Thoughts on this gaming build.

[shingletingle]

I posted some time ago that I was considering a gaming build but I decided to wait and I've pretty much changed everything. Most intense thing being done on this PC is gaming. I don't have an exact budget but I'd like to keep it reasonable and make it money well spent. Basically best value for the dollar.

Gaming on a 24" LCD at 1920 x 1200. I already have a case, 750W Cooler Master PSU, DVD drive, etc.

QUESTION: I've never overclocked before and I'm not sure if I will. If I choose to do so, is the stock cooler with the Intel CPU good enough for some overclocking? I would probably add a Cooler Master Hyper 212+ heatsink/fan if I want to do serious overclocking.

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6870 1GB for $240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102909

GIGABYTE GA-P55-USB3 1156 Intel P55 Motherboard for $95 AC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128425

Intel Core i5-760 CPU for $180 AC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115067

QUESTION: I'm up in the air as far as memory goes. Is 8GB helpful now or should I save some money and stick with 4GB. If I go 8GB, it'll be 1333 memory. If I go 4GB, it'll be 1600.

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 for $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

or

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1333 for $135
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231311

Total with 4GB of memory is about $600. If I go with 8GB of memory, it's about $657.

Thoughts or suggestions are welcome!

 

[BHetrick]

Through all the research/reading I've done, it would seem that the consensus is that 8gb is an overkill. I use 8gb myself and monitoring it on my G13 while gaming, I'm never using half my available ram.

 

[mosox]

You can get one of those combos:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.520575
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.534931
RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231303

4G is enough.

 

[shingletingle]

You can get one of those combos:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.520575
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.534931
RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231303

4G is enough.

With the coupon deals from Newegg, I can get the CPU/mobo I listed for about $275 combined. The combos you listed cost a little more.

I like the g.skill 4gb ram you listed but it says it needs 1.65v. I read a few times on the boards that I should stick with 1.5v ram.

Also, I think I'm going to change from the Sapphire 6870 to the XFX. When you factor in shipping with the Sapphire, it's nearly the same price as the XFX. I believe XFX is considered a little better mainly because of its warranty.
XFX Radeon 6870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150506

 

[mosox]

If you don't need SATA3 you can go with your board as well, here's a combo.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.520661
RAM (no big deal if it's 1.65 but you can get this):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231275
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144435

If you waited a bit can you wait a little more for the custom cooling HD 6870 cards? Might be a week or two. You can get your other stuff.

 

[mfenn]

Your build looks good OP. I agree that 4GB is all that's needed for gaming right now. You could potentially do some stock-volts overclocking with the Intel HSF, but that thing will scream like a banshee if you bump the voltage! I'd get the Hyper 212+.

 

[shingletingle]

I ordered everything as planned (went with 4GB of G.Skill DDR3 1600 memory) but changed out the Sapphire 6870 for the XFX 6870. Also went ahead and got the Cooler Master Hyper 212+. Guess it's time to start learning to overclock. Seems everyone does it these days.

Also got myself the Corsair 600t case. Love how it appears to be easy to work with and I like the look.

I guess I didn't expect too much difference of opinion on my parts since I have been pouring over the forums trying to make an informed decision.

Thanks everyone.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Did you reach a decision regarding the stock HSF? If you're going to be overclocking you'll want something a little more robust than the stock cooler.

 

[mfenn]

Did you reach a decision regarding the stock HSF? If you're going to be overclocking you'll want something a little more robust than the stock cooler.

I ordered everything as planned (went with 4GB of G.Skill DDR3 1600 memory) but changed out the Sapphire 6870 for the XFX 6870. Also went ahead and got the Cooler Master Hyper 212+. Guess it's time to start learning to overclock. Seems everyone does it these days.

Thanks everyone.

No problem!