Planning on a Computer Upgrade

[MadDogTen]

So, Last time I asked for Advise, the money I had planned fell through. This time, I have made sure to get $500 (So Far, Planning on earning at least another $600, Which will take another 2-4 Months) beforehand. It can be slow going as I current don't have a Real Job. In the best of months, I should be able to collect up about $250.

Currently have Earned toward the build- $500

While there is still quite a bit of time before all the money is saved up, I would like to get an idea of the Exact Amount of Money I should expect to be spending (As of now, I have it as about $1,200), plus your opinions on what I have picked so far, and other things I wonder about.

What the system is Mainly going to be used for (At least in the start) is Gaming. Though, I do want it to be able to be able to handle Running a Smaller Server for a few people from time to time on different games, plus be able to do what ever I might want to do as a Career. Plus whatever other hobby's I may pick up (Ex. Recording, Editing, Rendering Videos for Youtube). Plus, I'm also trying to future proof it a bit (Both so that it will last me a few years, plus so I can upgrade to Newer Technology's later on).

I would like to have the Option to overclock it. While it may not be needed off the bat, its still nice to know that I can later on when/if its needed.

So, A few things I plan on using from my current build are-
Power Supply (If Possible, Though I'm not 100% Sure if it will work or not)
Hard Drive (I don't need a bigger one just yet. I'm planning on buying another sometime after this build)
Monitor (Like the Hard Drive, this is something planned for after. The one I have currently still works just fine)
Video Card (Got it December, so its still pretty new. Though, I do want your opinion on if it will work for what I need it too.)


What I currently have picked for the new build-
Intel Core i7-3770K - $350 (Seems like the best guess I have seen) - Still waiting on more Reviews for this to be 100% sure, but so far it looks pretty good.
CORSAIR H100 - $110
ASRock Z77 Extreme6 - $175 (Little Iffy on this one, Still looking)
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) - $75
Mushkin Enhanced Chronos 120GB - $120
IN WIN Dragon Rider Black 1.0 - $135

All that turns out to be about $965 without Tax and Shipping (Newegg is just a place I'm looking for the Base Price, As I get closer to having all the money, I will start looking around for the cheaper prices). Anything I should switch out/Other opinions on the build?



Another question I have is, Would it be a good idea for be to buy the SSD now? I mean, Would it improve the speeds of my current computer enough to be worth possibly missing out on price drops in the next few months before I buy the rest of the parts to get the rest of the speed out of it?

Thanks for any and all help!

[Fourstaff]

Power supply looks fine.

You can get away with a cheaper cooler, since that Sandy Bridge is already cool to begin with, and Ivy promised even power consumption, unless you plan to overclock to the limits. You can also pick a cheaper motherboard, lots of good boards at about the 150-200 mark. Can't point you to a specific one though, I'm afraid. Case I don't really like, but that is personal preference. As for SSD, its still a maturing industry, so whatever you get right now will look bad within 6 months. Doesn't hurt to get one right now though, the speed boost will be very noticeable.

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by Fourstaff

Power supply looks fine.

You can get away with a cheaper cooler, since that Sandy Bridge is already cool to begin with, and Ivy promised even power consumption, unless you plan to overclock to the limits. You can also pick a cheaper motherboard, lots of good boards at about the 150-200 mark. Can't point you to a specific one though, I'm afraid. Case I don't really like, but that is personal preference. As for SSD, its still a maturing industry, so whatever you get right now will look bad within 6 months. Doesn't hurt to get one right now though, the speed boost will be very noticeable.

The Cooler I picked is for 2 Reasons- 1. Overclocking (While not to the limits, but a fair amount), and 2. I live in a pretty hot area (California), and my room can become an over in the summer, so I would rather play it on the safe side and make sure it doesn't get too hot.

Though if its REALLY to much, I could go a step down.


I will still keep looking on everything else. The case was picked from someone recommendation on here to another person, but I'm always still looking. Honestly, I'm just trying to not go cheap with this build as I have done with my current one. Its breaking down in every direction.

