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Getting used/refurbished imo is not a good idea. They're cheap, but they're a gamble. If you read one of the comments on that specific mobo you linked, it was DOA. I'd try to get something new, but within whatever your budget is allotted to.
Going from 1 mobo to another, you may have to reinstall your OS to be compatible with the new mobo for your setup. I wouldn't know exactly since I never done that. When I changed mobos, I always got a new cpu to go with it (ie: I had a AMD 955 and a M4A78T-E, then I upgraded to a 2500k and a ASROCK P67 Extreme-4 Gen).
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On February 20 2012 12:13 yoshi245 wrote:Getting used/refurbished imo is not a good idea. They're cheap, but they're a gamble. If you read one of the comments on that specific mobo you linked, it was DOA. I'd try to get something new, but within whatever your budget is allotted to. Going from 1 mobo to another, you may have to reinstall your OS to be compatible with the new mobo for your setup. I wouldn't know exactly since I never done that. When I changed mobos, I always got a new cpu to go with it (ie: I had a AMD 955 and a M4A78T-E, then I upgraded to a 2500k and a ASROCK P67 Extreme-4 Gen).
sorry, forgoit to mention, my budget is around 50-60 dollars. i would buy from anywhere online, including micro center. i dont mind reinstalling everything, it's just kind of hard to find new 1156 boards with 6 sata ports that are reasonably priced.
side question though, if i buy used from newegg, i would deal with newegg if it breaks, right?
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On February 20 2012 12:20 wallet wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 20 2012 12:13 yoshi245 wrote:Getting used/refurbished imo is not a good idea. They're cheap, but they're a gamble. If you read one of the comments on that specific mobo you linked, it was DOA. I'd try to get something new, but within whatever your budget is allotted to. Going from 1 mobo to another, you may have to reinstall your OS to be compatible with the new mobo for your setup. I wouldn't know exactly since I never done that. When I changed mobos, I always got a new cpu to go with it (ie: I had a AMD 955 and a M4A78T-E, then I upgraded to a 2500k and a ASROCK P67 Extreme-4 Gen). sorry, forgoit to mention, my budget is around 50-60 dollars. i would buy from anywhere online, including micro center. i dont mind reinstalling everything, it's just kind of hard to find new 1156 boards with 6 sata ports that are reasonably priced. side question though, if i buy used from newegg, i would deal with newegg if it breaks, right?
You would deal with Newegg for the first 30 days and than the manufacturer for the remaining 60 days.
Buying a new motherboard for extra SATA ports isn't a good idea... especially when you're only going from 4 to 5...
On February 20 2012 11:44 Staples1 wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 20 2012 10:27 skyR wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 20 2012 06:20 Staples1 wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 18 2012 05:43 skyR wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 18 2012 01:35 Staples1 wrote:+ Show Spoiler +What is your budget?
$1000 maybe a little higher when windows in included, i already have HD, and DVD drive
What is your resolution?
main screen 1900x1080 eventually want to go dual monitor with a smaller 1600x1200 one i already have for secondary (itunes, vent, streams)
What are you using it for?
Diablo 3, Starcraft 2
What is your upgrade cycle?
2-3 Years
When do you plan on building it?
next couple of weeks my laptop is on the fritz
Do you plan on overclocking?
maybe mild
Do you need an Operating System?
yes
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
maybe in the future (to max D3 and larger dual monitor) of if there is a good price performace going with it now
Where are you buying your parts from?
newegg but would get individual parts elseware if cheaper On February 18 2012 02:22 Alryk wrote:+ Show Spoiler +Staples: + Show Spoiler +On February 18 2012 01:35 Staples1 wrote:
What is your budget?
$1000 maybe a little higher when windows in included, i already have HD, and DVD drive
What is your resolution?
main screen 1900x1080 eventually want to go dual monitor with a smaller 1600x1200 one i already have for secondary (itunes, vent, streams)
What are you using it for?
Diablo 3, Starcraft 2
What is your upgrade cycle?
