Compatibility Check

[abfonsy]

Hi all,

First post on the forum. I wanted to get some thoughts on my set-up. I'll be using this PC mostly for various media (movies, Ableton Live, medical school crap) with some gaming (typically FPS or Total War games). I originally budgeted $1500 for a pre-built but have decided to build my own for price and creativity reasons. That being said I have tried to shoot for ~1300 on my build but I have some flexibility. I'll be buying my parts from NewEgg for the most part. I'm not particularly partial to too much in terms of brands. I have recently decided to go to a SSD for the OS plus one or two other programs with a HDD for data. The SSD is the only part that I still have options on. I am open to advice on size (I would boot Windows 7-16 gb, Ableton- ~2 gb and leave room for a couple 20 gb games). I do not plan on OC'ing it (yet) as I am a bit of a newb but have opted for the 2600k cpu in case I get curious. I plan on buying these parts in the next few weeks and building later this month/Aug. I have purchased the listed case and heatsink already. As for the aftermarket heatsink, I have some friends saying I won't need one but I wanted to have one on hand just in case. And yes, I realize that the Hyper 212 + says it doesn't work on 1155 sockets, but I have read reviews of people who have installed in successfully. As for the RAM, I went with 8 gb of well-reviewed RAM that happens to be on sale. For the GPU, I went with a well-reviewed and moderately priced (~150) 1 GB card. I do not have a preference between the two brands since my MOBO is friendly to either SLI or Crossfire.


COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case case

CORSAIR Professional Series HX750 (CMPSU-750HX) 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply power supply

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 mobo heatsink

GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard motherboard

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600K cpu

SAMSUNG Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-/+R 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Drive Model SH-B123L/RSBP LightScribe Support (Retail) bluray

MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card video card

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL memory

HITACHI Deskstar 7K3000 HDS723015BLA642 (0F12114) 1.5TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive hard drive

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) ssd
OR
SAMSUNG*470*Series*MZ-5PA128/US*2.5"*128GB*SATA*II*Internal*Solid*State*Drive*(SSD)
OR
Crucial*RealSSD*C300*CTFDDAC128MAG-1G1*2.5"*128GB*SATA*III*MLC*Internal*Solid*State*Drive*(SSD)

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[dclive]

I'd buy a cheap Dell i5 setup, slap a 6850 in there, add an SSD, and go to town. Upgrade more frequently, but spend less each time, gives you better hardware, IMHO.

 

[abfonsy]

Well, in terms of upgrading, I see myself at two major points with my set-up
1) adding two more sticks of RAM
2) adding another GPU
I figure that these two will be relatively simple and necessary down the road

I do want the i7 now rather than upgrading it and having another cpu lying around. I figure it's an investment. I also tend to make my computer slightly over the top at the present to prevent having to change it too much. Case in point, this is replacing a desktop from 2004 that ran quite well until Windows 7.

 

[Amart]

Welcome to the forum! I love the fact that you chose a top tier PSU and listed it among the first components!

IMO: 2600K is overkill, and the refusal to overclock considering how easy it is with SB is questionable. You can take a 2500K and do a very mild overclock, reaching the performance of 2600K stock, and save $100. Since you are using an aftermarket cooler your temps/longevity will still be better. That motherboard can probably do a mild-OC automatically - and there are plenty of reviews/guides for overclocking SB.

Graphics card - I wouldn't go less then ATI 6850 1gb considering their current price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-353-_-Product

I would also plan on more then just 20GB for games. That's barely enough room for one or two modern games (and they require some free space and room for expansions, screenshots, videos). Perhaps another $100 for a larger SSD, or perhaps some kind of a HDD Raid 1 setup (faster loading / access) for the games, and keeping the SSD for OS / workspace use only.

Very curious about the Cooler Master 212+ question, hope someone knowledgeable responds.

P.S. Dell? Seriously dude?

 

[abfonsy]

Thank you! Yes I was thinking a 550 W to just squeak buy but I think it will serve me well to have the extra power on tap. Plus its modular nature will help my type-A tendencies when it comes to cleaning up cords.