I will keep looking round at motherboards. Though I really do like the look and 5 Year warranty of that one.

Edit- Switched the 'NZXT Switch 810' for the 'Antec Twelve Hundred V3'.

[Crap Daddy]

First, that video card is not quite powerful. But since you already have it what can it be done? Maybe get another one and SLI? Then you'd need something like a Corsair TX750 for PSU.
Then, early reports on Ivy Bridge suggest it's not a good overclocker and runs hotter that SB when OCed. This doesn't mean you can't hit 4.5 GHz, depends what you want out of it. Check for reviews when it will be launched.

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by Crap Daddy

First, that video card is not quite powerful. But since you already have it what can it be done? Maybe get another one and SLI? Then you'd need something like a Corsair TX750 for PSU.
Then, early reports on Ivy Bridge suggest it's not a good overclocker and runs hotter that SB when OCed. This doesn't mean you can't hit 4.5 GHz, depends what you want out of it. Check for reviews when it will be launched.

I did try to sale the video card after the fact, But I guess I want to much for it (I paid ~$210, Was asking for $170 [On Ebay]. If I tried again, what would be a good asking price/place?). If I did manage to sale it (or even decided to keep it and still buy a new one), what would be a good replacement? I mean, I could get the new GTX 680, but that itself could push the whole purchase back a couple more months.

4.5 GHz would actually be even better then what I was thinking. I mean, I wouldn't need to push it to the limit or anything, Only to as far as it doesn't get too hot with the cooler I picked. Will deff be looking at all the reviews.

Edit- Switched the 'ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77' for the 'ASRock Z77 Extreme6'. Still iffy about it, and will keep looking. If anyone has any suggestions, I would be glad to take them!

[MadDogTen]

So, I was thinking about getting a SSD Drive, but decided to just wait. I was hesitant at first because my current Motherboard is only Sata II (and so I wouldn't get the full speed out of it), but was still considering it. However, I'v read that my Motherboard has issues even running with Sata II, and only does Sata I speeds.

Ok, About the Ram, Would it be better to get this: SAMSUNG 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600... and overclock it too to "1.6v vdimm: 9-10-10-28 1T DDR3 2133 4.8ghz" as said here, or to just stick with what I currently have picked (or any others I should look at)?

[techguy31]

Those Samsung rams are quite the overclocker.
Check this link out --> http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/S...V-3V4G3/7.html

That 560 of yours is good, but I suggest getting something along the lines like a 79xx series if you want to future proof a bit longer. The 7950 I have is runs quite cool too.

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by techguy31

Those Samsung rams are quite the overclocker.
Check this link out --> http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/S...V-3V4G3/7.html

That 560 of yours is good, but I suggest getting something along the lines like a 79xx series if you want to future proof a bit longer. The 7950 I have is runs quite cool too.

The link you gave is broken.

I'm planning the Upgrade the Video Card at a later time (after this build, want to get the huge part of it down), I will look into the 79xx Series at a possible option.

[techguy31]

Originally Posted by MadDogTen

The link you gave is broken.

I'm planning the Upgrade the Video Card at a later time (after this build, want to get the huge part of it down), I will look into the 79xx Series at a possible option.

Oh here it is -->http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=159320

If you are looking for a 79xx pm me. I'm about to sell one.

[n-ster]

IMO nothing in your computer is worth reusing except maybe the GPU. GTX 560 SLI will be enough for you IMO, but a used 6950 with unlocked shaders is probably better bang per buck. Still it would be a hassle for little gain to sell your card and find 2 6950s like that etc etc, so I'll suggest just getting another GTX 560 (and ofc you can build you rig with the money you have and buy the GTX 560 a little bit later on).

What are you using your computer for? I think it would be a waste to buy what you proposed. Also, how much Hard Drive space do you need? I'd suggest either buying a new HDD or just a big SSD (120GB) and leave your current HDD in your computer to leave it fully functional. idk where you are in CA but there are 2 MicroCenters, if you are close to any of them, you can jump on their great deals. They might even get better once Ivy comes out too.

