Build Recommendations - Blu-ray Forum

SoCalTiger · 07-09-2010, 03:28 PM

Update 8/21

Hey guys,

Just wanted to give you an update to let you know I built this system a few weeks ago and everything seems to be good and stable. I had an issue with the original Antec PSU so I RMA'd it for the 650W Corsair. Very happy with this setup. FWIW the Palit 250 GTS seems to run everything at 1920x1080 at maximum settings that I have tried so far including Mass Effect 2, Fallout 3 and Modern Warfare. This setup totally destroys my old P4.

CPU: i7-860
MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3
GPU: Palit NE3TS25EFHD02 GeForce GTS 250 E-Green
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX)
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Case: Antec 300 Illusion
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-650TX 650W RT
DVD: Samsung DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L
Sink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
TIM: Arctic Silver 5

Original Post

Hey guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my computer. I honestly don't even have any idea how old it is but I am suspecting in the 4-5 year old range. Right now I can't play any modern games whatsoever or even upgrade my graphics card (AGP mobo). I'm looking for a build which will play modern games on par with PS3/X360 levels. Since most games are console-limited right now I don't need a maxxed out PC rig or anything like that. Right now my computer will overheat and sometimes shutdown just watching YouTube videos. Would something like an i3-530/540 with a 5770 do it? Do I even need a 5770? Based on the game benchmarking I've seen this puts a good number of games at 60+ FPS which already is faster than a PS3/X360.

I was originally considering an i5-750 build like this one:
http://techreport.com/articles.x/19159/5

But I don't know if that is overkill for what I want. Also, Fry's has a great i3-540 / H55 mobo combo right now for ~$130ish and if that will do I can drop that into my current case for an immediate upgrade and grab the graphics card later? Also people are saying you can OC an i3-540 to ~4GHz on air. Seems enough for me?

Suggestions? Input?

Polygon · 07-18-2010, 12:09 AM

I can tell you right now that an i3 is not what you want for games. I have to ask you, what's you're budget and does the monitor need to figure into said budget.

Let me know and I will recommend you some parts.

Hatter · 07-18-2010, 12:54 PM

I have to diagree about the i3 not being a good gaming processor. I have the old core 2 quad Q6600 and it handles newer games fine. It's my weaker HD3650 card that doesn't allow me to run the game on higher graphic settings. Still it's good enough for me and blu-rays obviously play fine. If you want your machine to still be cutting edge for longer, go for an i7 or an i5.

As for 60fps, many developers are just making quick and cheap console to pc ports where even if your rig could handle 60fps, is locked at 30fps.

Polygon · 07-18-2010, 05:38 PM

Alright, I'm saying it's a bad CPU for gaming. I'm just saying that if it's one of the main focuses of your machine it's not the CPU I would go with. You can get an i5 for a little more money. You're going to get an all around faster processor that's a little more future proof.

I will agree, that the GPU is going to have world's more difference in the gaming aspect than the CPU.

Both the i3 and i5 with do a good job, I think the slight increase in cost is worth it for the i5.

SoCalTiger · 07-27-2010, 03:14 AM

So... I did some more research on what I currently have and as it turns out I am running 7 year old tech. Although the CPU at the time appears to have been pretty good. So long ago I can't even remember if I built this computer myself or bought it from a builder. It's not a mass market PC though.

Pentium 4 HT (Northwood) 2.8 GHz
GeForce4 MX 440
Built sometime in 2003

Anyway, so for what I want:

Primary "everyday" PC - 95% of use would be websurfing and Facebook type casual games. Occasional light Photoshop. Rare video editing.
Ability to play current gen games at "PS3 / X360 parity". In otherwords 60+ FPS for common titles would be fine. I'm not looking for 100 FPS or anything. I'm mainly looking to play a few games that "make more sense" on a PC, are cheap or simply might run a lot better on PC. Examples include Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Fallout. MMOs are doubtful unless they are free per month (no WoW).
Already have a newer 24" monitor, keyboard, mouse and other random peripherals.
Would like to keep around $600 for the box ideally but I'm flexible. I could always drop a new HDD for now and just use what I already have (only 320GB but I have plenty of space free).

