Welcome guest. Before posting on our computer help forum, you must register. Click here it's easy and free.

Author Topic: Pesky Noob asking for advice  (Read 13027 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

FelixJim

    Topic Starter


    Newbie

    • Experience: Beginner
    • OS: Unknown
    Pesky Noob asking for advice
    « on: March 30, 2012, 02:49:00 PM »
    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

    Transfusion



      Mentor

    • STUPID=Smart Talented Unique Person In Demand
    • Thanked: 105
      • Yes
      • Yes
      • Yes
    • Computer: Specs
    • Experience: Familiar
    • OS: Linux variant
    Re: Pesky Noob asking for advice
    « Reply #1 on: March 30, 2012, 11:15:35 PM »
    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.
    In Soviet Russia, iPhone touch you. Computer shut you down. Mouse click you. Floppy inserts you. Yahoo answers you. Man in TV watches you. Computer game addicts you. Guitar shreds you. Motherboard fries you. The laughter in manslaughter is put back in.
    Giveaway of the Day" style="border: none

    camerongray



      Expert
    • Thanked: 306
      • Yes
      • Cameron Gray - The Random Rambings of a Computer Geek
    • Certifications: List
    • Computer: Specs
    • Experience: Expert
    • OS: Mac OS
    Re: Pesky Noob asking for advice
    « Reply #2 on: April 05, 2012, 07:03:55 AM »
    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?

    kingdaddyrabbit



      Rookie

      Thanked: 1
      • Yes
    • Computer: Specs
    • Experience: Beginner
    • OS: Windows 7
    Re: Pesky Noob asking for advice
    « Reply #3 on: August 27, 2012, 02:12:02 PM »

    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.

    patio

    • Moderator


    • Genius
    • Maud' Dib
    • Thanked: 1769
      • Yes
    • Experience: Beginner
    • OS: Windows 7
    Re: Pesky Noob asking for advice
    « Reply #4 on: August 27, 2012, 02:35:29 PM »
    He hasn't been back in 5 months...
    " Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined. "