I5-2500K build

[jbarcel]

Hi, I haven't built a computer in about 7 years but I think it's time. I want this one to last probably 6 years. This would be for single-player gaming as well as everyday use. Budget is somewhat flexible but approximately $1000-$1100, not including the parts I already have: mouse, keyboard, HD, OS and CPU. I don't think I'm interested in SLI/CF. I would only be using one monitor, and I need to buy that too. I'm in the US.

One other detail that's important is that I favor quiet components that run cool and last long.

What do you think of this?

CPU: Intel i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (already have this)
Monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2312HM or Dell UltraSharp U2412M or ASUS VH236H or Asus VE248H
Mobo: ASRock Z75 Pro3 LGA ATX
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 FTW Signature 2 2GB 192-bit or XFX Core Edition Radeon HD 7870 2GB 256-bit
PSU: SeaSonic X Series X650
RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB DDR3 1600
SSD: Samsung 830 or Crucial M4 128GB SATA III MLC
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO (if necessary)
DVD Drive: LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer
Case: NZXT M59 - 001BK or Thermaltake Armor A90 or NZXT Phantom 410 Mid-Tower

Not sure if the motherboard's lack of DVI connector will be a problem. For the GPU, I could step up to something like a Radeon 7950, but I'm not sure if it's worth it for a 6 year build. I also like the warranty options for that reason.

 

[cutebeans]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.55 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($98.49 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White/Red) ATX Full Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 750W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VS239H-P 23.0" Monitor ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1187.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-11-14 01:44 EST-0500)

Get a z77 motherboard. I got a 7950 which is really great and also gives out 3 free games which are HITMAN, Sleeping Dogs, and Far Cry 3 (pretty good deal). Got a 750w if you plan on crossfire which I think you might then again if you don't plan on CF then you can just get a good 500w.

 

[maestro0428]

I like the motherboard company, but if you want to overclock, I would step up to an Extreme4. Its a great board. Nice PSU choice. Nice cpu cooler. As for the gpu, I would stick with the 660 and save the rest for your next upgrade. Looks like a good build.

 

[excella1221]

The Z75 can OC.
He's not even considering SLI/Crossfire anyway, so the Extreme series isn't a necessity.

There's also no point going z77 since he won't be able to use the new features yet.

+1 on the 7950, get the Vapor-X if you decide to go up to this level.

 

[cutebeans]

If he's going to get an SSD won't he need the SRT that only the z77 board has??

 

[excella1221]

What's SRT? XD Sorry, I believe this is the first time I've encountered it.

The z75 Pro3 has x2 SATAIII ports, if that's what you mean.

 

[cutebeans]

What's SRT? XD Sorry, I believe this is the first time I've encountered it.

The z75 Pro3 has x2 SATAIII ports, if that's what you mean.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Intel-Smart-Response-Technology-Explained/1292/7

Will be better to explain than me.

From what I understand, it makes hdds faster using the SSD as a cache.

 

[excella1221]

Ohhh, Intel SRT. :lol:

According to the Intel website, SRT is supported on z75 chipsets.
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/chipsets/mainstream-chipsets/z75-express-chipset.html

 

[dawei]

I would recommend the 7870. It's is a whole tier above the 660 while selling at a similar price point.

Also, I heard that SSD caching is nowhere near as fast as simply using a SSD for all your applications.

 

[JJ1217]

6 Years? Sort of impossible, especially if you are ruling out Xfire/SLI.

The only possible way to do this is to make a build with a good upgrade path, such as an i5 2500k, and an overclockable motherboard (Thus, when this becomes slightly older you can overclock to prolong the effectiveness of it), and a power supply that can handle current graphics cards with ease.

The reason I say this is because there is no way a Graphics card would last 6 years, which is why you would want to constantly upgrade the graphics card, possible once every 2-3 years. CPU's are alot more "futureproof" than graphics cards, as now games MOSTLY rely on GPU power rather than CPU.

 

[jbarcel]

So is the Z75 motherboard okay for the SSD? Also, would the motherboard's lack of a DVI connector be a problem with a monitor which didn't have a HDMI connector?

I don't mean that it would be a great computer in 6 years; just that it would still be a decent machine that could be used to run what would be say 2015 games on fair settings. Maybe the best thing is to get a $230 GPU now and another at about the same price in a few years.