First time builder, could you guys please give me some advice on this rig?

[Switch296]

Hey guys,

I'm a first time builder and am looking to build myself what I consider a pretty high end gaming rig, I was wondering if you could please give me some advice on it

Here is what it looks like so far (Keep in mind I'm from Australia and the prices are AUD, I'm just using this website instead of the Australian one because there is so many more people on it) -

Updated build -

MOBO: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 Motherboard- $389.00

CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K - $219.00

RAM: Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 - $129.00

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB - $95.00

NETWORK CARD: D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N Wireless PCI Express Adapter $99.00

GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 580 Lightning - $649.00

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit with SP1 OEM - $105.00

OPTICAL DRIVE: Lite-On IHAS324 24x DVDRW - $29.00

PSU: Corsair AX1200 Gold Power Supply (I am getting this because I plan to obtain an additional MSI GTX 580 Lightning for SLI a few months after getting the main build and overclock both of them along with overclocking the i5 2500k, don't want to skimp on the PSU! - $365.00

Anyhow as long as you guys don't see any problems there (If you do please point them out, besides advising me to get an SSD as I am not willing to pay for them, if I do decide to get a small one for the OS or something that will be in the future when I have spare cash to do so) onto the questions.

1. Is the type of RAM I have listed the best 8GB of RAM I can get for gaming? Here is a link to it http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16459

Is there something better than that for gaming? If so, Here is a list of RAM that I have available to me, I live in Australia so the only reputable retailer for computer parts is basically pccasegear.com for me. http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=186_538_913

2. I have heard aftermarket CPU coolers (Which I will be purchasing after I have obtained the main computer and have some spare cash) can have trouble fitting with certain types of RAM on P67 motherboards. Will my RAM (Or the RAM you advise) fit with it? What aftermarket cooler should be the best for me out of these choices? Keep in mind I am not willing to do water cooling no matter how much you try to convince me and am willing to buy even the most expensive air cooler if you really think it is worth it (They aren't that expensive anyway)

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=207_23_845&vk_sort=4

3. On the subject of overclocking (Which I have never done before but after doing quite a bit of research, seems pretty easy with afterburner for GPU and a i5 2500k), does overclocking ALWAYS lower the lifespan of the components? I know this rig is basically built to be an overclocker but I don't want to overclock for like a 25% performance boost and then have the rig last me 1 year instead of 5 or something, you know? Is it generally safe to overclock? I'm thinking the farthest I would want to push my it 2500k is 4.5ghz and the GPU I am not sure about.. will that considerably lower the lifespan? Cheers


4. Anything else you guys feel you need to mention or give me some advice on? 1TB of space should be plenty for ONLY gaming shouldn't it? I have a laptop to keep all my media.

Thanks heaps guys for any advice you can give, I really appreciate it!

Take it easy.

EDIT: I notice I left out the case which I already have, it's a HAF X.

 

[Black C5 Z06]

If you want to save some money, and you're not going to be storing media on it, you could drop that drive down to a 640 or 500GB drive.

Do you want LightScribe? If not, save $20 and just get one of the LITE-ON or Samsung drives I saw on that site.

 

[Switch296]

If you want to save some money, and you're not going to be storing media on it, you could drop that drive down to a 640 or 500GB drive.

Do you want LightScribe? If not, save $20 and just get one of the LITE-ON or Samsung drives I saw on that site.

Yeah I think I may drop down the hard drive if I can find a caviar black 500gb/640gb on that site (I think there is one)

And yeah I also think I may drop down to a cheaper optical DVD drive. Which one would you recommend off of that site? Does it really matter what brand DVD drives are?

Also I realize I just epic failed and also left out the power supply of the build, both from this post and from my final tally of how much the computer would cost.. facepalm.. >_<

What kind of power supply do I need for my rig? Is 850 enough? I know nothing about PSUs.. I was thinking of even getting another 580 lightning to go SLI at some point in the future, I would probably need more than 850 for that if they were both overclocked along with the i5 2500k wouldn't I?

