I'm playing some graphics intensive games so need a good graphics, but the PSU and HD on my current pc are still less then 12months old so will keep them. Oh and also no need for monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Hoping to get all that need for under $750, is that realistic?
All suggestions for motherboard, video card, etc wanted and appreciated
Quote from: katmai on March 19, 2011, 10:48:46 PM
I'm playing some graphics intensive games so need a good graphics, but the PSU and HD on my current pc are still less then 12months old so will keep them. Oh and also no need for monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Hoping to get all that need for under $750, is that realistic?
All suggestions for motherboard, video card, etc wanted and appreciated
What are your motherboard and RAM specs? You might only need a GPU upgrade.
At any rate, replacing the motherboard, RAM, and GPU for under $750 is easily do-able.
AMD option (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=13597271)
Intel option (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=13597251)
Now, I must refrain from studying parts lest I start buying them myself. :P
Quote from: katmai on March 19, 2011, 10:48:46 PM
I'm playing some graphics intensive games so need a good graphics, but the PSU and HD on my current pc are still less then 12months old so will keep them. Oh and also no need for monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Hoping to get all that need for under $750, is that realistic?
All suggestions for motherboard, video card, etc wanted and appreciated
CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition
Board: Asus Crosshair IV Extreme or Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD7
RAM: Corsair Dominator GT with DHX Pro Connector and Airflow II Fan — 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMT4GX3M2A1866C9) x 2 (8gb total).
OR
RAM: Corsair Dominator with DHX Pro Connector — 4GB Dual Channel, 1.5V, DDR3 Memory Kit (CMP4GX3M2B1600C)
GPU: AMD Radeon 6870.
If it goes overbudget, change the RAM, find some other DDR3 ram, but try to go 8gb.
According to most tests, the Intel i5 2500k is the best gaming cost/efficieny cpu. Get a P67 motherboard. They are not cheap, but the Asus Sabertooth both looks cool and seems to offer a bit of extra sturdiness. I am very happy with my X58 version, which has taken a lot of punishment.
GPUs are a different matter. I have tried both the HD 5870 in Crossfire (which is good, but produces more heat than you really want) and the nVidia GTX 580 which I would recommend as a single GPU. The MSi Twin Frozr II version seems to stay relatively cool. Relatively. With maxed out settings, it reached 79 degrees after two hours of Shogun 2 yesterday.
However, most reliable tests seem to say that a pair of HD 6850s (or 6870s) in Crossfire or a pair of GTX 560 ti in SLI would be really rocking.
How much wattage can your PSU reliably provide? You would need 700W or so for a Crossfire/SLI setup or a GTX 580.
If that is not an option, the Gigabyte GTX 560 ti Superclocked recieves rave reviews, but costs 20 % more than your average GTX 560, it seems.
HD 6970s and GTX 570s are comparable, and most major makers now have them with custom coolers and overclocking. From what I hear, and see, they do well in benchmark tests.
Since I couldn't see what Moldy recommended at NewEgg, just shoot me if it was the same.
New SSDs arrive as well, making the older ones cheaper.
Quote from: Norgy on March 20, 2011, 12:07:23 PM
Since I couldn't see what Moldy recommended at NewEgg, just shoot me if it was the same.
I fixed it. I put the wrong links in the first time.
The i5 760 is a good choice, too, as far as gaming goes.
I have an i7 950, which is ok, but runs a bit too hot for comfortable overclocking.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Norgy I went up from default 300w to 650w PSU.
Moldy this rig is coming up on 5 years.
it's AMD dual core 2.2ghz
2GB of Memory which when i looked into upgrading is older out of date chips so instead of wasting money on that would rather put towards new rig.
