I will be playing BF3, Skyrim, and Runescape on an i5-2500k processor with a Radeon 7950 @ 1080p (I will upgrade to a tri-monitor setup soon). Is the GPU I selected overkill for running those games on maxed? I have been told that I am spending too much on a graphics card on an $1800 budget. Is this true? If so, what would still run at maxed 60fps (rarely dipping below that number), if any? If none, what would I hope to expect? Thanks.
Solution
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
MY BUILD $1449
(before tax. shipping should be free through NCIX)
- this includes a 120GB SSD, 2TB drive, and the HD7950 OC (sapphire tech).
YOU SHOULD PRINT THIS.
SORRY, HARD TO MAKE SHORTER. HOPE YOU LIKE. TOOK QUITE A WHILE.
I STILL RECOMMEND TO BUILD BUT WAIT TO COMPARE TO NEW NVIDIA (can use onboard video meanwhile)
*Please note some sales may disappear, and some may appear. Some products may not be in stock.
**The i5-2500k is on sale for $200 vs $320 for the i7-2600k which isn't much different. That extra money can go towards an SSD which makes a HUGE difference in booting and general Windows use (or towards that better graphics card which makes a big difference in GAMING). It's surprising how much difference. I have all my games on my 2TB hard drive. For STEAM, simply create a "STEAM" or "STEAM GAMES" folder on your hard drive instead of the SSD.
***Make sure to get a PC CASE that supports USB3 to the front. The case I list does. It's a great case and all you need. (NOTE that the entire FRONT PIECE unhooks for easy drive installation. I was confused on this as I had no manual.)
CPU:
$200
Intel i5-2500k
CPU Heatsink/fan:
$30
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67639&vpn=CNPS10X%20OPTIMA&manufacture=ZALMAN%20TECH
(example. must support 1155. recommend 120mm fan. compare NOISE dB. fan should face to REAR of case usually. make sure fan
plugged into "CPU_FAN" and BIOS is set correctly, i.e. "voltage" or fan control is stuck at 100%. )
Motherboard:
$185
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=65177&vpn=P8Z68-V%2FGEN3&manufacture=Others&promoid=1215
RAM:
*I like G.Skill/Corsair
$67
(most RAM is out of stock but should ship soon. You want 1600MHz or 1866MHz, 2x4GB module DDR3 desktop)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=58519&vpn=F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL&manufacture=G.Skill
Case:
$60
Antec 302
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67326&vpn=THREE%20HUNDRED%20TWO&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1215 (MUST WATCH VIDEO)
- cable hiding
- USB3 support (motherboard to front USB for future high-speed USB drives)
PSU:
$120
Antec Truepower New 750W
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=36265&vpn=TP-750%20BLUE&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1305
*Graphics card max load is 62Amps (from official website).
DVD burner:
$29
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57659&vpn=IHAS224-06&manufacture=Liteon
Hard drive/SSD(s):
Drive#1 (WINDOWS):
$140
SSD (OCZ Vertex 3)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59354&vpn=VTX3-25SAT3-120G&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology&promoid=1215
Drive #2 (Games, downloads, storage, Windows IMAGE backup etc)
$125
Hard Drive (2TB WD Green)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62047&vpn=WD20EARX&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD&promoid=1215
Graphics Card:
$493
Sapphire Tech HD7950 OC (best card anywhere IMO. Overclock stable by 25% easy?)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67898&vpn=11196-02-40G&manufacture=SAPPHIRE
Optional:
- xbox 360 controller (wired version more reliable)
*Note:
There is a motherboard/RAM combo, if still on sale:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=69361&vpn=P8Z68-V%20Pro%20G3%20%26%208GB&manufacture=Bundle%20Deals&promoid=1215
(before tax. shipping should be free through NCIX)
- this includes a 120GB SSD, 2TB drive, and the HD7950 OC (sapphire tech).
YOU SHOULD PRINT THIS.
SORRY, HARD TO MAKE SHORTER. HOPE YOU LIKE. TOOK QUITE A WHILE.
I STILL RECOMMEND TO BUILD BUT WAIT TO COMPARE TO NEW NVIDIA (can use onboard video meanwhile)
*Please note some sales may disappear, and some may appear. Some products may not be in stock.
