Hello everyone.
I completed my first build (ever) a little over 1 month ago and I am already looking for ways to improve speed and performance. I am not a huge gamer but I do enjoy HD vids, Blu-ray vids, having multiple windows open while on the web, and multi-tasking. Before I ask a few questions and seek some advice, here are the specs of my build...
Motherboard ... Asus P8Z68-V LE Z68 LGA 1155
Processor ... Intel Core i5 2400 LGA 1155
Hard Drive ... HDD 1T WD10EARX SATA6G
Active Drive ... SSD 120G Intel SSDSC2CW120A310
2 Memory cards ... Corsair Vengeance Series 8GB DDR3-1866 (PC3-15000) CL9 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit (2 4 GB Memory Modules)
2 Addt'l Video Cards ... XFX HD 675X ZMFR HD 6750 1G
3 Monitors ... Samsung SyncMaster 24" LED Backlit HD Monitors S24A300B
BluRay Burner/Player ... BD Burn Lite-On IHBS112-04
Power Supply ... PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II 750 Watt ATX
Computer Case/Tower ... Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower ATX
Wireless Mouse & Keyboard ... Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000
1 set of speakers & subwoofer ... Logitech 200W Z623 THX certified speakers and subwoofer
I must say that I enjoyed doing the research and building my own machine (I think I did fine considering it's my first build). Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this build. I am simply considering the following ideas to upgrade or improve my current machine and I welcome any advice.
1. Would I see any noticeable improvements (in speed and performance) if I upgrade my CPU from i5 2400 LGA 1155 to either i7 3770 (or i7 3770K OR any of the Extreme Edition Unlocked "K" processors)?
1.a. I understand that my clock speed would move from 3.1 - 3.4 GHz to 3.4 - 3.9 GHz (or higher if I get a "K" processor and overclock/modify it), however, would any improvements be worth the additional money?
1.b. If the answer is "yes", and given the fact that I have never "overclocked" or messed with the BIOS before, is it difficult to make the necessary modifications to get the most out of my upgraded CPU? ... I assume I could get help with this
2. Though I currently do not have an unlocked processor, what are some average temps for (a) Motherboard [CPU, Auxiliary, System], (b) CPU [Core 1, 2, 3, 4 & Package], and (c) Hard Disk?
- I ask because I currently have 3 fans but I want to be sure I am providing enough airflow to maintain acceptable temps (without needing or having a liquid-cooled system).
3. Given my current system/build, do you have any other advice on how I can tweak my system to improve its speed and performance?
4. Any suggestions on what I can do differently on my next build (e.g., AMD vs Intel, LGA2011 vs LGA1155 [and using corresponding chipsets X79 or Z77/H77], different type of motherboard, PCI Express options)?
Any suggestions or advice is appreciated as I am still learning.
Thank you.
I completed my first build (ever) a little over 1 month ago and I am already looking for ways to improve speed and performance. I am not a huge gamer but I do enjoy HD vids, Blu-ray vids, having multiple windows open while on the web, and multi-tasking. Before I ask a few questions and seek some advice, here are the specs of my build...
Motherboard ... Asus P8Z68-V LE Z68 LGA 1155
Processor ... Intel Core i5 2400 LGA 1155
Hard Drive ... HDD 1T WD10EARX SATA6G
Active Drive ... SSD 120G Intel SSDSC2CW120A310
2 Memory cards ... Corsair Vengeance Series 8GB DDR3-1866 (PC3-15000) CL9 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit (2 4 GB Memory Modules)
2 Addt'l Video Cards ... XFX HD 675X ZMFR HD 6750 1G
3 Monitors ... Samsung SyncMaster 24" LED Backlit HD Monitors S24A300B
BluRay Burner/Player ... BD Burn Lite-On IHBS112-04
Power Supply ... PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk II 750 Watt ATX
Computer Case/Tower ... Cooler Master HAF 922 Mid Tower ATX
Wireless Mouse & Keyboard ... Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000
1 set of speakers & subwoofer ... Logitech 200W Z623 THX certified speakers and subwoofer
I must say that I enjoyed doing the research and building my own machine (I think I did fine considering it's my first build). Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this build. I am simply considering the following ideas to upgrade or improve my current machine and I welcome any advice.
1. Would I see any noticeable improvements (in speed and performance) if I upgrade my CPU from i5 2400 LGA 1155 to either i7 3770 (or i7 3770K OR any of the Extreme Edition Unlocked "K" processors)?
1.a. I understand that my clock speed would move from 3.1 - 3.4 GHz to 3.4 - 3.9 GHz (or higher if I get a "K" processor and overclock/modify it), however, would any improvements be worth the additional money?
1.b. If the answer is "yes", and given the fact that I have never "overclocked" or messed with the BIOS before, is it difficult to make the necessary modifications to get the most out of my upgraded CPU? ... I assume I could get help with this
2. Though I currently do not have an unlocked processor, what are some average temps for (a) Motherboard [CPU, Auxiliary, System], (b) CPU [Core 1, 2, 3, 4 & Package], and (c) Hard Disk?
- I ask because I currently have 3 fans but I want to be sure I am providing enough airflow to maintain acceptable temps (without needing or having a liquid-cooled system).
3. Given my current system/build, do you have any other advice on how I can tweak my system to improve its speed and performance?
4. Any suggestions on what I can do differently on my next build (e.g., AMD vs Intel, LGA2011 vs LGA1155 [and using corresponding chipsets X79 or Z77/H77], different type of motherboard, PCI Express options)?
Any suggestions or advice is appreciated as I am still learning.
Thank you.
Nice build!