As for the cpu, I'm not against overclocking but I'd save that for a later date. I realize the differences between the 2500k and 2600k are minimal, especially considering the price difference, but all the same, I would just prefer to grab the i7.

Yea I was thinking 20 gb/game so leaving around 40-60 gb for my fave's. I'm starting to think I need to go with the 128 gb ssd so I have plenty of wiggle room.

 

[piasabird]

Does Deskstar = Deathstar? I get nightmares about the old IBM Drives. Is that still valid?

 

[dclive]

Well, in terms of upgrading, I see myself at two major points with my set-up
1) adding two more sticks of RAM
2) adding another GPU
I figure that these two will be relatively simple and necessary down the road

I do want the i7 now rather than upgrading it and having another cpu lying around. I figure it's an investment. I also tend to make my computer slightly over the top at the present to prevent having to change it too much. Case in point, this is replacing a desktop from 2004 that ran quite well until Windows 7.

You might overpay by 800 to get another year of life; you could simply buy an i5 system from Dell for cheap, slap a gfx card and ssd in there, and have a great system for a few years then upgrade, and save money at both ends of the cycle.

Even today's fastest i7 is slow compared to tomorrow's middle end at half the price. PCs are not investments. And you can easily sell the old CPU, no worries on having it lying around.

 

[Kenmitch]

The Hyper 212+ will work on the S1155 MB as the mounting holes are the same as S1156. Not sure what the question is concerning this? The mounting system is strange to say the least but is doable. Just google for some pointers on applying the thermal compound before you try and mount it and you should be fine. Might be best to mount before installing the MB in the case.

 

[Amart]

dclive - I don't understand why you recommend a Dell system to someone who can clearly put their own PC together.
Those cost savings are to a great extent based on them using cheaper components, badly balanced systems, and their free warranty is not much different from the one you get from quality part manufacturers. The time spent on removing bloatware might alone be worth the price difference - not to mention any proprietary solutions / limits they include in their build.

I agree with the reasoning for the advice - don't see why an i7 is an "investment", it's actually a limitation because higher priced parts are typically harder to sell used. I can see a 2500K selling used for ~$100-150 in a few years with high demand on this forum (ex: Q6600 go for ~$100 and don't stay listed for long - just low enough to avoid competing with new technology).

 

[abfonsy]

the concern with the hyper 212 + was the box doesnt mention 1155 as an accommodated socket but i had heard anecdotally that it worked on it. i just wanted to get some confirmation

i mean investment in terms of buying it and not selling it anytime soon. my intent is to get a set-up that will allow me to take care of my basic needs with room for expansion over the next 3-4 years. it might be blazing fast immediately and only relatively average in 2 years, but that won't particularly bother me as i expect my free time is only going to dwindle as school goes on. sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear, but i plan on getting this guy operational and keeping the status quo for a bit. hence my desire to get an i7 in there and leave it.

i do want to do the build bc ive had a dell and i like to give this a go before going back to that.

 

[mfenn]

OP, when you say, "The SSD is the only part that I still have options on," what does that mean exactly? Have you bought all components other than the SSD?

Just skimming your build, I can see some major areas for improvement:
- PSU: Way overkill on wattage and way too expensive. I'd recommend the XFX Core 550W or the XFX 650W if you absolutely, positively must have modular cables (it's not the big deal that most people make it out to be).
- Mobo: Overkill for what you want to do. Get the GA-Z68A-D3H instead, it has everything you need. You didn't mention needing Firewire or anything like that
- CPU: Overkill again. Get the i5 2500K instead. You won't miss the HT.
- GPU: Weak for a gaming machine. Shogun 2 is a beast, as are a lot of shooters. You've got the budget for a 6950 2GB, especially with the money you'd be saving in other areas
- HDD : Desktar != Deathstar anymore, but they still aren't the greatest. My preference would be the Samsung F3 1TB
- SSD : The C300 is fine, though I'd probably look into the 128GB version over the 64GB version. The Crucial m4 is basically the same thing as well.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Looks good :thumbsup:

Think I might fire up Maschine again

 

[dclive]

dclive - I don't understand why you recommend a Dell system to someone who can clearly put their own PC together.