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by techguy31

Oh here it is -->http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=159320

If you are looking for a 79xx pm me. I'm about to sell one.

Oh, ya, that's the thread I linked above which Is why I was asking about it.

Currently, The 79xx is out of my price range (I really need a new CPU/Motherboard/Ram, So all the money I have has to go toward that.). Thanks though!

Originally Posted by n-ster

IMO nothing in your computer is worth reusing except maybe the GPU. GTX 560 SLI will be enough for you IMO, but a used 6950 with unlocked shaders is probably better bang per buck. Still it would be a hassle for little gain to sell your card and find 2 6950s like that etc etc, so I'll suggest just getting another GTX 560 (and ofc you can build you rig with the money you have and buy the GTX 560 a little bit later on).

What are you using your computer for? I think it would be a waste to buy what you proposed. Also, how much Hard Drive space do you need? I'd suggest either buying a new HDD or just a big SSD (120GB) and leave your current HDD in your computer to leave it fully functional. idk where you are in CA but there are 2 MicroCenters, if you are close to any of them, you can jump on their great deals. They might even get better once Ivy comes out too.

Sadly the 2600Ks seem to be sold out in Cali, but 2500K is still a good deal.

http://img.techpowerup.org/120416/Capture054.png

2500K - 180$ + Z68 P8Z68-M PRO 75$ + 2 x 4GB Samsung 30nm UDIMM 47$ + CM 212plus 30$ - 10$ MIR = 332$ + tax = 359$ -10$MIR

That leaves a lot of room for the rest and you could buy all this now and use it. If you really want an SSD, get the Samsung 830 128GB for ~170$ as it has great performance and reliability, but IMO you don't really need an SSD. A nice 500GB Caviar Blue is 75$, 1TB is 100$

What the system would Mainly be used for (At least in the start) is Gaming. Though, I do want it to be able to be able to handle Running a Smaller Server for a few people from time to time on different games, plus be able to do what ever I might want to do as a Career (Ex. Coding a Game). Plus whatever other hobby's I may pick up (Ex. Recording, Editing, Rendering Videos for Youtube). Plus, I'm also trying to future proof it a bit.

As for the Video Cards, upgrading it is planned, though I don't have a 'Great' Monitor or anything (18.5", But it works for me), and it seems that at least in the beginning, the GTX 560 should do just what I need.

I'v never heard about MicroCenters, so I will deff look into that place.

I'm waiting for the Ivy Bridge to come out so I can read all the reviews until I make a decision on which Processor I get. If it turns out to not be what I am expected, I will come back to look at your option (Though, I wouldn't settle for less then the 2600K).

I'm planning on using my Current Hard Drive until sometime after this build when I have more money saved up to upgrade it. With this build, The I'm acting like the SSD is a essential component that I absolutely need for it (Planning on getting a 120 GB one). I'm tired of always going short with something in a build, so this time I'm not.

[n-ster]

Sadly the 2600Ks seem to be sold out in Cali, but 2500K is still a good deal.

http://img.techpowerup.org/120416/Capture054.png

CPU - 2500K - 180$
Mobo - Z68 P8Z68-M PRO 75$
RAM - 2 x 4GB Samsung 30nm UDIMM 47$
HSF - CM 212+ 30$ - 10$ MIR

Total from MicroCenter = 332$ + tax = 359$ -10$MIR

That leaves a lot of room for the rest and you could buy all of the above now and use it.

SSD - If you really want one, the Samsung 830 128GB for ~170$ as it has great performance and reliability
HDD - If you have a spare that you can plug into your current PC (ie: old 80GB HDD from laptop), you can just use your 320GB, else, a nice 500GB Caviar Blue is 75$, 1TB is 100$.
Case- Too much $$. I understand it gets hot in your room, but if you don't OC too much, a <100$ case will do just as good.
GPU - While the GTX 560 like yours is 170$ at Newegg, I'm sure you could get a used one for a good bit less (125$~140$)
PSU - I like the XFX 750W for 99$ or if you want modular the TX 750M V2 for 114$ (both amazon)
Monitor - a 21.5~23" 1080p is what you want. Perhaps an e-ips. the prices range from 150~200$ mostly

Sorry was in the middle of an edit of my post when you posted lol. The only thing the 2600K has that the 2500K doesn't is HyperThreading, which doesn't seem to benefit you much. IvyBridge is not going to be that much better than SB sadly, but it is wise to wait until it come out anyways, if you are comfortable buying used, you could score a nice combo for cheap.