Here are some ideas I've tossed around:

CPU + Mobo:
1. i3-540 (approx $150 with a Fry's type sale)
2. i5-750 (approx $220 with a Fry's type sale)
3. Phenom X4 955 ($170+tax at Fry's this week)
GPU
1. 9800GTX+ 512MB ($50+tax at Fry's this week)
2. 5770 (approx $150 @ Newegg)
HDD:
1. WD Caviar Black 1TB (approx $100)
2. ~$100 SSD and keep existing 320 GB HDD
RAM: 4GB (approx $100)
Box: Approx $65
PSU: Approx $65

Comes out between $530 - $700 depending on CPU and GPU used. Thoughts?

BDestroyer8418 · 07-27-2010, 04:54 AM

I would skip the i5 750 and jump to the i7 860 if you plan on keeping more than 3+ Years. Hyper-threading could really help you out in the long run (depending on the prices for the 860/750).

The i3-540 is a waste of money (for slightly higher clock and 1x Multiplier) just get i3-530 I'm running it as a Media Server. The 530 should be able to handle everything your looking for but you will be pushing it at most times (depending how much Occasional light Photoshop. Rare video editing your going to do)

Also check Frys Website and SlickDeals on Thursday night/Friday mornings. I picked up 2 i3-530 Combos with Motherboars 1 was about $88 AR and the other was $100 AR.

Also Check out MicroCenter it's been awhile since I looked at Prices but they where selling the 860 for $200, 530 for $100 and I believe the 750 for $180 for You might have to wait til 08-02-10 to see if the 860 drops again right now it's listed again for $230. Looks like they got the 750 going for $170 now.

The 5770 or 260 would be a good starting spot for the GPU.

swoon · 08-03-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funsocaltiger

So... I did some more research on what I currently have and as it turns out I am running 7 year old tech. Although the CPU at the time appears to have been pretty good. So long ago I can't even remember if I built this computer myself or bought it from a builder. It's not a mass market PC though.

Pentium 4 HT (Northwood) 2.8 GHz
GeForce4 MX 440
Built sometime in 2003

Anyway, so for what I want:

Primary "everyday" PC - 95% of use would be websurfing and Facebook type casual games. Occasional light Photoshop. Rare video editing.
Ability to play current gen games at "PS3 / X360 parity". In otherwords 60+ FPS for common titles would be fine. I'm not looking for 100 FPS or anything. I'm mainly looking to play a few games that "make more sense" on a PC, are cheap or simply might run a lot better on PC. Examples include Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Fallout. MMOs are doubtful unless they are free per month (no WoW).
Already have a newer 24" monitor, keyboard, mouse and other random peripherals.
Would like to keep around $600 for the box ideally but I'm flexible. I could always drop a new HDD for now and just use what I already have (only 320GB but I have plenty of space free).

Here are some ideas I've tossed around:

CPU + Mobo:
1. i3-540 (approx $150 with a Fry's type sale)
2. i5-750 (approx $220 with a Fry's type sale)
3. Phenom X4 955 ($170+tax at Fry's this week)
GPU
1. 9800GTX+ 512MB ($50+tax at Fry's this week)
2. 5770 (approx $150 @ Newegg)
HDD:
1. WD Caviar Black 1TB (approx $100)
2. ~$100 SSD and keep existing 320 GB HDD
RAM: 4GB (approx $100)
Box: Approx $65
PSU: Approx $65

Comes out between $530 - $700 depending on CPU and GPU used. Thoughts?

The i3-530 and a GPU like Nvidia's new GTX 460 with the components you've listed would probably do quite well for most any game out there. There is definitely some good logic behind going with an i7 build (with 6GB RAM instead of 4GB due to triple-channel) though if you want to keep the system for the long run.

