Computer Hope
Other => Computer Hope groups => Self Built Computer Club => Topic started by: FelixJim on March 30, 2012, 02:49:00 PM
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I'm close to the end of the research phase of my first full self-build - and I'd appreciate someone "in the know" pointing out any fatal incompatibilities or oversights on my part before I spend a fair amount of cash and get only hours of frustration and self-loathing in return.
Without further ado (with Scan codes)
Processor: Intel CPU Core i5 2500K Unlocked Sandy Bridge Quad Core Processor OEM LN37506
Motherboard: Asus P8H61-V <REV 3.0> Intel H61 Socket 1155 Motherboard LN40542
Memory: Corsair Memory XMS3 Classic 4GB DDR3 1333 Mhz CAS 9 Dual Channel Desktop LN27738
HDD: 1TB Western Digital Caviar Green Hard Drive - HDD LN31415
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-500CXV2UK 500W Power Supply LN35692
Video card: Asus HD 6670 AMD Radeon Graphics Card - 1GB LN39451
Case: Antec 300 Three Hundred Black Mid Tower Computer Case 0761345-08300-3 LN22762
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Mid-end build with entry level graphics; can't really go wrong here with the i5-2500K and a good power supply that will come in handy if you want to upgrade to a more beefier graphics card later on.
My first concern would be upgrading, though.
The motherboard you picked out only has one PCIe x16 expansion slot. Your HD 6670 will not be able to play many modern games at high resolutions:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/HD_6670/11.html
and it would be convenient later on to get another HD 6670 and run them in Crossfire.
Asus P8H61-M Rev 3.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131716 ($80.99)
Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128538 ($94.99)
For 14 bucks more you get 2 additional RAM slots that have the ability to run at up to 2133 MHz, an extra PCIe x1 slot, an extra PCIe x16 slot, SATA 6 GB/s and two USB 3.0 ports.
According to the bad customer reviews on the WD Caviar Green drives here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136513
Many dead on arrival drives.
It is possible that the "Green" Drives were originally high-performance drives that failed to meet the stress tests in the factory and therefore were binned as lower performance drives.
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I would recommend getting a motherboard with a Z68 chipset as it will allow you to overclock your CPU if you wish (The 2500k overclocks very well)
What do you plan on using this system for?
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I agree with changing mb to maximize cpu's long term potential.
Generally, Z77 costs about the same as Z68. Same with 1600 vs 1333.
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He hasn't been back in 5 months...