Building my own gaming rig.
- Thread starter zx_xmbie
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I'm not a huge fan of the M59 when comparing it to the PC-7B for a few reasons, but they're probably personal preference-based; I prefer aluminum cases because in my experience, they're much lighter than steel and still pretty durable. The PC7B also totes a top-mounted power supply slot. I also think the ventilation is a bit better in the Lian-Li case, but YMMV.
What made you choose that particular EVO over the 880 UD3H, though?
What made you choose that particular EVO over the 880 UD3H, though?
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Having worked in a PC7B, I can vouch for their quality. I've also worked in an NZXT case (Lexa S), and it was nice, but the Lian Li case was simply superior.
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Save a little more.
Obtaining Windows 7 through school resources if possible would save you a bit.
Obtaining Windows 7 through school resources if possible would save you a bit.
Save a little more.
Obtaining Windows 7 through school resources if possible would save you a bit.
It'd actually give you about only 5% off so I'd rather buy it direct
\But its his decision
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While the 2500k is a much better processor, sometimes saving more isn't always an option. I would be rather hesitant about purchasing a Phenom2 right now though. If he is saving up cash and can't purchase right now, then seeing what bulldozer has to offer in the lower mid-range would be a very good idea.
As for everything else in that build, I think I'd rather take runo's.
Oh, and comparing that fugly M59 to an aluminum Lian-Li is ludicrous.
It'd actually give you about only 5% off so I'd rather buy it direct
But its his decision
My university provides Windows XP free of charge to students. Granted, it's XP, but a free OS is still free.
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There are websites you can get it through using a .edu email to get it for a 50%+ discount. And saving $100 more or not even that much if he can get the OS cheaper (they do also run frequent discounts even on newegg for $10-20 off) is not that much more to save, especially if you are already spending that much on the computer.
Everything else in that build?
CPU, mine
Motherboard, mine
HDD, same
Case, personal preference
GPU, tossup
RAM, mine
PSU, mine
DVD drive, ?
Windows, same
What exactly are you referring to that you like better in runos? Thanks.
Everything else in that build?
CPU, mine
Motherboard, mine
HDD, same
Case, personal preference
GPU, tossup
RAM, mine
PSU, mine
DVD drive, ?
Windows, same
What exactly are you referring to that you like better in runos? Thanks.
Now that I think about it, if they can wait it out at least a month or two more, it would be very worthwhile to wait it out for Bulldozer. Even if the lower mid-range isn't much better than the P2s that are available now (which I think they probably will be a lot better...), if nothing else, then I think the prices on the i5/i7 will take at least a mild dunk to help Intel compete with the higher-up Bulldozer CPUs. Huckleberry's build might be an even better deal by then.
@huckleberry: I don't mean to seem offensive if I say that, while the build is solid, I think it is a bit out of budget for the OP (though that's entirely their choice). I would argue a couple of your choices but I agree that if the budget were closer to $900 to a grand, that would be a pretty sweet deal (nicer DVD drive, more quality RAM...)
GPU: I do like the GTX 560, but I've honestly never used any of PNY's products. I would go the extra mile and purchase an EVGA variant of the 560 for their excellent warranties and customer service. I do feel that the 6950 is a genuinely strong contender; benchmark-wise, they compare almost head to head, but it depends on what the OP wants to do with their GPU. I would say that if they wanted to attempt to unlock the second core on the 6950, go for the 6950; but if they aren't going to bother, if they want good stability with overclocking later down the line, I'd recommend a 560. Back on the subject of EVGA, their 2GB edition (if they'd need that much VRAM) is the same price as the PNY 1GB. However, the EVGA edition is also 'superclocked', so if the OP doesn't like tinkering/OCing things themselves, it's a pretty good buy IMO.
PSU: I don't think they're going to need that much horsepower for an i5 and a single 560. I also don't have a lot of experience with, nor researched much into, that model of unit. I'd be more comfortable recommending the Antec Neo Eco or APR's recommended Corsair V2 unit that was posted before, but YMMV. ;O
Case: I can't argue with Lian Li, although I have never used a mesh case and I like to think of aluminum as a "happy medium" between the weight and durability of steel and the lightness and flexibility of plastic. A lot of the superstructure of airplanes are made of aluminum, and it makes for one solid (lol) case to boot.
RAM: I like some of Patriot's memory, and this is pretty solid-looking, but if we were keeping an $800ish budget in mind then I think cutting the RAM down from 8GB to 4GB is more achievable and probably all they'll need to start with.
Mobo: A LOT of Biostar's motherboards are really nice. I think I've recommended that particularly mobo once in the past with an Intel build. Solid choice there.
Disk Drive: Honestly, I should have put this in my build but did not think to. I only chose the Optiarc because I own two and they've always worked fantastic for me. Awesome choice, though I might argue that a Lightscribe drive could be even better if they're willing to push their dollar a little harder.
HDD: Awesome choice, no argument there. ;>
OS: That's a solid idea. If they're a student, they could get it for a lot cheaper.
