Will this work i5 2500k/z68 around $550-650

[BigFish1010]

Approximate Purchase Date: next few weeks. First build I want to get it right and at a desent price not in a super rush.

Budget Range: ~$550-650 preferably the lower end.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: All around ( gaming, Quickbooks, surfing net, some video editing.)


Parts Not Required: OS (windows 7 home premium 64bit), mouse, keyboard, monitor, graphics card, 550 thermaltake psu, dvd drive/burner, 1 TB WD black cav. HDD


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com and Microcenter

Country of Origin: United States

Parts Preferences: 1. Good quality 2. On sale or combo if possible.


Overclocking: Yes


SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in the future


Monitor Resolution: don't care


Additional Comments:
- Want something future proof >3+ years
- Planning on upgrading video card in the future. That can just be dropped in. I will want something that can handle newer games like Black Ops and Battlefield 3

Here is what I have so far:

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 $99.98 ($10 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) $59.99
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231430

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 LGA 1155 $254.98 ($15 MIR)
Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
bundled with:
1x OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5" 60GB SATA II ...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.644085

That comes to $422.58 with shipping and NO MIR yet.

I found these at Microcenter and I have one about an hour away. So if I make a single trip I can make it worth while saving about $55-20 in gas...lol.

Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor $179.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

Hyper 212 Plus Universal CPU Cooler $24.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0315397

With tax thats $217.28 for a total $639.86

Should all this work? I'm wondering if this z68 will be everything they say it is. I might just run the SSD with operating system and a few games and not use the virtu software. Is the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO a better board? I would love some feed back on better deals, better parts, somethings that I might not know being this is my first build. Thanks in advance to all of you.

 

[BigFish1010]

Thank you everyone all this info has blown my mind and helped tremendously. I will have to agree with ridinon0$ on this one. It is not like I am some pro gamer like my buddy. I just want it to run the newer games at desent fps. I think I will wait on the SSD until I can afford something a little bigger.

I think I am going to go with this:

(please comment on pros or cons with this set up)
I think I will be pushing the BUY button tonight or tomorrow.

I got my intel i5 2500k and CM 212+ the other night.

Cooler Master HAF 922 $99.98

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

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 $49.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231427

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128493

Please suggest another case if you think of one with better air flow or compriable I like the Antec 900 as well and the CM storm scout.

Also, do you think I need 4GB or 8GB or ram not just gaming but for everyday use. What is the difference of using 2 dimms or all 4 dimm slots with RAM?

 

[RetiredChief]

On Ram, I as indicate I have, and love them. Your mother board should have no problems with all four slots filled. I have the Gigabyte P55-UD4P. I went from 2 x 2 (4 gigs -> 4 x 2 (8gigs) -> 2 x 4 + 2 x 2 (12 gigs) -> 4 x 4 (16 gigs). Not one problem run @ rated peed @ rated voltage. For the new system (Bare bones, on kitchen table) installed my leftover 4 x 2 (8 gigs) set the Bios to use XMP - tested, no problem. Using all 4 slots normally only an issue with low-end MBs. Only other problem is the combination of Height and which HSF you are using (some combo's have a problem using the first slot) - don't think that will be an issue in your case (selection of Ram and HSF). There is little diff between 4 and 8 gigs of ram, But if you want, or think you will go to 8 gigs, and can afford it, I'd recommend going with the 2 x 4).

Case. I just ordered mine Tuesday, should have by friday. This was a hard choice. I currently have a CM and a Thermaltake sitting side-by-side under my desk. Both good cases, of the two the Thermaltake is the better. I ended up replacing the fans in both. For the new case I considered the CM, But I'm not Irish and have a problem (very few) with the posibility of ESD damage. Look at Newegg reviews (select the 1, 2 egg reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=11-119-197&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1
There have also been some threads on Tom's address this problem. @ the $100 mark there are many cases with equally good airflow - I really hate to recommend a specific case as the "Looks" are a matter of personal choice.

When I asked this question (on cases) you can look at the responses I got - some good choices that I never heard of.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=28&post=305060&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=1&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0

 

[BigFish1010]

thanks RChief I almost put the hammer down on the storm scout. My case sits on the carpet so that might have been an electrifying moment. I think I will check out the antec 900 and 902. I want a little flash for my first build but not too much. I like the fan controls and the cleanable filters. Any others to check out? Your TL looks nice too.

 

[technoidgit]

@ technoidgit
What you said is correct, I'm not really disputing this. You indicated that your imput was based on both reviews, and your testing. Question, on your testing methodology - What was your configuration between computer and monitor?
Theory sound great and I agree CORRECT, but the devil is all in how it is implemented.

(1) If you have a single line (Say hdmi) from computer dedicated GPU to Monitor, I see no way that the Dedicated GPU could be turned off.

