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On August 11 2011 01:32 hirokashi wrote:Note: This will be my first build!  What is your budget? Around £1000 What is your resolution? 1920*1080 What are you using it for? Mostly gaming (such as SC2 and upcoming games such as Skyrim, diablo 3 and guild wars 2) however I sometimes do a little bit of video editing What is your upgrade cycle? Hoping to use this pc for atleast 3 years. When do you plan on building it? Hopefully within the next month Do you plan on overclocking? Yes Do you need an Operating System? I have included in price Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire? not really Where are you buying your parts from? Since I live in the Uk I cant use popular websites like newegg but I like the company scan (www.scan.co.uk) As they seem to be one of the cheaper suppliers and my brother got his pc from there.They do sell their own pc's but of course you can get it a bit cheaper by building it yourself. So I put together what I thought was reasonably good and compattible; OS: Windows 7 £72CPU: i5 2500k £163Motherboard: gigabyte z68 £72CPU Cooler: Be Quiet Dark Rock Advanced CPU Cooler £40Ram: Corsair Vengeance 8gb 1600MHz 1.5v £50GPU: 560 ti MSI FROZR £184Case: Coolermaster CM 690 Pure Black Mid Tower £65PSU: Corsair Builder series 600W non-modular £52HDD: seagate barracuda 1tb 7200rpm 32mb cache 6gb/s 8.5ms £40SDD: OCZ Agility 3 60gb SSD £82Sound card: Creative Sound blaster 7.1 card £20DVD Drive: LG SATA drive £16Network Card: Bigfoot Killer 2100 £53Giving a total of £910 plus £17 delivery. So since I still have a little bit left over I was wondering should I maybe upgrade my PSU to a modular version (which might make it easier to install imo, with the added benefit of better cable routing) or possibly invest in the 120gb OCZ SSD or perhaps upgrade my 560ti to a 570. Im not 100% sure the motherboard is compatible (or everything is) but im interested in suggestions / changes to the build, but I also had a few little questions. 1. With only a 60 gb SSD, once installing windows 7 will it have sufficient capacity to store a game or two (around 20gb) for the extra read speeds. 2.Is the Corsair H60 CPU Cooler cooler worth a little extra investment? 3. Should I be looking to buy any extras / tools such an anti-static wristband or extra thermal paste?
i see you are from the UK
Im not sure how old you are but you could look here http://students.pugh.co.uk/ for a cheaper version of windows if you are a student.
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+ Show Spoiler +On August 11 2011 01:42 skyR wrote:The motherboard already has on-board NIC and sound so you don't need discrete cards for these. If you really wanted a discrete sound card for a better sound quality for high-end speakers, you wouldn't be purchasing Creative (which are shit). No, the Corsair H60 is not worth the extra investment. Even the heatsink you have selected now is arguably not worth the extra investment over a Hyper 212+: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coolermaster-hyper-212-plus-4-heat-pipes-with-120mm-quiet-fan-lga775-1155-1156-1366-am2-am2plus-am3600w is unnecessary for your configuration. An XFX Core Edition Pro 450 is of higher quality and provides more than enough power for such a configuration: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/450w-xfx-core-edition-p1-450s-xxb9-85-eff-80-plus-bronze-sli-crossfire-fan-atxA 25nm 60gb SSD formats to roughly 52gb. Windows 7 takes roughly 17gb, Starcraft II takes roughly 10gb. So yes, you would have enough space for around 20gb of games. The performance difference between a GTX 560 Ti and GTX 570 doesn't justify the price difference so no you shouldn't get one unless you want bragging rights or have money to waste. A modular power supply may make it easier for a first time builder since there's going to be less cable clutter but these are much more expensive than non-modular counterparts.
Thanks for the quick reply, this was pretty much what I wanted for as an answer and to clarify the build. I will probably drop the network and sound card and possibly upgrade to a 120gb ssd and swap out the power supply
On August 11 2011 01:47 GeorgeyBeats wrote:i see you are from the UK Im not sure how old you are but you could look here http://students.pugh.co.uk/ for a cheaper version of windows if you are a student.
Well since I'll probably be off to university within the next year, I'll take a look thanks
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Hey guys im wanting to upgrade my computer and I need some help !
Currently I have
Pentium Dual Core CPU e6500 2.93ghz
4GB of DDR2 ram kingston I think
Radeon HD 6700 Video card
500w Cooler master PSU
300gb Western Digital Hard Drive
My budget is about 300-400 Althought I would rather pay less if I can.
