Christmas PC

Vargulf

Hi

Looking to get this PC built from Hardwareversand.de and was wondering if anyone could go over it and make sure that everything is compatible?

Case
Fractal Design Define R3
CPU
Intel Core i5 2500K Box
Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-V B3
Memory
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws PC3-8500U CL7
Graphics Card
Palit GeForce GTX 570
Hard Drive
WD Caviar Blue WD7500AALX
DVD Writer
LG GH22NS50 Super Multi
Power Supply
Cooler Master GX Series 750 Watt
I would be mainly using it to play Skyrim and Battlefield 3 and I am also buying Windows 7 from Elara.ie as HWVS seem to be out of stock of the English version.

How hard is it to pay by bank transfer with HWVS?

Thanks

Monotype

You want a P67 or Z68 board with that processor for overclocking. E.g., http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=43133

I wouldn't trust the GX range of PSUs. The earlier ones were bad but they've improved them.
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=39875

RAM is a bit slow despite the tighter timings. Maybe 1333MHz RAM instead. It makes little difference anyway.

You can buy the German version of windows, download/borrow the English disc image and use it with your German key. You're really buying the key/license, not the disc itself.

Vargulf

Thanks a lot Monotype I,ve changed to the two components you suggested.

Would you recommend a specific RAM?

Monotype

Just make sure it's 1.5V. The G-skill ripjaws or ripjaws-X as you had picked out is good.
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=44319
It's probably exactly the same RAM with different settings.

thysol

Monotype wrote: »

I wouldn't trust the GX range of PSUs. The earlier ones were bad but they've improved them.
http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=39875

Your recommended power supply sucks too though, not even 80 Plus.

This power supply here has 80+ Bronze and is cheaper:

http://www.mindfactory.de/product_info.php/info/p687432/pid/geizhals

Monotype

The XFX is 80+ bronze.
Not only that, but both the Antec HCG and the XFX CE are made by Seasonic and based on their S12II PSU or variations of it.

I'd go for Antec myself, all things being equal given that they've a better reputation for customer service but they're not equal. The XFX is a 650W PSU (12V rail is 53A vs the Antec's 40A).
Now you could get by with 520W, but 650W will give a load of room for overclocking and possible upgrades without going overboard.

thysol

Monotype wrote: »

The XFX is 80+ bronze.
Not only that, but both the Antec HCG and the XFX CE are made by Seasonic and based on their S12II PSU or variations of it.

I'd go for Antec myself, all things being equal given that they've a better reputation for customer service but they're not equal. The XFX is a 650W PSU (12V rail is 53A vs the Antec's 40A).
Now you could get by with 520W, but 650W will give a load of room for overclocking and possible upgrades without going overboard.

Yeah, probably you're right. I don't know, but I might have to seriously question the recommendations from a different forum where I come from. They always said to stay away from XFX and Superflower. But, now I think that they might well be wrong.

Monotype

Which forum is that... if you don't mind me asking?

thysol

Monotype wrote: »

Which forum is that... if you don't mind me asking?

www.pcghx.de

Monotype

Ah, so that explains the links to the German stores.

Here's one of my favourite sites for PSU reviews on the internet.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm

It lists efficiency ratings, the original manufacturer, the amps on the 12V rails, whether the PSU is modular or not and a collection of the major reviewers. The only thing I feel that it's missing is the actual OEM model but you can usually find that with more digging or in the reviews. I don't think I've posted this link before so I'll add it to my signature.

Tea_Bag

excellent site Monotype!
I'm usually trawling through kitguru and johnnyguru to read up on PSUs, but that puts them all together in a great layout.

Monotype

It's very good (so good that I should probably have posted it before now) and they're improving it too. I don't think the warranties and PCI-E connectors were listed there a while ago. You get a pretty fast picture of the kind of PSUs anyone has. It's handy that the reviews are lined up too, so that you can discount bias and flukes and get an all round opinion. E.g., Kit guru are good for detail but I think they can be generous in their conclusions/scoring.