Advice needed on xmas build!

ryryryan · 15 Oct 2011 at 03:06

Okay, so I'm in the process of deciding parts for my new build. I'm going from an Antec 900 to a white Corsair 600T (already bought and arrived!). I have a 5870 which I'm going to keep for now, and just recently got a OCZ ZX 850W Modular PSU. Will also keep my DVD drive from current build, and my 750GB HDD (7200RPM).

This means I am looking to get a new CPU, CPU Cooler, Mobo and RAM. I think I've decided on my set-up and would appreciate opinions!

Mobo: Sabertooth P67
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-449-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906
£153

CPU: i5 2500K
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-360-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1275
£176 (on sale atm for £168)

RAM: Corsair Vengeance Arctic White 8GB
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-311-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
£60

CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro H60
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-006-CS&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=1395
£63

Total: £452 (or £444 if i get it now which I prob won't, or the OEM version)

Would this be considered a decent build? I'm trying to go for a black and white simplistic look (along with good components obviously!), I even got some white pre-braided cables for when I build it!

Also - this is my first ever build. My other PC was pre-built.

Problem comes however when installing windows, I would do a fresh install onto my hard drive, but I only have an upgrade disk. But I still have my Windows Vista disk, so I guess I could install that and then upgrade to windows 7? To make things worse though, I'm building my dad a PC out of my old parts and his, but he has XP and I won't be able to activate my Vista (and then 7) key on 2 machines right? It's all very confusing! Not sure if I should just buy Full Windows 7. But it's so expensive! (Just read on my Vista disk + windows 7 upgrade disk that its OEM software. Does this mean I won't be able to use it again with a new motherboard? I hate all this!)

Also, I'm not sure whether I should try save that bit longer for an SSD to boot windows up on. Would I have windows and installed programs on there, then all data such as games, music and movies on my 750GB HDD? Is this easy to set up - and will 120GB be enough? I cannot afford the 250 GB versions.

Sorry for the many questions and long post, but advice is much appreciated

Thanks in advance!

mp260767 · 15 Oct 2011 at 03:21

have a look at the Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 motherboard.

yes it's a decent build, could always look to crossfire the 5870.

unless your really set on the colour scheme at the moment the corsair xms3 and kingston hyper x 8gb kits are cheaper so go with them.

is there a reason you cant stay with xp for your dad ?

if there oem versions really you need new o/s anyway if you change the motherboard.

the ssd can wait til a later date, i wouldn't delay a build because i had to save for one.

what sort of programs are you looking to load onto the ssd.

ryryryan · 15 Oct 2011 at 03:32

Aah, will that support the next PCI-E 3.0 and Ivy Bridge? I would have said that looks overkill to me, however the price is actually the same as the (albeit overpriced) board I'm currently looking at. Darn it, was really tempted by the awesome looking Sabertooth, but the Asrock Z68 Gen 3 board has sick specs, and is more futureproof. I think it's obvious what I should go for really! Yup - persuaded as I type lol.

RAM looks good, but at a bit over a tenner I'll see how the funds are when it comes to ordering.

Well, I guess he could stick with XP but he spends a lot of time on his PC, wouldn't it be worth it to upgrade to 7? Especially in the build he will be getting (a Phenom II x4 940, 4GB RAM, no GPU though). He still has his Windows XP install disk and key though I believe. I just think windows 7 is so much better now.

Yeah I'll prob wait a month or two on the SSD, can't really afford it at the moment! To be honest I'm not sure what I'd put on it. Obviously the OS, but then I guess I'd put Chrome and what-not. I don't use many programs; mainly Steam, iTunes and Chrome. All i do is web browse and game, with the occasional video conversion for youtube lol.

Thanks for the response btw!

mp260767 · 15 Oct 2011 at 07:46

for the sake of buying a new o/s if the budget is tight win xp is still decent, only really an issue if you need to use more than 4gb of ram.

again, with the ssd, aside from boot time if you don't really have anything that will make use of it then you'll be fine.

ryryryan · 15 Oct 2011 at 18:28

Cool, well I'll see what my dad thinks about staying on XP. The main problem with his computer anyway atm is too much crap installed, and way too slow. My system should work a treat.
Thanks for the help mate