As someone who has Dragon Age on a Phenom II x4 @ 2.8Ghz, I can tell you that game likes 4 cores as it uses 75% of the processor. Most games don't use that much and the common wisdom has been 2 cores is fine for gaming. I suspect though that this won't hold true in the future.

You could also go with Phenom II x4, but with the i7 you are paying more for better performance with less power and heat.

SoCalTiger · 08-04-2010, 04:50 PM

Thanks for all the tips guys, it's been a really big help. I was strongly leaning toward the i5-750/760 until I saw BDestroyer's comment about the i7-860 at Microcenter. It is $220 right now (vs $290 @ newegg) and this puts it only $10 more than the normal price for i5-760 ($20 more than i5-750) and Passmark rates it almost equal to the i7-920

. For that small price difference I'd love to have hyper-threading.

Decided I didn't want to go i7-9xx due to increased price of MB and tri-channel RAM. Also decided that the 250 GTS would be fine for my purposes and I can always upgrade GPU next year since GPU tech progresses like mad.

My final build is looking like this:

CPU: i7-860 ($220 @ Microcenter)
MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 ($130 AR @ Microcenter)
GPU: 250 GTS
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX)
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Case: Antec 300 Illusion
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 650

brettallica · 08-04-2010, 09:16 PM

Just to validate your build, funsocaltiger, I have the mobile version of the i7 on my new laptop (the i7-620M), and this thing is an absolute beast. I can only imagine how awesome your i7 will be, since it's a desktop cpu. That rig you've got lined up is going to rock your HT.

That GPU supports HDMI right from the card right? (such as the ATI Radeon 4000 or 5000 series)?

BDestroyer8418 · 08-04-2010, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funsocaltiger

Thanks for all the tips guys, it's been a really big help. I was strongly leaning toward the i5-750/760 until I saw BDestroyer's comment about the i7-860 at Microcenter. It is $220 right now (vs $290 @ newegg) and this puts it only $10 more than the normal price for i5-760 ($20 more than i5-750) and Passmark rates it almost equal to the i7-920

. For that small price difference I'd love to have hyper-threading.

Decided I didn't want to go i7-9xx due to increased price of MB and tri-channel RAM. Also decided that the 250 GTS would be fine for my purposes and I can always upgrade GPU next year since GPU tech progresses like mad.

My final build is looking like this:

CPU: i7-860 ($220 @ Microcenter)
MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 ($130 AR @ Microcenter)
GPU: 250 GTS
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX)
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Case: Antec 300 Illusion
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 650

Looks good man. Get yourself some good Thermal Paste and after market Heatsink if your going to OverClock the 860 the stock cooler is not bad if your only going to stay at stock or do a small OC.

I'm running the i7-920 for my main rig and your right there really is no difference. I posted a link in one of the threads a while aback 2 guys built a 860 and a 920 rig and did some really testing for about a month between them and there wasn't a big difference. Plus the 860 takes less power to run to. They both have there Pros/Cons but for most users a 860 is a better pickup.

Also not sure how much your paying for the Earthwatts but you could get this Corsair 650W Modular 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified 7yr warranty instead I didn't look around to see if that's the best price.

Also NewEgg has this 750W Corsair Non Modular for $60 after $10 Promo Code and $20 Rebate.

And here's that WB Back 1TB for $84.99 sale ends today on it at NewEgg

Have Fun building that bad boy.

tootall82103 · 08-05-2010, 01:37 AM

I'm not partial to Intel or AMD. I've used both and love both. Right now intel does have the performance crown, but the average user probably wouldn't notice and/or care about the performance difference.
Are you set on buying at Frys?
Check out some of the Combo deals at newegg,
for example
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...t=Combo.432236

Just something else to look at!

I can't wait to build me another computer. I built mine in '07 and I think I'll retire it in another 2 or 3 years.

Forgot to add, that motherboard has built in video card, while it's not great for gaming (better than most other onboard video though) it will allow you to surf and do your graphics pretty decent. Also it will allow you to save up for another card or you can still get the GTS250 or whatever you were looking at. I'd go for the ATI 5770 if you're looking for a budget card though.

SoCalTiger · 08-05-2010, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brettallica

That GPU supports HDMI right from the card right? (such as the ATI Radeon 4000 or 5000 series)?

Yup. I'll be able to hook this straight to my 50" Plasma

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDestroyer8418

Looks good man. Get yourself some good Thermal Paste and after market Heatsink if your going to OverClock the 860 the stock cooler is not bad if your only going to stay at stock or do a small OC.

Yeah, I decided to grab a Hyper 212 (only $33 at Frys) and Arctic Silver 5. Even though I'm not planning on OCing too much I'd rather have the thermal headroom there no matter what.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDestroyer8418

Also NewEgg has this 750W Corsair Non Modular for $60 after $10 Promo Code and $20 Rebate.

Argh. Yeah, I saw that the other day on Fatwallet or SD I think. I'm only paying $50 for the Antec EA650 but I would have gone with the Corsair if I had seen this sooner. I already have the case and PSU from Newegg and dont want to have to deal with return shipping and RMA on something not broken so I'll just deal with what I have now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDestroyer8418

And here's that WB Back 1TB for $84.99 sale ends today on it at NewEgg

Yeah, same price at Amazon (factoring that I have to pay sales tax in CA) but I decided to buy it on Newegg just now because the packaging at Newegg seems to be better from what I can gather from reviews. I'll use this until SSDs come down in price significantly (probably another year before it hits my sweet spot) and then use this for data and SSD for boot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tootall82103

I'm not partial to Intel or AMD. I've used both and love both. Right now intel does have the performance crown, but the average user probably wouldn't notice and/or care about the performance difference.
Are you set on buying at Frys?
Check out some of the Combo deals at newegg,
for example
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...t=Combo.432236

I'm not partial to any retailer. Actually, I am getting most of my stuff from Newegg except 1 thing from Frys and 1-2 things from Microcenter. I went through a large number of Newegg combo deals and none of them were "right". Either I thought the case was ugly or something else was wrong with it. I also figured out that I could more or less get the same amount of discount buying stuff piecemeal anyway by searching out sales on individual components and the 2-item combos. Also, the Microcenter price for the i7-860 is only $20 more than that Phenom X6.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tootall82103

Forgot to add, that motherboard has built in video card, while it's not great for gaming (better than most other onboard video though) it will allow you to surf and do your graphics pretty decent. Also it will allow you to save up for another card or you can still get the GTS250 or whatever you were looking at. I'd go for the ATI 5770 if you're looking for a budget card though.

Yeah using on-board video to get me by was one of my original plans but I was able to get the 250 GTS for only $50. I suspect this will be enough for me but if it isn't I can just sell it and buy something else at a minimal loss. At the very least the 250 GTS will occupy me until a crazy sale comes along. BF is under 4 months away.

SoCalTiger · 08-21-2010, 07:15 PM

Hey guys,

Just wanted to give you an update to let you know I built this system a few weeks ago and everything seems to be good and stable. I had an issue with the original Antec PSU so I RMA'd it for the 650W Corsair. Very happy with this setup. FWIW the Palit 250 GTS seems to run everything at 1920x1080 at maximum settings that I have tried so far including Mass Effect 2, Fallout 3 and Modern Warfare. This setup totally destroys my old P4.

CPU: i7-860
MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3
GPU: Palit NE3TS25EFHD02 GeForce GTS 250 E-Green
HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX)
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Case: Antec 300 Illusion
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-650TX 650W RT
DVD: Samsung DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L
Sink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus
TIM: Arctic Silver 5

brettallica · 08-21-2010, 08:52 PM

^ That's beautiful! How much did that bad boy end up setting you back? Nice work.

BDestroyer8418 · 08-21-2010, 10:02 PM

Looks awesome man your going to enjoy that thing for awhile. Not to bad out of everything only the PSU was bad. Antec makes good PSU but you need to buy there better ones. I'm running the same PSU the Corsair 650TX in one of my PCs.

Hey go back to Microcenter and get your $20+ back for the 860 http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0317378
If you used a Credit Card they might be able to do it over the phone.

@brettallica

Prob roughly $800. Minus the Monitor and K/M

SoCalTiger · 08-21-2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brettallica

^ That's beautiful! How much did that bad boy end up setting you back? Nice work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDestroyer8418

Prob roughly $800. Minus the Monitor and K/M

Yeah I was under $800 before the Hyper 212 and AS5. I think final (including taxes) came out to $830 or so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDestroyer8418

Hey go back to Microcenter and get your $20+ back for the 860 http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0317378
If you used a Credit Card they might be able to do it over the phone.

Thanks for the heads up! I didn't know. Subtract ~$22 from the above prices

07-09-2010, 03:28 PM	#1
SoCalTiger Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Los Angeles, CA Blu-ray collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	Build Recommendations Update 8/21 Hey guys, Just wanted to give you an update to let you know I built this system a few weeks ago and everything seems to be good and stable. I had an issue with the original Antec PSU so I RMA'd it for the 650W Corsair. Very happy with this setup. FWIW the Palit 250 GTS seems to run everything at 1920x1080 at maximum settings that I have tried so far including Mass Effect 2, Fallout 3 and Modern Warfare. This setup totally destroys my old P4. CPU: i7-860 MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 GPU: Palit NE3TS25EFHD02 GeForce GTS 250 E-Green HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX) RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) Case: Antec 300 Illusion PSU: Corsair CMPSU-650TX 650W RT DVD: Samsung DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L Sink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus TIM: Arctic Silver 5 Original Post Hey guys, I'm looking to upgrade my computer. I honestly don't even have any idea how old it is but I am suspecting in the 4-5 year old range. Right now I can't play any modern games whatsoever or even upgrade my graphics card (AGP mobo). I'm looking for a build which will play modern games on par with PS3/X360 levels. Since most games are console-limited right now I don't need a maxxed out PC rig or anything like that. Right now my computer will overheat and sometimes shutdown just watching YouTube videos. Would something like an i3-530/540 with a 5770 do it? Do I even need a 5770? Based on the game benchmarking I've seen this puts a good number of games at 60+ FPS which already is faster than a PS3/X360. I was originally considering an i5-750 build like this one: http://techreport.com/articles.x/19159/5 But I don't know if that is overkill for what I want. Also, Fry's has a great i3-540 / H55 mobo combo right now for ~$130ish and if that will do I can drop that into my current case for an immediate upgrade and grab the graphics card later? Also people are saying you can OC an i3-540 to ~4GHz on air. Seems enough for me? Suggestions? Input? Last edited by SoCalTiger; 08-21-2010 at 07:16 PM.

07-18-2010, 12:54 PM	#3
Hatter Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Feb 2010 Location:Montreal, Canada 4K collection:6 Blu-ray collection:107 DVD collection:82 iTunes collection:2	I have to diagree about the i3 not being a good gaming processor. I have the old core 2 quad Q6600 and it handles newer games fine. It's my weaker HD3650 card that doesn't allow me to run the game on higher graphic settings. Still it's good enough for me and blu-rays obviously play fine. If you want your machine to still be cutting edge for longer, go for an i7 or an i5. As for 60fps, many developers are just making quick and cheap console to pc ports where even if your rig could handle 60fps, is locked at 30fps. Last edited by Hatter; 07-18-2010 at 12:57 PM.

07-27-2010, 03:14 AM	#5
SoCalTiger Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Los Angeles, CA Blu-ray collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	So... I did some more research on what I currently have and as it turns out I am running 7 year old tech. Although the CPU at the time appears to have been pretty good. So long ago I can't even remember if I built this computer myself or bought it from a builder. It's not a mass market PC though. Pentium 4 HT (Northwood) 2.8 GHz GeForce4 MX 440 Built sometime in 2003 Anyway, so for what I want: Primary "everyday" PC - 95% of use would be websurfing and Facebook type casual games. Occasional light Photoshop. Rare video editing. Ability to play current gen games at "PS3 / X360 parity". In otherwords 60+ FPS for common titles would be fine. I'm not looking for 100 FPS or anything. I'm mainly looking to play a few games that "make more sense" on a PC, are cheap or simply might run a lot better on PC. Examples include Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Fallout. MMOs are doubtful unless they are free per month (no WoW). Already have a newer 24" monitor, keyboard, mouse and other random peripherals. Would like to keep around $600 for the box ideally but I'm flexible. I could always drop a new HDD for now and just use what I already have (only 320GB but I have plenty of space free). Here are some ideas I've tossed around: CPU + Mobo: i3-540 (approx $150 with a Fry's type sale) i5-750 (approx $220 with a Fry's type sale) Phenom X4 955 ($170+tax at Fry's this week) GPU 9800GTX+ 512MB ($50+tax at Fry's this week) 5770 (approx $150 @ Newegg) HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (approx $100) ~$100 SSD and keep existing 320 GB HDD RAM: 4GB (approx $100) Box: Approx $65 PSU: Approx $65 Comes out between $530 - $700 depending on CPU and GPU used. Thoughts? Last edited by SoCalTiger; 07-27-2010 at 03:16 AM.

08-04-2010, 04:50 PM	#8
SoCalTiger Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Los Angeles, CA Blu-ray collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	Thanks for all the tips guys, it's been a really big help. I was strongly leaning toward the i5-750/760 until I saw BDestroyer's comment about the i7-860 at Microcenter. It is $220 right now (vs $290 @ newegg) and this puts it only $10 more than the normal price for i5-760 ($20 more than i5-750) and Passmark rates it almost equal to the i7-920 . For that small price difference I'd love to have hyper-threading. Decided I didn't want to go i7-9xx due to increased price of MB and tri-channel RAM. Also decided that the 250 GTS would be fine for my purposes and I can always upgrade GPU next year since GPU tech progresses like mad. My final build is looking like this: CPU: i7-860 ($220 @ Microcenter) MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 ($130 AR @ Microcenter) GPU: 250 GTS HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX) RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) Case: Antec 300 Illusion PSU: Antec Earthwatts 650 Last edited by SoCalTiger; 08-04-2010 at 07:51 PM.

08-21-2010, 07:15 PM	#13
SoCalTiger Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Los Angeles, CA Blu-ray collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	Hey guys, Just wanted to give you an update to let you know I built this system a few weeks ago and everything seems to be good and stable. I had an issue with the original Antec PSU so I RMA'd it for the 650W Corsair. Very happy with this setup. FWIW the Palit 250 GTS seems to run everything at 1920x1080 at maximum settings that I have tried so far including Mass Effect 2, Fallout 3 and Modern Warfare. This setup totally destroys my old P4. CPU: i7-860 MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 GPU: Palit NE3TS25EFHD02 GeForce GTS 250 E-Green HDD: WD Caviar Black 1TB (WD1002FAEX) RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) Case: Antec 300 Illusion PSU: Corsair CMPSU-650TX 650W RT DVD: Samsung DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223L Sink: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus TIM: Arctic Silver 5

07-18-2010, 12:09 AM	#2
Polygon Active Member Top contributor Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Utah Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:140 DVD collection:672 Blu-ray reviews:40 Trading Score:2	I can tell you right now that an i3 is not what you want for games. I have to ask you, what's you're budget and does the monitor need to figure into said budget. Let me know and I will recommend you some parts.

07-18-2010, 05:38 PM	#4
Polygon Active Member Top contributor Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Utah Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:140 DVD collection:672 Blu-ray reviews:40 Trading Score:2	Alright, I'm saying it's a bad CPU for gaming. I'm just saying that if it's one of the main focuses of your machine it's not the CPU I would go with. You can get an i5 for a little more money. You're going to get an all around faster processor that's a little more future proof. I will agree, that the GPU is going to have world's more difference in the gaming aspect than the CPU. Both the i3 and i5 with do a good job, I think the slight increase in cost is worth it for the i5.

07-27-2010, 04:54 AM	#6
BDestroyer8418 Power Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Chicago,IL 4K collection:728 Blu-ray collection:3254 DVD collection:3 Digital collection:427 iTunes collection:13 Trading Score:231	I would skip the i5 750 and jump to the i7 860 if you plan on keeping more than 3+ Years. Hyper-threading could really help you out in the long run (depending on the prices for the 860/750). The i3-540 is a waste of money (for slightly higher clock and 1x Multiplier) just get i3-530 I'm running it as a Media Server. The 530 should be able to handle everything your looking for but you will be pushing it at most times (depending how much Occasional light Photoshop. Rare video editing your going to do) Also check Frys Website and SlickDeals on Thursday night/Friday mornings. I picked up 2 i3-530 Combos with Motherboars 1 was about $88 AR and the other was $100 AR. Also Check out MicroCenter it's been awhile since I looked at Prices but they where selling the 860 for $200, 530 for $100 and I believe the 750 for $180 for You might have to wait til 08-02-10 to see if the 860 drops again right now it's listed again for $230. Looks like they got the 750 going for $170 now. The 5770 or 260 would be a good starting spot for the GPU.

08-04-2010, 09:16 PM	#9
brettallica Blu-ray Samurai Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Santa Cruz, California Home Theater Gallery:51 Blu-ray collection:79 Trading Score:6	Just to validate your build, funsocaltiger, I have the mobile version of the i7 on my new laptop (the i7-620M), and this thing is an absolute beast. I can only imagine how awesome your i7 will be, since it's a desktop cpu. That rig you've got lined up is going to rock your HT. That GPU supports HDMI right from the card right? (such as the ATI Radeon 4000 or 5000 series)?

08-05-2010, 01:37 AM	#11
tootall82103 Active Member Member since:Jul 2009 Blu-ray collection:15	I'm not partial to Intel or AMD. I've used both and love both. Right now intel does have the performance crown, but the average user probably wouldn't notice and/or care about the performance difference. Are you set on buying at Frys? Check out some of the Combo deals at newegg, for example http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...t=Combo.432236 Just something else to look at! I can't wait to build me another computer. I built mine in '07 and I think I'll retire it in another 2 or 3 years. Forgot to add, that motherboard has built in video card, while it's not great for gaming (better than most other onboard video though) it will allow you to surf and do your graphics pretty decent. Also it will allow you to save up for another card or you can still get the GTS250 or whatever you were looking at. I'd go for the ATI 5770 if you're looking for a budget card though.

08-21-2010, 08:52 PM	#14
brettallica Blu-ray Samurai Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Santa Cruz, California Home Theater Gallery:51 Blu-ray collection:79 Trading Score:6	^ That's beautiful! How much did that bad boy end up setting you back? Nice work.

08-21-2010, 10:02 PM	#15
BDestroyer8418 Power Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Chicago,IL 4K collection:728 Blu-ray collection:3254 DVD collection:3 Digital collection:427 iTunes collection:13 Trading Score:231	Looks awesome man your going to enjoy that thing for awhile. Not to bad out of everything only the PSU was bad. Antec makes good PSU but you need to buy there better ones. I'm running the same PSU the Corsair 650TX in one of my PCs. Hey go back to Microcenter and get your $20+ back for the 860 http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0317378 If you used a Credit Card they might be able to do it over the phone. @brettallica Prob roughly $800. Minus the Monitor and K/M Last edited by BDestroyer8418; 08-21-2010 at 10:04 PM.

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