2-3 Years
When do you plan on building it?
next couple of weeks my laptop is on the fritz
Do you plan on overclocking?
maybe mild
Do you need an Operating System?
yes
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
maybe in the future (to max D3 and larger dual monitor) of if there is a good price performace going with it now
Where are you buying your parts from?
newegg but would get individual parts elseware if cheaper I am by no means good at this. This is the first time I'm gonna try this for someone on TL, purely because I'm not in school today and I'm a bit bored  Skyr or somebody can proofread my build, and make sure that I didn't do anything wrong. (Particularly in the mobo/PSU since I don't know a ton about them still.) PSU: Rosewill Capstone 550W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182068&Tpk=rosewill capstone 550w (I'm pretty sure this is overkill though. Rosewill Capstone 450W is a better choice I believe. I think there are cheaper options but here is something you can do for sure.) Mobo: MSI P67 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130583 (I'm not very certain on this either.) RAM: 8GB Pareema http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820576006 (Cheapest 8GB Ram) Case: HAF 912 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233 (Nice cheap case, if you want something sleeker/noise dampened fractal design refine r3 is nice) ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352013 ) CPU: i5 2500k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072Now, if you want an SSD: SSD: Crucial M4 128 GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442 (I am not sure if this is the best choice for the given mobo, but if it isn't, it will be a problem with the mobo. Again, Skyr or myrmidon can fix any issues I have.) GPU: Sapphire 6870 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948 This runs up about 900$ before windows 7. If you want to drop the SSD: You can probably get a 7950 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102962 and run up about 1k. I don't think I forgot anything. But this is just an idea, let Skyr give you a great build, or at least doublecheck what I've given. I'm pretty certain about most things except for the Mobo (which I'm just not sure what brand would be the best/what is priced right) and the PSU (don't know all of the good units, but I know the one I gave you would work. So I just might have wasted a bit of money in those categories.) Doing SLI / Crossfire for Diablo 3 and Starcraft II is a stupid idea because these games are a joke on graphics requirements. I suggest you drop the idea and get an Asrock P67 Pro3 instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157230Core i5 2500k for $200: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57962&promoid=1315Coolermaster HAF 912 for $50: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=55583&promoid=1315An aftermarket heatsink for overclocking is missing, you'll want a Coolermaster Hyper 212+ for $23: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=41337&promoid=1315Plextor M3 128gb is at $160 again < this is HOT and probably won't last long: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820249014Sapphire HD6870 and PNY 2x4GB for $198: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.817328 Ok this is what i have so far core i5 2500k: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072Coolermaster HAF 912: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233Coolermaster hyper 212 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168351030658 GB RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178333ASRock P67 PRO3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157230Rosewill 550-capstone http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182068Western Digital 500 GB sata 6GB/s http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769GeForce 560 Ti 448 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130738Comes out to 1002.91 minus mail in rebates includin win 7 64bit. Probably will get the CPU from NCIX to save the money on that. Thoughts? Am i missing anything? Probably goin to pick up a monitor too but still tryin to figure that out. Having trouble decidin between 21.5" and 23". Buddy says tigerdirect has best prices Why only buy the processor from NCIX? The case and heatsink, heatsink, and operating system are also less expensive there. Not sure what your buddy means that tigerdirect has best pricing. Their pricing on computer components are similar to that of Newegg. GTX 560 Ti 448 is overkill for Diablo III but okay. SkyR so that 560 ti 448 is completly overkill? The 6870 you speced out will be more than enough to max SC2 and Diablo 3 along with a second monitor? I am just having a little video card enby buddy go ta 570 but if i don't need it i'll save the money. Thanks for the help,
Yes, a 6870 can max both games.
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thanks for the info!! do you have any thoughts on the pci-e add on cards that have 2 sata ports..like which brand is more reliable? i see syba and siig are popular, but i am unfamiliar with them.
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On February 20 2012 12:20 wallet wrote:Show nested quote +On February 20 2012 12:13 yoshi245 wrote:Getting used/refurbished imo is not a good idea. They're cheap, but they're a gamble. If you read one of the comments on that specific mobo you linked, it was DOA. I'd try to get something new, but within whatever your budget is allotted to. Going from 1 mobo to another, you may have to reinstall your OS to be compatible with the new mobo for your setup. I wouldn't know exactly since I never done that. When I changed mobos, I always got a new cpu to go with it (ie: I had a AMD 955 and a M4A78T-E, then I upgraded to a 2500k and a ASROCK P67 Extreme-4 Gen). sorry, forgoit to mention, my budget is around 50-60 dollars. i would buy from anywhere online, including micro center. i dont mind reinstalling everything, it's just kind of hard to find new 1156 boards with 6 sata ports that are reasonably priced. side question though, if i buy used from newegg, i would deal with newegg if it breaks, right?
