Yet another gaming rig...

partyatmygaff

A few weeks ago after trying out the BF3 Beta I realised that my computers have started to get a bit old. Initially I was looking to buy a laptop with decent battery life and decent gaming performance to replace both my aging laptop and my aging desktop. I found a laptop that met those criteria (Somewhat) and placed an order for it at €1050. Said laptop just barely scrapes 30FPS on medium-high settings 1024x768 according to benchmarks. Pretty pathetic performance for the money. The only laptops that can game reasonably fluently are either incredibly heavy, have 2 hour battery lives and cost nearly €1000 to boot.

So i've decided to take the €1000 budget I had set out earlier to get myself a proper portable laptop for college work and traveling and a desktop for gaming. I haven't chosen a laptop yet so i'm not sure what ceiling I should set for the desktop but i'd imagine €550-€600 would be the limit or i'll be entering netbook territory with regards to the laptop.

Now... enough of the boring back stories and tales that i'm sure you skipped over Time for some specs.

I know there aren't any compatibility issues e.t.c. with the components I selected but i'm not quite sure if all my decisions are sensible. I haven't been keeping up to date with the latest and greatest in desktop components so i'm not 100% certain that i'm getting the best value out of the components i've chosen.

Ideally, I want to be able to run BF3 maxed out on a 1680x1050 monitor and still have head room to allow me to upgrade in the future if I wish. I've already got a decent monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse. I've got a 320GB HDD that I can use to tide me over until HDD prices go back to normal.

Here's the spec:
Article No. HV1027IMDE Gigabyte GeForce GTX 560 OC, 1024MB GDDR5, PCI-Express
ready for dispatch

152,54 €

Article No. HV20G328DE 8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9
ready for dispatch

38,87 €

Article No. HV1140UODE ASUS P8H61/USB3 REV 3.0, Sockel 1155, ATX, DDR3
ready for dispatch

69,35 €

Article No. HV203N09DE Xigmatek Asgard II Midi Tower - black/orange, ohne Netzteil
ready for dispatch

32,35 €

Article No. HV20I5K5DE Intel Core i5-2500K Box, LGA1155
ready for dispatch

185,23 €

Article No. HVR650SBDE Super-Flower SF650P14P 650W
ready for dispatch

42,18 €

Total of €520. I'd appreciate any critique. One thing i'm unsure about is the case and the size of the GTX 560.

MakeNine

I'm also building a PC for BF3 and according to this benchmark article from Tomshardware you'd need a GTX570 to handle it on ultra settings at your resolution. However the 570 is at least 300e :eek: (269 is the cheapest I've seen on Hardwareversand, made by Palit)

Serephucus

RE: Laptop, have a look at the K53E from ASUS. My brother picked one up for college for €420. i3-2410 (I think), 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD. Very capable, certainly not netbook territory.

partyatmygaff

Intel Core i5-2500K Box, LGA1155 €185,23
Sapphire HD 6850 1GB GDDR5 PCI-Express €122,58
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9 €38,87
ASUS P8H61 REV 3.0, Sockel 1155, ATX, DDR3 €65,27
LG GH22NS50/70 bare schwarz €17,87
3R Systems Design Gehäuse K400(+) Schwarz €23,24
Super-Flower SF550P14P, 550Watt €34,82

Total: €487
I've made a few changes...

HD6850 instead of a GTX 560. The difference in performance is almost negligible at 1680x1050. It still plays the likes of Crysis 2 and BF3 maxed out perfectly at my resolution and if I ever upgrade to 1080p i'll still get playable FPS.

Added a DVD-RW - I always forget to add a DVD RW.

Changed to a larger (And cheaper) case.

Changed to a 550W down from a 650W PSU. By my calculations I could even run a crossfire setup with two 6850s and still be just about alright with a 550w. 43ish amps on +12V rail which is more than enough.


Anyone have any suggestions? I'm trying to get the price as low as possible without compromising performance to open up the budget for the laptop a bit.

partyatmygaff

Serephucus wrote: »

RE: Laptop, have a look at the K53E from ASUS. My brother picked one up for college for €420. i3-2410 (I think), 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD. Very capable, certainly not netbook territory.

