I'm building a computer - Please help!

[FaeMinx]

Too bad that is a good quality case for the price. I usually read through the reviews of several cases that catch my fancy to get an idea of some of the problems people have had with them. Basically you want a case with good airflow, 120mm fan mounts, decent quality construction, and enough room to house all the hardware you plan on putting in it. As far as the fans go, the ones that come with cases are probably the lowest quality fans you can get. Some fans with good airflow (cfm rating) and a noise rating that you can put up with will work fine.


The Core i5-2500k is a good all round CPU for gaming, image editing and video/audio transcoding. For a little more I would go with an i7-2600k (also for future proofing for a few years). Just about any modern graphics card will work well with one of those CPUs. As far as memory, if you can afford it and are going to be using a 64-bit Operating System I would go with as much memory as your motherboard will support (or at least close to it).

Darn! So I find a seller in this country, but now the case is the same price as the HAF-X!


http://www.wantitall.co.za/rosewill-blackbone/PCHardware/p1

there's two basic difference, the 2500k allow more overclock AND it boast a better on chip GPU...


that never made sens to me... people that overclock don't need a less poorer on die GPU...

LucidLogix® Virtu


Universal Switchable Graphics Technology


LucidLogix® Virtu is designed for the Intel® Sandy Bridge platform's powerful integrated graphics. Its GPU virtualization dynamically assigns tasks to the best available graphics resources based on power, performance and system load on Windows® 7 based PCs. It allows users to fully utilize the unique capabilities of advanced Sandy Bridge multimedia features alongside the high end 3D rendering performance provided by installed graphics cards. When no discrete graphics are needed, the graphics card is put in idle mode to lower utilization, heat, fan speed and power draw down to near zero, making the system more environmentally-friendly. For users with diverse needs, LucidLogix® Virtu GPU virtualization provides great flexibility and efficiency.


/websites/global/products/JjlGHLJGJPFfGCFA/LucidLogix_new.jpgUniversal Switchable Graphics


LucidLogix® Virtu's GPU virtualization technology assigns tasks to the best available GPU, allowing dynamic graphics switching between integrated graphics and NVIDIA® or AMD graphics cards.


/websites/global/products/JjlGHLJGJPFfGCFA/VideoConversion.jpg3X Faster Video Conversion


With switchable graphics, all ASUS P8Z68 Series motherboards leverage the transcoding power of Sandy Bridge, allowing users to enjoy three times faster video conversion with Intel® Quick Sync Video technology.

For this reason perhaps?

 

[elwing]

LucidLogix® Virtu


Universal Switchable Graphics Technology


LucidLogix® Virtu is designed for the Intel® Sandy Bridge platform's powerful integrated graphics. Its GPU virtualization dynamically assigns tasks to the best available graphics resources based on power, performance and system load on Windows® 7 based PCs. It allows users to fully utilize the unique capabilities of advanced Sandy Bridge multimedia features alongside the high end 3D rendering performance provided by installed graphics cards. When no discrete graphics are needed, the graphics card is put in idle mode to lower utilization, heat, fan speed and power draw down to near zero, making the system more environmentally-friendly. For users with diverse needs, LucidLogix® Virtu GPU virtualization provides great flexibility and efficiency.


/websites/global/products/JjlGHLJGJPFfGCFA/LucidLogix_new.jpgUniversal Switchable Graphics


LucidLogix® Virtu's GPU virtualization technology assigns tasks to the best available GPU, allowing dynamic graphics switching between integrated graphics and NVIDIA® or AMD graphics cards.


/websites/global/products/JjlGHLJGJPFfGCFA/VideoConversion.jpg3X Faster Video Conversion


With switchable graphics, all ASUS P8Z68 Series motherboards leverage the transcoding power of Sandy Bridge, allowing users to enjoy three times faster video conversion with Intel® Quick Sync Video technology.

For this reason perhaps?

thx for the informations


edit:


hum i guess it's really of no use for me since I have a 'P' chipset...

 

[CFWhitman]

I would just like to mention that a cheaper i7 is not going to get you better performance with single core applications. The only place that a cheap i7 will beat out the i5 2500k is for multi-core applications. For multi-core applications, the AMD FX series is also a reasonable choice (especially if you plan to overclock). I am starting to look at components for a new computer as well, and I had pretty much ruled out the i7 because only the outrageously priced ones really have an edge over the i5 and the AMD FX series chips. For a lot of the Linux tests (which is what I run primarily) when compared to the cheaper i7 chips, the i5 performs the best on single core and the i7 on multi-core, but the AMD chip is second in both. I still haven't decided whether to go with the i5 or the AMD chip, but I'm definitely not getting an i7. It just doesn't seem worth it from a "bang for your buck" standpoint.

