New Build Opinions

reignschaos

Hi

I am currently looking at getting a new PC. I've checked the shops but none seem to match all my needs. This primarily relates to sub power graphics cards. Therefore it looks as if an ad-hoc build is the way to go with the ability to add to/upgrade over the coming years. It must have USB 3 ports. The OS will be Windows 7, which within the next 12 months be upgraded to Windows 8, subsequent to its release. It needs to run nice an quite ideally :-)


1. What is your budget? [Approx €1000/€1300]

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? The initial primary need for the PC will be to migrate many home family VHS tapes into mp4/avi format. Once completed it will be a gaming machine primary for FPS such a COD, Black OPs, Counter Strike and Strategy type games, World of Conflict, Star Craft 2 etc

3. Do you need a copy of Windows? [No]

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? Yes. Existing PC is a Dell Dimension 8300. Upgraded gradually over the years. New DVD R/W and LG DVD HL-DT-ST ATA Device. Belkin F5D900 Wireless G. Maxtor ATA 320 Gigs & Hitachi 120 Gigs Drives.

5. Do you need a monitor? [No] Current monitor is a Samsung SyncMaster 940BW

5a. If yes, what size do you need. N/A

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? 1440x900. No current plans but at some later date increase to a 21".

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [No]

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes] I'am not against it, I understand it in principle but never implemented it in practise. However if the overclock seriously reduces the life span of the hardware, i'm less inclinded to consider it.

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser] - All options

9. When are you purchasing? [In next few weeks unless there is something being released soon, that would be a benefit to hold off against]

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [No]

My initial components are as follows:-

Processor iCore7 3570 or 3770 (not sure if I would notice the difference) therefore to save a few quid the 3570.

GPU (This is a very unsure one)

GTX660 -v- GTX660 TI (looks like the TI is better value)
Radeon 7850 -v- 7870 (7850 is a good price, ideally the latter would be better and as far as I can establish, the 7850 is better than either of the GTX). So currently favouring the 7850, however if wrong, please advise.

Cooling (no knowledge on this other than reviewing the forms). Not sure if i need this, however it may be a requirement against the new graphics card. My current card a GeForce 7600 GT runs loud, so I would like to purchase hardware to reduce the noise from the PC and card.

Heatpipe Cooler 120 mm

RAM 8 Gigs (with the ability to upgrade, the below mother board goes to 32Gigs which would be sufficient for my needs)

MOBO (no knowledge on this other than reviewing the forms) It has USB 3 ports and support iCore 7. However it will need some free slots to add in Wireless Network Card, TV Card. So needs to be expandable.

AsRock z77 Extreme 6

PSU (no knowledge on this other than reviewing the forms)

Dark Power Pro 10 550W

HD (Open to suggestions. Also i assume i can harvest my existing ones) All home movies will be moved off to external Hard Drives. Picked the WD as they seem to be more reliable than Seagate alternatives.

WD Carivar Green 2T

SSD (no knowledge on this other than reviewing the forms. However i only see myself using this as a dedicated drive for the OS)

Samsung 830 128 GB

CASE Open to suggestions as I dont know what I'am looking for other than having USB 3 slots.

If I use the German company mentioned in these forms, is the going rate for them to build €20 and shipping €18.99.

Many thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions that you have to offer.

Darren

Monotype

Be sure to get the 3570K for overclocking.

I wouldn't buy aftermarket cooling for a graphics card unless you are sure that you are unsatisfied with the initial product. Many are quiet and some of the manufacturers provide quite a good range to choose from. You should get a CPU cooler - if you want great cooling but a challenge to install, consider the mugen 3. Otherwise, look for the Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 Pro or the Thermalright True Spirit.

I suggest that you invest in a good sound proof case like the Fractal Design Define R4 if you want the quiet experience.

Amirani

reignschaos wrote: »

RAM 8 Gigs (with the ability to upgrade, the below mother board goes to 32Gigs which would be sufficient for my needs)

If you're considering going to 32GB (which you're probably not), be aware you'll need a 64-bit copy of either Windows Pro, Enterprise or Ultimate as the 'Home' editions limit memory to 16GB of RAM.

reignschaos

Monotype and NiallSparky, many thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.
Darren

reignschaos

Monotype, just wondering the 3570K processor are you making reference to the iCore5 there?, maybe its just me (as its late) but couldnt find a iCore7 K version.

