PC Upgrade & Reputable Builder (Dublin Based)

MarkJD

Howdy folks. I would really appreciate some upgrade advice here. Have an idea where i need to upgrade but would like to hear what people think and would like some suggestions!

Below is my current spec which i think is still decent? But maybe you all think otherwise? I have 2 Intel 256GB SSD drives im gonna put in separately! One for OS & other for Game Only Installs.

Specification

Processor: Intel Core i7 2600k 3.40ghz 8M cache + Stock Cooler
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth p67 Revision
RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengance with heat sink and silent cooling fans.
Graphics: Radeon HIS HD6950 2GB
Storage HDD: 2 x Western Digital Caviar 6gb/s 1Tb drives RAID 1
Power supply: Antec 900w High current Gamer PSU
Case: Antec DF-10 (Mid Tower)
DVD RW / Bluray Player
Operating System, Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

Ultimately what I think i need is a new bigger case, another HD6950 and a proper CPU cooler so i can ramp it up a bit. Airflow in the current system is terrible and its always very dusty and collecting stuff.

Would another HIS GFX be good and set me for a while or would i be better buying a new 7XXX series RADEON? I hear there are problems / config issues with crossfire or dual GPUs so the easier the better. Family are also asking for some gift ideas for xmas so im thinking maybe a proper gamers keyboard and mouse that have some nice lighting. Any recommendations here please?I have 40% off for Logitech to use before January so probably opt for that where possible.

There is no real budget restrictions, i prefer everything to just run with minimal setup or maintenance. Im not looking for mad overclocks and once it plays things on high / ultra ill be happy. Ill primarily be playing FPS & MMOs (BF3, FFXIV, GW2 AC3, Hitman, Max Payne 3 etc)

In terms of a case i prefer dark / black / grey not too bothered about mad LED lights or mad designs once it functions, looks sleek and has a bit of a cutting edge should be good. Once it has space. Already currently at 4 HDs Would you recommend adding in additional fans to keep things cool?

The other part is im looking for someone reputable who is Dublin based that would be interesting in putting the new parts with my current system and the new case etc make sure its running nice un-dust/clean it etc Obviously willing to pay. Thanks!

MarkJD

So thinking im going to go with the following.

Case - Coolermaster HAF X Tower

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6653

CPU Cooler - Corsair H100

http://www.corsair.com/hydro-series-h100-extreme-performance-liquid-cpu-cooler.html

GFX - ?? Gonna stay away from SLI / Crossfire and stick with one decent card.

Mouse - Logitech G700

http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/product/7244?crid=349

Keyboard - G510

http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/product/7246?crid=825

Thoughts on the above for upgrades to my existing pieces would be good to hear. Id like to hear about a good stand alone GFX card. Should I stay with ATI or move to Nvidea?

U_Fig

I'm not too sure about the GPU i never had 6xxc series radeon but my favourite case is the fractal design define r4 it's a great case.. Minimal and offers great cooling options

tuxy

Selling the 6950 and getting the best new card in your budget is the best way to go. It will use much less power and is more compatible with games.

tuxy

The h100 is a great bit of kit and possibly the best cpu cooler you can get for 1155 socket but there are cheaper options that will do the job once you are not going for a crazy high overclock.
You should be able to get at least 4.2 Ghz on something like this
http://lb.hardwareversand.de/Intel+AMD/52672/Thermalright+True+Spirit+120.article

MarkJD

Thanks for the replies so far guys!

U_Fig wrote: »

I'm not too sure about the GPU i never had 6xxc series radeon but my favourite case is the fractal design define r4 it's a great case.. Minimal and offers great cooling options

Its a pretty good card to be honest. I play BF3 on Ultra at present and rarely drop below 45 FPS. I guess I just want to keep the card with the times if im going to be upgrading the rest of the kit. Ill check that case out thanks.

tuxy wrote: »

Selling the 6950 and getting the best new card in your budget is the best way to go. It will use much less power and is more compatible with games.

Ye think thats what ill do. Do you have a preference or reccomendation that would be one of the better cards by todays standards but isnt going to cost me €400 quid? NVIDIA the way to go these days? Iv always been ATI myself

tuxy wrote: »

The h100 is a great bit of kit and possibly the best cpu cooler you can get for 1155 socket but there are cheaper options that will do the job once you are not going for a crazy high overclock.
You should be able to get at least 4.2 Ghz on something like this
http://lb.hardwareversand.de/Intel+AMD/52672/Thermalright+True+Spirit+120.article

Thanks for the recommendation. Thats a very decent price, not heard of the brand before though. Do you use it personally yourself? Also it looks rather large does it take up lots of space in the case? Vertically?

tuxy

It's still close between Geforce and Radeon
They seem to trade blows with each other depending on the game.
The Radeons do tend to overclock better though.