And the Motherboard/tower is funky setup where with Video Cards these days with their onboard fans won't even fit on the bord/in the case (so I'm stuck with a Nvidia 8600 card as was best that i could find that didn't need two slots worth of room)
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on March 20, 2011, 08:57:38 AM
Now, I must refrain from studying parts lest I start buying them myself. :P
lol, I had one of the cyberguys at work draw me up the specs for a gaming rig based on the Thermaltake 10 gaming case (http://thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1341&ID=2039). Came to roughly $4K. Woof!
So after reading what you guys posted and browsing around other places, came up with following
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Motherboard: ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
GPU: XFX HD-687A-ZNFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit DDR5
added a new case on newegg total of $795, and then $90 for shipping for total of $885
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on March 20, 2011, 08:57:38 AM
AMD option (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=13597271)
Intel option (http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=13597251)
Now, I must refrain from studying parts lest I start buying them myself. :P
Why NVidia in both?
I thought AMD's graphics were generally superior these days (at least in terms of efficiency/cooling).
If I was going to build a system it would probably be Intel - Radeon.
Quote from: Barrister on March 20, 2011, 07:17:29 PM
I thought AMD's graphics were generally superior these days (at least in terms of efficiency/cooling).
no, not always. Both Nvidia and AMD have deals with some game publishers/developpers to get an edge when the game is released. For DA2, Radeon is clearly the superior card. For other games, Nvidia kicks ass. In general, they offer even performances.
Quote from: viper37 on March 20, 2011, 09:59:29 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 20, 2011, 07:17:29 PM
I thought AMD's graphics were generally superior these days (at least in terms of efficiency/cooling).
no, not always. Both Nvidia and AMD have deals with some game publishers/developpers to get an edge when the game is released. For DA2, Radeon is clearly the superior card. For other games, Nvidia kicks ass. In general, they offer even performances.
Notice I said efficiency / cooling. Not who can crank out the last extra FPS.
AMD's cards are running cooler (Fermi in particular is supposed to be an absolute blast furnace, though fast).
Quote from: katmai on March 20, 2011, 07:00:23 PM
So after reading what you guys posted and browsing around other places, came up with following
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Motherboard: ASUS Sabertooth X58 LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
RAM: G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
GPU: XFX HD-687A-ZNFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit DDR5
added a new case on newegg total of $795, and then $90 for shipping for total of $885
Your motherboard isn't right for that CPU.
You need a P67 Rev 3.0, Sockel 1155 motherboard for a Sandybridge CPU.
Yeah copy/pasted the wrong one there. :D
If you choose a 1155 socket board, be careful with the RAM, it seems from several different sources that the highest voltage certified for the memory is 1.5 volts.
It is unclear if it's an issue of the old, bugged chipset or a design choice, but anyway, I suggest you to choose the RAM from the list of certified products. Check my "new computer" thread for some more info.
L.
Thanks pedrito
Quote from: CountDeMoney on March 20, 2011, 06:36:48 PM
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on March 20, 2011, 08:57:38 AM
Now, I must refrain from studying parts lest I start buying them myself. :P
lol, I had one of the cyberguys at work draw me up the specs for a gaming rig based on the Thermaltake 10 gaming case (http://thermaltakeusa.com/Product.aspx?S=1341&ID=2039). Came to roughly $4K. Woof!
thermalTake 10 or 10 GT? your link redirects to the TT 10 GT, but there are $500 of difference between the two cases!
BTW, the 10 is fucking cool.
L.
Quote from: Barrister on March 20, 2011, 11:34:12 PM
Notice I said efficiency / cooling. Not who can crank out the last extra FPS.
AMD's cards are running cooler (Fermi in particular is supposed to be an absolute blast furnace, though fast).
I recently purchased the very card I recommended. My experience is that the GPU core idles at about 41C and tops out at about 65C under load (with the fan on full).
Quote from: katmai on March 22, 2011, 05:40:24 AM
Thanks pedrito
The new, lower voltage RAM is actually cheaper.
Quote from: Baron von Schtinkenbutt on March 22, 2011, 08:37:25 AM
Quote from: Barrister on March 20, 2011, 11:34:12 PM
Notice I said efficiency / cooling. Not who can crank out the last extra FPS.