Well for Refurbished items like the motherboard you linked, or possibly a future Mobo since that's the only type of LGA 1156 mobos u can get with the 5-6 sata sockets at ur budget. This is what newegg says about Refurbished items...
Products described as "Refurbished" are products which have been retested to ensure compliance with original manufacturer specifications in function and for purposes related to warranty.
"Refurbished" products may include a limited manufacturer warranty – see the item's product page on our website for details
Refurbished products may be any of the following:
A product that has never been used, where the outside factory seal has been broken. This can be due to a cancelled order for example.
A product returned to the original manufacturers that were used in field tests, sales displays or demonstrations.
A product that have been returned for warranty service, which have been brought to manufacturer specifications.
A product that have been returned for reasons other than defect. These items are sent to the manufacturer for inspection and testing. The passing products are then repackaged as refurbished.
A product where the box was damaged in shipment and is then returned to the manufacturer.
As for an actual mobo with the requirements you need (5 or 6 sata sockets, under $60) you really are limited to a handful of refurbished mobos. This is is $10 above budget sadly, but I figure it would be enough for you, just hope that it doesn't die.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188075
Getting a PCI/PCI-E sata card would be a better alternative imo. I haven't used one before so I wouldn't know what to recommend, sorry.
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On February 20 2012 12:31 yoshi245 wrote:Show nested quote +On February 20 2012 12:20 wallet wrote:On February 20 2012 12:13 yoshi245 wrote:Getting used/refurbished imo is not a good idea. They're cheap, but they're a gamble. If you read one of the comments on that specific mobo you linked, it was DOA. I'd try to get something new, but within whatever your budget is allotted to. Going from 1 mobo to another, you may have to reinstall your OS to be compatible with the new mobo for your setup. I wouldn't know exactly since I never done that. When I changed mobos, I always got a new cpu to go with it (ie: I had a AMD 955 and a M4A78T-E, then I upgraded to a 2500k and a ASROCK P67 Extreme-4 Gen). sorry, forgoit to mention, my budget is around 50-60 dollars. i would buy from anywhere online, including micro center. i dont mind reinstalling everything, it's just kind of hard to find new 1156 boards with 6 sata ports that are reasonably priced. side question though, if i buy used from newegg, i would deal with newegg if it breaks, right? Well for Refurbished items like the motherboard you linked, or possibly a future Mobo since that's the only type of LGA 1156 mobos u can get with the 5-6 sata sockets at ur budget. This is what newegg says about Refurbished items... Show nested quote +Products described as "Refurbished" are products which have been retested to ensure compliance with original manufacturer specifications in function and for purposes related to warranty.
"Refurbished" products may include a limited manufacturer warranty – see the item's product page on our website for details
Refurbished products may be any of the following:
A product that has never been used, where the outside factory seal has been broken. This can be due to a cancelled order for example.
A product returned to the original manufacturers that were used in field tests, sales displays or demonstrations.
A product that have been returned for warranty service, which have been brought to manufacturer specifications.
A product that have been returned for reasons other than defect. These items are sent to the manufacturer for inspection and testing. The passing products are then repackaged as refurbished.
A product where the box was damaged in shipment and is then returned to the manufacturer. As for an actual mobo with the requirements you need (5 or 6 sata sockets, under $60) you really are limited to a handful of refurbished mobos. This is is $10 above budget sadly, but I figure it would be enough for you, just hope that it doesn't die. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188075Getting a PCI/PCI-E sata card would be a better alternative imo. I haven't used one before so I wouldn't know what to recommend, sorry.
thanks for the info on newegg refurbed items!! may i ask what the difference between the 2 motherboards are? i see that the one i linked had 5 sata plus 1 esata versus 6 sata on the more expensive one. i was under the impression that you can plug sata into esata, is this true?
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hey one of the core on my 2500k is reading ~4 degrees higher then the other cores. is my H60 slightly misplaced or something? (its in the 20's so dont worry about overheating)
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5930 Posts
If there's no problem, then don't worry about it. There's a billion reasons why the values are different: monitoring software is incorrect, CPU/CPU cooler base is not perfectly flat, poor CPU heatsink mounting, motherboard providing incorrect temp values, etc.
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So I want to be able to run SC2 on max(even on 4v4) and Guild Wars 2, whenever it comes out, on med-high or max. I want to play on a 1920x1080 res. So here are my questions:
1. I don't see myself streaming, so the i3 2100 should do just fine right? Is there any other reason for me to get the i5 2400 at all? I don't do anything aside from gaming except your typical media entertainment.