Reviews are looking pretty good for that. Where did he buy it do you know?


I've been looking at Dell's Vostro range as well. Some are actually fairly decent like the 3450. 13 hours idle battery life and it can be equipped with a 6490m. It's a tiny bit too pricy though.

Serephucus

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Reviews are looking pretty good for that. Where did he buy it do you know?


I've been looking at Dell's Vostro range as well. Some are actually fairly decent like the 3450. 13 hours idle battery life and it can be equipped with a 6490m. It's a tiny bit too pricy though.

Pixmania, though I think it may have been on sale. Not sure.

partyatmygaff

Doesn't anyone have any comments? I'm itching to push the order button and want to be sure I'm not making any stupid choices

Eboggles

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Doesn't anyone have any comments? I'm itching to push the order button and want to be sure I'm not making any stupid choices

Why do you have an i5 2500k with a h61 mobo? They can't overclock. If you didn't want to oc I'd change the CPU to this: http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=41226&agid=1617

If you want to oc, you'd need to change the motherboard to p67, this one is popular: http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=41226&agid=1617

partyatmygaff

That's what I meant about stupid choices. I haven't really been keeping up to date for the past year or two with changes in hardware. The main reason I chose the 2500K is because I heard it can reach over 4GHz fairly easily.

There aren't any issues with OCing with a P67, are there?

MakeNine

The P67 is OC-friendly

Monotype

Don't get superflower's cheapo units. Amazon is the series that you want.

IrishMetalhead

if your budget is €600 and you already have a hdd, i'd thaught i'd let you know i'm selling my comp without the hdd for €600 if you intrested, but i can negociate the price abit:
http://www.adverts.ie/1041692

But if you really want to build your own new i'd get this:

Item|Price
Total build cost: €556.30 + €30 shipping
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 13 (Sockel 775/1155/1156/1366/754/939/AM2/AM2 +/AM3/AM3+/FM1)|€17.57
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9|€38.87
BitFenix Merc Alpha|€32.52
Super-Flower Amazon 80Plus 550W|€52.03
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 560 Ti, 1GB GDDR5, PCI-Express|€187.65
Intel Core i5-2400 Box, LGA1155|€162.39
ASUS P8H61 REV 3.0, Sockel 1155, ATX, DDR3|€65.27


swapped the 2500k for a 2400 to make more room for a faster graphics card because those non ti cards arn't so good

partyatmygaff

Hmm, i'm not too hot on that to be honest. It's €56 more for what I think is a lot less grunt. The 560 Ti is nice but I value a more powerful CPU higher than a more powerful GPU.

Here's my final set up I think

Article No. HV203T20DE entfernen
Thermaltake Commander MS-I USB 3.0, ohne Netzteil
ready for dispatch

39,77 €

Article No. HV20I5K5DE entfernen
Intel Core i5-2500K Box, LGA1155
ready for dispatch

185,23 €


Article No. HV1027SGDE entfernen
Sapphire HD 6850 1GB GDDR5 PCI-Express
ready for dispatch

122,58 €


Article No. HV20G328DE entfernen
8GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9
ready for dispatch

38,87 €

Article No. HVR550SFDE entfernen
Super-Flower SF550P14P, 550Watt
ready for dispatch

34,82 €


Article No. HV1130RZDE entfernen
ASRock Z68 Pro3 (B3), Sockel 1155, ATX
ready for dispatch

90,77 €

Sum: €519(ish) Euro
Good to go?

Monotype

Monotype wrote: »

Don't get superflower's cheapo units. Amazon is the series that you want.

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Article No. HVR550SFDE entfernen
Super-Flower SF550P14P, 550Watt
ready for dispatch

34,82 €

http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=30074
http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articledetail.jsp?aid=30069

partyatmygaff

Is it really necessary? I've used a fair few "cheapo" PSUs in builds over the years and haven't had any issues yet.

I'll go with the 450W Amazon anyway. The components i've chosen will draw around 330W by my calculations so there's still enough wiggle room I suppose.


So with the 450W Amazon, ready to order?

PseudoFamous

Should be grand, burst on. You won't get the full potential of the 2500k with the stock cooler, but you'll more than likely manage to get to 4gHz.

partyatmygaff

Ordered and set up the transfer last night. Now, the waiting game.