I was thinking about gettin an Intel Core i5 2500. what kind of motherboard would you guys recommend ? Can I use my DDR2 Memory stick with the Core i5 ? If not what is a good brand of memory stick ? Also, should I upgrade my PSU ? I guess I would want the computer to run good for another 3 years or more. Do I really need to buy a soundcard ? Im not really an audiophile although I like listening to music.
Thx for your time guys I appreciate it
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I have ordered my parts but some have been back ordered, (this is with NCIX canada), will there be a problem with DOA items that I cant test till all the components get here? I mean will they not accept it because it took too long to send it back to them (them being in the first delivery).
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On August 11 2011 03:13 b0oyah wrote:+ Show Spoiler +Hey guys im wanting to upgrade my computer and I need some help ! Currently I have Pentium Dual Core CPU e6500 2.93ghz 4GB of DDR2 ram kingston I think Radeon HD 6700 Video card 500w Cooler master PSU 300gb Western Digital Hard Drive My budget is about 300-400 Althought I would rather pay less if I can. I was thinking about gettin an Intel Core i5 2500. what kind of motherboard would you guys recommend ? Can I use my DDR2 Memory stick with the Core i5 ? If not what is a good brand of memory stick ? Also, should I upgrade my PSU ? I guess I would want the computer to run good for another 3 years or more. Do I really need to buy a soundcard ? Im not really an audiophile although I like listening to music. Thx for your time guys I appreciate it
If you're not an audiophile than no you don't need to buy a sound card as the integrated sound on the motherboard should be adequate for your listening needs.
You need new DDR3 memory for the new motherboards. DDR2 and DDR3 are not interchangeable. http://ncix.com/products/?sku=55544&&promoid=1307 is a good inexpensive kit.
Any H61 or H67 motherboard will do for a regular core i5 2500 such as this Intel one for $67: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=59496 , pricematch with http://www.agileelectronics.ca/prod_details/tab/details.asp?prod_id=BOXDH61WWB3
Core i5 2500 for $208: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=57962 , pricematch with http://www.hltechnology.com/one_prod.php?pid=039880
Coolermaster power supplies are generally shit but I don't think there's a need to replace it if you are not upgrading the graphics card.
On August 11 2011 03:15 ataryens wrote:+ Show Spoiler +I have ordered my parts but some have been back ordered, (this is with NCIX canada), will there be a problem with DOA items that I cant test till all the components get here? I mean will they not accept it because it took too long to send it back to them (them being in the first delivery).
You can just explain the problem to them and they'll help you out. You can also just deal with the manufacturer directly.
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@Womwomwom and nihlon: Thanks for the feedback. I realized I don't know anything about this stuff, so I've decided to just simply start over.
From the OP:
What is your budget?
I'm pretty flexible on this, but I'm comfortable spending $1000-$1500.
What is your resolution?
1920x1080
What are you using it for?
Primarily gaming. I want to be able to run games like StarCraft 2, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Battlefield 3 on all the highest settings possible, and I want to be able to stream in HD, also.
What is your upgrade cycle?
I don't know. Every three or four years is usually when I find myself looking to buy a new computer.
When do you plan on building it?
Within the next 10 days.
Do you plan on overclocking?
No.
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes, and I will be buying Windows 7 Home Edition 64 bit.
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Only if it's the best option.
Where are you buying your parts from?
NewEgg.com
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Is that in response to my post?
If so, holy shit. In the time it took me to start looking at SSDs you put together a whole build. O_O
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skyR, before automatically saying not to get a 570, at least make sure he isn't including Metro 2033, Crysis 2, Witcher 2, or similarly specced games in his "games like..." category. If he is contemplating those, with wanting to play highest settings, it'd be a good idea.
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Yes that's a response to your post.
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On August 11 2011 08:48 skyR wrote:
Yes that's a response to your post.
You, sir, are a beast. Thank you for your help.
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On August 11 2011 08:47 JingleHell wrote:
skyR, before automatically saying not to get a 570, at least make sure he isn't including Metro 2033, Crysis 2, Witcher 2, or similarly specced games in his "games like..." category. If he is contemplating those, with wanting to play highest settings, it'd be a good idea.
Even with those games, I still don't recommend a GTX 570. A 6950 offers similar performance to it and can be had for a much lower price. Iirc Witcher 2 also benefits much more from a higher clocked CPU than a better GPU.
