Possible new build - advice

[xiphrex]

Hi,

Ive been out of the loop in terms of latest hardware for years. My current system is a Q6600 overclocked to 3.4ghz and its done me well for many years. But I think I fancy an upgrade.

I have the GPU (an ATI 6870) which I think is sufficient enough to put in the new build - any advice what cpu, mobo, ram and power supply I would need?

I like to overclock and get the most value for money, budget is probably around 500 quid. Main use will be gaming.

Thanks guys, just have no idea what is currently the best bang for buck or where to start!

 

[beejjacobs]

Hi,

Do you want the ability to add another 6870?

Without CF:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail £173.99
1 x MSI Z77A-G43 Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £77.38
1 x OCZ ZT 550W '80 Plus Bronze' Modular Power Supply £63.98
1 x Corsair XMS3 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMX8GX3M2A1600C9) £41.99
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 612S CPU Cooler (Socket LGA1366/1156/1155/775/AM3/AM2+/AM2) £32.99
Total : £402.32 (includes shipping : £10.00).

With,

YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail £173.99
1 x Gigabyte Z77X-D3H Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £104.99
1 x Antec High Current Gamer 750W Quad Rail '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply £74.99
1 x Corsair XMS3 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMX8GX3M2A1600C9) £41.99
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 612S CPU Cooler (Socket LGA1366/1156/1155/775/AM3/AM2+/AM2) £32.99
Total : £440.94 (includes shipping : £10.00).

Is your OS 64 bit? All your drives SATA? You'll also have to check if the cooler will fit in your case. What about an SSD?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-009-CR

 

[xiphrex]

I doubt I will ever do crossfire. Yes I have windows7 64-bit. My drives are all sata, and actually thinking about it now I would like a new SSD but that will be outside the budget. Just want the best value/performing mobo and cpu possible, Ive been burnt in the past trying to skimp out on the mobo and in the end I had to pay extra by buying another one.

I will probably get a Bitfenix shinobi case and use the corsair watercooler enclosure I have already at the moment.

Forgot to mention, would prefer a modular PSU as I dont like having to deal with extra unused cables!

Is the i5-3570k the best thing to go for at the moment? Do I not need hyperthreading?

 

[beejjacobs]

I doubt I will ever do crossfire. Yes I have windows7 64-bit. My drives are all sata, and actually thinking about it now I would like a new SSD but that will be outside the budget. Just want the best value/performing mobo and cpu possible, Ive been burnt in the past trying to skimp out on the mobo and in the end I had to pay extra by buying another one.

I will probably get a Bitfenix shinobi case and use the corsair watercooler enclosure I have already at the moment.

Forgot to mention, would prefer a modular PSU as I dont like having to deal with extra unused cables!

Is the i5-3570k the best thing to go for at the moment? Do I not need hyperthreading?

Cool. The MSI is a decent board, and for one GPU its ideal. You'll be able to get a decent overclock too.

The OCZ PSU is fully modular, so thats a good choice and plenty of power for one 6870.

For gaming an i5 is best You don't need hyperthreading for gaming since most games just don't use it. An overclocked i5 will run all games well, and is better value for money than the i7 too.

You can fit an SSD in the budget,

YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail £173.99
1 x Crucial RealSSD M4 128GB 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s Solid State Hard Drive (CT128M4SSD2) £88.99
1 x MSI Z77A-G43 Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £77.38
1 x Corsair XMS3 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (CMX8GX3M2A1600C9) £41.99
1 x Cooler Master Hyper 612S CPU Cooler (Socket LGA1366/1156/1155/775/AM3/AM2+/AM2) £32.99
Total : £426.73 (includes shipping : £9.50).

 

[xiphrex]

Ive read the i5-3570k is hotter when overclocked than the sandybridge CPUs and that the performance increase is neglible. This true?

Whats the benefit of going for the newer i5-3570k?

 

[olivier renault]

Ive read the i5-3570k is hotter when overclocked than the sandybridge CPUs and that the performance increase is neglible. This true?

Whats the benefit of going for the newer i5-3570k?

It's newer It's got better performance per clock, so you can clock it lower. For the same price, I'd still go 3570K. If there is like £20 difference, I'd go with a 2500K.