Even if you buy a 1TB HDD, a new GTX 560, an SSD, an e-ips monitor etc, the total price comes to something under 1200$. IMO you are better off with my suggestion. Now if you can score a GTX 560 at 130$ used, buy a 500GB HDD and a 140$ monitor and 100$ case, 100$ PSU, your total comes under 900$, or if you choose an SSD instead, under 1000$. You can already afford the MicroCenter combo (CPU+mobo+RAM) + case + PSU. Then next purchase would be GPU + monitor and then finally the SSD and/or HDD

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by n-ster

Sadly the 2600Ks seem to be sold out in Cali, but 2500K is still a good deal.

http://img.techpowerup.org/120416/Capture054.png

CPU - 2500K - 180$
Mobo - Z68 P8Z68-M PRO 75$
RAM - 2 x 4GB Samsung 30nm UDIMM 47$
HSF - CM 212+ 30$ - 10$ MIR

Total from MicroCenter = 332$ + tax = 359$ -10$MIR

That leaves a lot of room for the rest and you could buy all of the above now and use it.

SSD - If you really want one, the Samsung 830 128GB for ~170$ as it has great performance and reliability
HDD - If you have a spare that you can plug into your current PC (ie: old 80GB HDD from laptop), you can just use your 320GB, else, a nice 500GB Caviar Blue is 75$, 1TB is 100$.
Case- Too much $$. I understand it gets hot in your room, but if you don't OC too much, a <100$ case will do just as good.
GPU - While the GTX 560 like yours is 170$ at Newegg, I'm sure you could get a used one for a good bit less (125$~140$)
PSU - I like the XFX 750W for 99$ or if you want modular the TX 750M V2 for 114$ (both amazon)
Monitor - a 21.5~23" 1080p is what you want. Perhaps an e-ips. the prices range from 150~200$ mostly

Sorry was in the middle of an edit of my post when you posted lol. The only thing the 2600K has that the 2500K doesn't is HyperThreading, which doesn't seem to benefit you much. IvyBridge is not going to be that much better than SB sadly, but it is wise to wait until it come out anyways, if you are comfortable buying used, you could score a nice combo for cheap.

Even if you buy a 1TB HDD, a new GTX 560, an SSD, an e-ips monitor etc, the total price comes to something under 1200$. IMO you are better off with my suggestion. Now if you can score a GTX 560 at 130$ used, buy a 500GB HDD and a 140$ monitor and 100$ case, 100$ PSU, your total comes under 900$, or if you choose an SSD instead, under 1000$. You can already afford the MicroCenter combo (CPU+mobo+RAM) + case + PSU. Then next purchase would be GPU + monitor and then finally the SSD and/or HDD

I really want to wait for the Ivy Bridge reviews before making any final decisions, though I will keep that build in mind. I mean, It would be a good build I could get right now.

The HyperThreading was more of the "Future Proofing" part of it. I mean, I like having options open. It seems better to have it and disable it then to not have it at all.

All this Build is about right now really is Future Proofing the CPU/Motherboard/Ram/Case/SSD, So they can last me a while before upgrading again, Plus, use newer technology's.

This is only meant to be "Stage 1", which is upgrading what I said. "Stage 2", Which would be ~6 Months after this one, Is meant to be Future Proofing the Hard Drive (If I think I need it)/Video Card/Monitor.

Things that I was looking for in the Motherboard I was getting was at least USB 3.0 (Which the one you said has) and PCI Express 3.0 (Which it doesn't) so I have the option of using both of those later. Namely the 'PCI Express 3.0' for the Video Card in "Stage 2" (Was looking at something like the GTX 680).