For around €300 your options are the Radeon 7950 or GTX 660 TI

For the €200 mark there is the 7870 or GTX 660
All very capable cards but I'm not sure a 7870 or 660 is a big enough step up from what you have to make it worth while. You could try overclocking the 6950.

I don't own that cooler but it's got very good reviews.
This is what I have
http://lb.hardwareversand.de/Intel+AMD/49134/Scythe+Mugen+3%2C+f%C3%BCr+alle+Sockel+geeignet.article

Running an i5 2500k at 4.4 Ghz , never had a problem with it.

Most good coolers will take up lots of space but will fit just fine in most midi towers.

ED E

One thing to double check is a coolers ram clearance, you don't want to install one only to find you can't get at dimm0

tuxy

ED E wrote: »

One thing to double check is a coolers ram clearance, you don't want to install one only to find you can't get at dimm0

True, I would have to remove the fan off the mugen(easy enough to do) to get at the ram in dimm0.

MarkJD

tuxy wrote: »

It's still close between Geforce and Radeon
They seem to trade blows with each other depending on the game.
The Radeons do tend to overclock better though.

For around €300 your options are the Radeon 7950 or GTX 660 TI

For the €200 mark there is the 7870 or GTX 660
All very capable cards but I'm not sure a 7870 or 660 is a big enough step up from what you have to make it worth while. You could try overclocking the 6950.

I don't own that cooler but it's got very good reviews.
This is what I have
http://lb.hardwareversand.de/Intel+AMD/49134/Scythe+Mugen+3%2C+f%C3%BCr+alle+Sockel+geeignet.article

Running an i5 2500k at 4.4 Ghz , never had a problem with it.

Most good coolers will take up lots of space but will fit just fine in most midi towers.

ED E wrote: »

One thing to double check is a coolers ram clearance, you don't want to install one only to find you can't get at dimm0

tuxy wrote: »

True, I would have to remove the fan off the mugen(easy enough to do) to get at the ram in dimm0.

Cheers for the suggestions ill take a look and see how both are performing when compared to my current HD 6950 2GB...

Good shout out on the CPU cooler making sure i have enough room. I actually got my hands on a Corsair H60 for free... How does this compare if anyone has used it? Good to go with that if im just looking for a light OC when compared to some of the big air coolers you guys have recommended?

Does anyone here actually put systems together or do upgrades ? Like as a nixer or can anyone recommend anyone?

Thanks

ED E

There are people who will do it for free, to us its like lego for adults

EDIT: What area are you in? There's bound to be somebody close by.

tuxy

I don't live in Dublin, I never get to play

The h60 will be fine for overclocking once you don't go crazy. It's got for at least 4.4 ghz but maybe more depending on how much voltage your cpu needs.

MarkJD

ED E wrote: »

There are people who will do it for free, to us its like lego for adults

EDIT: What area are you in? There's bound to be somebody close by.

Haha well i definately wouldnt expect someone to do it for free id gladly pay them for their time... I mean i can do it myself iv done it before just not in this fashion. Its always been from scratch with all new parts. Ill also be missing some SAS / SATA cables for new HDs etc as i dont have all the original parts from the MOBO. Also would be keen on getting it cabled nice and neat etc

Im based in D16 but obviously willing to travel.

tuxy wrote: »

I don't live in Dublin, I never get to play

The h60 will be fine for overclocking once you don't go crazy. It's got for at least 4.4 ghz but maybe more depending on how much voltage your cpu needs.

Cheers that that sorted at least.. All i need so is some new thermal paste, new GPU and the case.

BENDERS LINKS

We'll build your PC for you

deconduo

I'll be happy to help for free. I'm in Dublin 8 so shouldn't be too far to travel.

MarkJD

BENDERS LINKS wrote: »

We'll build your PC for you

Thanks for that great thread!

deconduo wrote: »

I'll be happy to help for free. I'm in Dublin 8 so shouldn't be too far to travel.

Cheers for the offer. Im going to get all the parts organised and ill be in touch

MarkJD

What would be the Nvidia equivalent of the ATI 7970?

tuxy

gtx 680, it's much more expensive though

MarkJD

Cheers... Been looking up both and recent AMD drivers seems to have pushed the 7970 above the 680 in terms of performance across multiple games.

Think ill get this

http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/?cid=1&gid=3&sgid=1157&lid=1&pid=1679&leg=0

Anyone recommend against this?

ED E

Should do you fine