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When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly. |
@Smoot
Both of those systems are not good for gaming (crappy graphics). They'll play Diablo 3 fine on medium or high graphics, but they're advertised for Diablo 3 because D3 is one of the easiest games to run. Other games will run only on low or lowest settings. You should clearly build your own computer. Installing windows is very, very easy.
CPU - i5-3450 ($190)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=70543&vpn=BX80637I53450&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1048
Mobo - Asrock B75 ($75)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157313
GPU - xfx 6870 ($140 AMIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150521
RAM - 2x4gb ($38 after promo code)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148543
Case - BitFenix Outlaw ($47)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=63255&vpn=BFC-OLW-100-KKN1-RP&manufacture=BitFenix
Basic but decent budget case.
PSU - Antec Neo Eco 450w ($35)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=60491&vpn=NEO-ECO450C&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1048
DVD-burner ($15)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244
HDD - Samsung 1TB ($80 after promo code)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
Windows - ($85 or $0)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=45271&promoid=1048
But you can use windows 8 for free until it comes out by going here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hh771457.aspx?ocid=wc-tn-eval
Use a friends computer to download the trial version and burn it to a DVD, then you have it. Of course, you'll probably have to buy it when win8 formally comes out.
Cost: $620 w/o windows, $705 w/windows. Plus an additional $30 at checkout due to rebates. Compared to the premades you looked at, you'll have a slightly or much better processor, and a VASTLY better graphics card.
If you want to spend more for a better system, replace the 6870 with an even better video card like this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161405
or buy an SSD like a Crucial m4 128gb (will give you a second lettered drive, like c: & d: . You put your OS here and any programs you want to load zoom-zoom fast, using the other lettered drive for media storage.)
EDIT: My build is pretty much the same as the one just above, but with a superior graphics card. As graphics card tends to have a large effect on gaming than processor, I think this build is better. But both are viable. Also, I changed this build to have a better processor when I re-read your post and saw you did some media creation.
@Rope-Sand
i5-3450 (~190)
cheap b75 or z77 motherboard (~75-90)
Sapphire 7850 or 7870 based on budget (~250-350)
case (~50-120)
dvd-burner (~15)
hdd (~70)
ssd (~120)
quality 450-500w psu (~$50)
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Hi everyone, its finally time for a new computer. I hope you can help me make some possible suggestions for various builds. Just for the sake of thoroughness I'll include my CURRENT computer specs as a spoiler, incase there is anything worth salvaging (I think my PSU is good? IDK). I don't know much about computer hardware or building them, but I've taken out my video card, ram, harddrive, etc before and replaced them.
If people could include some decently priced monitors (within or without regard to my computer build budget) I would appreciate that as well.
OLD COMPUTER SPECS:
+ Show Spoiler +Power Supply: Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L ATX LGA775 P35 1333FSB 1PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN Motherboard
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Dual Core Processor LGA775 Conroe 3.0GHZ 1333FSB 4MB Retail *IR-$23*
Harddrive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive 5YR MFR Warranty
Burner: Samsung SH-S203B Black SATA DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL 18X/12X INT DVD Writer OEM W/ Vista SW
RAM: G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPI Pi PC2-8000 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit
Current Monitor: Samsung 931BW 19IN Widescreen LCD Monitor Glossy Black Finish 2000:1 1440X900 2MS HDCP VGA DVI-D
Graphics Card: EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ DDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDTV Out Video Card
I didn't include my case on purpose because its shit and needs to be replaced.
What is your budget?
My budget is around 800-1200 comfortably. I could go higher but I'd like to buy a new desk also. If there is a huge difference in performance I could just replace my desk at a later time.
What is your resolution?
Currently 1440x900 but I would like to move up to 1920x1080 at least.
What are you using it for?
A vast majority of it will be used for gaming. SC2/D3/WoW and a very strong possibility of streaming. Preferably with the option for HD stream.
What is your upgrade cycle?
2-4 years depending on future game requirements
When do you plan on building it?
I would like to build it within the next 30 days, most likely within 2 weeks.
Do you plan on overclocking?
I've never overclocked so I'm totally clueless in this department. If its not excessively difficult I have no problem giving it a try, but again, I have little experience in this area.
Do you need an Operating System?
No, I have Windows 7 Home x64.
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Never had a SLI/Crossfire and from my understanding there are several problems with doing so. However I'm not entirely opposed to the idea, whatever you guys think is best.