 

[Batou456]

I am going to point out you're designing around what's rapidly becoming last gen hardware.


AMD 's 7xxx series GPUs at 28nm process with GCN architecture have already begun hitting the market, with nVidia's 28nm Kepler GPUs and Intel's 22nm Ivy Bridge CPUs hitting market in April.


For longevity AMD's FX line is actually currently better for two reasons. First they fully impliment AVX instructions, which can't be said for Sandy Bridge and is intended for the Ivy Bridge refresh. Second as things progress applications should become more multithreaded which will play more to Bulldozer's strengths then Sandy Bridge's. This is not to say that Sandy Bridge doesn't have an advantage in some regimes with current applications, but it's not necessarily as big as you might think. Bulldozer is not a bad CPU and it's usually priced to offer good performance for dollar, but it's not utterly humiliating the Blue Team's offerings in benchmarks so it took a while for people to calm down, as usual.


I expect you'd find yourself far more limited by your hard drives, and the limited ability for Windows 7 to actually cache much of anything with only 4GB of RAM then your choice of CPU vendor. With current pricing I'd tend to suggest at least 8GB to allow for more caching room if you're going to keep your hard drives. More will allow more caching headroom, but Windows 7 is not always the smartest about taking advantage of it. With pure Linux it's not so much of an issue, but you did make a point to mention conventional gaming.


And while we're on the issue, what resolution is the monitor you're keeping? If it's meaningfully below a single 1920x1080p panel you're oversizing your entire computer by quite a bit.

 

[FaeMinx]

Ok everyone, thanks for all your help... I'm now at the point where I'm just about ready to order components online for my new build.


I've been somewhat absent as you know my Desktop died, and a while ago, so did the screen of my laptop.


I'm now in St. Francis Bay and using my father's computer to complete my research and order components.


I would appreciate it if you could have a look at my updated build one last time before I go ahead and order the parts. I've already posted to the PC-Format forums which is local and thus responses I receive there are more likely to be informed regarding local prices and availability... however, as I have a great deal of respect for all of you and somewhat regard you as my extended online family, I would greatly value your opinions on this matter before I go ahead with it.


I'm going to copy/paste the post I submitted at PC-Format:

Spoiler

Hi,


I'm needing some second opinions from more knowledgeable folk such as yourselves...


About a month ago my aging desktop died for the last time (I had been able to resurrect it a few times over the years, but it's about 9 years old and gone for good now).


So I set about the tedious process of figuring out which components go well together in order to get an optimal build for under R15000.


(The process was tedious because I am an artist, not a techy... and there was no one in my area I could go to for advice).


The purpose of this new computer is to be:


1) A workstation for image editing (Photoshop CS3, Painter IX, 3D Studio Max, ZBrush) the input device I use for this is a Cintiq 12wx.


2) A Gaming Machine. I would like to be able to run all current titles on maxed-out settings... future proofing isn't soooo important, just so long as it runs both StarCraft II expansions without batting an eyelid.


3) A home entertainment system (I don't own a TV, or DVD player... and I'm not all that interested in Blu-Ray... yet).


So after much hair pulling and confused head-scratching, this is the build I decided on (with more than a little help from a couple of PC-Format Magazines):