Whiskey757

Hi, I'm pretty much in the exact same position as you and I'll probably end up copying your rig directly when I eventually go to order it, but what are you doing about Windows 7? This will be my first time building my own computer so I'm only learning, and I see that there are a lot of different versions of Windows 7 available and I don't know what the difference is between them (except price ). Why would I want to buy the most expensive one and why shouldn't I just get the cheapest? Which version are you getting? Why?

(I just guessed your using Windows 7 because you will be using the computer for gaming)

partyatmygaff

Whiskey757 wrote: »

Hi, I'm pretty much in the exact same position as you and I'll probably end up copying your rig directly when I eventually go to order it, but what are you doing about Windows 7? This will be my first time building my own computer so I'm only learning, and I see that there are a lot of different versions of Windows 7 available and I don't know what the difference is between them (except price ). Why would I want to buy the most expensive one and why shouldn't I just get the cheapest? Which version are you getting? Why?

(I just guessed your using Windows 7 because you will be using the computer for gaming)

Anything but Windows 7 Starter is fine. Home Premium suits most people's needs but personally i'm going with Professional. Not because I really need it (Although I do appreciate the extra features) but moreso because I can get it for €45 as a student here
http://www.software4students.ie/Microsoft_Windows_7_Professional_64_bit_Upgrade_Edition-details.aspx

But really though, get anything but Starter or Home Basic and you're fine.

partyatmygaff

In other news, AIB apparently sent the money today. My account's been debited and my balance adjusted accordingly. Does that mean that Hardwareversand have the money by now or what?

Whiskey757

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Anything but Windows 7 Starter is fine. Home Premium suits most people's needs but personally i'm going with Professional. Not because I really need it (Although I do appreciate the extra features) but moreso because I can get it for €45 as a student here
http://www.software4students.ie/Microsoft_Windows_7_Professional_64_bit_Upgrade_Edition-details.aspx

But really though, get anything but Starter or Home Basic and you're fine.

Woah, can any student sign up to that sight? If so, I'll get that there too.

partyatmygaff

Hardwareversand just sent me an email confirming they've received the money. Anyone know how long it usually takes for them to dispatch?


Edit: Cleared for delivery about 13 minutes ago. Here's hoping it's dispatched today. Very impressed with them so far. Cheaper and more efficient than Dabs in any case.

dwighet

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Hardwareversand just sent me an email confirming they've received the money. Anyone know how long it usually takes for them to dispatch?

I got my last order from them in seven days and there was a bank holiday amongst the 7 days...

fatgleeson

Can I ask how much delivery costs were? I didnt know about this site and was going to buy my new build from Dabs, but now I see this is site much cheaper. Also if you remember, could you let us know when you get the comp? I'd be interested to know how long it takes

PseudoFamous

fatgleeson wrote: »

Can I ask how much delivery costs were?

€30 flat rate to Ireland.

partyatmygaff

fatgleeson wrote: »

Can I ask how much delivery costs were? I didnt know about this site and was going to buy my new build from Dabs, but now I see this is site much cheaper. Also if you remember, could you let us know when you get the comp? I'd be interested to know how long it takes

Will do.

So far i'm quite impressed by Hardwareversand.

Here's the timeline of events so far:
2011-11-08 at 01:36 Online-Order
2011-11-09 at 10:26 We received your payment amounting to 579,68 EUR .
2011-11-09 at 12:21 Due to your payment the order was cleared for delivery.
2011-11-09 at 13:34 The goods are ready for collection or assembling.
2011-11-09 at 13:34 The invoice was made.
2011-11-09 at 18:01 The goods were dispatched. - 2 package(s). Identcode(s): [XXXXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXXXXX] -

DHL's Tracking:
Wed, 09.11.11 17:54 h
DE
The instruction data for this shipment have been provided by the sender to DHL electronically
Wed, 09.11.11 18:44 h
Bielefeld, DE
The international shipment has been processed in the parcel center of origin
Thu, 10.11.11 01:23 h
Köln, DE
The international shipment has been processed in the export parcel center
Thu, 10.11.11 01:23 h
Köln, DE
The shipment is being transported to the destination country


Anyone know how long it usually takes DHL to get parcels over from Cologne to Dublin?