**The i5-2500k is on sale for $200 vs $320 for the i7-2600k which isn't much different. That extra money can go towards an SSD which makes a HUGE difference in booting and general Windows use (or towards that better graphics card which makes a big difference in GAMING). It's surprising how much difference. I have all my games on my 2TB hard drive. For STEAM, simply create a "STEAM" or "STEAM GAMES" folder on your hard drive instead of the SSD.
***Make sure to get a PC CASE that supports USB3 to the front. The case I list does. It's a great case and all you need. (NOTE that the entire FRONT PIECE unhooks for easy drive installation. I was confused on this as I had no manual.)
CPU:
$200
Intel i5-2500k
CPU Heatsink/fan:
$30
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67639&vpn=CNPS10X%20OPTIMA&manufacture=ZALMAN%20TECH
(example. must support 1155. recommend 120mm fan. compare NOISE dB. fan should face to REAR of case usually. make sure fan
plugged into "CPU_FAN" and BIOS is set correctly, i.e. "voltage" or fan control is stuck at 100%. )
Motherboard:
$185
Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=65177&vpn=P8Z68-V%2FGEN3&manufacture=Others&promoid=1215
RAM:
*I like G.Skill/Corsair
$67
(most RAM is out of stock but should ship soon. You want 1600MHz or 1866MHz, 2x4GB module DDR3 desktop)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=58519&vpn=F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL&manufacture=G.Skill
Case:
$60
Antec 302
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67326&vpn=THREE%20HUNDRED%20TWO&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1215 (MUST WATCH VIDEO)
- cable hiding
- USB3 support (motherboard to front USB for future high-speed USB drives)
PSU:
$120
Antec Truepower New 750W
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=36265&vpn=TP-750%20BLUE&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1305
*Graphics card max load is 62Amps (from official website).
DVD burner:
$29
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57659&vpn=IHAS224-06&manufacture=Liteon
Hard drive/SSD(s):
Drive#1 (WINDOWS):
$140
SSD (OCZ Vertex 3)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59354&vpn=VTX3-25SAT3-120G&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology&promoid=1215
Drive #2 (Games, downloads, storage, Windows IMAGE backup etc)
$125
Hard Drive (2TB WD Green)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=62047&vpn=WD20EARX&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD&promoid=1215
Graphics Card:
$493
Sapphire Tech HD7950 OC (best card anywhere IMO. Overclock stable by 25% easy?)
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=67898&vpn=11196-02-40G&manufacture=SAPPHIRE
Optional:
- xbox 360 controller (wired version more reliable)
*Note:
There is a motherboard/RAM combo, if still on sale:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=69361&vpn=P8Z68-V%20Pro%20G3%20%26%208GB&manufacture=Bundle%20Deals&promoid=1215
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
CASE FANS:
tape over any spots that support fans but aren't currently used. I just used cardboard with packing tape on the inside. If you don't do this the fans have to work hard to provide the same cooling.
The case + CPU heatsink + PSU should have all the fans you need. You could add a FRONT-BOTTOM, 120mm fan (lowest dB possible) but I don't think that is required.
tape over any spots that support fans but aren't currently used. I just used cardboard with packing tape on the inside. If you don't do this the fans have to work hard to provide the same cooling.
The case + CPU heatsink + PSU should have all the fans you need. You could add a FRONT-BOTTOM, 120mm fan (lowest dB possible) but I don't think that is required.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
What point are you making?
That's the average price for 8GB of RAM and this case is awesome even though it's priced inexpensively. I own the Antec 100 which is great.
Are you suggesting he should spend a LOT MORE on a case? It has USB3 front inputs, two fans built-in, and other great features.
At least WATCH THE VIDEO for this case (link above) before replying.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
4GB vs 8GB:
I agree 4GB would be adequate, however there does seem to be a trend towards using more RAM such as SKYRIM with its 4GB support which is arguably necessary if you have a lot of MODS installed. Who knows if this trend will continue in other games?
Considering the small cost difference, I myself bought 8GB instead of 4GB even though I was on the fence.
*I would like to think I pieced together a pretty good computer here, that with tax fits his budget nicely. I appreciate comments, but if they're negative please use constructive criticism.
I have also pieced together a very small list on how to properly install Windows, the BIOS settings, backing up Windows, using an SSD + hard drive and properly configuring the Catalyst Control Center (the default settings in CCC apply video adjustments that screw up most video. Disable the advanced video settings).