EDIT: Decided to drop down the optical drive to a Lite-On shown here - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=11487

Decided not to drop down the hard drive as the only other option for a caviar black is 500gb and I have a feeling with the huge steam library I have that I could fill that in a years time or so...

Still kicking myself so bloody hard that I forgot the PSU.. I knew the damn thing looked too cheap! lol..

 

[Black C5 Z06]

I'm not an Intel/nVidia person, but I can't fathom a single CPU/single GPU system using more than 650watts peak.

Most important thing with a PSU is the brand. I like Corsair and Seasonic. The PSU is the last thing you want to skimp on.



And no, from my experience the Optical Drive brand doesn't really matter. They aren't used much these days.

 

[Switch296]

I'm not an Intel/nVidia person, but I can't fathom a single CPU/single GPU system using more than 650watts peak.

Most important thing with a PSU is the brand. I like Corsair and Seasonic. The PSU is the last thing you want to skimp on.



And no, from my experience the Optical Drive brand doesn't really matter. They aren't used much these days.

Yeah, I've decided to go with Corsair AX1200 Gold Power Supply shown here - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15244

Main reason for that is because after doing a bit of Googling it seems 850w is really pushing it for 2 SLI MSI 580 Lightnings (What I intend to have a few months after buying the computer the way it is here) and 850W is the only corsair Gold Power supply before the 1200w and as you said, can't skimp on the PSU.

That brings the total to $2265.42 with postage, postage insurance, credit card surcharge and government tax.. FML lol.

 

[snowbrd]

If you get a 850w seasonic x psu than it should be able to handle loads up to 1kw.

 

[Knufire]

Yeah, a Corsair 850HX will handle the system fine. BTW, 80+ Gold does NOT mean that it is a good PSU. A good PSU needs to have low ripple, all the voltage within spec, be able to pull it's rated power load and overload at and above rated temperatures, etc. 80+ Hold means its extremely efficient (I.e., watts computer is pulling from the PSU is closer to watts PSU is pulling from the wall), but you can have a sh*tty PSU with a high efficiency. If it really makes you feel better, get a 950TX or 1000HX and call it a day, you'll never need 1200W. I'd stick with 850 though. Don't even need AX, go TX or HX.

What I don't understand is why you have one of the most expensive motherboards, but no SSD or HSF. Get a Cogage True Spirit or a Corsir A70, a 120GB Vertex 3, and use what's left to get a GA-Z68-UD5 or so. You'll reach the same CPU clocks, and the UD5s PCIe slots are three spaces apart, so you won't burn the top card as bad in SLI. Plus you can get the ASUS CuCore version or get an aftermarket cooler for the 580s to boost your clocks. Way more performance for your money by dropping down the MB.

You can buy as fancy of a wireless adapter as you want, but a long ethernet cable and the onboard NIC will still win. Unless it's completely impossible, stick with wired.

RAM is RAM, the only real difference is the super high quality stuff that is not produced anymore, only companies with enough left in stock to produce is Corsair (it's all in the Dominator GTs) and Kingston (Hyper T1). Other then those, its all basically the same. Corsair Vengence line or G.SKILL Ripjaws-X, whatever is cheaper at your chosen spec (what you have is what I would reccomend, DDR3-1600 CL8).

 

[Switch296]

Yeah, a Corsair 850HX will handle the system fine. BTW, 80+ Gold does NOT mean that it is a good PSU. A good PSU needs to have low ripple, all the voltage within spec, be able to pull it's rated power load and overload at and above rated temperatures, etc. 80+ Hold means its extremely efficient (I.e., watts computer is pulling from the PSU is closer to watts PSU is pulling from the wall), but you can have a sh*tty PSU with a high efficiency. If it really makes you feel better, get a 950TX or 1000HX and call it a day, you'll never need 1200W. I'd stick with 850 though. Don't even need AX, go TX or HX.