Asus P8Z68-V Pro


http://www.wootware....otherboard.html


R 2481


Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA1155 32nm Quad-Core


http://www.wootware....ore-retail.html


R 2049


Cooler Master Hyper 612S Processor Cooler


http://www.nivo.co.z...r.cooler~p29936


R 523


G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 2X4GB DDR3-1600 Ripjaws X


http://www.wootware....top-memory.html


R 590


*OR*


G.Skill F3-12800CL7Q-8GBXM 4x2GB DDR3-1600 Ripjaws X


http://www.wootware....top-memory.html


R 980


Sapphire Radeon HD6950 1GB PCI-E Graphics Card


http://www.wootware....ard-retail.html


R 3194


Corsair TX650 V2 (12v: 636W) 80PLUS Bronze Power Supply


http://www.wootware....-sli-ready.html


R 1141


NZXT Phantom White Steel ATX Full Tower Gaming Computer Case


http://www.evetech.c...r-case-176.aspx


R 1199


SONY AD7260S 24x SATA DVD-Writer Black


http://www.wootware....-black-oem.html


R 169


Microsoft Sidewinder X3 Laser Gaming Mouse


http://www.wootware....nd-support.html


R 339


Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 DSP


http://www.wootware....esign-keys.html


R 155


Dell Professional P2311H 23" LCD


http://www.wootware....op-monitor.html


R 1663


*OR*


Samsung SyncMaster BX2031 20” LED Monitor


http://www.nivo.co.z....monitor~p24336


R 1369


*******************************************


Now you will notice that I left out the Hard Drive and OS... I already have 3 SATA Hard Drives, an 80GB Western Digital, 200GB Seagate, and 320GB Western Digital.... though they are old. I'm going to try clear out all the data on the 320GB, format it and use it as my main drive for the OS. I will buy more drives in the future.


P.s. I have no idea what RPM they are - there doesn't seem to be any specification on the labels (that I am able to decipher).


I also need advice on which version of Windows 7 I should go for - the cheaper the better, but I also don't want to shoot myself in the foot. (Also, where can I order it online for a good price?)


I found the RAM to be very confusing... is there any advantage in going for the more expensive quad channel setup I listed? (I know the downside is I won't be able to upgrade in the future, but surely 8GB will be more than sufficient?)


Now on to the monitors I listed... the Dell is LCD, larger - 23", with 1920x1080.


The Samsung is LED, smaller/thinner - 20", with only 1600x900.


Keep in mind I'll be upgrading from a crappy CRT that weighs about as much as a small car, and its maximum resolution was only up to 1600x(I forget the height, but it wasn't widescreen).


I'm leaning towards the Dell - higher resolution means more screen space which is great for image editing. Also, when I finally do jump on the Blu-Ray bandwagon, at least it will have the correct resolution for playback.


So is LED really so much better? I don't really care about saving electricity... but substantially better contrast and colour accuracy may sway me (artist remember), and with the lower resolution I'll be able to play games on max setting for longer before my system becomes outdated.


Better compatible components for about the same price would also be appreciated, just so long as there is a way for me to order them online or purchase them from PE (am currently residing in St. Francis Bay).


Thanks in advance for any advice / corrections you send my way.


Oh! As a final note, are any of you aware of an adaptor that will allow Phono-Plug inputs to go into either of those monitors? I have an Open Pandora Handheld UMPC that will be receiving sometime in the (hopefully near) future a TV-Out cable. It's a wonderful little device and its emulation capabilities are fantastic... but for two-player emulation (and homebrew), I really need to use a larger screen... and as I mentioned before, I don't own a TV.

 

[Mr_Loon]

looks like a nice build Faeminx.


Take it from the specs that you plan to use it for gaming, have you got anything else you'd like to use it for?


If the budget will stretch to it I'd certainly consider buying a new Hard Drive, prices seem to have come down a little of late but are still a fair bit more than before they spiked. 2TB seems to offer the best value at the moment.


If the budget won't stretch that far at the moment then there shouldn't be any major problems upgrading at a later date.


As for a good source of a cheap version of windows 7 then try looking for an educational upgrade copy not sure if that scheme will be available in South Africa though. Even though it is an upgrade copy you can use it to do a clean install following this guide


As for the monitor, go with the Dell 100%.


Have fun with the build, keep us posted about how you get on.


Oh, one last tip, make sure you have the required number of Sata cables.

 

[Binky]

Take it from the specs that you plan to use it for gaming, have you got anything else you'd like to use it for?

Says in the PC format post:

The purpose of this new computer is to be:


1) A workstation for image editing (Photoshop CS3, Painter IX, 3D Studio Max, ZBrush) the input device I use for this is a Cintiq 12wx.


2) A Gaming Machine. I would like to be able to run all current titles on maxed-out settings... future proofing isn't soooo important, just so long as it runs both StarCraft II expansions without batting an eyelid.


3) A home entertainment system (I don't own a TV, or DVD player... and I'm not all that interested in Blu-Ray... yet).