(2) Single line from ICP (again pick hdmi) to monitor. My question then is how the output is routed from the Dedicated GPU to Monitor. Only way that I can think of from a design standpoint is: (1) an Output from the dedicated GPU (in 3D mode) would have to be provided to the MB and (2) an added IC in between the Video and the output connectors on the MB. The IC would have an Input (A) from Dedicated GPU and Input (B) from IGP. A software control line to IC that would select (A), or (B) to the MB Video out.

(3) Two line output, One from Dedicated GPU and one from IGP. This would be the more plausible method. The use then becomes dependent on the monitor. (A) How many hdmi inputs - would require 2 or; is it hdmi and dvi input - if so then one case to come from Computer HDMI and one from DVI (Can use a dvi->hdmi). If this is the implementation, then it becomes a question of how the monitor reacts to switching line-in. Many monitors do an auto detect on power up, which would select one or the other, But what happens when the line in is switched during operation?? Most of my monitors have multiple inputs ( Over-the air TV, hdmi, dvi, ect. the 24 in Samsung has several hdmi and the 27 in only has one hdmi) The 2 in will try first last config say hdmi - if no signal it will general go to my over-the-air signal input. I have two computers hooked to this monitor. If both computers are on, then switching is manual. Say computer one shuts down, it will not go automatically to computer 2, even though there is a signal present. Theory great, but as I said the devil is in the details.

Next comes the "cost" savings of switching GPUs when switch from 2D to 3D (Dedicated to IGP). Many that use a High end GPU, or GPUs that are in xfire/SLI; add to that an OCed CPU - Somehow do not think this is a priority.
Assembled my new build (barebones on Kitchen table); the Power consumption (at the wall) was 80 Watts. My I5-750 OCed power is (If I remember right) about 125 W, but that was not a barebones config. I worked this out, I might save a whopping $8.00 a year (Based on 6 hrs/day 365 days/Yr @ 8 Cents/KWatt-hrs in 2D mode. Mind you this would be agreeably HIGER with SLI/Xfire or the Higher end GPU Cards.

Will findout when I install a GPU and look at What happens when switch between 2D and 3D - I could be ALL WET and that this savings is the best thing since the invention of Sliced bread - Been wrong before, and will be oin the future.This may be better implemented as it matures.

Bottom line - The ability to have a backup usable IGP was MUCH more important to me (and probably many others) than the "Big" cost savings by switching GPUs.

Input not based on my testing, never said that. Said that it was based on Hardware Secrets testing and reviews. To be honest, which I also said I have no idea what the truth is. I put the quote up there as it was mentioned that it is misleading and someone also mentioned it is misunderstood. I'm not debating anything just putting up what I read, which seems interesting but mind boggling. It is possible for the GPU to act in a passthrough mode, many electronics, cable boxes and such do it all the time. The only way I could see it work it if either
A the GPU shuts down and video streams right through-pasthrough
B the video has to be routed through the mobo, gpu process video and outputs through connection(pci e) through mobo-Which I doubt this can work
C you have 2 connections to monitor.


THis is what I feel is the best things about X68 besides the time savings on video and maybe that they worked out the laundry list of P67 issues -"Bottom line - The ability to have a backup usable IGP was MUCH more important to me (and probably many others) than the "Big" cost savings by switching GPUs." That is your quote by the way and I could not agree more. That is why I mentioned that I feel the Gigabyte mobos are crippled-not having the video out. Well unless a gpu can act in a pass through mode. I quess I will find out next week as I could not get parts quick enough to build this weekend. Kinda off topic but.. With power savings any little bit is a bonus, I never shut off one of my current pc's(eight yrs old). I have found that my pcs have treated me better when I leave them running, will do a shutdown or restart when needed. Only issue I had was had to replace a monitor and a pos wireless keyboard. Sorry 1000 thoughts and 1 thread/post

Great input on the ram by the way.

For my case I went with the CM Haf x. Was not going to go full size after looking at them but when I compared 2 Radeon 6950/6970 inside many mids-boy did it seem tight and would really disrupt the airflow. The half X design on the side fan(duct) and interior duct/channels is brillant but this thing is massive and a little pricey. Since I will use this case over again, when you figure the cost over say 10 yrs it isn't that bad. The CM 922 is a pretty nice case w good airflow, the Antec Nine Hundred (has been a great case for years), same as the Storm Scout Thermaltakes Vs, Armor and Element as sweet also. There are really so many great choices. Make sure it has good airflow, you like the looks and it's not to tight for a large GPU. I saw a Thermaltake today where they had to cram the Radeon 6990 in it, the case was really just to short front to back and I'm pretty sure it was the Armor.

If you have a Micro Center close by I advice you(OP) to go take a look at the cases. They must have about 60/70 maybe more cases on display

 

[BigFish1010]

Yes I was at MicroCenter the other day. I really liked the Storm Scout. 922 was nice also but is beastly wide. I really like CM but didn't know they had the electical issues RChief was talking about. Sounds like a role of the dice and my dice have not been hot lately. My last mother board got zapped and this is the reason I'm building this one to begin with...lol...it was an HP it was its time anyway. This should be quite the improvement over the 2.2 Ghz AMD it was kicking.

