***New Build... i7/i5....p67/z68...need input for build

[slimlma04]

Hey guys new to the forum, i am putting together some components for a build, would like your guys input if possible.
Any critique or advice for change will be appreciated...also if anybody has any deals or websites for same or similar components would also be very appreciated.

i want to build a powerhouse computer thats not really for gaming. Up-gradable later, and will give me OC option if i choose. i don't need a crazy GFC, just a basic one that will do all i need, like i said not really gonna be gaming. i really am stumped on whether to go with i5 2500k or i7 2600k...also a good PSU unit that wont break the bank, but will do the trick...and RAM whats the main differences, 1600...1333...6/8/16GB whats better for what?

Here's what i have so far:

CPU: i5-2500k or i7-2600k ( i really like the HT tech)

MB: ASUS z68V-PRO do i need the 20GB solid slate for the z68-pro MB for the cache?

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance / Kingston 1600/1333 6/8/16gb???

PSU: 600w-850w ??

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133183

GFC: ?? $100<

HDD: 1TB +

Cooling: Antec KUHLER H20 620...any additonal i need?


Thanks guys, any critique or help would be awesome

 

[Why_Me]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

 

[amk-aka-Phantom]

If you want a powerhouse with basic graphics, get a Z68 mobo and stick with Intel's IGP, it will do anything not related to gaming. 1600 MHz RAM is good, get 8GB... 16 is overkill, but it depends what you do - you didn't specify any purpose for this machine.

HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB 64MB cache and Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB are both good.

You don't need watercooling if you won't OC, and you most likely won't need it even if you DO OC - just get a Noctua NDH14 or CM Hyper 212+, they'll easily handle a lot of OC (unless you go 5GHZ+, which is pointless, IMO)

Any good Corsair PSU will do, preferrably modular. Depends on what graphics card(s) you want to upgrade to in the future.

What's your total budget and the purpose of the build? Do you have a screen already?

 

[slimlma04]

If you want a powerhouse with basic graphics, get a Z68 mobo and stick with Intel's IGP, it will do anything not related to gaming. 1600 MHz RAM is good, get 8GB... 16 is overkill, but it depends what you do - you didn't specify any purpose for this machine.

HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB 64MB cache and Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB are both good.

You don't need watercooling if you won't OC, and you most likely won't need it even if you DO OC - just get a Noctua NDH14 or CM Hyper 212+, they'll easily handle a lot of OC (unless you go 5GHZ+, which is pointless, IMO)

Any good Corsair PSU will do, preferrably modular. Depends on what graphics card(s) you want to upgrade to in the future.

What's your total budget and the purpose of the build? Do you have a screen already?

hey thanks i appreciate the quick reply, im mainly going to be using this build for everyday computer use, downloads, internet, light gaming here and there, i chose to go with the z68 pro vs the p67 due to the on board graphics, no real budget for it, juist want to get what i need to have a good computer for my usage, i already have a 2710m hp monitor, and a dvdrw drive, im very lost as far as cases go also, im looking between the cooler master storm scout, and the cooler master cm-690 II...both in the $100, range...any prefrences?...also i7 2600k or i5 2500k?...thanks alot really apreciate it, as i am going to be ordering this week

 

[amk-aka-Phantom]

i7-2600K will be more futureproof, especially if you don't mind to pay that extra $100 (don't forget to get the cooler, stock Core iX coolers are useless even without OC). Cases? I'd advise NZXT Phantom... look it up, it's $125 but looks waaaaay better than any of the Cooler Master cases and has great cooling, too.

 

[thesnappyfingers]

tough to find a gpu for 100 or less.

Here is msi gtx 460 from NCIX (100.00 after mir, 129.99 before)
http://us.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=55409&promoid=1367

Here is a similar galaxy gtx 460 from newegg (79.99 after mir, 129.00 before)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162058&cm_sp=Cat_Video_Cards_%26%2338%3b_Video_Devices-_-Clearance-_-14-162-058

the msi version is a 256 bit interface, while the galaxy is 192. clocks are slightly higher on the msi. The msi is 1gb while the galaxy is 768. How much of a difference these specs make is debatable.

Here are the benches for the gtx 460 768mb vs gtx 460 1gb
http://www.guru3d.com/article/msi-geforce-gtx-460-hawk-review/15

The page is currently on metro 2033.