Generally to save money, time, etc. are good reasons to just grab a Dell.

Those cost savings are to a great extent based on them using cheaper components,

Whey spend money on components unless you must? The performance between different motherboards with the same Intel chipsets is now essentially nil, for example; why spend unless it's required?

badly balanced systems,

I'm not sure quite what this means, but OP wants games and fast disk access, and so a decent videocard he slaps into a Dell system plus an SSD give that to him.

and their free warranty is not much different from the one you get from quality part manufacturers.

Sure, but you have to *deal* with them. Dell's a one-stop shop --- if you have a problem, they'll fix it or get you a new PC. Good luck doing that with Asus - is it an Asus motherboard issue, an Intel CPU issue, or a Sparkle videocard issue? Or maybe it's a PSU issue. And you have to pay to mail it to these guys; Dell handles everything for you on Dell's end.

I'm not against building your own, but unless you *really* need something laser-specific in that build-your-own process, for most people nowadays it's more hassle than it's worth.

The time spent on removing bloatware might alone be worth the price difference - not to mention any proprietary solutions / limits they include in their build.

Given most would install W7 onto a new build, there's always that option.

I agree with the reasoning for the advice - don't see why an i7 is an "investment", it's actually a limitation because higher priced parts are typically harder to sell used. I can see a 2500K selling used for ~$100-150 in a few years with high demand on this forum (ex: Q6600 go for ~$100 and don't stay listed for long - just low enough to avoid competing with new technology).

I think it's most wise to underbuy, but buy a little more often, so as to keep current in the marketplace. Today's high end is tomorrow's basic system, and it happens far faster than we'd all like. Putting money into computers - hundreds more $$ for another 10-25% faster - is usually a waste compared to how much faster and cheaper future systems will be, particularly per dollar spent in a year or two.

 

[abfonsy]

with the ssd's, I meant that was the only part that I didn't have a favorite. I have only ordered the case and heatsink thus far, but I want to buy at the least the RAM today (promotion ends). I think I'm going to go with the 128 gb crucial.

I will likely stick with the PSU listed. I'd rather be above what I need and leave room for better or another GPU.

I looked into the D3H mobo. It does have what I need but I am still looking up options in general.

As for the cpu, turns out I got bad info regarding Ableton using HT (it apparently does not, but some other DAW hosts do), so the 2500k is back in the equation since without Ableton utilizing HT, there isn't much purpose for me. I know, I caved.

I think a better GPU is in order given the windfall from the 2500k.

 

[mfenn]

with the ssd's, I meant that was the only part that I didn't have a favorite. I have only ordered the case and heatsink thus far, but I want to buy at the least the RAM today (promotion ends). I think I'm going to go with the 128 gb crucial.

Ah ok, it wasn't clear to me what exactly you meant.

I will likely stick with the PSU listed. I'd rather be above what I need and leave room for better or another GPU.

I'm sorry, but this is just silly. You can see from the chart that I linked that you will probably not need more than 500W, and almost certainly not more the 650W. A 750W PSU is gross overkill and you'll be paying for it not only at the time of initial purchase but also every month with reduced efficiency.

I think a better GPU is in order given the windfall from the 2500k.

See my post above for some good suggestions.

 

[abfonsy]

Ha I'm sorry my PSU selection seems silly but I'm a sucker for better safe-than-sorry and well reviewed items. Hence my affection for the Corsair.

As for a SSD, I think the Intel 510 series 120gb will be a good fit (plus it's on a combo deal with my processor). I understand Intel SSDs are pretty reliable.

I'm still working on a Z68 1155 mobo.

 

[mfenn]

Ha I'm sorry my PSU selection seems silly but I'm a sucker for better safe-than-sorry and well reviewed items. Hence my affection for the Corsair.

Corsair's marketing department: 1
abfonsy's wallet: 0

:awe:

As for a SSD, I think the Intel 510 series 120gb will be a good fit (plus it's on a combo deal with my processor). I understand Intel SSDs are pretty reliable.