What I don't understand is why you have one of the most expensive motherboards, but no SSD or HSF. Get a Cogage True Spirit or a Corsir A70, a 120GB Vertex 3, and use what's left to get a GA-Z68-UD5 or so. You'll reach the same CPU clocks, and the UD5s PCIe slots are three spaces apart, so you won't burn the top card as bad in SLI. Plus you can get the ASUS CuCore version or get an aftermarket cooler for the 580s to boost your clocks. Way more performance for your money by dropping down the MB.

You can buy as fancy of a wireless adapter as you want, but a long ethernet cable and the onboard NIC will still win. Unless it's completely impossible, stick with wired.

RAM is RAM, the only real difference is the super high quality stuff that is not produced anymore, only companies with enough left in stock to produce is Corsair (it's all in the Dominator GTs) and Kingston (Hyper T1). Other then those, its all basically the same. Corsair Vengence line or G.SKILL Ripjaws-X, whatever is cheaper at your chosen spec (what you have is what I would reccomend, DDR3-1600 CL8).

You really think a 850 watt PSU would be good enough for 2 overclocked MSI 580 Lightnings and a overclocked i5 2500k?

With the wireless adapter yeah, there is literally no way it is possible for me to use a cable unless I pull apart my ceiling or use a 50 meter cable.. So yeah

With the ram then yeah I'll keep that the same as what it is now.

And finally with your advice on why am I getting the most expensive motherboard, it's because I have HUGE faith in ASUS, far more than in any other computer part company and have heard from many sources that it is *THE* P67 motherboard for overclocking and reliability.

I will still be buying a aftermarket CPU cooler as I stated in the original post, but will be doing so after I obtain the core build I have listed here and have a bit of spare cash. I want to obtain the computer as soon as possible so I can start gaming.. I will leave overclocking until a month or so after having it.. and as I said I am really just not willing to buy an SSD, they are so incredibly expensive and unreliable(from what I have heard the failure rates are ten times that of normal hard drives generally) that it is just not worth spending hundreds of extra dollars.

As far as getting another motherboard which can overclock the same (I honestly doubt it) and have the same reliability then perhaps I will consider getting the one you recommend but yeah..

Also what do you mean by burn the top card less? The MSI 580 Lightnings run extremely cool and have a completely open design basically so I'm pretty sure that the top card wouldn't suffer any more than a few degrees than the bottom in SLI.. I'm pretty sure I read something along those lines, am I incorrect in thinking so?

EDIT: After doing even more research I've decided to go with a 850w PSU. Still not sure if I want to downgrade the motherboard though.

 

[snowbrd]

Your overthinking it on the ssd. The only company that has a high reported failure rate is OCZ and thats ONLY less than 5%. Intel has less than 1%
Remember people usually only review when they fail. Splurge 150 on a ocz solid 3. It costs 135 in the US but in aus its always a bit more expensive. You don't need such a expensive motherboard. Do you need all the ROG stuff? No? See.

 

[Switch296]

Your overthinking it on the ssd. The only company that has a high reported failure rate is OCZ and thats ONLY less than 5%. Intel has less than 1%
Remember people usually only review when they fail. Splurge 150 on a ocz solid 3. It costs 135 in the US but in aus its always a bit more expensive. You don't need such a expensive motherboard. Do you need all the ROG stuff? No? See.

Honestly I see no reason for me to get an SSD whatsoever. I realize they make the boot time incredibly fast and such but I just really do not find that necessary nor do I need faster load times than what a caviar black gives in games.. I am trying to lower the cost a bit at the moment, not raise it by hundreds by adding a SSD, even a small one. Even a 120gb ocz vertex 3 is $300+, just not worth it. I also really prefer having all my stuff on 1 hard drive so I don't want just a small one for the OS.

I am still open to getting a different motherboard but I don't know which one I should get.. I really don't want to get a Gigabyte motherboard as I know absolutely nothing about the brand.. are they well known and make good stuff?