Where are you buying your parts from?
Canadian Online retailer preferred, ie: NCIX.com or Newegg.ca
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On June 23 2012 01:46 Masq wrote:+ Show Spoiler +Hi everyone, its finally time for a new computer. I hope you can help me make some possible suggestions for various builds. Just for the sake of thoroughness I'll include my CURRENT computer specs as a spoiler, incase there is anything worth salvaging (I think my PSU is good? IDK). I don't know much about computer hardware or building them, but I've taken out my video card, ram, harddrive, etc before and replaced them. If people could include some decently priced monitors (within or without regard to my computer build budget) I would appreciate that as well. OLD COMPUTER SPECS: + Show Spoiler +Power Supply: Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L ATX LGA775 P35 1333FSB 1PCI-E16 3PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN Motherboard
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Dual Core Processor LGA775 Conroe 3.0GHZ 1333FSB 4MB Retail *IR-$23*
Harddrive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive 5YR MFR Warranty
Burner: Samsung SH-S203B Black SATA DVD+RW 20X8X16 DVD-RW 20X6X16 DL 18X/12X INT DVD Writer OEM W/ Vista SW
RAM: G.SKILL F2-8000CL5D-4GBPI Pi PC2-8000 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN Dual Channel Memory Kit
Current Monitor: Samsung 931BW 19IN Widescreen LCD Monitor Glossy Black Finish 2000:1 1440X900 2MS HDCP VGA DVI-D
Graphics Card: EVGA E-GEFORCE 8800GT 600MHZ 512MB 1.8GHZ DDR3 PCI-E Dual DVI-I HDTV Out Video Card
I didn't include my case on purpose because its shit and needs to be replaced. My budget is around 800-1200 comfortably. I could go higher but I'd like to buy a new desk also. If there is a huge difference in performance I could just replace my desk at a later time. What is your resolution?Currently 1440x900 but I would like to move up to 1920x1080 at least. What are you using it for?A vast majority of it will be used for gaming. SC2/D3/WoW and a very strong possibility of streaming. Preferably with the option for HD stream. What is your upgrade cycle?2-4 years depending on future game requirements When do you plan on building it?I would like to build it within the next 30 days, most likely within 2 weeks. Do you plan on overclocking?I've never overclocked so I'm totally clueless in this department. If its not excessively difficult I have no problem giving it a try, but again, I have little experience in this area. Do you need an Operating System?No, I have Windows 7 Home x64. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?Never had a SLI/Crossfire and from my understanding there are several problems with doing so. However I'm not entirely opposed to the idea, whatever you guys think is best. Where are you buying your parts from?Canadian Online retailer preferred, ie: NCIX.com or Newegg.ca
Here's an non-overclockable configuration for $777 without case, optical drive, and PSU.
The Corsair TX650 you have is good so you can re-use it and you can also re-use your optical drive and case. If you rather not re-use parts than you can pick up an inexpensive case such as the Bitfenix Merc Alpha for $35: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=63256&promoid=1048 or a nicer case such as the Corsair 550D for $126: http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11180AC8844 and some optical drive for ~$16. You can also re-use the HDD as a storage drive which means you wouldn't have to purchasea a new HDD if you don't need / want to.
SLI / CrossfireX isn't necessary / worth it for Blizzard games, even the 7850 is overkill already.
Wait for the Dell Ultrasharp U2312HM to go on sale for sub $200: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&sku=320-2807
Intel Core i5 3550 @ $210 (pricematch with http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2373005 )
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=70542
Sapphire Radeon HD7850 @ $243 (pricematch with http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=16950BD5668 )
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=69912
MSI H77MA-G43 @ $90 (pricematch with http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=28220BD3090 )
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=69922
Crucial M4 128GB @ $120
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=60445
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB @ $70
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=58402&promoid=1048
Corsair XMS3 Dominator 2x4GB @ $34 (pricematch with http://www.bestdirect.ca/products/233287/CMP8GX3M2B1333C9/CORSAIR/ )
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=58952
You can go the overclocking route as well with a Z77 and 3570k as Ata pointed out. Overclocking the CPU is relatively straight forward. A stepdown to the Radeon HD6870 can be done if money is an issue.
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For the processor die-hards: I'm looking for a high-end single processor, probably i7.
Now I'm looking at http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html and I see that the i7 3770 and the i7 990X have great, near-equal performance. However, the 990X is almost three times as expensive. What gives? What does the extra 500 euro buy you?
