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YA [i3-2100 / i5-2500K] Build (Critique)

cKGunslinger

cKGunslinger

Lifer
The Checklist:
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing. (browsing, compiling, moderate gaming)
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread (Not really applicable)
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from. (USA)
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc. (Intel Sandy Bridge)
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are. (listed below)
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. (Yep)
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. (Possibly?)
8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with. (1920x1200)
9. WHEN do you plan to build it? (Now, or within the next 2 weeks)
10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned. (No worries)
Click to expand...

So, random hardware issues (USB randomly working, GPU occasionally not displaying, failed boots, etc) have convinced me to go ahead and build a new daily machine. (I think either my MB or PS is giving me grief with these things.)

I used to game, but not as much. I'd like to pick it back up to some extent. But I mostly browse, code, and use XBMC to watch movies/shows. I also run Linux, although I plan to dual-boot Win7 for gaming with this new PC.

Current PC:

  • Intel Dual Core E5200 @ 2.5GHz
  • 3GB RAM
  • nVidia 9800GT
  • 2 Samsung Spinpoint 500GB HDs
  • 24" (1920x1200) and 22" (1680x1050) monitors
  • Case, DVD-R, KB, Mouse, speakers, all usable

I plan to try out that 9800GT and see how well it holds up. My gaming is always a generation behind or so (L4D, HL2, Doom3, etc.) It played all those and more fine (for my tastes) with my current setup, even at 1920x1200. But the hardware may be flaky, so I'll be prepared to buy a new one. Although GPU charts seem to indicate a newer bottom-tier card (sub-$100) may not be a huge improvement. Since I'm running Linux, I tend to stick with nVidia cards for ease of support.

I'm looking to build a Sandy Bridge PC, and since I have a Microcenter next door, I should be able to do that reasonably cheap. I also really want an SSD build, as I'll probably enjoy any reduced booting times one might afford me, as I switch between Win7 for gaming and Linux for everything else. I toyed with getting a pre-built (Lenovo/Dell) system and upgrading some parts, but there just aren't any real solid deals out there for a core system that I couldn't match by building myself. That means I'll need to drop $100 on a Win7 disk.

The List (non-MicroCenter)


The Dilemma (i3 vs i5 @ Microcenter)


Pricing: $450 (i3) vs $530 (i5)

I'm not sure which CPU to grab. I like the idea of the unlocked 2500K, but I'm not sure I'd even notice the different with my planned build. Or if my MB is helpful with O/C'ing. Plus, it's at an $80 premium (not awful, but noticeable, especially if I do need a new GPU.) But my refresh cycle is pretty low now-a-days, so this need to last me a while. Better to max-out up-front, or upgrade over time?

Any suggestions?
 
Last edited:
Spend $5 more for this ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231544

If this mobo qualifies I'd get it instead since it has a better DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design for overclocking ceiling and stability than the LX board which does not.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378096

I know it is more $ but in the long run the overclocking will keep your performance on par or still even better than a future stock setup.

Consider this $40 cooler as well as you'll need it to overclock:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0373900

And you don't need to jack it up to 4.5ghz...a lot of ppl can run 4.0ghz on stock volts.
 
LagunaX said:
Spend $5 more for this ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231544
Click to expand...

I'm assuming the difference is the DDR3 1600 speed. Would it be noticeable?

If this mobo qualifies I'd get it instead since it has a better DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Design for overclocking ceiling and stability than the LX board which does not.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378096
Click to expand...

That one does qualify, but at $135, its double the price of the LX. Worth it?

I know it is more $ but in the long run the overclocking will keep your performance on par or still even better than a future stock setup.
Click to expand...

Ahh, I see.

Consider this $40 cooler as well as you'll need it to overclock:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0373900

And you don't need to jack it up to 4.5ghz...a lot of ppl can run 4.0ghz on stock volts.
Click to expand...

It seems you're pushing for a more robust base, with room to upgrade in the future. Maybe in the interest of saving $$ now, I could invest in the better MB, but get the i3 now. Then maybe a 2500K + Cooler when I need more power?
 
Last edited:
The "perceived" bootup and snappiness in higher speed ram exists but is not of great significance in overall numbers.
However, the sweet spot for ddr3 and Sandy Bridge is ddr3 1600-1866. Little benefit is gained over 1866. I would go 1600.