PseudoFamous

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Anyone know how long it usually takes DHL to get parcels over from Cologne to Dublin?

Usually two working days between Cologne and my door. At least, that's what it is for me, in Arklow.

Try punching your tracking number into the Anpost website, see if it's in Portlaoise yet.

Markd250

My DHL tracking is identical, our stuff will probably be on the same plane!

akazzz

That tracking system from HWVS is awesome!

Your order makes me feel like I want to pull the trigger on my system now! but i'll wait for x-mas or after x-mas, hopefully they will have sales during then

Just wondering have anyone ordered from www.compuland.de or www.mindfactory.de before?

partyatmygaff

PseudoFamous wrote: »

Usually two working days between Cologne and my door. At least, that's what it is for me, in Arklow.

Hmm... that puts possible delivery dates as being either Tomorrow, Monday or Tuesday.

Try punching your tracking number into the Anpost website, see if it's in Portlaoise yet.

That's what i've been doing all day :P Nothing yet though.

partyatmygaff

Hasn't changed from "The shipment is being transported to the destination country" since last Thursday on dhl.de and nothing whatsoever on An Post. Does that sound normal?

PseudoFamous

partyatmygaff wrote: »

Hasn't changed from "The shipment is being transported to the destination country" since last Thursday on dhl.de and nothing whatsoever on An Post. Does that sound normal?

No, doesn't sound right to me. I ordered a few bits n bobs on Friday, and they're sitting in the depot in Wicklow Town (Although we have a depot in Arklow, too, so I don't know why it wasn't sent straight to me..)

Markd250

I'm in the same situation, no recognition of the tracking numbers on anpost.ie. PseudoFamous, was your order from hwvs?

PseudoFamous

Markd250 wrote: »

I'm in the same situation, no recognition of the tracking numbers on anpost.ie. PseudoFamous, was your order from hwvs?

Yup, from HWVS.

Just had another look, apparently I ordered on Thursday. Could have sworn it was Friday. Regardless, it's still in the county.

Markd250

Maybe our stuff is on a boat!


partyatmygaff

Just checked An Post...

Both parcels are in Port Laoise. Should be delivered tomorrow by past experience... I hope it's after 3pm because there won't be anyone home until then =/ Do they send out of their vans for a special delivery or is it brought along in the morning with the usual delivery?

Markd250

No sign of mine yet.

t1mm

I'm like a child at Christmas here too. Stuff still seems to be in Koln, i'd say Wednesday delivery is looking likely!

partyatmygaff

t1mm wrote: »

I'm like a child at Christmas here too. Stuff still seems to be in Koln, i'd say Wednesday delivery is looking likely!

Check out Anpost's tracking. Dhl.de still says my package is in Cologne as well.

t1mm

Yup I had a look there - they have no record of my tracking numbers. I'm assuming you're using the same tracking numbers on the anpost site as you are on the DHL site yeah?

partyatmygaff

t1mm wrote: »

Yup I had a look there - they have no record of my tracking numbers. I'm assuming you're using the same tracking numbers on the anpost site as you are on the DHL site yeah?

Yes I am. Maybe it still hasn't been scanned in yet. Mine only arrived at 3:25 apparently.

Monotype

Markd250 wrote: »



What?

Markd250

Whoops, it turns out that iphone emojis are not boards emojis!
It was supposed to be something like this :rolleyes: but without the smile.

In other news, my order is in portlaoise!

partyatmygaff

The 2 parcels arrived about 20 minutes ago... Two more lectures, a train and i'll be home. Can't wait.

t1mm

I'm green with envy - my parcels must be in some dusty corner in the Cologne, no movement as of yet. Enjoy!

Markd250

Mine arrived too!

partyatmygaff

Just home now...

Two parcels, one containing the case and one containing all the components. Now I just need to clear an area to assemble it all on.

t1mm

Sure if ye're bored throw up a few pix - at least it'll nearly feel like my stuff arrived!

partyatmygaff

t1mm wrote: »

Sure if ye're bored throw up a few pix - at least it'll nearly feel like my stuff arrived!

I've been taking photos of everything from every angle since I arrived

I'm odd that way.