First build, could use feedback.

[jsimon]

Hi, I'm planning on building my first computer within then next month or so. I mainly game so that's my biggest priority. This is what I have so far, It comes out to around $1300 USD which is a bit over my original budget of $1000 but I'm having a hard time finding anything I want to get rid of. (if theres anything you think I could sacrifice without giving much up let me know, otherwise I just want some general feedback on how well it'll work for a gaming rig).

Processor: i5-2500k

Memory: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB)

PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W

GPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130738 or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
not exactly sure of the difference besides the slightly higher clock speed of the second one.

SSD: Crucial CT128M4SSD2 m4 2.5" Solid State Drive - 128GB (All I'll get for now, keeping my music, etc on my laptop. will get a hdd later)

Motherboard: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1415935&sku=A455-3140 (I want to be able to upgrade to ivybridge at some point if i feel the need, and from what I understand, this will work with it.)

Case: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4543058&sku=C283-1221 (not sure why, i just like the looks of this case.)

After an operating system, cheap disk drive, and maybe a hyper 212 cpu cooler I'm right in the area of $1300. I'm trying to keep my upgrade routes open, and possibly SLI later on down the road, so I'm hoping the 750w psu will be enough for that.

The goal is to play most games on max settings, Going to start playing Diablo 3 next month and hoping this build would be able to handle it at max.

 

[azeem40]

750W is plenty - great build!

 

[g-unit1111]

That looks like a solid build, these would be my only suggestions:

1. Scale your motherboard back a bit to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

2. Then use that difference to upgrade your GPU to the Radeon 7870: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102983

3. Watch the tall heat sinks if you get the Vengeance RAM and get yourself a good aftermarket cooler like a Hyper 212 Evo.

 

[jsimon]

Would that card make a pretty noticeable difference?

I actually looked at that board too, can't remember why I decided against it, but I'll have to reconsider it again for sure.

Was also wondering, would it be a good idea to hold off a month or so on building? Are the newer GPUs coming out soon, and would they be worth waiting for?

 

[azeem40]

What is your current system?

 

[jsimon]

A 4 year old dual core ASUS laptop with a dedicated nvidia graphics card. It's getting pretty dated. haha.

 

[azeem40]

That seems like it would be a huge bother to keep. I say just buy now.

 

[g-unit1111]

Would that card make a pretty noticeable difference?

I actually looked at that board too, can't remember why I decided against it, but I'll have to reconsider it again for sure.

Was also wondering, would it be a good idea to hold off a month or so on building? Are the newer GPUs coming out soon, and would they be worth waiting for?

Absolutely - it's one of the best mid range GPUs on the market right now - the numbers it's putting up are equaling the 570TI and in some cases beating the 580 even for $150 less.

A 4 year old dual core ASUS laptop with a dedicated nvidia graphics card. It's getting pretty dated. haha.

Yeah I'm running a 2 year old Toshiba dual core laptop with NVIDIA 230 that's getting pretty dated - crashes every time I try to play Civ V. This will be the next PC I upgrade, but that won't be until late next year (I really want a Falcon / Origin for my next laptop). Although surprisingly my 7 year old Mac G4 laptop still works. :lol:

 

[azeem40]

I was going for the 7870, but decided to splurge for a Radeon 7950 instead.

 

[g-unit1111]

I was going for the 7870, but decided to splurge for a Radeon 7950 instead.

A bit too rich for my blood - if I could afford it I'd get the 680 but I don't exactly have $500 to spend on a video card, the 7870 will more than meet my needs.

 

[azeem40]

I am the type of guy who likes optimal performance, within reason of course. I too would have gotten the 680, but I having been waiting for 4 months to build and could not wait any longer.

 

[jsimon]

yeah, after some checking I realized that that's one of the newer radeons. Seems like I better go ahead and spend a bit extra so I'm not out of date immediately lol. hopefully I can start building soon, I really want something new.

 

[jsimon]

Best answer selected by jsimon.