I should have been more clear with those plans in the first post (Will fix it in the Morning). I mean, your still free to recommend to me otherwise, that's just my current thought process.

[n-ster]

Hyper-Threading is useless for you, seriously, forget about it. Even if in the future it becomes something you can use because you decided to do something or another, it probably won't have much of an impact. The 2600K is way too expensive unless you use HT often and it helps a lot. This is not your case. Paying 50% more for a CPU that can have a 10~30% performance increase on applications you don't use and that there is only a small chance you will perhaps in the future is pointless. Especially since you could easily upgrade the CPU when the time comes that you need it without much of a loss.

Remember that you can't futureproof too much, else it'll just be a huge waste, ofc not enough and it'll be a waste too.

PCI-E 3.0, for now, doesn't do much. Of course this will change eventually, but whether or not you should invest in it now depends on how long you intend to keep the CPU+mobo, and how long you intend to keep the GPU. If you are expecting to keep both for 2~3 years, then don't invest in it. If you intend to keep the GPU for 1.5~2 years but the CPU/mobo for 3~4 then it would be interesting. You also have to see the prices. If the 3570K+Z77 combo isn't too much more expensive, go for it, if it's 50% more, it's probably best not to go there.

I can't really tell you what is best for you and ask you specifics until Ivy comes out, but one thing for sure is that you DON'T want to invest in HT. Knowing that you upgraded your GPU recently, I can say that Ivy Bridge will still be a great option, especially if similar deals pop up at Microcenter.

btw, the whole point of my post was to give you an idea of how much it can cost. Ivy Bridge should add 100~150$ to all that if rumors are true, so keep that in mind.


I was actually thinking of doing in stages as well. First stage would be CPU/HSF+Mobo+RAM and with what you have left either the case for easy migration or monitor for better quality gaming (probably monitor is best). After that, Case+GPU+PSU to upgrade that gaming performance and finally the HDD/SSD for last unless you do lots of transfers.

sorry for walls of texts and if I misunderstood anything, I'm really tired lmao

[BarbaricSoul]

You said your concerned about heat, but you want to wait for IB. I'd like you to take a look at these screenshots comparing the heat of a IB i5 3570 to my 2600k at the same OC/voltage-





the IB cpu was cooled by a Prolimatech Armageddon, my 2600k by a Corsair H60. The IB had ALOT better heatsink than my H60, yet my 2600k was 20'c cooler running.

[n-ster]

Do we know for sure this will happen with the retail chips though?

[BarbaricSoul]

that was with a retail E1 chip according to LagunaX

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=164099

[n-ster]

I'd rather wait until the chip is being sold before making a decision on that, as bad batches etc can happen

[BarbaricSoul]

I wouldn't hold my breath n-ster, here's another review showing the same results-

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showthread....w*-56K-WARNING

[n-ster]

Yeaa I saw that too, I still prefer being optimistic

still, I'm going SB-E most probably because of the disappointment

[BarbaricSoul]

Originally Posted by n-ster

Yeaa I saw that too, I still prefer being optimistic

still, I'm going SB-E most probably because of the disappointment

I can respect that. We never fully know until there are wide spread reviews available. But early results aren't looking good heat wise.

I'm probably going to stay with this 2600k for quiet some time. I've had it as high as 48 on the multi, and it'll do 4.6 on 1.3 volts while staying in the low 60'c range(as shown in the SS), so this thing has plenty of power to last me a few years. Heck, I just replaced my Q9650 last Nov. I had that for 3 years, and honestly, it would still be enough CPU for me. But this 2600k is nice when it comes to crunching(I hit the daily top 20 for team TPU every now and then)

[n-ster]

Yea that's why I showed him an SB build from MC as that's crazy bang/$ lol

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by n-ster

Hyper-Threading is useless for you, seriously, forget about it. Even if in the future it becomes something you can use because you decided to do something or another, it probably won't have much of an impact. The 2600K is way too expensive unless you use HT often and it helps a lot. This is not your case. Paying 50% more for a CPU that can have a 10~30% performance increase on applications you don't use and that there is only a small chance you will perhaps in the future is pointless. Especially since you could easily upgrade the CPU when the time comes that you need it without much of a loss.

