New General use / Gaming build.

Fenix

Hey all, its about time to get with the times and a complete new build is called for!

I've pretty much got what I want sorted, but as I'm far for an expert in this department I'd like to run it past some of you more technically gifted individuals if I may!

I should say now that as I live in Derry I'll more than likely be ordering from UK sites etc.

My last build was all done through scan.co.uk, I found them to be very reasonable when it came to pricing and more importantly, very easy to work with when returning things (last GPU blew up 8 months in, probably my fault due to insufficient cooling but they replaced it no problem).

1. What is your budget?
circa £1300

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? [Gaming/Video editing/3D Modelling/HTPC/Internet] (If gaming include which games)
Gaming, Web design,Work, Photoshop.
Specifically, FPS such as battlefield 3, and the elder scrolls online will get a rattle.

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

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? [Hard drive/DVD Drive/Case/PSU/etc.] (If possible state brand and model of the parts to ensure compatibility)
No, I will most likely give my current rig to a friend.

5. Do you need a monitor? [Yes/No]
Yes
5a. If yes, what size do you need. [19'/20'/22'/24'/etc.]
Pref 23"/24"

5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? [1920x1080/1440x900/etc.] [Yes/No]
N/A

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.]
I will pick up a gaming keyboard and mouse, the 5.1 creative speakers I use currently will probably be the only component to survive the changeover.

7. Are you willing to try overclocking? [Yes/No]
Yea

8. How can you pay? [Bank Transfer/Credit Card/Laser]
Debit card

9. When are you purchasing? [In x days]
In the next few days

10. If you need help building it, where are you based? [South Dublin City/Cork City/Kerry/etc.]
Live in Southern Derry, shouldnt need help with the building, have google

Ive priced up a build consisting of the following:

3XS Edge - Intel Core i7 3770K - Overclocked to 4.6Ghz
Intel Core i7 3770K Quad Core
Corsair H80i Hydro CPU Cooler
Asus P8Z77-V Intel Z77 Socket 1155
16GB Corsair 3XS Only Vengeance LP Black 1600Mhz
2GB EVGA GTX 660 Ti Superclocked
120GB OCZ Technology Vertex 3, 2.5" SSD
2TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 SATA 3 6GB/s 7200rpm 64MB Cache 8ms
Cooler Master HAF 912 Plus, Black Mid Tower
Asus BC-12B1ST Blu-Ray Reader & DVD Writer
Dell Ultrasharp U2412M 24 inch IPS Widescreen
Razer Naga 2012 Expert MMO
Microsoft Sidewinder X4 Keyboard

This is clocking in around £140 over budget, but I might be able to stretch it...

Ideally, I'd like this rig to do me a considerable time before I think of upgrading, which is why I've pushed the boat out a bit.

Thanks for reading, any advice would be great...

Serephucus

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there doesn't seem to be a PSU in there.

Most of that looks fine. I'd change the CPU to a 3570K, unless you really need the Hyperthreading (odds are you don't).
I'd change the motherboard to an ASRock Pro3. Much cheaper, and has almost all the same features.
I'd also change the SSD. A Samsung 840 Pro will be much better, or a Crucial M4 if you need to save a few pounds.
I'd also swap the H80i for something else. They're not the quietest coolers out there. If you want, you could either add in a couple Gentle Typhoons, to replace the fans that come with it, or just switch to a good air cooler. Something by Noctua would be best.

alex1997123

Serephucus wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there doesn't seem to be a PSU in there.

Most of that looks fine. I'd change the CPU to a 3570K, unless you really need the Hyperthreading (odds are you don't).
I'd change the motherboard to an ASRock Pro3. Much cheaper, and has almost all the same features.
I'd also change the SSD. A Samsung 840 Pro will be much better, or a Crucial M4 if you need to save a few pounds.
I'd also swap the H80i for something else. They're not the quietest coolers out there. If you want, you could either add in a couple Gentle Typhoons, to replace the fans that come with it, or just switch to a good air cooler. Something by Noctua would be best.

No your right there isn't a PSU in there

Fenix

Knew I'd forget something...

The PSU is a Corsair TX650M

The over-clocked bundle comes pre assembled and tested with the Mobo, CPU, CPU Cooler, RAM, GPU, and PSU

CPU Cooler options are;
Thermalright Silver Arrow SB-E £42.28
Corsair H70 (Includes 2x Corsair SP120 fans) £49.70
Corsair H80i £60.98
Corsair H100 Hydro (Requires Dual Rad Bay) £59.10

I really struggle when it comes to cooling, am I correct in thinking since it's an overclocked configuration I really don't want to be scrimping on cooling? If so, which would be the best solution of the above? I could also ask them to fit a different cooling solution on request, it might cost a few more quid but if its worth it ?

Serephucus

Odds are, Scan are going to charge you quite a bit for building the system. You'd be better off picking the parts and building it yourself. A, you'd save some money, but B, you wouldn't be limited with parts you can choose like you seem to be.

Fenix

I've taken your advice Serephucus, i'll try my hand at building / overclocking myself, here is my component list thus far;

CPU : i5 3570K
MOBO : ASRock Extreme4
RAM : 8GB Corsair Vengance 1600Mhz
GPU : EVGA GTX 670 FTW
SSD : Samsung 840 Pro
HDD : Seagate Barracuda 2TB
LCD : Dell Ultrasharp U2412M
KEY : Microsoft Sidewinder X4
MOUSE : Razer Naga

What i still need to add is the following;

PSU
CPU COOLING
CASE
OPTICAL DRIVE

Budget of around £250, I can stretch it some if required. I will probably try to OC certainly the CPU and possible the GPU as well.

Also, when ordering the stuff, is there any small stuff I should be picking up for the build? (Cable ties, fans, cables, thermal paste)

Cheers.

Serephucus

Item|Price
Seasonic G series 450w '80 Plus Gold' Modular Power Supply|£69.98
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler (Socket 775 / 1155 / 1156 / 1366 / AM2 / AM2+ / AM3 / FM1 / FM2)|£26.99
Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120mm 1150 RPM - 3 Pin|£12.98
Shipping|£8.75
Total|£120.46

PSU and CPU cooling.

Then this case, and this optical drive, maybe?

Fenix

Thanks for the suggestions, I've opted for the case you went for, would the PSU you mentioned be able to cope with dual SLI GTX670's if I opted to add another one in the future ?

A similar question regarding the CPU Cooler, I'm hoping to overclock it to ~4.4/4.5, should I be looking for something more hefty?

I'll order a couple of Gentle Typhoon's as well.

Thanks.

Serephucus

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-017-SS

That'll do two 670s with plenty of overclocking room.

As for the CPU cooler, the Evo will do 4.5 fine, and with GTs should be reasonably quiet too. You could move up to an AIO liquid cooler, but they'd be quite a bit more, and wouldn't offer a whole lot more in terms of performance. If you're thinking you might de-lid your chip, then go for a H100 or similar, but otherwise I'd say you'll be fine with the Evo.

Fenix

OK all done, thanks for all your help, one last thing, will I need to order any separate power splitter cables to accommodate the extra fans or should all be with the PSU?

Cheers!

edit : forgot to mention what I ended up doing. went for this PSU "650W Corsair Enthusiast Series TX650M, Modular, 85% Eff' , 80 PLUS Bronze, SLI/CrossFire, EPS 12V, Quiet Fan, ATX PSU" as they didn't have the one you mentioned on the site im getting everything else from. Also ordered the CM Evo with 2x GT's. Hopefully that should keep me occupied for a while to come...