Andy!!

reignschaos wrote: »

Monotype, just wondering the 3570K processor are you making reference to the iCore5 there?, maybe its just me (as its late) but couldnt find a iCore7 K version.

The 3770K is an overclockable i7.

reignschaos

Cheers Andy

reignschaos

With a little futher research and taking peoples advice into account my current build is. I've tried to future proof it without going over board, bigger SSD, higher PSU. Before I pull the trigger as they say, does all the components play nicely together?

Processor Intel Core i7-3770K €302.81
GPU Radeon 7870 €211.03
Memory 16 Gigs €68.91
MoBo ASRockZ77 Extreme4 €131.24
PSU be Quiet 650W €139.91
Case Fractual Design R4 Black Peral €105.03
Hard Drive WD Caviar Green 2T €94.49
Cooling Scythe Mugen 3 €36.48
SSD Samsung 830 256 Gigs €156.44
Card Reader Akasa AK-ICR14 USB 3 €22.13
WiFi Adapter (Dual Band) Asus PCE-N53 N600 €34.90

Total Cost: €1303.37

A few additional questions mind:-
I noticed that the GPU isnt currently stocked. WHen i search for other 7870's there were many options to choice from, the one below was recommended by Mono. Even from checking the specs I couldnt work out the differences. Could someone shed some light on the difference between the same card. Should i stay with the same one mentioned by Mono and wait until back in stock or go for another version?

In realtion to the Card Reader, if possible can someone confirm that I've the right one. It uses a USB3 header on the motherboard. WHich i think i have!!!

In relatoin to the Dual Band WiFi adapter, does anyone have any other alternatives that they would recommend? I've a Linksys E4200 in the house. Going for dual band as the neigherhood is covered in 2.4 signals so trying to utilise by routers 5 GHz.

I'am planning on taking the lazy route and getting hardwareversand to install everything, if any additional cables are required do they let me know or just not install the componet? Do i need any extra cables?

Looking forward to your replies.

Darren

U_Fig

As far as the gpu is concerned. The MSI 7870 hawk edition is pretty good or the sapphire 7870.. These would be prob the 2 I'd go for in that order..asus also generally make good gpus..

Also if you have the ability and time build it yourself.. I've heard reports of Parts being damaged on shipment the prebuilt ones..and also as far as I know the wont install a heatsink before shipping you'll have to..so you may have to take it apart again to install that anyway..

Monotype

Homeplugs would be better than wireless.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-PA211KIT-200Mbps-Powerline-Ethernet/dp/B004INVKP4/
The i7 won't help in games by the way, but should speed up encoding.

Edit: You might need an adapter bracket for that card reader. 3.5'' to 5.25''.

You don't need a 650W PSU. Take a look at the golden greens if you're looking in that price range.

reignschaos

Cheers U_Fig on the GPU info
And you have convienced me to go all in and not to be a lazy git and complete the build myself :-)

reignschaos

Thanks for the heads up on the processor. Hopefully it will make the first few months of the new build quicker. In between the gaming, I'll probably be creating some VM's, would i notice the difference between the processors then?

I've a set of WD Livewire plugs http://www.amazon.co.uk/Livewire-Powerline-Network-Ports-Twin/dp/B003YFHD1W but have had a mixed success with them, thus the thinking behind using the 5GHz range.

Excellent catch on the card reader.

If i drop back to the 550W PSU i assume that will cover me for adding in a few extra hard discs and other basic PCI/e boards, tv card, wifi card etc etc but if i get game happy and added in another graphics i would have to upgrade?

Cheers Monotype
Darren

reignschaos

Mono,
I've answered my own question. After some more googling I came across a hardware site which gave a good breakdown on PSU's. Heres the link if anyone is interested http://uk.hardware.info/reviews/2762/megatest-43-psus-from-500-to-700-watt

the untitled user

reignschaos wrote: »

In between the gaming, I'll probably be creating some VM's, would i notice the difference between the processors then?

Only if you think you'll have a heavy workload.

Monotype

550W is plenty, yeah. Check out your PSUs in the PSU review database in my signature.

Edit: Unless you want to upgrade to a second graphics card later?

reignschaos

Hey
Just a quick update. My rig is churning away happily and contently. Up and running now for circa 3 months without any problems and more importantly got many of my family videos converted for Xmas Day presents :-)

Very very happy with my components. Many thanks to all of you who offered suggestions and advise. Much appreciated.

Darren