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On June 23 2012 03:14 Kaptein[konijn] wrote:For the processor die-hards: I'm looking for a high-end single processor, probably i7. Now I'm looking at http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html and I see that the i7 3770 and the i7 990X have great, near-equal performance. However, the 990X is almost three times as expensive. What gives? What does the extra 500 euro buy you?
Passmark is shit.
Core i7 3770k is on the mainstream LGA1155 socket with dual channel memory.
Core i7 990x is last generation's hex core on the enthusiasat LGA1366 socket with triple channel memory and more ports / PCI-E lanes.
If you want a hex core than get the newer core i7 3930k or 3960x on LGA2011 (which is quad channel memory).
3770k would suit your needs most likely since you're asking this question.
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Wow, thanks for the quick reply guys.
I had a question though in regards to streaming. I noticed in an older thread (http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=156140) that streaming is based upon your CPU (aside from bandwidth/upload). The two builds listed above both came in on the cheaper side of my budget so I was wondering if it was worthwhile upgrading the CPU/adding a SSD or something similar.
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Passmark is shit.
Core i7 3770k is on the mainstream LGA1155 socket with dual channel memory.
Core i7 990x is last generation's hex core on the enthusiasat LGA1366 socket with triple channel memory and more ports / PCI-E lanes.
If you want a hex core than get the newer core i7 3930k or 3960x on LGA2011 (which is quad channel memory).
3770k would suit your needs most likely since you're asking this question.
Thanks for the info. I use the computer for FEM computations primarily (work), so parallel processing is very important; I imagine triple or even quad channel memory would have large benefits over dual then. The 3930k does look very appealing indeed.
By the way, why is Passmark shit? Do you have other sites that have objective benchmarks of a large number of CPUs like that one? I don't follow the hardware world too closely, so those kind of sites help me keep up.
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On June 23 2012 01:40 MisterFred wrote:
@Rope-Sand
i5-3450 (~190)
cheap b75 or z77 motherboard (~75-90)
Sapphire 7850 or 7870 based on budget (~250-350)
case (~50-120)
dvd-burner (~15)
hdd (~70)
ssd (~120)
quality 450-500w psu (~$50)
Are you sure that an Intel processor would be wise for an AMD GPU like a Sapphire? Not too computer savvy, so would just figure asking would be better than having a piece of computer blow up in my face.
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Yes. Both kinds of GPUs work as intended with both types of CPUs, there's no inherent advantage in any one combination. Unlike, say, motherboards, which can only work with certain processors.
Actually matching the right motherboard-cpu-ram is the only serious compatibility concern. Everything else is more or less interchangeable.
Edit: And I forgot RAM.
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On June 23 2012 04:42 MisterFred wrote:
Yes. Both kinds of GPUs work as intended with both types of CPUs, there's no inherent advantage in any one combination. Unlike, say, motherboards, which can only work with certain processors.
Actually matching the right motherboard-cpu-ram is the only serious compatibility concern. Everything else is more or less interchangeable.
Edit: And I forgot RAM.
Well so far the build is looking to be...
Case
T925-7006 Thermaltake Overseer RX-I Full Tower
DVD Burner
Sony Optiarc 24x DVDRW Drive
GPU
Sapphire 7850
HDD
Seagate Barracuda 1.5 TB
Motherboard
A455-8422 ASUS P8B75 Motherboard Intel {LMA Socket 1155}
Processor
I69- i5 3450 {Socket 1155}
PSU
ULTRA LSP550W PSU
SSD
AGT3-25SAT3-120G 120GB 2.5" SSD
RAM
Patriot G2 Series 8GB DDR3 RAM (2x 4GB)
Something like that, so far.
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Something like that. Ask for help with a specific component list a day or so before you're ready to place your order.
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First, masq im gonna use your post I hope you don't mind :/
So, I've decided to get a new PC and I need advices. I have already a kinda new video card.
OLD COMPUTER SPECS:
+ Show Spoiler +
What is your budget?
~1800$
What are you using it for?
SC2 and FPS
What is your upgrade cycle?
2-3 years
When do you plan on building it?
Next 2 months
Do you plan on overclocking?
Nah unless it's really worth it
Do you need an Operating System?
Yeah? I can't use the one from this current PC right?
Where are you buying your parts from?