2. I have a $130-$150 budget on the monitor, any recommendations with said specs?
3. The following ASUS 6850 is $139 after mail in rebate. Will it satisfy what I'm wanting? I don't plan on doing Xfire.
4. I like the BitFenix Merc Alpha because it has pretty good reviews and a decent look for the price. It's recommended for value builds, but what's the difference in performance between that and the HAF912.
5. Biostar TH67 or ASRock H61M-VS
I already have a capable PSU, OS and RAM and am willing to spend $500(including the monitor) on the rest of the parts.
Thanks in advance.
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On February 20 2012 20:08 iKill[ShocK] wrote:
hey one of the core on my 2500k is reading ~4 degrees higher then the other cores. is my H60 slightly misplaced or something? (its in the 20's so dont worry about overheating)
The cores are placed in a line. The second and third core are stuck between other cores and will usually be a bit warmer than the 2 cores at the edge. Also, imperfections in the heatspreader / heatsink may mean that heat transfer isn't entire homogeneous. Nothing to worry about as long as temperatures don't rise too high.
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On February 21 2012 03:56 Alisto wrote:+ Show Spoiler +So I want to be able to run SC2 on max(even on 4v4) and Guild Wars 2, whenever it comes out, on med-high or max. I want to play on a 1920x1080 res. So here are my questions: 1. I don't see myself streaming, so the i3 2100 should do just fine right? Is there any other reason for me to get the i5 2400 at all? I don't do anything aside from gaming except your typical media entertainment. 2. I have a $130-$150 budget on the monitor, any recommendations with said specs? 3. The following ASUS 6850 is $139 after mail in rebate. Will it satisfy what I'm wanting? I don't plan on doing Xfire. 4. I like the BitFenix Merc Alpha because it has pretty good reviews and a decent look for the price. It's recommended for value builds, but what's the difference in performance between that and the HAF912. 5. Biostar TH67 or ASRock H61M-VSI already have a capable PSU, OS and RAM and am willing to spend $500(including the monitor) on the rest of the parts. Thanks in advance.
1. Yes the core i3 2100 should do fine. There's no reason to get a core i5 besides streaming, professional applications that are multi-threaded, and getting that little extra FPS in the so few little games that uses four cores.
2. TN monitors are practically all the same. Just go to a store and buy whatever is cheap and looks nice.
3. 6870 is available for $5 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161389 , 6850 available for $20 less: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384 The 6850 will be capable of playing most games on reasonably high settings at 1080p, if you prefer ASUS than you can pay the premium for it.
5. Bitfenix Merc Alpha comes with less fans. You're not doing extreme overclocking or getting a high-end build so there's no need to worry about cooling difference between cases... this should be one of the last things you should concern yourself about.
6. H67 has SATA 6Gbps while H61 does not. If you plan on getting an SSD later than you may want SATA 6Gbps.
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@Alisto
If you want to max SC2 in 4v4 with as high FPS as possible you have to invest in the CPU. There's a big difference for SC2 between an i3 2100 and an i5 2400/2500 (SC2 loves L3 cache which is why the i5's are a lot better than the i3 even though stock speeds are almost the same and SC2 only takes advantage of 2 cores), and a big difference between a regular i5 2500@ 3.3Ghz (3.5 with turbo for SC2) vs a typically overclocked 2500K (~4.5GHz)
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On February 21 2012 04:11 skyR wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 21 2012 03:56 Alisto wrote:+ Show Spoiler +So I want to be able to run SC2 on max(even on 4v4) and Guild Wars 2, whenever it comes out, on med-high or max. I want to play on a 1920x1080 res. So here are my questions: 1. I don't see myself streaming, so the i3 2100 should do just fine right? Is there any other reason for me to get the i5 2400 at all? I don't do anything aside from gaming except your typical media entertainment. 2. I have a $130-$150 budget on the monitor, any recommendations with said specs? 3. The following ASUS 6850 is $139 after mail in rebate. Will it satisfy what I'm wanting? I don't plan on doing Xfire. 4. I like the BitFenix Merc Alpha because it has pretty good reviews and a decent look for the price. It's recommended for value builds, but what's the difference in performance between that and the HAF912. 5. Biostar TH67 or ASRock H61M-VSI already have a capable PSU, OS and RAM and am willing to spend $500(including the monitor) on the rest of the parts. Thanks in advance. 1. Yes the core i3 2100 should do fine. There's no reason to get a core i5 besides streaming, professional applications that are multi-threaded, and getting that little extra FPS in the so few little games that uses four cores. 2. TN monitors are practically all the same. Just go to a store and buy whatever is cheap and looks nice. 3. 6870 is available for $5 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161389 , 6850 available for $20 less: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384 The 6850 will be capable of playing most games on reasonably high settings at 1080p, if you prefer ASUS than you can pay the premium for it. 5. Bitfenix Merc Alpha comes with less fans. You're not doing extreme overclocking or getting a high-end build so there's no need to worry about cooling difference between cases... this should be one of the last things you should concern yourself about. 6. H67 has SATA 6Gbps while H61 does not. If you plan on getting an SSD later than you may want SATA 6Gbps.
