking,on a side note it wasnt just the standard AMD cooler that was a bit rubbish, the chips themselves ran a lot hotter than "I" series chips do.

 

[mnewsham]

Amd's bulldozer is right around the corner

 

[mfenn]

Amd's bulldozer is right around the corner

Hey now, don't start with that. :awe:

OP, I agree with Puppies for the most part. However, since your RAM is older XMS3, it is most likely 1.65V (look up the exact part number to be sure). You'll want to get newer 1.5V RAM for Sandy Bridge.

 

[fiskrens]

It's 1.5V CMX8GX3M2A1333C9. Still recommend getting another pair?

 

[fiskrens]

What do you think about this motherboard?
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3815#
GA-P67X-UD3-B3
My memory isn't on the compatible memory list tho :| I never seem to be able to find my memory on those lists.

 

[fiskrens]

Would like some tips for a MB and memory to go with the
Intel Core™ i5 Quad Processor i5-2500K

and


EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD 1280MB PhysX

 

[betasub]

Don't worry about the list for memory: that's just a limited selection that the manufacturer has had time+availability to test for certified compability. There's no way they can cover an exhaustive list of all the workable possibilities: almost all 1333MHz, 1.5V DDR3 (like yours) should be fine.

4GB is a sufficient quantity, but if you want more, it needn't be identical: just look for RAM similar in terms of voltage & timings.

 

[fiskrens]

So this is what I'm ready to buy right now, but I would like some last comments on it.

Processor: Intel Core™ i5 Quad Processor i5-2500K
Motherboard: Asus P8P67 DELUXE REV B3
Memory: G.Skill 8GB (2x4096MB) Ripjaws X Performance
PSU & Case: Antec Continuous Power 850W & Antec Performance one P183 V3 (case will be bought for 110 eur in a local store)
GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 570 1280MB PhysX CUDA (I couldn't get the EVGA or the MSI one, I figured this was my best choice after that).
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB

Final cost is ~1,000 euros($1,400)

Anything that sticks out and where you would stop me right away? I know the GPU might be overkill but I'm pretty sure I want the 570. Feel free to tell me how the ASUS compares to the others like Gigabyte, Gainward etc. Remember EVGA and MSI is out of the question.

I decided to go for a new PSU since I'm not sure if my old one is faulty or not and I can't get a hold of proper tools for testing a PSU. So I figured spending an extra 100 euros is worth it. Also I liked the antec p183 from the start and the PSU works really well with the case.

 

[Davidh373]

Lookin' good to me.

 

[mfenn]

It's 1.5V CMX8GX3M2A1333C9. Still recommend getting another pair?

You are good to go since it is 1.5V.

So this is what I'm ready to buy right now, but I would like some last comments on it.

Processor: Intel Core™ i5 Quad Processor i5-2500K
Motherboard: Asus P8P67 DELUXE REV B3
Memory: G.Skill 8GB (2x4096MB) Ripjaws X Performance
PSU & Case: Antec Continuous Power 850W & Antec Performance one P183 V3 (case will be bought for 110 eur in a local store)
GPU: ASUS GeForce GTX 570 1280MB PhysX CUDA (I couldn't get the EVGA or the MSI one, I figured this was my best choice after that).
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB

Final cost is ~1,000 euros($1,400)

Anything that sticks out and where you would stop me right away? I know the GPU might be overkill but I'm pretty sure I want the 570. Feel free to tell me how the ASUS compares to the others like Gigabyte, Gainward etc. Remember EVGA and MSI is out of the question.

I decided to go for a new PSU since I'm not sure if my old one is faulty or not and I can't get a hold of proper tools for testing a PSU. So I figured spending an extra 100 euros is worth it. Also I liked the antec p183 from the start and the PSU works really well with the case.