Canadian Online retailer: NCIX.com or Newegg.ca or any other safe online store that offer some warranty
This is what I've been thinking about buying :+ Show Spoiler +
I kinda picked random pieces that seemed good.
Do I need some cooling system? What are good ones?
Again, I'm ready to spend around 1700-2100$ so if there are good upgrades on some of the pieces I linked, plz tell me = ]
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On June 23 2012 04:20 Kaptein[konijn] wrote:+ Show Spoiler +
Passmark is shit.
Core i7 3770k is on the mainstream LGA1155 socket with dual channel memory.
Core i7 990x is last generation's hex core on the enthusiasat LGA1366 socket with triple channel memory and more ports / PCI-E lanes.
If you want a hex core than get the newer core i7 3930k or 3960x on LGA2011 (which is quad channel memory).
3770k would suit your needs most likely since you're asking this question.
Thanks for the info. I use the computer for FEM computations primarily (work), so parallel processing is very important; I imagine triple or even quad channel memory would have large benefits over dual then. The 3930k does look very appealing indeed. By the way, why is Passmark shit? Do you have other sites that have objective benchmarks of a large number of CPUs like that one? I don't follow the hardware world too closely, so those kind of sites help me keep up.
Passmark is shit because its a synthetic bench, a bad one at it as well. If you want comparisons, look at reviews done by anandtech, xbitlabs, techreport, etc.
On June 23 2012 10:52 InfectedGoat wrote:+ Show Spoiler +First, masq im gonna use your post I hope you don't mind :/ So, I've decided to get a new PC and I need advices. I have already a kinda new video card. OLD COMPUTER SPECS: + Show Spoiler +What is your budget? ~1800$ What are you using it for? SC2 and FPS What is your upgrade cycle? 2-3 years When do you plan on building it? Next 2 months Do you plan on overclocking? Nah unless it's really worth it Do you need an Operating System? Yeah? I can't use the one from this current PC right? Where are you buying your parts from? Canadian Online retailer: NCIX.com or Newegg.ca or any other safe online store that offer some warranty This is what I've been thinking about buying : + Show Spoiler +I kinda picked random pieces that seemed good. Do I need some cooling system? What are good ones? Again, I'm ready to spend around 1700-2100$ so if there are good upgrades on some of the pieces I linked, plz tell me = ]
Can't give specific suggestions since prices and availability will change within the next two months.
Newegg sucks.
The memory is overpriced.
Case is unnecessary and sort of dated.
A 750w PSU is unnecessary. A qualtiy ~500w unit already gives you plenty of headroom. Not sure why you buying a new one, why not just re-use the one you bought? Assuming that it's not shit.
P8Z77-V LX sucks.
You're missing an aftermarket heatsink for overclocking.
Caviar Black is unnecessary.
Optical drive is overpriced.
Your existing operating system can be re-used.
Buying retailer warranty is a waste of money since the majority of manufacturers offer one, two, three, five, seven, or lifetime warranty.
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+ Show Spoiler +On June 23 2012 12:19 skyR wrote:Show nested quote +On June 23 2012 04:20 Kaptein[konijn] wrote:+ Show Spoiler +
Passmark is shit.
Core i7 3770k is on the mainstream LGA1155 socket with dual channel memory.
Core i7 990x is last generation's hex core on the enthusiasat LGA1366 socket with triple channel memory and more ports / PCI-E lanes.
If you want a hex core than get the newer core i7 3930k or 3960x on LGA2011 (which is quad channel memory).
3770k would suit your needs most likely since you're asking this question.