AMD's cards are running cooler (Fermi in particular is supposed to be an absolute blast furnace, though fast).
I recently purchased the very card I recommended. My experience is that the GPU core idles at about 41C and tops out at about 65C under load (with the fan on full).
Well that's it, isn't it.
Under what feels like full load my ATI 5770 card does not have the fan on full.
Quote from: Barrister on March 20, 2011, 11:34:12 PM
AMD's cards are running cooler (Fermi in particular is supposed to be an absolute blast furnace, though fast).
That has been true up until the 5xx series from nVidia. And, since most card makers have custom coolers, and people can buy them instead of reference cards, I'd say the playing field is about level between the two. You generally get more performance for less wattage with AMD's 6xxx series, but that's not entirely true with their latest dual GPU, which also runs hotter than hell in all tests. Add that to the fact that the HD might as well stand for Harley Davidson noise-wise, I'd say for the average gamer, an nVidia GTX 570 or an AMD 6970 is more than enough. And should you be one of the crazy enthusiasts who has oodles of cash to spend, buy two...
My primary objection against dual card solutions is that they run hotter than hell and use so much electricity you actually pay triple the price of the card in its life-time if you use your computer on average 6 hours a day... should you choose such a solution anyway, I'd go for the GTX 560 tis or the HD 6870s. The others will just cost too much and run way too hot unless you have a 4 PCIe slot mobo.
nVidia cards still are less efficient and some run hot. AMD cards have funky drivers a lot of the time. But in general, I'd say there's little or no reason to choose one over the other based on those concerns. The real concern in practice is how many monitors you intend to use. Eyefinity from AMD crushes nVidia's 3D vision and even single-card AMD solutions support up to six (6!!!) monitors. :homestar:
Okay my latest wish list from new egg.
Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 II Silver Steel / Aluminum / Plastic Computer Case $59.99
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity $274.99
RAM:G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) $99.99
OS:Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $99.99
CPU:AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
Motherboard :ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $331 combo pack
Quote from: katmai on March 25, 2011, 05:52:47 AM
Motherboard :ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $331 combo pack
This is just wrong. That chipset is not for performance, it's for budget. This ain't a work computer you got there.
You need the
890FX chipset.
The Asus Crosshair IV Extreme will let you mix video cards to get some form of hybrid SLI/Crossfire, i.e. you can mix Nvidia and ATI cards together, or recent ATI with old ATI. It's not as fast as the SLI/Crossfire option, be warned. It sells for 309$.
Now, the Asus Crosshiar IV Formula, wich is a very good, even excellent Crossfire board sells for 229$, or 169$ Open-Box on Newegg. I have this board an I love it.
I won't review all options you have, but other manufacturers are: Asrock, Gigabyte, MSI and Biostar.
The GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 sells for 180$ on Newegg, and it's a very decent board too, though I'm partial to the Republic of Gamer one from Asus.
The performance differences shouldn't be that dramatic from either one, so long as you pick the 890FX chipset. 890GX will slow down your processor.
None of these board come with an integrated video chipset, just in case that was important to you.
Not taking the combo deal will cost you about 40 to 100$ more, but you will not regret forking a little more cash.
I don't care about the crossfire nonsense.
Quote from: katmai on March 25, 2011, 10:34:30 AM
I don't care about the crossfire nonsense.
All performance motherboards are Crossfire or SLI. It just means you will use the PCI-E slot for something else if you don't use a 2nd video card. My recommendations stand.
Quote from: viper37 on March 25, 2011, 04:28:06 PM
Quote from: katmai on March 25, 2011, 10:34:30 AM
I don't care about the crossfire nonsense.
All performance motherboards are Crossfire or SLI. It just means you will use the PCI-E slot for something else if you don't use a 2nd video card. My recommendations stand.
