My build- constructive criticism/help please!

Cretin

Cretin

Cretin

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8 Nov 2010
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68
So I've ummed and ahhed about getting the new box for far too long, so Im doing it tonight and getting it over with! Just wanted to post my build here and make sure people think it's ok!


4GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600)
MSI P55-GD65
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro v2.1
1TB Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3
60GB OCZ Technology Vertex 2E
Intel i5 760, S1156, Lynnfield Quad
Coolermaster Elite 430, Black, Mid
500W Corsair CMPSU-500CXUK
1GB PALIT GTX 460SE

Feel free to post anything I might find useful to know, I know nothing!

Cheers guys!

Cretin
 
that'll work.

was going to mention that you can get that case+coolermaster 500w psu together, but its out of stock
 
Cheers guys for the feedback.

It is a Budget build really yeah, trying to keep things as low as possible (circa 600). I want the SSD because from what I can gather it's a pretty big performance difference? Itl mainly be general use with a good amount of gaming thrown in. Would I see a bigger performance increase if I scrapped the SSD and focussed on something else? Also keen on the fast startup etc that id gain from it. Im open to any suggestions you guys may have if it gets me a nicer setup!

I'm upgrading from an e4500 DDR2 system with a 8800GTS, I know my new build may not be paticularly exciting (to you guys) but I should see a decent performance increase right? :)
 
Yeah there's a big performance gain from having an SSD, but it's expensive, and 60GB isn't that much capacity, and your system will still pwn if you don't get one. My 2 cents, I'm sure someone with an SSD will correct me :)

Either way - you'll see an epic performance gain over your previous system.
 
Capacity doesnt bother me, especially seeing as I've managed all this time with a 149gb Hdd, I'd only keep programmes and windows on the SSD and the rest on the f3.

What would you do instead of the SSD Billysielu? or just save the cash?
 
I would also switch the 460 to an MSI or Gigabyte. There has been quite a few issues with noise with others.
I'd keep the Vertex. I have one and I love the speed which it boots. (and how quiet it is)
The only advantage i'd see with removing it would be ££ for a GTX470 and a slightly better CPU cooler.
 
Cheers robbie, Do you think it'd be worth removing it for the 470? I'll be playing games in 1080, and am looking for the system to last me 3 years at least really (obviously by then ill be comprimising on graphics settings in games like I am now - Can just about play Black Ops)
 
I'm running a 60GB SSD and 1TB Sammy drives in my SG03 setup below, works well enough. All my media and games are on the 1TB drive, which OK is noticeable when you're loading a Steam game up but the rest of the time the wee thing flies.
 
I use the F3 as my only drive. I considered the capacity of SSD I could get for the amount I was willing to spend and decided it wasn't nearly enough.

If you were to remove the SSD from your build:

I would get a modular power supply:
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-117-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1088

The 460 with the better cooler I mentioned earlier:
- http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-064-GI&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1830

460s dump heat into your case, which isn't a problem - but you should make sure each space where you can put a fan, you do put a fan. (so you might need to buy extra fans)

I'm assuming you'll be installing Win 7 64-bit.

I'd consider spending remaining budget on a better case - the case will outlast everything else in your build, you can re-use it. I'm not the man to ask about budget cases, I always splash out for a good one - quietness is important to me.

And then I'd call it a day.

Edit: I just noticed someone mentioned a 470. Absolutely do not get a 470 or 480 whatever you do. They have severe heat issues.
 
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The SSD is up to you, I was 'umm'ing and 'arr'ing over one too and decided not to. Other than the quicker startup - which is nice, but worth ~£100? - will it make a lot of difference?

I don't know how much the O/S and system files will use up, but the chances are that most of your games and software will end up on the Spinpoint anyway. It's a fast HDD, so hopefully not too slow for you?

I agree with the comment about the GPU aswell - have read a couple of threads with minor issues on the Palit one, and I think the Gigabyte is pretty low cost too.

It's a nice looking build, having said that - I want to tell you to save the SSD money and spend it on something else, but it all looks pretty balanced to me and I don't know where I'd suggest spending.

Don't know if you need an optical drive and operating system, but don't forget 'em if you do!
 
Thanks guys.

Pohaku- Don't need an OS or optical Drive, Cheers! I'm really keen on an SSD, but I don't really know why! I love the idea of having things load instantly/very quickly, and I assume the f3 would be pretty slow in comparsion?

Billysielu- What are the perks of a modular PSU? I'm really looking for bang for buck here, spending as little as possible, but wanting a system thats upgradable in the future.

Also Regarding the case, will the one Ive chosen suffice in terms of space and ventilation?

Randal- Why no Games on the SSD?

Big thanks for the help, and interesting discussion too!

Muchos Love Guys
 
If you want gaming performance then adding an SSD won't do much apart from speed up loading times.
In which case a better graphics card would be the way to go.
billysielu said:
They have severe heat issues.
Click to expand...
I'd say that is extreme.
Under load a GTX460 will hit max 85C and the 470 is only 3-4C over that.
Games will eat up the space on an SSD but if you don't have any other progs which require its speed then do it.
Perks of a modular PSU are not having excess cables disrupting airflow and making the whole thing look more tidy (especially is its windowed)
 
A modular psu lets you remove the cables you don't need - as opposed to having your case full of cables which is messy, can affect airflow, and makes it a pain to work with. You don't have to get a modular psu at all, but I think it's worth a few extra quid.

The F3 isn't slow, compared to your previous system you'd probably find it quick - but it's slower than an SSD - but I'd be surprised if you can fit your games on your 60GB SSD (given that games are about 10-15GB each these days). So you won't have any benefit in loading speed.
 
R088ieS86 said:
Under load a GTX460 will hit max 85C and the 470 is only 3-4C over that.
Click to expand...

I've got a copy of Custom PC infront of me which states:

Peak Delta T:
- 460 (46c)
- 470 (72c)

I also recommended one to a mate earlier in the month, he was amazed how cool & quiet it was (he went from a 9800GX2). I just asked him about it:

<me> says (21:43)
what would you say your gpu average and peak temps are?
<him> says (21:43)
ave low to mid 20s
high mid 50s
in a fleet fight atm, and its 30deg
highest i've seen is 56
with 4 eve clients

That's in an Antec p192 (which ocuk don't sell).
 
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Cheers for the advice Re the modular psu! I quite like the idea of having a nice tidy setup, may be worth the extra money. What kind of power should I be thinking for this setup? I'm guessing 500W, or would this not be enough?

As for PSU brands, are Antec good? Ive found:

650W Antec TruePower New, Modular, 80Plus Bronze, SLI/CrossFire, 120mm Fan, DC to DC PSU
 
billysielu said:
<me> says (21:43)
what would you say your gpu average and peak temps are?
<him> says (21:43)
ave low to mid 20s
high mid 50s
in a fleet fight atm, and its 30deg
highest i've seen is 56
Click to expand...

Super low temps! on air? must admit ive never dealt with those cases, but they still seem very low.

Edit: Would still say that a GTX470 is NOT a bad choice for gaming.
 
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