New i5 build, any suggestions?

[fox89]

Hi there, I have been pondering over a new i5 build for a few months now. Just to give you some background..I'm a student/ freelance graphic and creative media designer. Now as most of you know using software such as photoshop, and 3d / video editing tools require a half decent set up to run efficiently. This along side a relative if not large amount of gaming/ Full HD playback etc i've settled for the i5 760 platform. I have already decided on numerous components but your advice / recommendations are highly appreciated!

I don't have a strict budget but I am trying to keep within a reasonable price range for a typical i5 build.

CPU - Intel Core i5 760 2.80GHz (With intention of OC to maybe 3.8 stable?)

Motherboard - Have been debating over this for a long time. Obviously Im looking for p55 with SATA 6Gb/s if possible. I'm stuck between Asus and Gigabyte and after an extensive amount of research I'm tied. Something such as Asus P7P55D-E or Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 are in my price range but there may be others out there you can recommend. I've heard great things about Asus p55's in terms of performance and overclocking, but then I've also seen that Gigabyte offerings are just as if not more efficient in overclocking including better temp results. One other factor is Gigabyte has a far superior realtek codec than the Asus which uses VIA VT1828S which from what i've read is not too good. Now I do need high quality sound but Adding a separate sound card won't be too much trouble. The problem is too many people seem to back products based on their personal experience with manufactures hence require a fanbase. I'm hoping someone can give me a more definitive opinion on this more specific range of MB. (Also, It does NOT need to be Sli or Crossfire compatible as at the rate cards come out these days on my budget I'm better off getting a new card than 2 older ones)

RAM - Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 16000C9 (2000MHz) Dual-Channel Kit

HDD - Don't worry for now, it will be Seagate or WD Sata II most likely. Although If I decide to go SSD for windows installation / additional programs will that determine motherboard choice based on interface?

GPU - Plenty of research gone in to this one, seems to be subjective to price/ performance. a gtx 460 1gb is what I am aiming for with the intention of OC of course. The Palit version offers best price for performance but many have mentioned noise levels, longevity, short warranties etc. I was about to settle on either MSI GeForce GTX 460 Cyclone 1024MB or Gigabyte GeForce GTX 460 1024MB however with the upcoming HAWK version of the MSI cyclone I'm tempted to wait for a U.K price to be announced just incase it might be worth it.

PSU - Corsair HX 750W ATX Modular

CASE - I could write another essay on that alone so don't worry about this, I'm waiting for several upcoming products. I just want to get the rest right for now.

CPU Cooler - Corsair h50 / h70, apparently not the best on the market but I'm willing to sacrifice a few degrees for this over something too ugly what can i say other ideas welcome though.

So yes I'm sorry its a bit of long drawn out post but I know you guys have some of the best advice and opinions around. That's what's great about it here, sometimes there are no right or wrong answers but the debates and opinions of everyone helps buyers to form better conclusions. So thanks in advance and anything you can help with will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Pete

 

[stulid]

good build, using a single card means you can drop the psu to a HX650w which will still power any single powerful card.

 

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

CPU- Great choice. You shouldn't have any problems getting it to 3.8ghz.

Mobo-I have the next version up from that gigabyte mobo: the UD-4. I have absolutely no complaints with it. It overclocks very well, has a good well-laid out bios, and it's designed pretty well. It does everything it should, and if you say it's got better built in sound, then I'd go for it.

Ram- can't really beat corsair.

HDD- really try and get a SSD for the OS. It makes such a difference.

GPU- Somebody else will help you out here, I haven't looked at many reviews since the new nvidia stuff came out.

PSU- like he said ^ a 650 would probably be fine. If you want to save money, get a non-modular one (but make sure it's from a quality manufacturer). The corsair ones are great.

Case- I know how you feel, choosing a case can take ages.

 

[Liampope]

I agree - looks all well thought out to me. I have an i5 750 on a gigabyte UD5 and run it at 4GHz no problems. The H50 kept it cool even during the hot months.

I have XMS3 ram but only 1600MHz (I run it at 200bclk x8 multi) and it does the job. You might get some extra speed out of the 2000MHz version.

GPU is good. You might also consider the XFX 5850s for just a little bit more if the free game bundles appeal. 470 is also a great deal for the price at the moment and again has a game bundle.

I personally love my Xigmatec Asgard case. Amazing for the bargain basement price. Understated but still cool looks were just what I wanted as well as the compact (but big enough) size. Obviously lacks a little in features and build quality compared to an expensive case - the screwless expansion card holders in particular were far too flimsy so I just took that bit out and use normal screws for the GPU and soundcard. The screwless drive holders are OK. Just needed to add an exhaust fan or two on the side - especially if you have a H50/70 intaking as is the standard orientation for those.

 

[fox89]

Thanks for the help guys, I'm sold on the SSD for OS now, probably a crucial c300 as it stands. I have also considered dropping down to a corsair hx650w at your suggestion. At the moment I'm just a little iffy on the motherboard, The Gigabyte UD5 the best suggestion so far as i found with just on the edge of my price bracket. If there are any more suggestions they will be greatly appreciated. I really wish there was an asus p55 board under £130 that was actually good but from what I've heard gigabyte is just better. But either way It just has to be as good as it can be Thanks again