Yes, the 510 is good, but pricy. Whether or not it's a good deal depends on the discount you're getting. Care to provide a link?

I'm still working on a Z68 1155 mobo.

What's wrong with the GA-Z68A-D3H?

 

[abfonsy]

the discount is 20 bucks off plus another 30 from a rebate so its cheaper than the other options i had priced out. i think im going to pull the trigger on this one tomorrow. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.673385

as for the mobo, that one is suitable. there is a similar one on sale with some decent ram for a savings of 20 bucks. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.676082

 

[mfenn]

the discount is 20 bucks off plus another 30 from a rebate so its cheaper than the other options i had priced out. i think im going to pull the trigger on this one tomorrow. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.673385

That works out to effectively $230 for the SSD after combo and rebate which isn't bad.

as for the mobo, that one is suitable. there is a similar one on sale with some decent ram for a savings of 20 bucks. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.676082

One thing about the Z68X is that it doesn't support using the CPU's IGP at all. Since you have a GPU, that isn't a big deal, but having the option is nice when you're troubleshooting. Oddly enough, the less expensive GA-Z68A-D3H does have that option. Also, I wouldn't get that RAM because it's 1.55V instead of 1.5V.

 

[abfonsy]

yea im gonna scratch that ram and go for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

cheaper and apparently backed by popular support

as for the mobo, i saw this and had concerns with my cpu: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/cpus-motherboards/44019-advise-needed-gigabyte-ga-z68a-d3h-b3.html

not sure if that's a legit concern but it makes me want to go for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128498&Tpk=GIGABYTE%20GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3%20LGA%201155%20Intel%20Z68%20HDMI%20S

 

[mfenn]

yea im gonna scratch that ram and go for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

cheaper and apparently backed by popular support

Good call.

as for the mobo, i saw this and had concerns with my cpu: http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...19-advise-needed-gigabyte-ga-z68a-d3h-b3.html

not sure if that's a legit concern but it makes me want to go for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128498&Tpk=GIGABYTE%20GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3%20LGA%201155%20Intel%20Z68%20HDMI%20S

I'm assuming that you're referring to only have a 4-pin ATX12V instead of an 8-pin? That's an unfounded concern IMHO. Unless you really go balls to the wall on voltage, you're not going to be sucking down that much more power than stock.

 

[cmmenke]

Okay, So I am no pro at this...But Abfonsy...Just listen to what Mfenn has to say, he built my machine and it is almost a year old now, and runs amazing, everything i want for 900 dollars w/o case and PSU...Which is amazing. Just trust him lol...and Dell? please...

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Ha I'm sorry my PSU selection seems silly but I'm a sucker for better safe-than-sorry and well reviewed items. Hence my affection for the Corsair.

I agree with Mfenn on the power supply. Corsair is a good name, but consider this: I have a box running a Q6600, 8 GB of RAM, 8 hard drives, multiple cards, a DVD-ROM, and 7 fans using a cheap OCZ 600 W (IIRC) StealthXtreme. I've never had any issue with instability or power. 750 W is overkill, as others have said. You'd save $70 by going with the XFX 650W modular power supply and could use that $70 towards a better graphic card.

 

[dclive]

I agree with Mfenn on the power supply. Corsair is a good name, but consider this: I have a box running a Q6600, 8 GB of RAM, 8 hard drives, multiple cards, a DVD-ROM, and 7 fans using a cheap OCZ 600 W (IIRC) StealthXtreme. I've never had any issue with instability or power. 750 W is overkill, as others have said. You'd save $70 by going with the XFX 650W modular power supply and could use that $70 towards a better graphic card.

With a nVidia GF 8800GTS, that same setup would've been happy with a 300W or 350W PSU.

People buying 700-800W PSUs are largely wasting money. A good investment might be a $17 Kill-A-Watt meter to see how much is really being used, even after taking into account the PSU heat/efficiency loss.

 

[dclive]

Just trust him lol...and Dell? please...

Dell has i5/2300 systems for $476, shipped and delivered, legal, with Windows 7. Add your own graphics card. Warranty and one phone call for support. What's wrong with that?