New i5 build

p13tr0 · 8 Jan 2010 at 12:04

Guys, I was looking at an i7 build end of last year, but due to work, I didn't have time to move that forward. I am now pretty desperate to get a new rig, as I am struggling along with an AMD XP2200 system that I built 7 years ago.

I don't play a lot of games, but would like the option. I listen to a lot of music through my Grado headphones (hence the sound card addition below). I want an all purpose machine that I will not have to upgrade for 3 years or so. Please can you take a look at the spec below and make any suggestions. Particularly, I have the following questions:

1) Is the MB a good choice. What is the difference between this and the £150 Asus boards. Will I be able to overclock and to what extent?
2) RAM - there were two Corsair options for 4gb tri-channel in this price range, one slighly more expensive than the other.. what is the difference?
3) Should I add an SSD, or wait and upgrade to one when the new OCZ SSD's are available?
4) Is an i7 worth build worth the extra £££'s?
5) Thoughts on the case - I currently have a CoolerMaster (the one with the blue perspex door) and the build quality is top notch.. is the Lian Li of the same quality?

Thanks in advance...

p13tr0 · 8 Jan 2010 at 12:28

Anyone know why I cannot add a direct image link from picasa? - Sorted now

Eat_My_Brains · 8 Jan 2010 at 12:34

Use this instead:

www.imageshack.us

p13tr0 · 8 Jan 2010 at 13:02

Thanks, I will take a look at that.

P.S. I have already got Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit OS.

L4Isoside · 8 Jan 2010 at 15:20

Looks good but dont forget to add the actual processor! Also if you dont plan to overclock, i doubt you would need the watercooler either.

for the extra £££ it would be up to you. Id say its worth it for the extra future proofing, but as you dont play a lot of games, and if you dont intend to use anything demanding, it may be worth sticking with i5.

Although i cant comment on the case, the Coolermaster HAF 932 is a very good case, plenty of air flow and room for a tidy build and room to expand.

jrwagh333 · 8 Jan 2010 at 15:56

Just curious as to why you are buying 2 Corsair Coolers?

p13tr0 · 8 Jan 2010 at 16:34

well spotted. It is not my intention to get two coolers and no CPU... something obviously went a bit wrong with my basket.

There should be 1 x cooler and 1 x i5 750.

I will overclock, which is why I went for the H50 cooler.

Cheers