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Ive been looking around for parts for my new computer that I'm going to build and I've found that the only Canadian retailer that I've seen so far that has the Samsung Spinpoint f3 is newegg.ca. Why is this? I've also noticed that newegg.ca is really not liked here but I'd like to know why its so bad for Canadians. I'd really like to have this drive in my build but If newegg.ca is really that bad can someone recommend a hard drive of equal performance/value for me. Thanks
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On August 11 2011 08:55 skyR wrote:Show nested quote +On August 11 2011 08:47 JingleHell wrote:
skyR, before automatically saying not to get a 570, at least make sure he isn't including Metro 2033, Crysis 2, Witcher 2, or similarly specced games in his "games like..." category. If he is contemplating those, with wanting to play highest settings, it'd be a good idea. Even with those games, I still don't recommend a GTX 570. A 6950 offers similar performance to it and can be had for a much lower price. Iirc Witcher 2 also benefits much more from a higher clocked CPU than a better GPU.
Eh, true, I was thinking AMD equivalent too, but it didn't make it through my hands to the keyboard.
I was just pointing out that sometimes pure cost efficiency isn't as important to people as performance.
On August 11 2011 08:56 wiseguy9802 wrote:
Ive been looking around for parts for my new computer that I'm going to build and I've found that the only Canadian retailer that I've seen so far that has the Samsung Spinpoint f3 is newegg.ca. Why is this? I've also noticed that newegg.ca is really not liked here but I'd like to know why its so bad for Canadians. I'd really like to have this drive in my build but If newegg.ca is really that bad can someone recommend a hard drive of equal performance/value for me. Thanks
If you care about performance, get an SSD for the things you want performing faster. Otherwise, any recent model 7200rpm HDD is fine.
newegg.ca is, apparently, not so hot on pricing.
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On August 11 2011 08:56 wiseguy9802 wrote:
Ive been looking around for parts for my new computer that I'm going to build and I've found that the only Canadian retailer that I've seen so far that has the Samsung Spinpoint f3 is newegg.ca. Why is this? I've also noticed that newegg.ca is really not liked here but I'd like to know why its so bad for Canadians. I'd really like to have this drive in my build but If newegg.ca is really that bad can someone recommend a hard drive of equal performance/value for me. Thanks
I have no clue why Samsung Spinpoints are only offered by Newegg but I'll explain to you why Newegg is so bad for Canadians.
Newegg is not really a Canadian retailer. It's only warehouse in Canada is located in Ontario. Most of the components still ship from state side warehouses. Why purchase from Newegg and have your components come in two different shipments, one from Ontario and one from the states? You wait longer and pay more in shipping as opposed to purchasing from NCIX or any other Canadian retailer that has its warehouses located in British Columbia and Ontario.
Also, Newegg does not offer pricematching nor does it have weekly sales such as NCIX and other Canadian retailers. Nor can you pick up from their Ontario warehouse.
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Thanks again for your help. I really appreciate it.
I have some questions and comments, if you don't mind.
I really want to get the Cooler Master Storm Scout over the HAF 912. I like it better visually for the window, red LEDs, the carry handle, and the extra USB ports on the front panel. I assume it's not, but would that case not work for any reason with those parts?
That motherboard you listed is a micro ATX. What is the difference between micro ATX and ATX?
One other thought I've had after looking through the items you listed is that maybe I could get a slightly better CPU, GPU, and motherboard and possibly get a bit more life out of the computer. I noticed the i5 2500K has more favorable reviews and has an award whereas the 2400 doesn't.
Also, I've never used an SSD before, nor have I ever had more than one hard drive. When I first boot up this computer, will I need to know anything different? Or do I just install my OS to the SSD and go from there?
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Case is personal preference. Any ATX case will work for such a configuration.
The difference between micro ATX and ATX is the amount of connectivity and phases.
The core i5 2500k is meant to be overclocked. If your plans are now to overclock than you would want an aftermarket heatsink and a P67 or Z68 motherboard.
If you want a stronger graphics card than you're free to do so.
An SSD is just a faster HDD. You just install the operating system on it and use it as you would with a regular HDD (except don't defrag it).
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2500k has more favorable reviews because it has an unlocked multiplier which allows you to overclock it with an aftermarket cooler.
When you first turn on your computer and install windows, it will ask you where you want to do it, just specify which drive.
micro ATX is smaller than a normal ATX board, they both are fine.
Edit: I have an old Antec PSU that is 550w and modular that I got 5 years ago(rofl so long)....
how do i check to see if it works? would it be wise using it?
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Is it wise to purchase parts from EBAY? like a i5 2500k?
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EPT