Thanks for the info. I use the computer for FEM computations primarily (work), so parallel processing is very important; I imagine triple or even quad channel memory would have large benefits over dual then. The 3930k does look very appealing indeed. By the way, why is Passmark shit? Do you have other sites that have objective benchmarks of a large number of CPUs like that one? I don't follow the hardware world too closely, so those kind of sites help me keep up. Passmark is shit because its a synthetic bench, a bad one at it as well. If you want comparisons, look at reviews done by anandtech, xbitlabs, techreport, etc. Show nested quote +On June 23 2012 10:52 InfectedGoat wrote:+ Show Spoiler +First, masq im gonna use your post I hope you don't mind :/ So, I've decided to get a new PC and I need advices. I have already a kinda new video card. OLD COMPUTER SPECS: + Show Spoiler +What is your budget? ~1800$ What are you using it for? SC2 and FPS What is your upgrade cycle? 2-3 years When do you plan on building it? Next 2 months Do you plan on overclocking? Nah unless it's really worth it Do you need an Operating System? Yeah? I can't use the one from this current PC right? Where are you buying your parts from? Canadian Online retailer: NCIX.com or Newegg.ca or any other safe online store that offer some warranty This is what I've been thinking about buying : + Show Spoiler +I kinda picked random pieces that seemed good. Do I need some cooling system? What are good ones? Again, I'm ready to spend around 1700-2100$ so if there are good upgrades on some of the pieces I linked, plz tell me = ] Can't give specific suggestions since prices and availability will change within the next two months. Newegg sucks. The memory is overpriced. Case is unnecessary and sort of dated. A 750w PSU is unnecessary. A qualtiy ~500w unit already gives you plenty of headroom. Not sure why you buying a new one, why not just re-use the one you bought? Assuming that it's not shit. P8Z77-V LX sucks. You're missing an aftermarket heatsink for overclocking. Caviar Black is unnecessary. Optical drive is overpriced. Your existing operating system can be re-used. Buying retailer warranty is a waste of money since the majority of manufacturers offer one, two, three, five, seven, or lifetime warranty.
Alright, I guess I'll try to find pieces that are not shit and overpriced.
What online store do you recommend?
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ncix.com
I think I remember SkyR saying they generally had the largest selection of Canadian retailers. Keep in mind that all the canadian retailers price-match with each other, so a deal found somewhere else can be applied to the store of your choice. However, there's not much point to looking around too hard.
When you're actually ready to make a purchase, come back and repost the OP, and hopefully SkyR will be around to do his Canadian magic for you. Couldn't have a better advisor.
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So I'm building a new desktop, and I need EVERYTHING that goes with it.. monitor, case, fans, OS, keyboard, the works. the only things I have are a mouse and headphones.
Budget: Let's say.. no more than $1,200. I'm not too familiar with how much all the stuff would cost, but I figure since I'll need a keyboard+monitor+OS that's at least a few hundred dollars less on the computer itself.
Resolution: Since I'll be buying a monitor, this one is still open.
Use: I'll be using it for basically gaming only, no plans to do any video work or streaming, but being able to stream would be nice.
Upgrade Cycle: I do not plan on upgrading anytime soon, let's make it count!
I don't know anything about overclocking, so let's say for now that I won't be doing it. (not that I'm against it, just unfamiliar. Same thing for SLI/Crossfire)
I have a Fry's nearby, so I'll be able to pick stuff up from them if I need to.
I'll look around, but if you guys have any keyboard recommendations, I'd be glad to hear 'em
Thanks!
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On June 23 2012 04:01 Masq wrote:
Wow, thanks for the quick reply guys.
I had a question though in regards to streaming. I noticed in an older thread (http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=156140) that streaming is based upon your CPU (aside from bandwidth/upload). The two builds listed above both came in on the cheaper side of my budget so I was wondering if it was worthwhile upgrading the CPU/adding a SSD or something similar.
Ssd is already included in skyr's build. If you are serious about streaming i eould go with the overclockable cpu/mobo and possibly even an i7. Also, you can spend less on the cpu cooler as thr one i suggested is over the top. (Hypercooler plud @ ~ 25 gets suggested here alot)
I find its a good idea in general to save money for the next build or spend money on things such as monitor. Whrn i made my computer abouty a year ago, it was hard to justify spendijg 300 on a monitor when my computer was 900 with tax and shipping but i do regret getting a cheap one and did end up getting the monitor skyr suggested @ 200 which i undrestand to be the "worse" in the "better" category. And i really like it. Check the monitor thread if you get a chance.
Typed with phone 
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Ok, so i have thought about my computer build, and here is what i have:
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 Plus Midi Tower
DvD burner: Sony Optiarc DVD±RW Writer, AD-5280S
Graphics Card: Gainward GeForce GTX 670 2GB PhysX CUDA
Harddrive: Seagate Barracuda® Green 2TB
RAM: Kingston DDR3 HyperX 1600MHz 8GB, Kit w/2X HyperX 4GB DDR3, CL9-9-9-27, 240pin
Processor: Intel Core i5 2500k
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3, Socket-1155, ATX, Z68, DDR3, 3xPCIe(3.0)x16, CFX&SLI, blablabla
PSU: Corsair TX V2 650W PSU
Is there any problems with this build? Do i need to change something or is everything alright? Can you recommend any different parts?
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EPT