Yeaaaah, let's talk about these components. The GPU is the least of your worries when it comes to overkill. I'll go down the list:

CPU: Good
Mobo: Overkill. I can't see any reason not to go for the ASRock Z68 Pro3
in a gaming rig.
Memory: Since you already have 4GB of good DDR3, you might as well save some money and just get another 4GB kit.
PSU: Way overkill. Even something like a 550W gives you >20% margin to play with. That being said, is there any reason that you suspect your current PSU is a problem? It's also overkill, but it's a sunk cost at this point.
Case: Good
GPU: A bit overpriced, but otherwise OK
HSF: Good
HDD : Good

 

[fiskrens]

First of all, the reason I decided to replace my PSU is because something in my previous built was bad but I couldn't find out if it was the PSU or the Motherboard. Trust me, I tried.
The reason I picked that PSU is because I really liked the Antec case. It's not too big, but still larger than most mid-towers and the option to remove Harddrive cages is great for me since I won't be using them. The PSU only comes at 850W or higher, but looks extremely good for the price.
After looking around for a while I came to the conclusion that the Ripjaws-X is the best for a sandy bridge build. Since I can get a refund on my previous memory sticks(I just got my RMA request accepted today), I decided to go with them.
Now, the motherboard, you are probably right. I was under the impression that I had to pick "any P67 motherboard". Is the Z68 optimal for sandy bridge? Also, I would prefer one with the SATA connectors tilted 90 degrees since they might get covered by the GPU.

Thanks for the help so far

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Almost all boards today have either some 90' SATA ports or come with 90' SATA cables. No worries there mate!

I agree with mfenn, PSU is overkill but it will work (just not cost effective). I tried to click on that link for the 570 to compare prices (in the US the 570 is not worth its cost in its performance gain over the 560 Ti) but I can't read a thing! As far as motherboards, you don't *have* to get a P67, that was just a good recommendation. Personally I agree again with mfenn, get an ASRock Z68.

 

[fiskrens]

Asus P8P67 PRO REV B3
What about this one?

I actually get 90 degree SATA ports and option to run SLI in the future. What's the general difference between P67 and Z68?

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

That is the exact same board as the pervious one you linked, just has less in the box. "Pro" is one step below "Deluxe" on the ASUS ladder.

Z68 is a combination of P67 & H67, allowing you to use the IGP on the CPU to either a) run your/another monitor or b) offload code onto it for faster encoding. It also supports SSD caching. There is nothing wrong with P67; it is a great platform. But generally, if it is in the same price range, why not buy more for the same cost?

See here for full details on Z68:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4329/intel-z68-chipset-smart-response-technology-ssd-caching-review

 

[fiskrens]

So Z68 is the way to go then? Which one would you suggest in the 150 euro range(~$210)?

That ASRock card only has a 1 year warranty, only one PCI-e x16 slot(which might not be a big deal, but still).

This one Asus P8Z68-V gives me another year of warranty(and a few small things) for 20 euro. I don't know much about ASRock vs ASUS, can I expect to get the same performance & stability out of both of them?

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Pretty much, ASRock is a subsidiary of ASUS. You can expect similar build quality, just with a budge price and a budge customer service department. Ok that made it sound kind of bad; if its broken they will fix it. I've never had a bad experience I' just pointing out as u said only 1 year warranty vs 2-3 on ASUS/Gigabye. Is the ASRock you mentioned for 20 euro less the 3 or 4?

It is hard to say when I can't see what is available to you, but based on what is on newegg here is my personal shortlist:

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 $170 (Vitru, but no UEFI; uses hybrid EFI older style BIOS, No CMOS reset button or diagnostic LEDs)
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO $190 (Too much loaded onto chipsets lower PCIe lanes imo, slightly lower Marvell SATAIII/USB speeds but the Z68 onboards work fine!)
ASRock Z68 Extreme 4 $210 (only 1yr warranty, but packed with extras like cables/headers/brackets)

 

[fiskrens]

To put it simple I would get 2 years with ASUS/Gigabyte and 1 year with ASRock. Also I ment the ASRock mentioned earlier is 20 euros less than the ASUS I just mentioned.

