It's been a while!

TechMeh

TechMeh

TechMeh

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Joined
28 Jun 2008
Posts
267
Well Well Well...It's been a while

You last visited: 10th Jun 2009 at 04:59

Back in 2008 I built a very high-spec computer (http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17893532):

Q9450
Striker 2 Extreme
4GB DDR3 1333
1200 Watt PSU
2x 9800GX2
Mozart TX

In it's life span the 2x 9800s died and was replaced with 285s.

This past 2 years I really lost interest in Computers, and dropped right out the scene big style. R/C Helicopters and Girls took over... Until now..

I've had a big cooling issue with my Q9450, at idle with stock speed and undervolt to 1v it would idle at 55c - Not good! So I decided I would buy a new cooler.. Only to realize I would need to rip everything out to install a back plate.. So.. 3 Years later, I said to myself it's time for a Major upgrade.

:D and now.. I'm hooked again. But damn, How things have changed seriously.. The pricing etc I paid like £300 for just 4GB, and now it's £80 for 8GB and double the speed! :O :O

I've got a lot to learn!... But.... my new build project has commenced with the purchase of the HAF-X Case!

New spec I'm looking towards is:

i5 2500K
8GB DDR3

Not sure on what brand wise yet with regards to RAM and Motherboard. But, I will be asking for advice in the relevant forums!

Catch you around..

Callum
 
Welcome back :) you're going to need to get a mod to move this to general hardware if you want any serious answers though.
 
Your CPU is still pretty capable to be honest. Maybe consider a decent high end aftermarket cooler and try overclocking your processor.

What will be the system be used for? If gaming only you won't really notice any benefit with 8GB of RAM.

What resolution are you gaming at?

Perhaps consider a new GPU (although SLI GTX 285 is still pretty good) or an SSD/eyefinity?
 
Your build is still pretty good tbh, I'd say keep the 285s or sell them and get 2x6950s. If you're insisting on upgrading the CPU go for the i5 2500k and for the RAM go for the 8GB XMS3 1600MHZ. For the motherboard go for the MSI P67A-GD65.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-165-MS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1906
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-290-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-128-MS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

Obviously you can go for higher end stuff such as faster RAM, 6970s/GTX 570s and a better motherboard but this is still solid equipment.
 
Last edited:
Predicament said:
Welcome back Techmeh

I'd go for the following:
G.Skill RipJawsX 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz Dual Channel > £79.99
Gigabyte Z68X-UD3P Intel Z68 > £148.95
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz This Week Only Offer £155.99

Just out of curiosity, how much did your rig in 2008 cost you? I paid £2100 in 2007 for a rig that would now be worth about £50 :o
Click to expand...

Heya,

Thanks for all the recommendations, With the motherboards today being so close to performance of one another, It's a daunting task, I've been strongly looking at the Asus Sabertooth, aswell as there New Z68 V-Pro.. I've stuck with Asus, Since I know them etc..

But now you have shown me this, It's put's it straight back to the drawing board. But this Gigabyte one looks quite attractive..

What's you're reasoning behind a gigabyte board?

Also, My machine cost me around 2k on the 28th June 2008 :)
 
Gigabyte Z68 UD3P doesn't have integrated graphics and therefore doesn't have Lucid Virtu which means it doesn't have Quick Sync Video, if that's a function that was pulling you towards a Z68 board.
 
Predicament said:
Welcome back Techmeh

I'd go for the following:
G.Skill RipJawsX 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz Dual Channel > £79.99
Gigabyte Z68X-UD3P Intel Z68 > £148.95
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz This Week Only Offer £155.99

Just out of curiosity, how much did your rig in 2008 cost you? I paid £2100 in 2007 for a rig that would now be worth about £50 :o
Click to expand...

Why the G.Skill when the XMS3 is only £66 and will give the same performance, without the worry of conflicting with aftermarket coolers;)

Edit: just read the OP and he already has DDR3 RAM so it doesn't even matter anyway! lol
 
Well, That's what I noticed about the Gigabyte Z68

I need a board that has great overclocking stability, plus board performance. Then at the features on top..

To be honest It's not like Im spending £300+ like I did on the Striker 2 Extreme, So.. I can always upgrade in two years time for example.. I've heard that the Sabertooth P67 provides a rock solid overclock and stability.

It's funny, I hinted towards a Sabertooth and a lot of people said Get it! then someone hinted towards the P867 Pro, and they said go for that.. and now it's this Z68 V-Pro.

Now.. I really don't desire for on board graphics. I suppose it would be nice in a few circumstances. But in reality, I don't think i'm going to utilize it. Nor the Lucid Virtu
 
To be honest, in the Sandy Bridge range, the motherboard is not the limiting factor of the overclock, it's the CPU. Any board for £150 will give you a solid overclock so go for the build that's features/looks suit your needs best...after all it is your money;)
 
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