2nd Time Build Critique/Recommendations

[CerebralEdge]

Hello Everyone,

I'm working on a new build for gaming, general use and I'll be using CAD programs occasionally as well (AutoCAD, Civil 3D). I'm replacing my first build, which wasn't exactly top shelf material.

I've learned a lot since then though, and I have plenty of parts that I can reuse for this build. However, I'm a bit uncertain on which CPU and Motherboard to get. I'd prefer to use AMD components to keep costs low, but I'm open to using Intel as well.

I wanted to wait for steamroller, but after hearing that Kaveri has been delayed to 2014, I've decided I can't wait 6 months. If the performance is that much better I'll upgrade again when excavator is released.

I'm planning on overclocking, and would like to get a quality motherboard that will allow me to reach high clocks, and have the flexibility to Crossfire GPUs later on (I want a triple monitor setup down the road).

Currently my setup includes a 23" 1080p LG Flatron W2353V and a 51" 1080p Samsung Plasma, so my gaming resolution is limited to 1080p. I want a graphics card that will get me 60FPS with high quality image settings if possible within my price range.

My current build is LOUD; this time I'm going for a quiet computer for watching movies/less ambient noise. A GPU with a decent cooler is a must - I want to keep the noise down. My case has a 3 speed fan controller and 3 140mm fans. I'm going to be running my cooler in a Push/Pull configuration with 120mm Scythe Slipstream fans (they each have a PCI slot fan controller potentiometer). I have some spare 120mm Blue and Orange LED case fans to spice it up and Y-splitters to connect to the fan controller.

Pretty much everything is covered except my CPU/MOBO and GPU.

Here are the components I have already:

Case: Fractal Design MIDI R2
P/S: Corsair HX750 Professional Series 750W Power Supply
SSD: 60GB OCZ Agility 3 SATA3 (Windows/Priority Programs)
HDD: 2TB Seagate Barracuda SATA3
RAM: 2 x 4GB Corsair Vengeance LP DDR3 2133Mhz 11-11-11-27
Optical Drive: OEM 24x DVD RW Drive
CPU Cooler: CoolIt ECO II Liquid Cooler (OEM Corsair H60)

My price limit for CPU and MOBO is $250-300; I would like to allocate more for a Quality GPU.

I was considering an AMD FX-6300 because of it's low price, decent performance, and high overclockability. Choosing a motherboard is harder though... last time my board only had a 3+1 Power Phase and lacked VRM heatsinks, which limited my overclocks to around 10%. Oops.

As for a GPU, I was looking at the AMD Radeon HD 7950, because overclocked it can take on a 7970 at a lower price. However, unless a good deal comes along, I think it may be wiser to wait for the HD9000 series. My price limit for the GPU is also around 250-$300.

Am I on the right track? Let me know what you think!

 

[Lvcoyote]

$600 would get you in the HD 7950, Haswell i5-4670K, and a Z87 motherboard range.

 

[CerebralEdge]

I'm from Canada, and I'll most likely be ordering from Tigerdirect.ca, NCIX.com, Memory express, or Newegg.ca.

I'll have to pay shipping and 13% taxes so that can be considered part of my budget as well. Also I looked at an i5-4670k, and it's pretty much double the price of an FX-6300. Will it really make that big of a difference at 1080p resolutions?

I'm looking to get the most for my dollar.

 

[CerebralEdge]

Will an 8+2 power phase be adequate for overclocking? I'm looking at the Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 mother board on sale at NCIX for $140: http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=62403&promoid=1311

They also have the FX-6300 on for $120.

I think i can probably pricematch at memoryexpress as well.

 

[Knufire]

The 970-UD3 has the same power setup if you don't plan on ever using multiple video cards. Rev 3 of both those boards had issues, so make sure you're getting rev 1, 2, or 4.

 

[nicspits]

If you are going to go AMD, better make the extra $40 investment in the 8320 for the extra cores. Newer cad and civil software will most likely incorporate full (up to 8 core) support. It's a great deal of future proofing, especially against Intel's stronger CPUs going ahead and directly correlates to price (1/3 more cores for 1/3 more price) so you're not paying a premium for the extra power.

You will definitely want to overclock it though, otherwise might as well go with the cheapest 1150 based system as at least then you'd be on a platform with somewhere to upgrade in a few years for minimal cost as opposed to max out the AM3 platform today.

 

[CerebralEdge]

Thanks for the input guys!

I weighed out my options between the FX-8320 and the FX-6300 and I decided to go with the 95W TDPFX-6300 because of cooling limitations. I'm planning on overclocking, and I was worried about the FX-8320 throttling with higher clocks, seeing as I don't have a massive cooler.

I'll only be using CAD occasionally, so I think the $50 saved on the FX-8320 is worth it, especially if I can get overall higher clocks with the FX-6300 and in turn, better single thread performance.

I tried finding out which revision of the Gigabyte 990FXA-UD3 was listed, but I couldn't find any information on that unfortunately... I wanted the extra x16 PCI Express lane for an eventual crossfire triple display setup though so I pulled the trigger on it.

I also picked out an MSI Radeon HD7950 Twin Frozr III for my GPU.

I was able to price match the NCIX sale and got the FX-6300 for $118.74, the MOBO for $137.49, and the 7950 for $288.74.

At $544.97 I came in under budget, which is always nice

I'm gonna try overclock my CPU to 4.5Ghz and my GPU to 1100Mhz Core, 1500Mhz Memory once everything arrives!

 

[nicspits]

way to stay under budget, I'm sure you'll be pleased and enjoy!