 

[snowbrd]

60gb ocz solid 3. 150 dollars. Not hundreds.

 

[Switch296]

60gb ocz solid 3. 150 dollars. Not hundreds.

There is no 60gb ocz solid 3 for $150 on pccasegear.com which is where I stated I will be buying from (And no other reputable Australian parts supplier will have it if they don't)

Besides, I said I don't want an SSD multiple times now.

 

[snowbrd]

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php...edium=cse&utm_campaign=export_feed#googlebase
ocz agility 3.
They are ocz's budget ssds. I am just saying that you are being a bit like benny in that other thread.
http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-4205083...it_GDDR5_-_772MHz_GPU_-_4008MHz_Memory_-_PCI-
gtx 580 for 550. Save you some more money there and mwave is reputable.
You don't need the extra fan. The 580s run a LOT cooler than the 480s and are a big stepup.

 

[Switch296]

I have decided to get the GIGABYTE GA-Z68-UD7-B3 motherboard instead of the MAXIMUS after doing some more research.

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php...edium=cse&utm_campaign=export_feed#googlebase
ocz agility 3.
They are ocz's budget ssds. I am just saying that you are being a bit like benny in that other thread.
http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-4205083...it_GDDR5_-_772MHz_GPU_-_4008MHz_Memory_-_PCI-
gtx 580 for 550. Save you some more money there and mwave is reputable.
You don't need the extra fan. The 580s run a LOT cooler than the 480s and are a big stepup.

I'm not getting an SSD no matter what, I'm sorry. I have read too much negative stuff about them and it is not worth the money in my opinion. Nothing you can say will change that, I'm sorry if you find me ignorant or unintelligent because of that but my mind isn't going to change, let's leave that subject there.

The 580 you recommended is nowhere near the level of the MSI Lightning (core clock comes at 770mhz where as the lightning is 830ish mhz for example, lower memory clock also) and also has nowhere near the overclock potential of the MSI lightning(Have been reports of it being pushed to 1000mhz and stable)

 

[snowbrd]

one 580 itself is overkill. If you add another it doesn't even NEED a overclock for another 2 years probably.
You don't need the z68 ud7 because it doesn't even have the thing where it uses the integrated graphics. I forgot the name. At any point its pointless anyway.

http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-4205093...verclocked_Video_Card_-_GDDR5_1536MB_384-Bit_
If your so insistent on it than take that one. Save yourself some cash.

 

[Switch296]

one 580 itself is overkill. If you add another it doesn't even NEED a overclock for another 2 years probably.
You don't need the z68 ud7 because it doesn't even have the thing where it uses the integrated graphics. I forgot the name. At any point its pointless anyway.

http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-4205093...verclocked_Video_Card_-_GDDR5_1536MB_384-Bit_
If your so insistent on it than take that one. Save yourself some cash.

I really think I'll stick with the lightning, I'm okay with spending the extra for it and it definitely seems worth it. I know 1 580 stock is overkill but even they can get pushed under 30 frames per second with some games at 1920x1200.

And what do you mean I don't need the UD7 because it doesn't have the thing where it uses the integrated graphics? I know it doesn't use the integrated graphics but it does have 2 PCI-E 16x slots running at 16x. I don't need the integrated graphics. If you are saying I shouldn't get it just because it has Z68 in the name and that usually means it uses integrated graphics well, there isn't a non z68 version p67 motherboard that has 2 PCI-E 16x slots running at 16x.

 

[Knufire]

Z68=P67+SSD Caching+Virtu iGPU Transcode Boost. Giga opted out of Virtu and your solid on not buying an SSD. Therefore, Z68 is a waste of money.
Also, between x16 and x8, you lose like 3%. And if you want the best overclocks, get the Twin Frozr and put an AC Accelero Xtreme Plus on it. 50/50 change it will fit on the Lightening, but it's a non-reference design so you never know. Therefore, better performance going with the UD5 so you can SLI tri-slot coolers.

Actually, I think you can do the same on the M4E.