Why the PRO over the normal ASUS P8Z68-V? This is something I've been trying to figure out for a while now since 99% of all reviews are on the PRO verison of the ASUS Z68 series. From what I've seen all I would get is another 2 SATA 6.0 ports? I don't think I would ever need more than 2.

Also the prices here are very different from newegg.
ASUS P8Z68-V $210.
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO $230.
GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 $215
ASRock Z68 Extreme 4 $240

What did you mean by "Too much loaded onto chipsets lower PCIe lanes" btw?

I also noticed this board which interests me because of the positive feedback it had on the site.
MSI P67A-GD55 REV B3

EDIT: A side question; which is the least painful way to transition into my new build if I want to keep my old HDD for a 2xHDD setup? Install windows on the new HDD then transfer over what I need or purging all the old drivers etc then installing the new?

 

[mfenn]

So Z68 is the way to go then? Which one would you suggest in the 150 euro range(~$210)?

This is the real problem. Why do you think that you need to spend 150 euros on a motherboard? Put simply, "pick any P67 motherboard" does not mean "make a beeline for the most expensive boards". I stand by my recommendation of a Z68 Pro3.

Regarding the PSU and RAM, the problem with them is similar. They cost way too damn much. This XFX Core 650W is more power than you'll ever need and is about 33% less expensive. Similarly, this 8GB XMS3 DDR3 1333 kit will perform within 2% of the G.Skill Ripjaws while costing 12.5% less.

 

[Davidh373]

This is the real problem. Why do you think that you need to spend 150 euros on a motherboard? Put simply, "pick any P67 motherboard" does not mean "make a beeline for the most expensive boards". I stand by my recommendation of a Z68 Pro3.

:thumbsup:

Always look at the best value. Why pay extra money for the same performance? It seems silly to me...

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Sometimes I pay extra for piece of mind. Like getting a $150+ board that I know has 12-16 power phases for overclocking instead of any old board. Same goes for PSUs. Two of the most important areas to spend the money on reliability wise.

If your GPU dies u just swap it out, if the PSU dies it can take half the system with it.

 

[fffblackmage]

Sometimes I pay extra for piece of mind. Like getting a $150+ board that I know has 12-16 power phases for overclocking instead of any old board. Same goes for PSUs. Two of the most important areas to spend the money on reliability wise.

If your GPU dies u just swap it out, if the PSU dies it can take half the system with it.

True, but not everyone is looking for earth-shattering overclocks, and we're not suggesting POS PSUs.

 

[fiskrens]

The reason why I'm spending a little extra is because I want a future proof computer where I don't have to go around worrying all day over buying the cheapest possible equipment I can find. Also I would like a stable ground for overclocking.

@mfenn, I won't buy ASRock simply because of the 1 year warranty. If they had a 2-3 year warranty in Sweden I would strongly consider buying ASRock.

Anyways, I've done A LOT of reading and decided to skip the Z68 simply because it's new and is much more of a risky purchase compared to the P67. I don't really need it's features either.

ASUS P8P67 is probably what I will end up with.

 

[Davidh373]

The reason why I'm spending a little extra is because I want a future proof computer where I don't have to go around worrying all day over buying the cheapest possible equipment I can find. Also I would like a stable ground for overclocking.

Oh, future proofing you silly goose... you fool everyone into thinking you're a legitimate reason to spend extra money... when in fact you are impossible to obtain xD

Future proofing is a joke around here. It is a great mystery to me how anyone thinks it's at all possible. Basically, everything in your rig will be outdated in a year. Processors will likely be 10% faster, GPUs will provide 100% better framerates, There will be a Windows 8, and a new DirectX version. No matter how much money you drain trying, your rig will never be "future proof".

 

[fiskrens]

I don't disagree. You can't replace all your parts every time a new technology comes out tho.

PSUs and cases can be used for another build most of the time which is why I'll gladly spend a few extra on them.

Anyways thanks for the help even though we disagree on a lot of things. I've decided what to go for and hopefully it'll work out for me!