Sorry i didn't mean to say i was dismissing your recommendation, just not worried about the prospect of two video cards.
The problem i'm running into is totalling up the parts along with the shipping costs to Alaska (sigh) are coming to the same price as buying a similar specced put together machine from newegg, that i don't have to go through the fun of assembling myself.
Oh so Viper does this pass muster?
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Thuban 3.3GHz, 3.7GHz Turbo Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Alright this is what i plan on ordering this week.
Along with the 6950 video card
and 8gb of ram
going with
ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
KABLAM! The whole shebang!
Quote from: Barrister on March 24, 2011, 02:14:00 PM
Well that's it, isn't it.
Under what feels like full load my ATI 5770 card does not have the fan on full.
Correction, its 60C with the fan at about 60%. I'm going to lock the fan at 30% for a while and see what happens.
Quote from: katmai on March 26, 2011, 03:18:02 AM
Oh so Viper does this pass muster?
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Thuban 3.3GHz, 3.7GHz Turbo Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
It would be good, but I see you're now going the Intel way... How much cheaper is the intel?
Quote from: viper37 on March 26, 2011, 04:03:52 PM
Quote from: katmai on March 26, 2011, 03:18:02 AM
Oh so Viper does this pass muster?
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Thuban 3.3GHz, 3.7GHz Turbo Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
It would be good, but I see you're now going the Intel way... How much cheaper is the intel?
It's actually about $60-70 more, but after reading more up on Sandy Bridge cpu decided to go that route.
Quote from: katmai on March 26, 2011, 06:33:23 PM
Quote from: viper37 on March 26, 2011, 04:03:52 PM
Quote from: katmai on March 26, 2011, 03:18:02 AM
Oh so Viper does this pass muster?
AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition Thuban 3.3GHz, 3.7GHz Turbo Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
It would be good, but I see you're now going the Intel way... How much cheaper is the intel?
It's actually about $60-70 more, but after reading more up on Sandy Bridge cpu decided to go that route.
might be better. I'm reading bad things on these Gigabyte boards.
Hmmm went to order and the p67 motherboards i were looking at are all sold out, couldn't find anything on Newegg saying how long till restock of it. :(
Quote from: katmai on March 27, 2011, 02:28:07 AM
Hmmm went to order and the p67 motherboards i were looking at are all sold out, couldn't find anything on Newegg saying how long till restock of it. :(
aren't there any other US computer stores with decent prices&shipping charges?
Not to alaska :lol:
Quote from: katmai on March 27, 2011, 04:20:32 PM
Not to alaska :lol:
you tried NXIC US? Amazon.com?
Not at Amazon, and Nxic wants $70 for for just the motherboard for slower shipping than newegg.
So i'll just wait for it to be back in stock at newegg.
Quote from: katmai on March 27, 2011, 06:44:40 PM
Not at Amazon, and Nxic wants $70 for for just the motherboard for slower shipping than newegg.
So i'll just wait for it to be back in stock at newegg.
Damn, that's pricey. Hope Newegg gets stock soon :)
Yeah one of the pains of living here is shipping from lower 48 is fucking expensive, if companies will even ship here at all.
Apparently, mobo manufacturers are having supply issues of one of the on-board controllers.
April should be better.
That means you'll get the computer by Christmas, mate. :hug:
Quote from: Norgy on March 28, 2011, 02:25:19 PM
Apparently, mobo manufacturers are having supply issues of one of the on-board controllers.
April should be better.
That means you'll get the computer by Christmas, mate. :hug:
Damit i'm in the same mess as Kat :cry:
L.
Quote from: Pedrito on March 29, 2011, 07:25:37 AM
Quote from: Norgy on March 28, 2011, 02:25:19 PM
Apparently, mobo manufacturers are having supply issues of one of the on-board controllers.
April should be better.
That means you'll get the computer by Christmas, mate. :hug:
Damit i'm in the same mess as Kat :cry:
L.
