Is everything in my first computer build compatible?

[atkarrakta]

Hello,

This is my first full computer build and I was wondering if anyone wouldnt mind looking over it to make sure it all looks right and works together. I had some trouble with compatibility on a couple parts for my old computer so just want to be sure before I buy.

CPU - Intel Core i7 2600K
MOBO - GIGABYTE-Z68-UD7
GPU - EVGA GTX 580 x2 SLI
RAM - G skill 8GB 1600 PC3 12800 (4gb x2)
HDD - WD Caviar Black 1TB SATA
SSD - Crucial RealSSD c300 128GB
PSU - Antec True Power quattro 1000w
CASE - Cooler Master Haf X

 

[rolli59]

Looks good to me!

 

[buwish]

This topic has been moved from the section Opinions and Experiences to section Systems by Buwish

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Overall the build looks good. I do have a couple questions/concerns. My first question is what are you planning to do with your system? The Intel® Core™ i7-2600K is an outstanding processor that is very well suited for a person doing a lot of video/audio editing or some other heavy multi-threaded work. If you are looking to build a gaming system then you might want to take a look at the Intel Core i5-2500K.

The motherboard you have selected the Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 is a very nice board, but a lot of people who are looking at for Z68 boards are looking for the ability to use the IGP (intergraded graphics processor) for backup graphics to use the software like the Lucidlogix Virtu software to switch to get the best performance between the dedicated video and the Intel QuickSync technology. If that is the case then you might want to look at changing the motherboard you have selected because without any on board support for graphics you won’t be able to use the IGP at all.

Last concern is if you are planning to overclock the processor you are going to want to add a 3rd party HSF for better cooling. While the stock HSF that goes with the boxed processor is fine for running this processor at stock, if you overclock you should get a better HSF. I have heard some good things about the 212+ if it can fit in your chassis.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[atkarrakta]

Overall the build looks good. I do have a couple questions/concerns. My first question is what are you planning to do with your system? The Intel® Core™ i7-2600K is an outstanding processor that is very well suited for a person doing a lot of video/audio editing or some other heavy multi-threaded work. If you are looking to build a gaming system then you might want to take a look at the Intel Core i5-2500K.

The motherboard you have selected the Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 is a very nice board, but a lot of people who are looking at for Z68 boards are looking for the ability to use the IGP (intergraded graphics processor) for backup graphics to use the software like the Lucidlogix Virtu software to switch to get the best performance between the dedicated video and the Intel QuickSync technology. If that is the case then you might want to look at changing the motherboard you have selected because without any on board support for graphics you won’t be able to use the IGP at all.

Last concern is if you are planning to overclock the processor you are going to want to add a 3rd party HSF for better cooling. While the stock HSF that goes with the boxed processor is fine for running this processor at stock, if you overclock you should get a better HSF. I have heard some good things about the 212+ if it can fit in your chassis.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

Yes I was planning on building a gaming computer, I dont do any video or audio editing. If i understand it right the i7 has hyperthreading and that games may start taking advantage of that soon. So figured it was better than the i5.

As for the Z68 I have never heard of integrated graphics processor and seem a bit lost from what I pulled up from some quick google searches. Do I need it? or what exactly is it?

I heard the Z68 was great for SSD's and made them much more efficient.

I was aware that I would need a better CPU cooler for overclocking but for now I have no plans of overclocking, at least not till i understand it better and if/when I do ill be sure to buy one.

Thanks everyone for your replies, im a bit of a noob and really appreciate any help you can give.

 

[raptorjesus]

Overclocking on the Sandy Bridge is extraordinarily easy, all you need to do is adjust the BCLK to 100, and adjust your multiplier to the desired amount. It's not like the previous generations where overclocking required voodoo and witchcraft to conjure GHz from your chip. With a build that nice, I would suggest a Noctua D14, Thermalright Silver Arrow, or Sycthe Mugen 2. All of them will cool your chip very efficiently and allow a OC to high 4 GHz levels with no problems.