Thanks, good sir. My only reservation with the 6870 and 6850 you recommended are that they're HIS. Is there some freak manufacturer's defect with their products because the reviews are showing DOA's, loud fans and issues with rebates. Leaning toward ASUS because they just seem more reliable on those 'IF SOMETHING HAPPENS' situations. I saw that the new Radeon 7770's are out. They're 128-bit. Mind schoolin' me on this? It has a higher core clock, but how does the memory interface play into it and is this something you'd recommend as they're in the same price range. Lastly, I don't plan on getting an SSD as much as I want to, but does the USB 3.0 make a difference with any aspects between the mouse or keyboard at all?
On February 21 2012 05:15 Wabbit wrote:+ Show Spoiler +@Alisto
If you want to max SC2 in 4v4 with as high FPS as possible you have to invest in the CPU. There's a big difference for SC2 between an i3 2100 and an i5 2400/2500 (SC2 loves L3 cache which is why the i5's are a lot better than the i3 even though stock speeds are almost the same and SC2 only takes advantage of 2 cores), and a big difference between a regular i5 2500@ 3.3Ghz (3.5 with turbo for SC2) vs a typically overclocked 2500K (~4.5GHz)
Yea, I'm so back and forth with this. I want to save that extra $55 and just settle for the i3 2100, but at the same time tempted to just shoot for the 2400. Now I'm seeing that there's a deal for 2100 for $110 with promo code. Wabbit, man, why couldn't you just say the 2100 will do fine. I don't need the best, but I do want better than fine haha. Any ideas if GW2 is gfx or cpu intensive?[/spoiler]
Thanks in advance smart people.
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On February 21 2012 05:40 Alisto wrote:
Thanks, good sir. My only reservation with the 6870 and 6850 you recommended are that they're HIS. Is there some freak manufacturer's defect with their products because the reviews are showing DOA's, loud fans and issues with rebates. Leaning toward ASUS because they just seem more reliable on those 'IF SOMETHING HAPPENS' situations. I saw that the new Radeon 7770's are out. They're 128-bit. Mind schoolin' me on this? It has a higher core clock, but how does the memory interface play into it and is this something you'd recommend as they're in the same price range. Lastly, I don't plan on getting an SSD as much as I want to, but does the USB 3.0 make a difference with any aspects between the mouse or keyboard at all?
You're looking at the wrong specs of the 7770, memory bus width and clocks are not useful info without knowing the amount of shaders/graphics cores, and you can't compare those either because the 7700 series and above is a whole new architecture on a new manufacturing process. That's why gaming benchmarks are so important.
Anyway, the 7770 is worse in terms of price/performance than the 6850 and 6870. It costs as much as some 6870's but gets outperformed by 6850's.
Also I personally recommend dual-fan models of cards even if it means you have to get a 6850 over a 6870. With a quiet heatsink you can always overclock a bit without fear of lots of extra noise, though overclocking on stock voltages generally doesn't increase temps too much, and consequently noise levels shouldn't go up much. 6870's are somewhat terrible overclockers though.
Also with regard to USB3, no.
