[WIP] New Gaming rig in time for Skyrim

[theeldest]

Also, this jerk-off posted a bulldozer game benchmark: http://obrovsky.blogspot.com/2011/08/bulldy-results-part-115.html

1st - I hate game benchmarks run at 1280x1024. I understand you want to show the differences between the processors, but running a test that doesn't reflect reality doesn't really help anyone. I mean, really. The lowest performing processor gets 258 fps in that test!

2nd - Bah, I don't really care. Just give me real & meaningful benchmarks!

 

[Ahhzz]

Eldest, it's me again, and again The GSkill Ram we're looking at is on sale, $15 off with promo code EMCKBKH33. Probably going to pull the trigger, and hope they fit in the board well with the card.

 

[theeldest]

I saw that come across my e-mail today. Too bad I'm on a purchasing hiatus until mid September.

 

[Ahhzz]

Sorry to hear that man....

I'll be very very quiet then....

Woohoo!!
2 x ($79.99) MEM 4Gx2|GSKILL F3-14900CL9D-8GBXL

$159.98


1 x ($-30.00) DISCOUNT FOR PROMOTION CODE

$-30.00


Payment Term: VISA
Extended Warranty: $0.00
Subtotal: $129.98
Tax: $0.00
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Total Amount: $129.98

Mine begins

 

[theeldest]

Damn. Memory has gotten hella cheap. 16GB at 1866MHz for $130. That's pretty nice.

 

[Ahhzz]

Eldest, what are you looking at for cooling? I'm considering a pair of these for my two boxes...
Antec Kuhler H2O 620 Liquid Cooling System


*edit* I took a second look at your proposed build and saw the D14... I was looking for the Antec, and saw http://www.kitguru.net/components/cooling/zardon/antec-kuhler-h20-620-liquid-cooler-review/4/ as a comparison... not a great deal of difference, and I'm thinking with the extra space, and I won't be super-over clocking, it might be worth it.... Had you looked at that at all?

 

[arnoo1]

Get the nh-d14 that zalman cooler is noisy as hell and you still have high crappy temps

 

[Ahhzz]

Not looking at the Zalman, arnoo, checking out the Liquid cooling all in one system from Antec

 

[theeldest]

That Antec Kuhler does look pretty good. About the same performance in the same price range as the Noctua.

I'm not sure why, but I think I still prefer the Noctua. I'll have to think about this one, though. The Antec has the obvious advantage of helping everything else stay cool by directly exhausting hot air instead of letting it swirl around in the case first.

 

[theeldest]

So I'm about 99% sure on going Intel at this point. And it's not even due to performance considerations but to the SSD caching on the new Z68 chipset. I like the convenience factor. Using a very expensive computer should be easy.

So here's the component list:

Mobo: ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-Z LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA ...
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Tu...
HSF: Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DD...
SSD (cache): Intel 311 Series Larsen Creek 20GB 2.5" SATA II SL...
SSD (apps): OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III...
HDD (RAID10): Recertified: Western Digital Caviar Blue RFHWD6400...
GPUs: MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III PE/OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB ...
PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series HX850 (CMPSU-850HX) 85...
Case: Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 Black Aluminu...
Intake Fans: Noctua NF-P12-1300 120mm CPU Cooler and Case Fan
Exhaust Fans: Noctua NF-S12B FLX 120mm, 3 Speed Setting, Beveled...

Router: ASUS RT-N16 Wireless Router 802.11b/g/n up to 300M...
WiFi Card: ASUS PCE-N15 Wireless Adapter IEEE 802.11b/g/n PCI...


Some background:

As I said in the first post, I own the case and DVD drive already. I'd originally been planning to use a couple of the Samsung 2TB drives in RAID1 for the primary array. After some though I decided to upgrade my file server with 2TB drives and use 4 of the 640 drives in a RAID10 setup.

I'll use the 20GB Intel SSD to accelerate that drive. Additionally, I'll use the 120GB Agility SSD that I already own to install applications/games on. This has the benefit of giving consistent great performance to the programs I know I'll use, and giving a boost to everything else that I use somewhat frequently.


I'm pretty well set on all of the hardware but I'd appreciate any feedback. I obviously can't think of everything and if it looks like I missed something, please point it out.

 

[Ahhzz]

Lookin' sharp Eldest.

 

[theeldest]

Lookin' sharp Eldest.

Are you still on the fence? Playing the waiting game?