Remember that you can't futureproof too much, else it'll just be a huge waste, ofc not enough and it'll be a waste too.

PCI-E 3.0, for now, doesn't do much. Of course this will change eventually, but whether or not you should invest in it now depends on how long you intend to keep the CPU+mobo, and how long you intend to keep the GPU. If you are expecting to keep both for 2~3 years, then don't invest in it. If you intend to keep the GPU for 1.5~2 years but the CPU/mobo for 3~4 then it would be interesting. You also have to see the prices. If the 3570K+Z77 combo isn't too much more expensive, go for it, if it's 50% more, it's probably best not to go there.

I can't really tell you what is best for you and ask you specifics until Ivy comes out, but one thing for sure is that you DON'T want to invest in HT. Knowing that you upgraded your GPU recently, I can say that Ivy Bridge will still be a great option, especially if similar deals pop up at Microcenter.

btw, the whole point of my post was to give you an idea of how much it can cost. Ivy Bridge should add 100~150$ to all that if rumors are true, so keep that in mind.


I was actually thinking of doing in stages as well. First stage would be CPU/HSF+Mobo+RAM and with what you have left either the case for easy migration or monitor for better quality gaming (probably monitor is best). After that, Case+GPU+PSU to upgrade that gaming performance and finally the HDD/SSD for last unless you do lots of transfers.

sorry for walls of texts and if I misunderstood anything, I'm really tired lmao

Ok, Well, I honestly haven't looked into Hyper-Threading all that much other then the basic's, so I was unsure of any of the exacts. So I will just forget about that then.

The Video Card I have now I'm planning on upgrading later this year or early next year (I really should have done more research before buying it), Which is why I'm going for PCI-E 3.0.

That's pretty much what I'm expecting it to cost. I mean, I know it's not going to be cheap. However, like you said, its all rumors right now. I'm not setting my mind 100% toward it until its out and I can read tons of reviews.

The Case would have to be in the first Stage for me, as my Current one is breaking down part by part, and I don't really think I would want to wait on the SSD if it really gives that much of a Speed Boost itself. Move the Monitor and Hard Drive to Stage 2 and its all good then.

Originally Posted by BarbaricSoul

You said your concerned about heat, but you want to wait for IB. I'd like you to take a look at these screenshots comparing the heat of a IB i5 3570 to my 2600k at the same OC/voltage-

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/g...Prime30min.png

http://img.techpowerup.org/120413/2600Kftw.jpg

the IB cpu was cooled by a Prolimatech Armageddon, my 2600k by a Corsair H60. The IB had ALOT better heatsink than my H60, yet my 2600k was 20'c cooler running.

Ya, I'v seen that. Hopefully we get better results once they are out and the reviews start flowing.

Originally Posted by n-ster

Yea that's why I showed him an SB build from MC as that's crazy bang/$ lol

Yep, and that's exactly where I'm going to be looking if the Reviews turn out to not be in my favor.

[n-ster]

you should really check if MicroCenter is near you btw, if it isn't near enough to drive, this changes things

SSD doesn't do THAT much. It does absolutely nothing for gaming except load times TBH. It will also give time for SSDs to drop even further in price.

so swap monitor and case from what I said and it works perfectly

[MadDogTen]

Originally Posted by n-ster

you should really check if MicroCenter is near you btw, if it isn't near enough to drive, this changes things

SSD doesn't do THAT much. It does absolutely nothing for gaming except load times TBH. It will also give time for SSDs to drop even further in price.

so swap monitor and case from what I said and it works perfectly

Oh, I was thinking MicroCenter was place that Ships them. I'v checked now, and sadly none of them are close to me.

With the SSD, I'm thinking more for Overall Load times (OS, Applications, etc), and less about gaming. I just want everything to be snappy like I would get with an SSD. Though, I do know what you mean about the price on them dropping, Though if it does what I'v been reading, it may be worth the money.