 

[thesnappyfingers]

the cm 690 2 can be purchase from amazon for 85.00
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Computer-Case-RC-692-KKN2/dp/B00336EM0W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317134414&sr=8-1

 

[geofelt]

The 2600K is a good option if you will be doing some heavy processing using multithreaded apps.
The extra 4 hyperthreads use residual cycles from the 4 main cores, and are worth about 1/4 of a core each.
But from your description, I would save the $100 extra and go with the 2500K. With a mild OC, you will have the same performance as the 2600K.
To my mind, a mild OC is about 4.0. That is done by simply setting the multiplier to 40, leaving everything else on auto.

The stock cooler will do the job, but the pushpin mounts are notoriously tricky to get done properly. Under load, the stock cooler will cool well enough, but the fan swii spin up making it noisy.
I suggest a Xigmatek gaia or CM hyper212 which will come with quiet 120mm fans, and easier backplate mounting. A good deal for about $30. There is really little reason to pay extra for a liquid cooling system. They are for those seeking maximum overclocks.

The integrated graphics of sandy bridge is about the equivalent of a $50 discrete graphics card. It will do fine for HD playback and anything else except fast action games.
You will preserve your option to add a graphics card later.

To allow for both integrated graphics and overclocking, you need a Z68 based motherboard.
I suggest a micro-ATX motherboard. They will be less expensive. They only have 4 expansion slots, but you actually don't need any.
The ASRock Z68M/USB3 is only $95 and is full featured.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157270
There are others equally good.

A M-atx motherboard allows installation in some very nice cases. I use a Silverstone TJ-08-E which costs $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163182
It comes with a 180mm intake fan that keeps everything cool and quiet. A 160mm cpu cooler fits nicely.
A good more conventional sized case would be the Antec 300. This model comes with a very good 430w psu for $80:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065

8gb of ram is the norm. Get a 8gb kit of 2 x 4gb. Speed is unimportant, as is fancy heat spreaders. The difference in real app performance is 1-3% between fast and slow ram.
Not worth much of a price premium past 1600 ram.
This G.skil 1333 will do the job at $41:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

Without a graphics card, you can run on as little as a 150w psu.
But stronger psu's do not cost any more, and it is hard to beat a corsair 430w unit at $25 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026
Such a psu will allow you to install a discrete graphics card later.

Now, my big suggestion is to get a SSD for your OS and apps. Yes, the cost per gb is big, perhaps $2 per gb. But, it is the single best performance enhancer you can get for your pc. Everything will feel much quicker.
Look for a 80-120gb unit for the OS and apps. Use a 1tb drive for overflow and storage.
The cache capability of the Z68 is probably not useful to you. Once you get past a 20gb ssd, it is better to use it as a OS drive.
Today, I would look first to Intel, or possibly samsung for a SSD. They seem to have fewer issues. Don't worry about synthetic performance benchmarks, you will be pleased
with any modern ssd.

 

[slimlma04]

hey guys thank you so much on your input on this build as i am excited that i finally ordered some components that im sure i want. This computer is mainly going to be used for leisure, a little bit of it all, im just buying certain components that i know will be upgradable in the future, and also little by little i want to add everything that i want. The worst thing is to later regret that you didn't spend the extra 20-50 bucks on a certain componet, and now u either live with it, or spend big buck changing everything up because one efects another....

Any way this is what i have so far, tell me what you think...thanks a bunch.

Approximate Purchase Date: Allready purchasing

Budget Range: *no specific budget, just the most i can get for the money short/long run...not going crazy that is

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Liesure, Internet, Movies, Downloads, Some audio/video conversion/codec, light games(nothing crazy)


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: no real preference as long as the deal is right (just a legit site) newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, amazon.com, microcenter...etc.

Country of Origin: (e.g.: usa)

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: yes, not now
_________________________________________

CPU: i7-2600k sandy bridge $280

MB: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO $200 anything better in that price? (i need z68 for onboard gpu)

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) - $56
cas 8-8-8-24 ....240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Model F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM --------------newegg.com 20% off w/ promo code EMCKAHC38, ends 10/3

Case: Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower $100
AMAZING TOWER

Monitor: 2710M HP

GPU: using onboard z68 gpu for now, i want to buy a good one, but don't want to do it now

PSU: this is where im having some issues... i want something quality, powerful for later (nice gpu etc..) but thats not going to break the bank. this is what i had in mind:

High Current Gamer Series HCG-620 620W ATX Power Supply- $65+$5 S/H-$15 mir= $55....i think it sounds like a good deal, but i don't know about psu's so much

Cooler: CM Hyper 212 Plus


Thanks Guy's.....Let me know how this configuration sounds.

 

[slimlma04]

Best answer selected by slimlma04.