Best price:performance from a cheap CPU/Mobo/RAM/GPU combo

richjs

richjs

richjs

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14 Jan 2007
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Hi all, my current rig has bitten the bullet (pretty sure its the GPU), but I was looking to upgrade anyway.

I've had a look at a couple of CPU benchmark sites, but most list stock values, and I'm looking to overclock (and hopefully my tuniq tower will have the ability to fit the newer motherboards?)

So; what combination of these items would you pick factoring in overclocking? I was thinking of the 2500k but this is FAR more than I hoped to pay for the CPU and don't think I can justify the price over say the Phenom XII 555 which can be unlocked to Quad core.

Uses: Gaming (up to CSS, not really any current gen graphics), TV, video/photo editing from time to time and multitasking; I use 2 screens so generally have many things going on at once.

Price range is preferably as low as possible whilst factoring price:performance (ie if the Sandybridges are slightly better value, but cost 1.5x as much I'd prefer the cheaper option).

Cheers, Rich
 
Will that allow for overclocking if I feel the need / urge? Nameless RAM always worries me

Edit: and what GPU would you recommend along with it?
 
stulid said:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BU-188-OK&groupid=43&catid=339&subcat=1804

Just buy a quad out-right.
Click to expand...

this is best as the 555BEs are not allways to have stable cores, its hit or miss, so do stick with getting ture 4 cores if you want 4 core performace,

also this graphic card seams to be good performance and is very cheap, but u may need some one else to say this card is worth it: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-258-SP
 
I would honestly try and buy an i5 2500k, I'm assuming you don't want to buy another CPU for a few years so you might aswell spend some extra money and get a very good CPU which will last for a few years, that's what I did.

Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz - £168

Foxconn P67A-S Intel P67 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard - (Sandybridge) **B3 REVISION** - £100

GeIL 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz VALUE PLUS Triple Channel - £48

Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 5850 Extreme 1024MB - £107

Total - £423

The motherboard allows crossfire so you have the option to buy another 5850 later on. The 5850 is a great card and one of the best cards for the money. It will easily run most games at high settings without a problem.

You can also overclock the i5 2500k very easily, I think you can get 4.5Ghz with a decent air CPU cooler. So that will last you a few years.

The memory is good, I have GeIL and have had no problems with it, very good value for money.

Just my opinion though, there probably are better combinations but I think it's worth spending the extra money and getting a decent setup!
 
fen739 said:
Will that allow for overclocking if I feel the need / urge? Nameless RAM always worries me

Edit: and what GPU would you recommend along with it?
Click to expand...

It will allow overclocking.

And depending on you PSU?

A 5830 - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-258-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1711

Or a 5850 - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-259-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1711

The difference between them - http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/171?vs=164
 
Right, well cheers for the info guys and I'll have a think about whether I can afford the jump to the 2500k.

As to the PSU I have a Corsair TX650 - I assume that'll handle most / all of the current cards?

Edit: I really doubt I'll go down the SLI / Crossfire route, so is there a cheaper board without the option?
 
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