:console:
Well my board is in stock, but no time to order it before leaving for 10 days on work....dammit Norgy might be right about when i get my pc. :lol:
:sleep:
Sorry.
Quote from: viper37 on March 26, 2011, 06:56:42 PM
might be better. I'm reading bad things on these Gigabyte boards.
What are you reading? I have a Gigabyte 890-series board and it's fine AFAIK...
Quote from: Norgy on April 07, 2011, 10:39:14 AM
:sleep:
Sorry.
That is not a sorry smiley you ass!
:p
Quote from: katmai on March 25, 2011, 05:52:47 AM
Okay my latest wish list from new egg.
Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 II Silver Steel / Aluminum / Plastic Computer Case $59.99
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity $274.99
RAM:G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) $99.99
OS:Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $99.99
CPU:AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
Motherboard :ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $331 combo pack
G.SKILL is the shit. A stinking turd of a shit, that is. I would recommend against touching that, go with OCZ RAM instead.
I generally only use OCZ, Patriot, or Corsair.
Quote from: Caliga on April 07, 2011, 11:26:29 AM
Quote from: viper37 on March 26, 2011, 06:56:42 PM
might be better. I'm reading bad things on these Gigabyte boards.
What are you reading? I have a Gigabyte 890-series board and it's fine AFAIK...
on GB boards, users are complaining that rather than fixing things via a BIOS update, GB is releasing new revision of the board. They complain about random crashes that does not happen with other boards using the same setup, in releases 1&2.
Quote from: DGuller on April 07, 2011, 12:01:47 PM
Quote from: katmai on March 25, 2011, 05:52:47 AM
Okay my latest wish list from new egg.
Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 II Silver Steel / Aluminum / Plastic Computer Case $59.99
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity $274.99
RAM:G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) $99.99
OS:Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $99.99
CPU:AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
Motherboard :ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard $331 combo pack
G.SKILL is the shit. A stinking turd of a shit, that is. I would recommend against touching that, go with OCZ RAM instead.
:D heh okay, they were one of the highest rated on newegg when was doing the search, but thanks for your input.
Quote from: viper37 on April 07, 2011, 12:16:05 PM
on GB boards, users are complaining that rather than fixing things via a BIOS update, GB is releasing new revision of the board. They complain about random crashes that does not happen with other boards using the same setup, in releases 1&2.
I have a 890GPA-UD3H rev 1.0. The only time I ever had some stability issues was when I was fucking around with overclocking my RAM back when the board was brand new and had an early BIOS. I have zero stability issues now and BIOS is on it's 9th (beta) revision, and both my RAM and CPU are overclocked. They do seem to release alot of board revisions though.
I've had good success with some G.SKILL. Otherwise, Patriot or Corsair only for me.
Quote from: katmai on April 07, 2011, 12:17:29 PM
:D heh okay, they were one of the highest rated on newegg when was doing the search, but thanks for your input.
They were highly rated when I bought RAM from them as well. Then I found that 1 of the 3 sticks was dead on arrival, and when I read through the reviews carefully, I saw that it was a very common occurrence with them
Quote from: Caliga on April 07, 2011, 12:14:37 PM
I generally only use OCZ, Patriot, or Corsair.
I've had good luck with Kingston, but I also don't touch the "Value Brand" nonsense.
GSkill memory is "Chevvy" memory - priced for the average buyer, and capable of average performance. On a cost/performance basis they are very good, indeed. Just don't overclock them.
Bad memory sticks happen to all users. GSkill is very highly rated (far more so than OZC) at newegg. DOAs seem to average about 8% for GSkill and about 20% for the "recommended" OCZ.
I'd advise against taking the word of a single disgruntled user over the statistics available at newegg.
Corsair. :)
Being a lazy Mexican, i've decided to necro this thread...
after playing the SWTOR mmo this weekend i clearly need to upgrade my pc, so planning to order parts to be here right after i get back from job in three weeks just in time for release of game.