 

[Christoph.Krn]

It's been a while since I've been building a new desktop system myself, so my knowledge might not be up-to-date, and also I don't know a lot about the pricing situation or some of the components (Power Supply Unit, GPU, CPU cooler, DVD writer), but here are some considerations:

• Using 2x4GB of RAM would probably not significantly slow down your system in comparison to using 4x2GB (with the use cases you mentioned, at least), thus the money may be better spent elsewhere. I would even go so far as to say that a potentially cheaper RAM, such as Kingston ValueRAM 2x4GB DDR3-1333 (which appears to be quite reliable based on my unrepresentative experience), may be better. If you are working with extremely huge image files, then it might even be better if you bought 2x2x4GB of RAM.
  Note that Windows 32bit does not use more than ~4GB of RAM, so a 64bit version of Windows is required, which may not be able to run some of your old(er) 32bit software. A Windows version comparison is available at Microsoft's website.
  
• In a similar vein, buying a generic Intel-branded mainboard (as in, a mainboard produced and sold by Intel) might save you some more money (unless you have chosen the Asus mainboard for some specific feature(s), of course).
  
• LED-backlit monitors are available from rather good to very bad flavors; most of them are *not* good for image editing. Especially cheaper LCD screens often have problems such as low contrast or even reduced color depth. Cheaper LCD screens typically have Twisted Nemantic panels which distort colors depending on the user's viewing angle; often, colors on the top of the screen will look slightly different compared to those on the bottom of the screen even in typical use.
  Depending on your requirements, it might be better if you bought a more expensive screen (see the link above), and in particular a calibration device, such as one of the Spyder 3 variants. There are some good screen reviews at Prad. Note that I don't know anything about the screens you have linked to.
  
• Buying a cheaper case and a more expensive screen instead might be a good idea since you probably will be looking at the screen a lot more than you will be looking at the case.
  
• Making sure that the cooling solution is sufficient may be tricky depending on your typical environmental temperatures. For instance, some mainboard components can require cooling from the CPU cooler's air flow.
  

 

[DaMummy]

dump the hard drives, get one SSD for OS' and at least one 2tb green low power drive

 

[FaeMinx]

This is my revised build:


Asus P8Z68-V Pro


http://www.wootware.co.za/asus-p8z68-v-pro-lga1155-intel-desktop-motherboard.html


R 2481


Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA1155 32nm Quad-Core


http://www.wootware.co.za/intel-core-i5-2500k-3-3ghz-lga1155-32nm-quad-core-retail.html


R 2049


G.Skill F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 2X4GB DDR3-1600 Ripjaws X


http://www.wootware.co.za/g-skill-f3-12800cl9d-8gbxl-2x4gb-ddr3-1600-ripjaws-x-desktop-memory.html


R 590


Sapphire Radeon HD6950 1GB PCI-E Graphics Card


http://www.wootware.co.za/sapphire-radeon-hd6950-1gb-pci-e-graphics-card-retail.html


R 3194


Corsair CP-9020003 TX750M, 750w Bronze Modular Power Supply


http://www.wootware.co.za/corsair-cp-9020003-tx750m-750w-12v-740w-80plus-bronze-certified-modular-power-supply.html


R 1377


CoolerMaster RC-692-KKN1 CM690 II Plus Mid-Tower Gaming Computer Case


http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/coolermaster-rc692kkn1-cm690-plus-p-3892.html


R 887


SONY AD7260S 24x SATA DVD-Writer Black


http://www.wootware.co.za/sony-ad7260s-24x-sata-dvd-writer-black-oem.html


R 169


Microsoft Sidewinder X3 Laser Gaming Mouse


http://www.wootware.co.za/microsoft-sidewinder-x3-laser-gaming-mouse-with-left-hand-support.html


R 339


Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 DSP


http://www.wootware.co.za/microsoft-comfort-curve-keyboard-2000-dsp-comfort-curve-design-keys.html


R 155


Samsung S23A350HS LED LCD 23” Monitor


http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?products_id=59136


R 2126


Windows 7 64-Bit Professional


http://purpleflytrading.co.za/shopping/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8850


R 1446


*************************


You will see that I upgraded the PSU to 750w, which is also now modular.


I wasn't happy with NZXT Phantom case because it was too flashy and it's large size was a concern. I'm not getting a case for show - this is to be a functional machine. Will the CoolerMaster CM690 II provide sufficient space for all my components and provide decent airflow?


I decided to bite the bullet and get a decent 1920x1080 23" LED Monitor.


And instead of Home Premium, I decided to go for Windows 7 64-Bit Professional because it will allow me to run my Windows XP Software (not being able to would be a tragedy)!


I'm rather pleased because It looks like I'll be able to get exactly what I need (minus a decent Hard Drive) for just within my budget... the total comes to R14813.

 

[Mr_Loon]

Just wondering how you got on with the build? hope it went well.