Component compatibility checker

lukehouse356

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Jan 18, 2012
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Hello all,

This is my first computer build and I want to double check that all my components will be compatible. This will be used primarily for gaming/basic computer tasks. If anyone has any suggestions, hints, or possible issues I would be very grateful for your input.

Processor: Intel Core i7-2600k (I know its overkill but I do play a lot of processor heavy Flight Sim games, possible Overclocking but not sure yet same goes for graphics cards)

Mobo: Asus P8Z68-V Pro Gen3

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (again overkill but I got all 16GB for $59.98 from NewEgg and couldn't pass up)

Graphics Cards: Two SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 (in crossfire)

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"

SSD: Crucial M4 2.5" 64GB SATA III

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus

Optical Drive: ASUS SATA 24X DVD Burner

Power Supply: OCZ ZX Series 850W

Monitor: ASUS VH232H 23" 1080p LCD Monitor

Case: Antec Twelve Hundred V3 Black Steel ATX Full Tower

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit

Thanks in advance!

Luke
 

jeremyp1979

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Jan 13, 2012
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For any game, the you wont see a performance increase using an i7 over an i5 2500k. I don't think there is a game out that utilizes hyperthreading, which is the only real advantage of the i7.

I would also change the dual 6870's out for a single card. The 6970 will give you great performance, and CF has some issues that single cards won't. Unless you're just stuck on using AMD, check out the GTX 570

You also don't need any more than 8gb of ram for a gaming rig, thats ~40 bucks you can invest somewhere else in the system.
 
Besides the change from the Intel® Core™ i7-2600K to the Intel Core i5-2500K there really isnt else that says change me for an improvement or savings. If you do drop down to a single video card you could drip the PSU down to 650w.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team
 

lukehouse356

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Thank you for the input so far I look forward to more! As far as the CPU goes I have heard from a few different places that games like Microsoft Flight Sim X is pretty CPU dependent I just want to make sure that the i5 2500k would be able to handle the demand. Basically unless I need Hyper-threading then go with the i5 2500k right?
 

jeremyp1979

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Exactly, and the only programs that will utilize hyper threading are production software. It would also improve time unzipping/zipping files, converting video, things of that nature. But for the average gamer, its ~100 bucks better spent somewhere else in the system.
 
Yep, 2500K for sure. FS is easy to run; a 2500K will eat it up.

750W, actually, will be enough for anything but two 580s. This other OCZ's good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341052

I'd avoid going straight for Xfire. If you can get a single card for double the price, (which is perfectly feasible on your budget), you should just do that. Then you'll be able to add another later, so you leave yourself with an upgrade path. Here that'd be a 570.

You could do with a cheaper case. Choose almost entirely by looks, and know that almost anything over $50 will work just fine. If you like the 1200's look, go for it, but only if you think the style's worth the price.

Any reason you need Windows Ultimate? It offers almost nothing over the far cheaper Home. Compare here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare

What is your overall budget?
 

jeremyp1979

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With the extra 100, you could go from the 64g ssd to the 128g version. 64 isn't gonna have much room left after installing windows, 128 will give you a lot more room to put your games and whatever other programs you want to load faster on.
 

lukehouse356

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Jan 18, 2012
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On a separate note, there is a possibility that I will need a Wireless internet adapter for my computer as my router is in another room. Could anyone suggest a reliable PCI express type wireless adapter for my system?
 

lukehouse356

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Understood. The only issue is that the router is in the room that it is in because that is where the hookups are for it. If I was to run a cable I would either need to drill a hole in the wall (i live in an apartment and don't think management would be too happy with the hole), or run like a 30+ft cable