New build - A few questions

[Rammst3in]

Hi there!

I am fairly new to custom build PCs with only one (great) experience a few years ago with a friend, so keen to get some advice/sanity check before taking the big leap of faith and ordering my first 3XS system!

I will be using that rig for gaming (MMO's, maybe some FPS...) and I'm primarily looking for a stable and reliable build which can (hopefully) last years with minimal changes/upgrades.

And whilst I know I shouldn't admit to it, I am (to the extent possible) trying to build a nice-looking rig sticking to the Black & White theme of the case I've chosen.

Here is the config I have in mind:

- Case: Corsair 600T Graphite Limited Edition White
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 Generation 3 Motherboard
- CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K, 3.3Ghz Quad Core, 6Mb Cache
- CPU Cooler: Be Quiet Dark Rock PRO OR Corsair H80
- Memory: 8 GB Corsair Memory Vengeance Jet Black 1600 MHz CAS 9 XMP Dual Channel
- GPU: 1x 3GB HD 7950 Sapphire OC Edition OR XFX Black Edition
- PSU: Corsair HX 650W Modular
- SSD: 256GB Corsair Performance Pro
- Storage HDD: 1TB Western Digital Caviar Green, 64MB Cache
- Optical Drive: LiteOn IHOS104-6, BluRay Reader - DVD-RW
- Sound Card: Creative X-Fi Titanium
- Wireless Adaptors: Edimax EW-7622UMn 11n 300Mbps wireless USB adapter
- OS: Windows 7 Home Edition
- Acronis: Yes

Here are my questions!

1 - CPU: Is the 2500K sufficient for a gaming build or is the 2600K preferrable?

2 - CPU Cooler: I hesitate between the Dark Rock Pro and the Corsair H80. Is there a big difference in terms of performance/noise and reliability?

3 - Memory: I went for the Vengeance Jet Black Memory purely for the aesthetics compared to the default LP option, just want to check whether non-LP memory works with the Dark Rock Pro or not?

4 - GPU: Ideally would prefer the Sapphire Overclocked Edition (LN43083) but the "out of stock/awaiting ETA status" worries me - any info on availability? Ultimately is there a meaningful difference with the XFX Black Edition?

Many thanks in advance!

[leepen@scan]

Rammst3in,

1 - The CPU selected is more than good enough for modern day gaming titles. The majority of games don't take advantage of hyperthreading at present, so this is the best value 'gaming' chip around at present.

2 - Given that you have the 600T case, the H80 or even a H100 (rad goes at the top out of the way) would be my personal preference. In terms of fan noise, they shall be very similar and it's purely a matter of personal preference, I'd say aesthetically, the system looks better with a H80/H100.

3 - If you go for the Dark Rock Pro you'll need to select the LP RAM I'm afraid, again, another reason to keep with a Corsair Hydro cooler for the best overall 'look'.

4 - Totally agree with you on the Sapphire card there. All these GPU's are in constraint at the moment and we unfortunately do not have a due date for the Sapphire OC. This should change this week. The RAM speed is a little higher on the XFX, but as the GPU speed is the same then I wouldn't expect this to make much of a difference at all.


Hope this helps,

All the best

[Rammst3in]

Lee,

Thank you so much for the quick reply, very helpful indeed so much appreciated!

I just realised I forgot to ask the main question, that is: Does the config make sense or is there anything worth reconsidering?

I assume you would have said so if there was something obviously wrong, but if you can confirm just to be on the safe side.

Thanks again!

[Spaceritual]

your system is very similar to the one I have ordered and nice to see you spending a bit on the sound card as this will reap benefits to your listening pleasure , especially given you seem to be a Rammstein fan

The cpu cooler choice came out as a Dark Rock pro for me as a quieter option but I guess the H80/H100 route does sound sensible given all the other Corsair components

Can not wait to see piccies of the build

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The GTX680 is out on Thursday - it will be interesting to see if it affects any of the HD7900 series pricing.

[leepen@scan]

Quality machine through and through. I'd go the H100 route as the case accommodates it and the RAM issue, I like the look of the tall Vengeance memory, just a shame the air cooler obstructs the DIMM slots.

You're welcome to give me a call to discuss, gladly thrash out the spec with you on the phone if need be

[Rammst3in]

Hi Lee,

Thanks again for your help.

Just saw the great news - the Sapphire is in stock again!!

What is the best way to order given the number of components that are not in the default choices?

Cheers!

[leepen@scan]

Just mail me the config you wish to purchase - leep@scan.co.uk - and I'll quote you up!



p.s. pop your address details in the email and I can raise and then call you to finalise

[leepen@scan]

Quote sent!

[Rammst3in]

Order placed !