The LX board is fine for smaller overclocks say 4.0-4.2ghz.

But you should definitely get the cooler if you plan to overclock at all.
 
cKGunslinger said:
The Checklist:


So, random hardware issues (USB randomly working, GPU occasionally not displaying, failed boots, etc) have convinced me to go ahead and build a new daily machine. (I think either my MB or PS is giving me grief with these things.)

I used to game, but not as much. I'd like to pick it back up to some extent. But I mostly browse, code, and use XBMC to watch movies/shows. I also run Linux, although I plan to dual-boot Win7 for gaming with this new PC.

Current PC:

  • Intel Dual Core E5200 @ 2.5GHz
  • 3GB RAM
  • nVidia 9800GT
  • 2 Samsung Spinpoint 500GB HDs
  • 24" (1920x1200) and 22" (1680x1050) monitors
  • Case, DVD-R, KB, Mouse, speakers, all usable

I plan to try out that 9800GT and see how well it holds up. My gaming is always a generation behind or so (L4D, HL2, Doom3, etc.) It played all those and more fine (for my tastes) with my current setup, even at 1920x1200. But the hardware may be flaky, so I'll be prepared to buy a new one. Although GPU charts seem to indicate a newer bottom-tier card (sub-$100) may not be a huge improvement. Since I'm running Linux, I tend to stick with nVidia cards for ease of support.

I'm looking to build a Sandy Bridge PC, and since I have a Microcenter next door, I should be able to do that reasonably cheap. I also really want an SSD build, as I'll probably enjoy any reduced booting times one might afford me, as I switch between Win7 for gaming and Linux for everything else. I toyed with getting a pre-built (Lenovo/Dell) system and upgrading some parts, but there just aren't any real solid deals out there for a core system that I couldn't match by building myself. That means I'll need to drop $100 on a Win7 disk.

The List (non-MicroCenter)


The Dilemma (i3 vs i5 @ Microcenter)


Pricing: $450 (i3) vs $530 (i5)

I'm not sure which CPU to grab. I like the idea of the unlocked 2500K, but I'm not sure I'd even notice the different with my planned build. Or if my MB is helpful with O/C'ing. Plus, it's at an $80 premium (not awful, but noticeable, especially if I do need a new GPU.) But my refresh cycle is pretty low now-a-days, so this need to last me a while. Better to max-out up-front, or upgrade over time?

Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Since you have an MC nearby, I'd say it's a no-brainer to get the i5. Running make -j4 with the source tree on an SSD is quite nice. As for the rest:
- PSU: Unless you intend to buy a monster GPU, you don't need anywhere near this much power. Check out the Corsair 500CX for $40AR.
- RAM: You can get better memory for less with this Crucial 8GB kit.
- Mobo: That's a good choice. Don't spend double for a fancy mobo when you've got overclocking listed as "Possibly?"
 
mfenn said:
Since you have an MC nearby, I'd say it's a no-brainer to get the i5. Running make -j4 with the source tree on an SSD is quite nice. As for the rest:
- PSU: Unless you intend to buy a monster GPU, you don't need anywhere near this much power. Check out the Corsair 500CX for $40AR.
- RAM: You can get better memory for less with this Crucial 8GB kit.
- Mobo: That's a good choice. Don't spend double for a fancy mobo when you've got overclocking listed as "Possibly?"
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input. I have crap-luck with MIRs, so I may stick with this PSU - I tend to keep them forever anyway. Maybe I will get a "monster GPU" one day. Good call on the mem, though.

But blast-it, I hesitated and my SSD jumped +$25 from last night. 🙁
 
Purchased:

  • Intel Core i5 2500K
  • ASUS P8Z68-V LX 1155
  • Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
  • BYTECC Bracket-35225 2.5 Inch HDD/SSD Mounting Kit For 3.5" Drive Bay or Enclosure
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
  • Rosewill Green Series RG630-S12 630W
  • Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

Got NewEgg to retroactively give me today's $25 promo on that SSD, bringing it down to $150/shipped.

Total: $620

Feeling pretty good about a purchase.. for once. 😎
 
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