First Time New Build *gulp*

sparky05084

sparky05084

sparky05084

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Joined
4 Sep 2011
Posts
596
Hey all.

Been reading a lot of self build threads with much interest. I did post on here a bit ago asking for advice on putting Windows 7 on an old system but I’m a bit behind the times. Actually, come to think of it, very behind the times as my system is nearing 6 years old :)

She still runs well and has been brilliant but it's time to move on and think about a revamp.

I am very new indeed to this so please bear with me and be patient. Some of you on here are very knowledgeable so I need your wisdom and help. Yes, I have done my research but as far as value for money and compatibility goes, I haven’t the foggiest. There may be errors in here and I'm open to suggestions and criticism. Be nice though :)

Ok then here is my plan:

CoolMaster HAF X Case
CoolMaster Silent Pro Gold 800W
Corsair H80 Hydro Series CPU Cooler
Intel Core i5-2500k 3.30Ghz SandyBridge
Asus 1155 Sabertooth P67 REV 3.0
Corsair CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB (2 x 4GB) Dominator Memory CAS 9-9-9-24
OCZ 60GB Vertex 3 SATA III 2.5” SSD (To be used for O/S - plan to use as just primary boot for speed. Think thats the best setup. Not sure though)
Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB SATA II HDD (Currently in old system and will be using as a storage drive)
Asus 2GB Radeon HD 6970 PCI-E 2.1
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD
LG BH10LS30.AUAR 10x Blu-ray Writer, 16x DVD±R, 8x +RW, 6x -RW, 12x RAM
LG GH24NS70 24x DVD±R, 16xDVD±DL, DVD+RW x8/-RWx6 ,12x RAM

Notes:

I have picked the i5-2500k for three reasons. Firstly, the over clockable facility. Secondaly, I have heard many people say that this chip for gaming purposes and even in general everday usage instances is actually better than an i7-2600k. Thirdly and finally, it's by far cheaper. Do you agree?

Keyboard, mouse and other peripherals I’m still toying with whether or not to keep so I have omitted them for that reason.

Thinking of keeping my Creative Inspire T7900 7.1 Speakers or getting the Logitech Z 906 5.1 Surround Speaker system as a replacement not sure yet. Don't even know if the Logitech would work with XFI soundcard. Opinions are welcome.

Think the PSU is a bit over kill. Tried using the CoolMaster online calculator but the page keeps resetting when I press calculate :( Perhaps there are better PSU's? Just thought I'd match the same manufacturer PSU with case.

Regarding the Blu-Ray and DVD Rewriter drives. I personally think the LG ones are best but you may have a different opinion. I will be burning Blu-Rays and using the rewriter for gaming etc and to use for other media. Not sure if I even need this combination of drives. Please advise.

Finally, this system will be used for high end gaming (hence GPU), multi tasking and to surf web along with general everyday usage etc. Want a system that is easily going to last me another 5-6 years. Do you think this cuts it?

Cheers all for having a read

Sparky 05084
 
Whats the max budget? I think I can come up with some changes/improvements;)

Don't even know if the Logitech would work with XFI soundcard.
Click to expand...

You can.

Want a system that is easily going to last me another 5-6 years. Do you think this cuts it?
Click to expand...

A few tweaks will help;)
 
Hey guys thanks for your replies. Ok, my budget is £1500 but that is my absolute maximum. If, for arguments sake I could get a top notch system for £1000 and you could help me achieve that with your changes, I'd be happy to do that. It's all about getting the best value isn't it.

Yes that Caviar hard drive isn't the best but it's bought and paid for now :)
 
Keeping the costs down closer to you preferred budget.


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• Gen3 motherboard, so you get the extra Z68 features and PCI-E3.0 support when a ivybridge CPU is fitted.
• Gold rated PSU - http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=167
• Crucial SATAIII SSD is more reliable.
• Blu-Ray re-writer that also includes some blank disks.
• Asus sound cards are generally better than Creatives and the driver support is better.
• Top end air-cooler - http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/thermalright_silver_arrow_cpu_cooler_review,1.html
 
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That was very quick. I'm impressed. Well, I wanted to go with the Sabertooth Mobo due to the fact that it's unique in it's design. Looks nice too don't you think?

Also, I believe that it uses a function that is an improvement on the standard BIOS. Called EFI?
Does it offer anymore in terms of features and performance than the alternative Mobo your suggesting?

Also, I don't need an optical drive then? Just the Blu-Ray? Sorry if Noob questions.
 
sparky05084 said:
That was very quick. I'm impressed. Well, I wanted to go with the Sabertooth Mobo due to the fact that it's unique in it's design. Looks nice too don't you think?
Click to expand...

May look nice, but that full cover heatsink actually increases temperatures as airflow cant get between the parts as easily.

Also, I believe that it uses a function that is an improvement on the standard BIOS. Called EFI?
Click to expand...

The MSI has this also, its called UEFI - http://uk.msi.com/product/mb/Z68A-GD55--G3-.html

Does it offer anymore in terms of features and performance than the alternative Mobo your suggesting?
Click to expand...

The Z68 has extra features,

SSD caching
Lucid virtu
Quicksync

You also get a range of display outputs on the rear to still use the PC for simple tasks if the graphics card dies/you sell it.

Also, I don't need an optical drive then? Just the Blu-Ray? Sorry if Noob questions.
Click to expand...

That one Blu-Ray drive does everything.
 
Thanks for replying. Will bear in mind what you said about the SSD. Incidentally, on a side note I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday and he said with respect to me thinking of building a new system to wait.

He said now isn't the time and mentioned Intel's working on a new chipset and it's on the horizon. Ivy Bridge I think? Also, he made a point about the new AM3 chipset and their latest incarnation which is called the Bulldozer. Seen some posts on here but never paid attention as wasn't sure what it was referring to :)

Said if he was in my situation with money to throw at a new build he'd wait for these new chipsets to come out. Mentioned early to mid 2012.

What do you guys think? Should I wait and hang on to my old system?

Kind of raises the age old question. When is the right time to upgrade?
 
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