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GTX 560 Ti is different from the GTX 560 which is a small upgrade to the GTX 460. PNY has a lifetime warranty which should not be a problem. As for unlocking a 6950, I assume you have to have a 2 gb version (you included the 1 gb version) in order to unlock, though it is not a guarantee and sure to void the awesome xfx warranty.
PSU, I'm a little puzzled by your too much power comment considering it is the same wattage as the one you linked too? Anyways, the High Current Gamer is the same platform as the Neo Eco you included, but it is the updated version with better capacitors, fan, and efficiency, so if a cheaper price comes into play as well, it is not a question of which to get.
RAM, if you can get double the ram for just a few more after rebate, I would be willing to take that risk. I have done numerous rebates in my time and have never failed to get one.
Waiting for bulldozer is definitely not a bad option, especially since I would say for him to wait and save up a little more anyways.
PSU, I'm a little puzzled by your too much power comment considering it is the same wattage as the one you linked too? Anyways, the High Current Gamer is the same platform as the Neo Eco you included, but it is the updated version with better capacitors, fan, and efficiency, so if a cheaper price comes into play as well, it is not a question of which to get.
RAM, if you can get double the ram for just a few more after rebate, I would be willing to take that risk. I have done numerous rebates in my time and have never failed to get one.
Waiting for bulldozer is definitely not a bad option, especially since I would say for him to wait and save up a little more anyways.
With the GPU, that was me being dumb. LOL - I knew there was a difference between the 560 and 560 Ti, but unfortunately I only looked at the plain 560 from EVGA. That was my bad. I also didn't think it mattered if it was 1GB or 2GB for the unlock -- I'd been told that the serial number of the specific model is the importnat aspect, though I may have been mislead, and I apologize if so!
Regarding the PSU, I apologize; like I mentioned before, I really didn't do any research on that particular model yet, so that's why I had no clue that it was the updated Neo Eco platform. I have to say that knowing that now, I'd probably swap out the Neo Eco for the unit you listed.
Good point with the RAM. My only thoughts was that doubling the RAM almost doubles the price, but if the OP can push for that, RAM really is at the cheapest it's ever been, IMO. I don't do rebates often, but I've never had one fall through either (especially if the company responsible is reliable).
Regarding the PSU, I apologize; like I mentioned before, I really didn't do any research on that particular model yet, so that's why I had no clue that it was the updated Neo Eco platform. I have to say that knowing that now, I'd probably swap out the Neo Eco for the unit you listed.
Good point with the RAM. My only thoughts was that doubling the RAM almost doubles the price, but if the OP can push for that, RAM really is at the cheapest it's ever been, IMO. I don't do rebates often, but I've never had one fall through either (especially if the company responsible is reliable).
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I am not trying to be a harda**, but I am just to trying to help inform them OP and give him a second option. It is true that this is outside of his budget, but the OP should realize that if he starts out with outdated tech, the computer is going to need to be upgraded that much sooner. However, again, I do completely agree with holding off until bulldozer, not only for comparisons with sandy, but as you said, for the hope that it will bring that price down somewhat.
As for the GPU, I am unsure as well if it needs to be 2gb, though that only makes sense to me given that all 6970s are 2gb. I guess some of the memory chips could simply be disabled or nonfunctioning, but again, not positive on this front.
As for RAM and the rebates, it really is a good idea to spend the 10 minutes filling out the form and mailing it off. I mean, that's $50 you could get back just by taking the time to send in the required documentation. Most people who do not get theirs approved probably do not fully follow the directions of the rebate form, but if you include everything that is requested, it should be good to go.
As for the GPU, I am unsure as well if it needs to be 2gb, though that only makes sense to me given that all 6970s are 2gb. I guess some of the memory chips could simply be disabled or nonfunctioning, but again, not positive on this front.
As for RAM and the rebates, it really is a good idea to spend the 10 minutes filling out the form and mailing it off. I mean, that's $50 you could get back just by taking the time to send in the required documentation. Most people who do not get theirs approved probably do not fully follow the directions of the rebate form, but if you include everything that is requested, it should be good to go.
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Sorry, huck, I was a bit dismissive saying "everything". Just being lazy. I'd still go with the CX430V2 just because it's a better all around unit and cheaper, and still supports any single-GPU solution.
I would still recommend the PC-7B over the K58 (and yes I have the K62) just because of the aluminum. Although, if the PC-7B is too plain looking the Lancool line is very good.
As for the RAM, it's a very tough decision. RAM is supremely cheap right now, so going for the 8GB would be a good idea for future-proofing.
Most 6950s don't unlock anymore, unless you specifically look for someone still selling the original distribution by comparing serial numbers. There were a few 1GB cards that could unlock, but nothing you could count on.
I'd also be surprised if the OP reads all this and takes it into account.
I would still recommend the PC-7B over the K58 (and yes I have the K62) just because of the aluminum. Although, if the PC-7B is too plain looking the Lancool line is very good.
As for the RAM, it's a very tough decision. RAM is supremely cheap right now, so going for the 8GB would be a good idea for future-proofing.
Most 6950s don't unlock anymore, unless you specifically look for someone still selling the original distribution by comparing serial numbers. There were a few 1GB cards that could unlock, but nothing you could count on.
I'd also be surprised if the OP reads all this and takes it into account.
