looking to build a new computer

Wires · 26 Dec 2010 at 17:10

Ok so far I have been looking at the deals on OCuk I have built my own computer before but fallen a bit behind with it as the last build I did was a nice one and I did not need to upgrade for a while unfortunately the parts are wearing out now ;p

Playing games is my main use of my PC.

So I have been looking at these items so far some are there just because they are on offer no other real reason than that which is why I need help.

Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz (Bloomfield) (Socket LGA1366) - Retail

Asus GeForce GTX 460 1024MB DirectCU TOP GDDR5 PCI-Express Graphics Card

Corsair Vengeance 12GB (3x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Triple Channel Kit (CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9)

Asus P6X58D-E Intel X58 (Socket 1366) DDR3 Motherboard

Corsair TX 750W ATX SLI Compliant Power Supply (CMPSU-750TXUK)

Coolermaster HAF 912 Plus Case - Black

The PSU I have chosen is possibly overkill but am looking towards possible far future upgrades rather than the near future. I already have my HDD sorted.

Any tips on how to improve this would be appreciated as im also kinda thinking the ram is overkill aswell.

Thanks!

Aretenon · 26 Dec 2010 at 18:29

You're absolutely right that 12GB is overkill, especially for gaming. If I was you I'd save myself money by getting 4, 6 or a maximum of 8GB of RAM, as unless you do things which are actually memory hungry then most of it will go unused and you will have wasted money.

For £70 you can get the superior XFX Pro 750W Core Edition, which is more efficient as an 80Plus Bronze certified unit.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-004-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

You are right that your build as is, will not need anywhere near 750W, nor would it need that much if you add another GTX 460.

Wires · 26 Dec 2010 at 19:30

I would be wasting memory but that 12gb ram is on a daily deal and is only £20 difference between that and the 6gb version.

the 6gb ones i found are below if you can find any ram for a better price would be great.

Corsair Dominator 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C7 1600MHz Triple Channel Kit (CMP6GX3M3A1600C7)

which smaller psu would you recommend?

any recommendations on changes to the build are appreciated

cammy5477 · 26 Dec 2010 at 19:34

If it's mainly for gaming get i5 760. It's purpose built for the job in single card builds... Good choice with the 460 top also...put one in my kids rig and for the money it rocks

Wires · 26 Dec 2010 at 20:02

Id like to stick with the i7 cpu but thanks for the advice.

would i be able to get away with using this PSU if I wanted to put a second 460 in there?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-003-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1497

thanks

Andrew G · 26 Dec 2010 at 20:12

Won't the release of sandy bridge in the new year be taken into consideration for your new build?

Wires · 26 Dec 2010 at 20:17

yes but VAT increase will be here then which will increase the price on everything

Aretenon · 26 Dec 2010 at 21:34

Yes the XFX Pro 650W Core Edition would be plenty for a rig with two 460s.

While having a set with lower CAS latency is faster, you are unlikely to notice the difference between CAS7 and CAS8 in anything outside a benchmark, so why don't you get something like this:
Corsair XMS3 6GB (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Triple Channel (CMX6GX3M3A1600C9) £73
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-205-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1389

Chances are you could probably get this down to CAS7:
Patriot Viper 2 Sector 7 6GB (3x2GB) PC3-12800C8 1600MHz Triple Channel Memory Kit [PV736G1600LLK] £94
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-042-PA&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1389

Wires · 27 Dec 2010 at 11:00

iv been looking in to this sandy bridge a bit will this be better than the i7 i have already picked or will this just be a slightly better i5?

thanks