I'm not sure how to send the above instructions but if "azeem40" wants I can simply copy it here as a reply, but ONLY if he wants it.
Anyway, GOOD LUCK and I'm done unless azeem40 has any questions.
I agree 4GB would be adequate, however there does seem to be a trend towards using more RAM such as SKYRIM with its 4GB support which is arguably necessary if you have a lot of MODS installed. Who knows if this trend will continue in other games?
Considering the small cost difference, I myself bought 8GB instead of 4GB even though I was on the fence.
*I would like to think I pieced together a pretty good computer here, that with tax fits his budget nicely. I appreciate comments, but if they're negative please use constructive criticism.
I have also pieced together a very small list on how to properly install Windows, the BIOS settings, backing up Windows, using an SSD + hard drive and properly configuring the Catalyst Control Center (the default settings in CCC apply video adjustments that screw up most video. Disable the advanced video settings).
I'm not sure how to send the above instructions but if "azeem40" wants I can simply copy it here as a reply, but ONLY if he wants it.
Anyway, GOOD LUCK and I'm done unless azeem40 has any questions.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
Eyefinity:
The HD7950 is a powerful card, yes but in most modern games you will still NOT be able to achieve 60FPS at Maximum Quality.
Therefore it's a tradeoff:
1. Do I turn down the graphics quality to achieve 60FPS on three monitors?
2. Do I just lower the frame rate? (and risk screen tearing with no VSYNC)
3. Do I play games on a single monitor instead but at the highest quality?
*There are still several games that require an HD7850 to max out their settings and of course games continue to improve. I love my HD5870 and many games are maxed out with it but many games need a better card: Witcher 2, Metro 2033, Batman Arkham City (and several more).
$1870 is too much?
There are a few things you can change on my build. The motherboard is probably the most important piece so I'd keep it or one similar and not go cheap there.
The CPU (2500K) should not be changed either.
However, you could drop the SSD for now and just go with 4GB of RAM and that will save you roughly $200 with tax. (if possible use a spare drive to backup Windows too).
Installing STEAM:
I strongly suggest that you partition the large hard drive and install games on the second partition, such as D:/STEAM and just use a 120GB partition for Windows. This makes things easier because:
a) you don't have to make backup images of a HUGE Windows drive
b) You can easily CLONE the Windows partition to an SSD later if it's not too large
Cheers.
The HD7950 is a powerful card, yes but in most modern games you will still NOT be able to achieve 60FPS at Maximum Quality.
Therefore it's a tradeoff:
1. Do I turn down the graphics quality to achieve 60FPS on three monitors?
2. Do I just lower the frame rate? (and risk screen tearing with no VSYNC)
3. Do I play games on a single monitor instead but at the highest quality?
*There are still several games that require an HD7850 to max out their settings and of course games continue to improve. I love my HD5870 and many games are maxed out with it but many games need a better card: Witcher 2, Metro 2033, Batman Arkham City (and several more).
$1870 is too much?
There are a few things you can change on my build. The motherboard is probably the most important piece so I'd keep it or one similar and not go cheap there.
The CPU (2500K) should not be changed either.
However, you could drop the SSD for now and just go with 4GB of RAM and that will save you roughly $200 with tax. (if possible use a spare drive to backup Windows too).
Installing STEAM:
I strongly suggest that you partition the large hard drive and install games on the second partition, such as D:/STEAM and just use a 120GB partition for Windows. This makes things easier because:
a) you don't have to make backup images of a HUGE Windows drive
b) You can easily CLONE the Windows partition to an SSD later if it's not too large
Cheers.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
STEAM:
That should say "D-drive"; I have my STEAM folder on a hard drive and Windows (and programs) on an SSD. I thought a 60GB SSD would be enough but I ran out of space with Microsoft Updates, System Restore points etc. It's possible to get away with 60GB but I recommend 120GB.
That should say "D-drive"; I have my STEAM folder on a hard drive and Windows (and programs) on an SSD. I thought a 60GB SSD would be enough but I ran out of space with Microsoft Updates, System Restore points etc. It's possible to get away with 60GB but I recommend 120GB.
Mousemonkey
Titan
- Sep 3, 2006
- 59,466
- 17
- 92,965
- Status
TRENDING THREADS
-
-
-
Question Computer turns on, completes POST, but doesn't display anything- Started by LauroSalvatore
- Replies: 14
-
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram