[Kiwi_321]

Hey all,

I want a gaming PC that will be able to run all the latest games (i.e. Starcraft 2) easily and without hassle. It would also be nice for it to run for a number of years.

Before this time last week I understood very little about whats out there with PC's, but I'm now somewhat well versed with everything after quite a bit of research. In saying that however, I still need help.
Notably, I would also like to avoid overclocking my system (Worried i'll screw it up!)

I'm currently looking at buying the following system (I would like to stay under $1500/1600 or so):

CPU: Intel 2nd Gen i5 2500 3.7 ghz Turbo 6mb Cache
RAM: Corsier 8GB RAM 1333 with Heatsink
HDD: 1 TB, 7200rpm
GPU: GeForce GTX 560, 570, or 580..
PSU: 650w, >80%

Not sure about the Motherboard. The seller I’m likely to buy from suggests it will not matter too much (between what range he offers, that is)

OS will likely be Windows 7 64-bit.

Okay issues:
1. i5 2500 (Note, not i5 2500k bcos I don’t want to OC) versus i7 2600?
I want this for gaming. I have tried to find out a definitive answer for this, even on OCForums, but am really struggling to just get a sweet and final answer. Is it worth getting i7 2600 for games?? (It will cost exactly $100 more, yes. Is this worth it if I am not wanting to OC?)
Notably, the seller suggested the extra 2mb cache for the i7 was ‘important’..?

2. The GPU.
After research I have figured it will be better to go GTX over ATI. So the next question is which GTX?
Will the 560 be good enough for games, or should I just go for the 570?
And do I need to upgrade that PSU for a 570? As I understand it, I Do for a 580, but that’s looking to be $300 more. Unless someone here convinces me otherwise, I’m thinking the GTX 570?

3. Should I be upgrading for a nice cooling system, or would something like a ‘Cooler Master Hyper TX3 CPU Cooler’ be okay?

4. I saw it suggested that a high GPU and SSD is the way to go for 'todays games' over an awesome CPU. I kinda understand 'Solid State Drive,' but what do I buy/add to this system to get this 'good SSD'

Feel free to criticize the hell out of this / suggest something else altogether / convince my mind. Anything you say will help me!

Cheers,
Kiwi.

[Mjolnir]

The SB systems are so stupidly easy to OC... I would recommend giving it a go.

I would suggest the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ for your CPU's heatsink. And I would still say go the 2500K model, and OC to a mild 4.2 ghz for 24/7 use! It won't hurt at all!

RAM: For a gaming system, stick to 2x2GB, should be more than enough.. But if you're set on 8GB, find some CAS7 1600MHZ if you can if it's within your budget, (or at least CAS8 1600mhz).
PSU: Corsair HX750
GPU: GTX 570 if you're stuck on Nvidia. That'd be my choice anyway...
(Alternatively, you could go a HD6950, and Flash it to a HD6970)
SSD: Any decently rated 60GB SSD is fine! If you don't plan to install a LOT of games, 60GB should be fine... I personally need the 120gb+ model, as I install other Graphics Design-type programs too...

But I do definitely suggest an SSD for a new build.

Also, what case are you using?

Kiwi? You from NZ? Cos I can compare prices better if you give me the site or something, as I'm from Aus and all..

[Kiwi_321]

Yeah mate, I'm a Kiwi but I've lived in Sydney for a good decade now.

I'm actually looking to buy from eBay, and have found a system for $1,539.
It's specific specs are:

CPU: Intel 2nd Gen Quad i5 2500 3.7ghz (I am going to ask how much for a 2500K ...and then see how to OC it. What does 'SB' mean btw?)
Motherboard: P67 Pro LGA 1155 SATA III 6Gb/s
RAM: Corsair 8GB (2x4) 1333 Memory High Performance XMS with Heatsink (I will ask about CAS7 but I think it might get too expensive for me – What difference does ‘CAS7/8’ make? Noob question sorry, but just interested if it is worth paying the extra $$)
GPU: Yep, settled on the GTX 570 1280mb.
HDD: 1TB 7200rpm SATA III 6Gb/s
PSU: Cooler Master High Efficiency (>80%) GX 750w. (I will ask how much for a Corsair HX750. Do you think that the Corsair is that much better than the Cooler Master?)
Case: Thermaltake Element G Pro Gaming Mid Tower (Thoughts?)
Cooler: TY for the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ suggestion, it looks like its cheap enough to get so I’ll request it.

Now, he sells SSD (60gb) for approx. $200 as a separate item. Is SSD essential for this? I don’t intend to have like a ****load of games, I just want the games I have to run smoothly.

And I forgot to add, Should I be considering a Sound Card at all?

And the i5 2500 v i7 2600 question is sort of still unanswered in the context that I do Not OC the i5 2500

Cheers

[Mjolnir]

Sydney? Ebay? So you wouldn't be willing to build it yourself then I assume? Cos I could put together a system from http://www.pccasegear.com/ you could build that'd be better than that probably...

If you're going pre-built, ever consider Scorptec?

http://www.scorptec.com.au/system/109

Fix up a couple things, etc. Whatever lol. But I'd rather order from Scorptec for pre-built rather than Ebay. Personal preferance

As for the 2500 vs 2600 question, you won't really notice the difference in gaming, maybe 1-3 fps.. the 2600 just has hyperthreading + 2 extra mb on the cache, as well as a 100mhz stock clock higher speed.. But for gaming you really would not notice the difference.

EDIT: below is the approx build.. If you're really set on not OC'ing, shave another 40 bucks for the 2500 model

ALSO: Soundcard, not really unless you're a sound enthusiast with high end headphones. Do you already have a windows disk though? Cos it'll be another 100 on the price below otherwise.. (for home premium 64 bit)

The case is just a placeholder... Cases are a personal preference thing lol :P. Also price doesn't include shipping.

[Theocnoob]

MJ- that mobo and that CPU do not go together, unless you like flushing money down the toilet. Counterclockwise. Or is it clockwise?... hangon... Ok ya clockwise.

P67 for K. H locks multi unlocks igpu.

[Mjolnir]

My bad! Was a quick add to cart thing.. I'll fix it XD.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?...ducts_id=16835

There.. 4 dollars difference muahaha XD

That said, if he plans to stick with the 2500 non-k version, that board would be fine! Hahaha :P

[Theocnoob]

Do me a favor and go flush your toilet and let me know if it flushes clockwise or not?

[Mjolnir]

One of the best-known bits of trivia regarding the loo is that flushing one in the United States produces a clockwise swirl, whereas Australia’s toilets flush counterclockwise - a phenomenon said to be driven by the contrasting effects of the earth’s rotation upon the northern vs. the southern hemispheres.

What’s particularly fascinating about this oft-mentioned factoid, though, is that it’s entirely false. Although the explanation is grounded in a true natural phenomenon known as the Coriolis effect, this nugget of misinformation fudges the fact that over an area as small as a toilet — or, for that matter, an Olympic swimming pool — the Coriolis Effect’s effect is negligible. Whether in New Zealand or New Hampshire, your toilet will only flush in the direction its water jets tell it to. So the next time a so-called smarty-pants tries to pass that bit of misinformation your way, go ahead and laugh it off as bathroom humor.

:P

[Kiwi_321]

Originally Posted by Theocnoob

Do me a favor and go flush your toilet and let me know if it flushes clockwise or not?

Yep, it goes clockwise. Don't listen to Mjilnor, he lies! It's real!

Ahah, but despite your lies MJ, a big ty for your assistance.

I am basically just not confident with building the comp myself (let alone OC ob.v ), so your suggestion to a this site is great - looks like i can save a couple hundred $$ with them!


So basically, I'm assuming that you all agree that the above system is suitable enough for gaming?
Also, thankyou for your post on i5/i7. I was halfway there to that conclusion but had to have someone tell it to me bluntly haha.

[Theocnoob]

Originally Posted by Kiwi_321

Yep, it goes clockwise. Don't listen to Mjilnor, he lies! It's real!

... mine too...

System is fine for gaming.

Disappointed regarding toilet.

[Mjolnir]

Hahahaha :P.

Ah I see. PC Case Gear won't make you a comp though I don't think... At least I don't see the option too. But Scorptec will do a good job of it, with warranty on the machine as well! granted Scorptec will cost slightly more but it could very well be worth it...

I could always drop by your house and make it! LOL :P.

Either way, I'd avoid pre-build systems over Ebay.. Unless it's actually a registered company that just happens to have dealings over ebay as well as their normal store to help increase sales..

[Theocnoob]

?? Is there a post missing or osmething? Who are you responding to?

[Mjolnir]

Originally Posted by Theocnoob

?? Is there a post missing or osmething? Who are you responding to?

Kiwi's post... Lol.

"Quote:
Originally Posted by Theocnoob View Post
Do me a favor and go flush your toilet and let me know if it flushes clockwise or not?
Yep, it goes clockwise. Don't listen to Mjilnor, he lies! It's real!

Ahah, but despite your lies MJ, a big ty for your assistance.

I am basically just not confident with building the comp myself (let alone OC ob.v ), so your suggestion to a this site is great - looks like i can save a couple hundred $$ with them!


So basically, I'm assuming that you all agree that the above system is suitable enough for gaming?
Also, thankyou for your post on i5/i7. I was halfway there to that conclusion but had to have someone tell it to me bluntly haha. "