CPU & Graphics question in new build

[evan1715]

Ok so what i want to do is have a computer for now then in a year upgrade to something else so im trying to decide what should i get now. I know ur probably thinking "why not just wait?" or "buy it now." i have my reasons. for now i want to play the old republic when it comes out.

heres my 3 options and keep note that in a year i'll end up upgrading to an i7 and 2x sli keplar.

1. the old republic with intel integrated graphics 3000:
Intel Core i3-2105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115090
$135

2. cheap celeron with a graphics card
Intel Celeron G530
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116409
EVGA 01G-P3-1556-KR GeForce GTX 550 Ti
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625
$200

3. the i3 with the nvidia card
$270

it seems that the difference between the celeron and i3 is just the .7ghz and hyperthread otherwise they seem the same.
the rig with it is 4gb ddr3 ram, 750w psu, and a sata2 SSD
so which one would be better as a placeholder in a year's time span?

 

[starravier]

i3 with nvdia and change the nvidia to a GTX 460, its better and cost the same

 

[AdrianPerry]

Currently the best 2 upgrade paths include:

1) Buying a GOOD AM3+ motherboard and socket AM3 processor (how much you spend on the processor depends on your budget and needs). And then upgrade to BullDozer CPU in a years time. (BullDozer is due for release in the next week or so, and should be well established in a years time).

2) Buying a Socket 1155 motherboard with a SandyBridge Processor (something like the i3-2100 - although again, depends on your budget and requirements). And then Upgrade to IvyBridge CPU in a years time (IvyBridge is due for release in Q1/Q2 2012).

In both builds you can buy a good case, motherboard, psu, hdd, optical drive and then a GPU and CPU of your choice which can then be upgraded when you feel like you want to.

A great mid-range GPU is the ATI 6870. Sapphire 6870 is currently priced at $155 after rebate on newEgg.

6870 is considerably better than a 550Ti: http://www.hwcompare.com/9710/geforce-gtx-550-ti-vs-radeon-hd-6870/

My suggestion would be Z68 Socket 1155 motherboard, i3-2100 CPU, 6870 GPU.
$125 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078
$155 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

 

[evan1715]

well out of #1 and #2, which one would be a better option?
maybe instead of the celeron, this pentium would be good with the card?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116399
i am trying to save money since it is only a year

oh and i usually just stick to intel & nvidia instead of AMD. it's just what im used to.

i read that the i3 and the pentium, with a separate gpu, are equal in performance on video games.

 

[starravier]

i'd stick your current cpu and change the GFX card we suggested. The bottleneck people are talking about is not noticeable. Unless your benchmarking, you wont notice it visually.

 

[evan1715]

oh all right.

i also have another question, my motherboard seems to only come with 1xCHA-FAN and a 1xPWR-FAN.
the case i have has 6 fans. how do i plug in those?

i read that u can use the molex/peripheral connectors but how does that work? do i just take off the connector and get some electrical tape and stuff? and those fan cords don't stretch that long.

psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021
fans: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103052
case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227

 

[AdrianPerry]

Your PSU comes with "8 x Peripheral" these are molex connectors. If you find you need more you can get molex splitters and daisy chain them together.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816133040

You will also need molex-3pin adapters. http://ijk.com.au/branch/ijk/images/29.jpg