Source
r/buildapc•
dalp

[Build Ready] Upgrade? Nah. Time for a new build.

I posted earlier this week asking if I should upgrade or build a new rig, and decided to just go for it. I realized that I can get to a Microcenter to get CPU+mobo, and my old computer can be a serious upgrade for my parents. (lol Pentium 4.)

Currently I mostly play SC2 and TF2, but with a new system I'll probably finally play more recent games.

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

TypeItemPrice
CPUIntel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor$179.99 @ Microcenter
MotherboardGigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard$129.99 @ Amazon
MemoryKingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory$29.99 @ Newegg
Video CardMSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB Video Card$227.55 @ Newegg
CaseCooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case$49.99 @ Microcenter
Power SupplyOCZ 700W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply$44.99 @ NCIX US
Total
Prices include shipping and discounts when available.$662.50
Generated 2011-11-11 02:08 EST-0500

Nothing at all is set in stone. I'd definitely prefer any mobo from Microcenter that I can pair with the i5 to get $60 off. (Here's the link to the page in their flyer for the CPU+mobo combos.)

I don't plan on overclocking right away, so I'll probably buy a cooler sometime later, maybe look for a Black Friday deal.

I'm probably least confident about the video card. The 2nd gen 560ti makes me a little concerned, but I really don't want to wait only to find out they're actually more expensive and mostly unavailable at first. Tempted to spend just a little more for a 2GB 6950.

Thoughts?

Thanks r/buildapc!

EDIT: Updated PSU, to 700W and modular.

Posted Nov 11, 2011, 4:50 AM UTC · edited

910
ligerzero942•

I'd go with the P8Z68-v LX bundle, very solid mobo and you save over $50.

That PSU isn't modular, so it can be a bit difficult to work with, I don't think it includes a power cord either, so you'd need to pick one up.

1
dalpOP•

That would actually be slightly more than one I listed, the prices in my post don't actually reflect the Microcenter savings with that board.

The P8Z68-v LX doesn't seem to support SLI. Would that mean it would make more sense to go with a 6950 on the off-chance I want to add a second GPU someday? (That's not something I really plan to do anytime soon.)

When you say power chord, do you mean, from my comp to the wall outlet? Cause I have plenty of those. But what would be a good modular PSU?

1
Gemeraldine•

OCZ have been selling their ModXStream Pro line really cheap lately, via rebates. The 700W version is currently going for just $45. It only has 2 pci-e connectors though so if you're looking at going SLI or XFire you'd need an adapter to convert one of the SATA or molex connectors.

The Best Video Cards For Your Money: November 2011:

Best video card for $220:

Geforce GTX 560 Ti 1GB

Competition:

At this highly competitive price point, we have two main contenders:

The Geforce GTX 560 Ti ($220+) The Radeon HD 6950 1GB ($240+)

Performance

The GTX 560 Ti and the Radeon HD 6950 1GB trade blows, with one of them being either as fast, a tad slower or a tad faster than the other depending on the game. Overall, the Radeon HD 6950 1GB has a very slight advantage performance wise, only “a couple of frames per second here and there.” according to Guru3D.com.

So why are you recommending the Geforce GTX 560?

Simply put, the Geforce GTX 560 Ti performs almost on par with the Radeon HD 6950 1GB and costs $20 less.

Also, the Geforce GTX 560 Ti has a reputation for being a card with a lot of overclocking potential and this particular Gigabyte card, with its dual fan cooling system, has enough cooling to accommodate quite a bit of overclocking without sounding like a turbo jet.

This card will run pretty much any game at 1920 x 1080, including Crysis Warhead (At Gamer overall settings, with some Enthusiast settings) and other demanding games, with less or more AA/AF, depending on the game.

560Ti is a solid choice at that price point. If you're willing to spend a bit more though then the 6950 2GB is a great choice.

1
ligerzero942•

Looks like you're right the LX doesn't support SLI very well.

If you are purchasing from newegg, then you should pick up the Rosewill HIVE 650w, it's one of the lowest priced modulars, but is very reliable.

1
psikeiro•

get the gigabyte ga-z68x-ud3h and the 2500k at microcenter, 285 out the door for both plus another 10USD rebate with mobo. Go with this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416, that one you picked is good but the voltages don't play well with the sandy bridge, you could undervoltage but then again you wouldn't be using the ram efficiently.

1
dalpOP•

That link goes to a deactivated product.

Also, that mobo seems to be out of stock at both Microcenters near me. :(

2
psikeiro•

does this work?

3
dalpOP•

Yup, thanks.

1
Rarharg•

Regarding the video card, I was making the same decision not too long ago and settled for a 1GB 6950. The 1GB 6950 runs neck and neck with the 2GB version and marginally better than the gtx 560 ti. However, the gtx 560 ti is quieter and runs cooler. I guess you could boil it down to personal preference maybe, since the prices are pretty comparable ($30 difference on Newegg)

Here's a link to a benchmark comparison between the 6950 and gtx 560 ti:

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6950-1gb-vs-geforce-gtx-560-ti-review/5

1
Canarka•

Spend the extra bit of money for the 2GB 6950. You will be glad you did. More recent games can fill more then 1gb of textures and that means a lot of extra loading/unloading things off your videocard; with a 2gb this wont be a problem.

1