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On February 21 2012 05:40 Alisto wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On February 21 2012 04:11 skyR wrote:+ Show Spoiler ++ Show Spoiler +On February 21 2012 03:56 Alisto wrote:+ Show Spoiler +So I want to be able to run SC2 on max(even on 4v4) and Guild Wars 2, whenever it comes out, on med-high or max. I want to play on a 1920x1080 res. So here are my questions: 1. I don't see myself streaming, so the i3 2100 should do just fine right? Is there any other reason for me to get the i5 2400 at all? I don't do anything aside from gaming except your typical media entertainment. 2. I have a $130-$150 budget on the monitor, any recommendations with said specs? 3. The following ASUS 6850 is $139 after mail in rebate. Will it satisfy what I'm wanting? I don't plan on doing Xfire. 4. I like the BitFenix Merc Alpha because it has pretty good reviews and a decent look for the price. It's recommended for value builds, but what's the difference in performance between that and the HAF912. 5. Biostar TH67 or ASRock H61M-VSI already have a capable PSU, OS and RAM and am willing to spend $500(including the monitor) on the rest of the parts. Thanks in advance. 1. Yes the core i3 2100 should do fine. There's no reason to get a core i5 besides streaming, professional applications that are multi-threaded, and getting that little extra FPS in the so few little games that uses four cores. 2. TN monitors are practically all the same. Just go to a store and buy whatever is cheap and looks nice. 3. 6870 is available for $5 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161389 , 6850 available for $20 less: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384 The 6850 will be capable of playing most games on reasonably high settings at 1080p, if you prefer ASUS than you can pay the premium for it. 5. Bitfenix Merc Alpha comes with less fans. You're not doing extreme overclocking or getting a high-end build so there's no need to worry about cooling difference between cases... this should be one of the last things you should concern yourself about. 6. H67 has SATA 6Gbps while H61 does not. If you plan on getting an SSD later than you may want SATA 6Gbps. Thanks, good sir. My only reservation with the 6870 and 6850 you recommended are that they're HIS. Is there some freak manufacturer's defect with their products because the reviews are showing DOA's, loud fans and issues with rebates. Leaning toward ASUS because they just seem more reliable on those 'IF SOMETHING HAPPENS' situations. I saw that the new Radeon 7770's are out. They're 128-bit. Mind schoolin' me on this? It has a higher core clock, but how does the memory interface play into it and is this something you'd recommend as they're in the same price range. Lastly, I don't plan on getting an SSD as much as I want to, but does the USB 3.0 make a difference with any aspects between the mouse or keyboard at all? On February 21 2012 05:15 Wabbit wrote:+ Show Spoiler +@Alisto
If you want to max SC2 in 4v4 with as high FPS as possible you have to invest in the CPU. There's a big difference for SC2 between an i3 2100 and an i5 2400/2500 (SC2 loves L3 cache which is why the i5's are a lot better than the i3 even though stock speeds are almost the same and SC2 only takes advantage of 2 cores), and a big difference between a regular i5 2500@ 3.3Ghz (3.5 with turbo for SC2) vs a typically overclocked 2500K (~4.5GHz) Yea, I'm so back and forth with this. I want to save that extra $55 and just settle for the i3 2100, but at the same time tempted to just shoot for the 2400. Now I'm seeing that there's a deal for 2100 for $110 with promo code. Wabbit, man, why couldn't you just say the 2100 will do fine. I don't need the best, but I do want better than fine haha. Any ideas if GW2 is gfx or cpu intensive? Thanks in advance smart people.
Memory interface shouldn't be a concern to you. The Radeon HD7770 is based on the new 28nm GCN architecture (6850 and 6870 are 40nm Evergreen) which can clock higher, have better power consumption, and have DX11.1. All of which isn't a big deal when we're talking about a 7770 at ~$160. These perform worse than a 6850 and 6870 as they have less stream processors (the spec that you should concern yourself most about) and ROPs. The 7770 are overpriced atm since they're new, Nvidia isn't releasing their new Kepler architecture until April, and consumers just don't know better.
USB3.0 doesn't make a difference for keyboards and mouse.
And as for what manufacturer. If you want to pay for ASUS for the longer warranty and better support than you're welcome to. Newegg reviews generally aren't an indication of anything unless there's a large amount of reviews showing a certain trend.
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2100 will do fine just not in the most extreme cases that SC2 will throw at it.
Since the i3-2100 is a dual core processor when you are taxing the processor you will have to take care to shut other things down before you game in general, no 30 chrome tabs with skype open while watching a stream.
7770 gets beat by the 6870 in price and in performance so the only reason you want a 7770 is if you are a complete power consumption nut, because the 7770 consumes very little power.
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Those prices are completely wrong.
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Well they have the most confidence in the 7870 for $199.
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EPT