 

[Ahhzz]

I'm still playing the game, hopeful anyway I've got double sets of the Corsair Enthusiast 750 power supplies, 2TB WD Blacks, 2 XFX 6950 2Gb's, and 8Gb RipJaws. So basically, all I need now is the MB and proc, and I'm set. Still considering the water cooler set from Antec (now that the sale is off ).

 

[theeldest]

I just built an i5 setup for a friend and given how easily they overclock I don't think the first generation of Bulldozer can do it. And if you think use used the SSD caching, it's a no brainer to go Intel (this coming from one of the most hardcore AMD fanbois. I disappoint myself)

 

[happita]

I just built an i5 setup for a friend and given how easily they overclock I don't think the first generation of Bulldozer can do it. And if you think use used the SSD caching, it's a no brainer to go Intel (this coming from one of the most hardcore AMD fanbois. I disappoint myself)

I'm not going to try to convince you to go AMD or Intel because you already seem pretty certain at the moment. But in all honesty, Skyrim is still a long 2 months away, and Bulldozer will be out before then. If I was in your shoes, I would wait until it came out. Maybe people like you itching for a new system will get lucky with decent price cuts to current processors or Bulldozer might be attractive enough at it's own price point and perform on par. Nobody knows. I know I will definitely be waiting, until well after Skyrim comes out and a few other games until I myself build a whole new rig for me

 

[r9]

Also, this jerk-off posted a bulldozer game benchmark: http://obrovsky.blogspot.com/2011/08/bulldy-results-part-115.html

1st - I hate game benchmarks run at 1280x1024. I understand you want to show the differences between the processors, but running a test that doesn't reflect reality doesn't really help anyone. I mean, really. The lowest performing processor gets 258 fps in that test!

2nd - Bah, I don't really care. Just give me real & meaningful benchmarks!

What is meaningful for you ? List of 20 CPUs tested in highest possible resolution in price range of 1000$ all in 5% performance margin.

 

[theeldest]

What is meaningful for you ? List of 20 CPUs tested in highest possible resolution in price range of 1000$ all in 5% performance margin.

Realistically, I'd like to see a couple SB procs, the BD, a couple Nehamlem, and a couple Phenoms. That covers the high and mid range.

Then test at 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 2560x1600.

With two different GPUs. 580 & 560, or 6970 & 6870.

In at least 4 games that are modern.

 

[theeldest]

Paycheck hits the bank in about an hour and I'm looking for any last minute changes/recommendations/deals.

So here's the component list:

Mobo: ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-Z LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA ...
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Tu...
HSF: Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DD...
SSD (cache): Intel 311 Series Larsen Creek 20GB 2.5" SATA II SL...
GPUs: MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III PE/OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB ...
PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series HX850 (CMPSU-850HX) 85...
Intake Fans: Noctua NF-P12-1300 120mm CPU Cooler and Case Fan
Exhaust Fans: Noctua NF-S12B FLX 120mm, 3 Speed Setting, Beveled...

WiFi Card: ASUS PCE-N15 Wireless Adapter IEEE 802.11b/g/n PCI...


This I already own:
SSD (apps): OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III...
HDD (RAID10): Recertified: Western Digital Caviar Blue RFHWD6400...
Case: Antec Performance One Series P183 V3 Black Aluminu...

Any quick suggestions?


To reiterate, I'm using 4x 640GB Cavier Blue drives I already have in a RAID 10. A SSD for caching that array and a second SSD for specific games.

I'm aiming for quiet if possible as well as bang for dollar.

Thanks, TPU!

 

[Ahhzz]

Go back!!!!! heheheh looks good mate. Hope you enjoy it!

 

[Ahhzz]

2 x Antec Lanboy air Blue Black / Blue ATX Mid Tower C... !!!

 

[theeldest]

Parts are in the mail. Signature is updated.

By Thursday I should have it OC'd.

 

[Ahhzz]

Woot!!

 

[theeldest]

I just couldn't wait any longer. I need the system set up and ready for the BF3 launch.

@Ahhzz, are you still waiting for retail BD benchmarks before pulling the trigger?

 

[Ahhzz]

Yeah, 'fraid so. I've gotten everything else stacked up, even caught a steal on the new cases for $100 after rebate that I hadn't planned on. Nice pretty stack on my workbench, just waiting on the scores to see where I go (http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2358899#post2358899). Considering the rumored prices, I really don't see me NOT grabbing a 'Dozer, but there's always the potential that they just suck.

 

[theeldest]

Well, I got the 2500k from 3.3Ghz stock to 4.6GHz. Vcore is only 1.325v and temps stay below 55-60 so far.

Really looking to hit 5GHz on this, though.