Anyone know if the antec 900 will hold large cards like the Radeon 6990?

 

[Slackaholic]

I just last night installed an MSI Twin Frozr III 6950 with dual fans in an Antec 300 case, so I don't see how you wouldn't have room in a 900 for the 6990, though depending on the MB you may have to alter the order of component installation, the SATA 6 GB/s slots on my MB are behind the end of the GPU. Really wonder with a relatively bare bones rig like you're assembling why you want such a large case, the 300 is a nice tool-free case with plenty of fan mounts which I got for under $50.

 

[BigFish1010]

Thats the thing, I'm looking for a quality case with good airflow and cable management that has a few bells and whistles. Not looking for the best of the best. Want a decent sized top fan maybe usb 3 on the front. But not the end of the world with the usb3.

Does anyone know anything about lancool like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112238&cm_re=lancool-_-11-112-238-_-Product

 

[technoidgit]

I like a wide case. If you install a 212+ HSF* or similar sometimes there is issues with the width. I have heard of some folks having to trim inside of case abit. The 900 should not be a problem. If you intend on upgrading in the future or using case over again then it is worth spending a couple extra $ for better options.

Don't know if you have ever seen a 212+ or similar or larger heat sink and fan but the thing is huge. It is bigger than I ever could of imagined and it makes you wonder how it will fit. When laying next to some mobos it's about 1/2 as big square. Don't get me wrong it is a great air cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=212_hyper-_-35-103-065-_-Product
A Thermaltake case I saw the other day had a similar fan setup, if you pushed lightly on the case side it would cause the fan to rub the shroud.
Actually some memory w/spreader bars has trouble fitting in slot closest to CPU on some boards. THis is the reason I like the Corsair CH
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015&cm_re=h60-_-35-181-015-_-Product
Plus I have been told that there will be software for the H60 so you can monitor the coolant temp.

 

[BigFish1010]

This is what I hit the buy button on today. What do you think?

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) $54.99
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231430

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 LGA 1155 $169.98
Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128493&Tpk=z68%20gigabyte%20ud3p


LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112239&Tpk=pc-k62

With a intel i5 2500k CPU and a Cooler Master 212+

I hope the gskill will clean the CM212 fan...anyone know if it will?

 

[Au_equus]

nice job. just place the ram in the two slots farthest from the cpu

 

[technoidgit]

This is what I hit the buy button on today. What do you think?

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) $54.99
240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231430

GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3P-B3 LGA 1155 $169.98
Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128493&Tpk=z68%20gigabyte%20ud3p


LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112239&Tpk=pc-k62

With a intel i5 2500k CPU and a Cooler Master 212+

I hope the gskill will clean the CM212 fan...anyone know if it will?

I think it was a smart move saving about $100 over your first mobo choice. I don't know a bunch about the Lian Li case but it looks pretty decent. I hope you picked up your i5 2500K at Micro Center as it has been $179 there for the month of May. I myself really like the Corsair memory as they have been solid for years but nothing wrong with the G.Skill(which I still may get) As said above if you have clearance issues then just install mem in furthest slots from fan/sink. Problem would be if the is issues and you want to expand to using all 4 slots. I have heard of some folks modifing the bars and heat exchanger. I myself have a few more parts to buy. I have been watching the daily Newegg sales and grabbing things if they show up. You should be good to go and maybe you may want to get a better graphics card in the future. A SSD for OS/Apps would also really speed up boot and shutdown times along with opening programs. Neweeg has a 80gb in the daily sales list, it's $30 off today. For some folks the 80gb may be too small, I'm getting the 120gb otherwise I would grab the 80 today
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167049&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-20-167-049-_-Product

If you can read through the trouble shooting quide before assembling as it may save you soom big headaches during the build. I highly advise it

 

[BigFish1010]

Thanks so much everyone it was a little hard getting people to post at first but after awhile you guys really helped me out in a huge way. Thanks again. Everyone freaked at the first mobo technoidget but I don't think they realized that was $255 for the mobo and a 60GB SSD but I decided to go with just the mobo until I can wait for prices to drop a little and I can save a little more dough to throw at a SSD. The gpu will be the first upgrade and then SSD or bigger monitor. We shall see. I greatly appreciate all the help and recommendations. Everything should be here today.

Stupid question but how do I end a thread? Like I said first time I have posted on Tom's.

 

[RetiredChief]

^ Just pick a "Best Answer" and generally a Mod will close the thread for further posts

Take care and ENJOY your new system.

 

[BigFish1010]

Excellent thanks RetiredChief!

 

[BigFish1010]

Best answer selected by BigFish1010.