New Gaming Build, Got Some Questions.

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Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#94353 8-Dec-2011 18:56

Hi everyone, I am going to be building my first gaming computer. I would like to think that I have a good knowledge of PCs and more importantly building them. However, I have some questions for the more experienced of you before I buy the parts.

Here are the proposed specs:

CPU: Intel i7 2600 3.4ghz
M/board: Gigabyte CA-Z68X-UD3H-B3
RAM: Corsair Venganence 8Gb (2x2gb)
GPU: EVGA 560 Ti Superclocked
PSU: Antec HCG-520 520W
Case: Antec df-10
Monitor: LG E2441V-BN

I am aware the I have the HDD missing, because I am going to use my current one. So here are my q's:

1. My CPU is the 2600 version, NOT the 2600K. I won't be doing any overclocking in the near future and so will performance be dramatic of the K version?

2. Will the GTX 560 be enough to play mainstream games at a good - high quality?

3. Will the PSU be enough? The website suggests at least 500W for the GTX560.

4. I think the case will be ok for now but is there any immediate issues with using the one specified?

5. Anyone used the monitor as stated? I will probably connect it via HDMI. Will games look ok?

6. Has anyone had experience with Playtech? My fiends speak highly of them and I will only be buying parts of them but.....

7. Finally, I know the risks of building your own PC (static discharge) but is there any really danger of building it yourself?

I thank you all for any advice, a second opinion is always reassuring.

Also, the budget is about $1800 with a tiny bit of leaway...

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14 posts

Geek

#555627 8-Dec-2011 19:30

Phexx: Hi everyone, I am going to be building my first gaming computer. I would like to think that I have a good knowledge of PCs and more importantly building them. However, I have some questions for the more experienced of you before I buy the parts.

Here are the proposed specs:

CPU: Intel i7 2600 3.4ghz
M/board: Gigabyte CA-Z68X-UD3H-B3
RAM: Corsair Venganence 8Gb (2x2gb)
GPU: EVGA 560 Ti Superclocked
PSU: Antec HCG-520 520W
Case: Antec df-10
Monitor: LG E2441V-BN

I am aware the I have the HDD missing, because I am going to use my current one. So here are my q's:

1. My CPU is the 2600 version, NOT the 2600K. I won't be doing any overclocking in the near future and so will performance be dramatic of the K version?

2. Will the GTX 560 be enough to play mainstream games at a good - high quality?

3. Will the PSU be enough? The website suggests at least 500W for the GTX560.

4. I think the case will be ok for now but is there any immediate issues with using the one specified?

5. Anyone used the monitor as stated? I will probably connect it via HDMI. Will games look ok?

6. Has anyone had experience with Playtech? My fiends speak highly of them and I will only be buying parts of them but.....

7. Finally, I know the risks of building your own PC (static discharge) but is there any really danger of building it yourself?

I thank you all for any advice, a second opinion is always reassuring.

Also, the budget is about $1800 with a tiny bit of leaway...

I can answer a couple of these as I have just done an upgrade.

The gtx 560 card will play most games in high quality although not ultra high. I have 2 sli'd and it plays crysis 2 , deus x, batman arkham asylum no problems. 3d is also VERY nice but yould need sli.

I have the 2500k overclocked to 4.3 ghz, I didnt do the overclocking myself as I just let the asus software to do it for me :) I would go for the 2500k as that is enough to run any games no problems. you'll also save some money

The Psu should be enough if you are not adding too many other peripherals.

Playtech is Great, but Computerlounge is even Better in Imo. go to their forum and ask this same question and the guys there will reply and even recommend parts that may save you money.

For the static issue if you worried, plug your psu in first and plug your power cord in, that will ground your whole case... In saying that I dont really do it myself as you would need a WHOLE lot of static to damage you components.

Thats a great case except for the lack of usb 3 ports on it, although its hard to find a good case with usb 3.0 ports in the front.

Go to computer lounge and check out their forum :)

Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#555630 8-Dec-2011 19:46

Thanks for your advice, I will take the 2500K advice into account...

FYI, I joined CL and posted there. (http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/forum/yaf_postsm34919_First-Gaming-Build.aspx#post34919)

Bastos

14 posts

Geek

#555675 8-Dec-2011 21:37

Yup I just posted bout the h60. Now go ask Revo what he can do with your 1800 :)

Take your time with build and cable manage the crap out of it so it looks nice and neat :)

You Should sli it if you can in the future, your case would be good for it. Im sure you can fit in a 750w psu with your budget.

Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#555736 9-Dec-2011 07:03

Bastos: Yup I just posted bout the h60. Now go ask Revo what he can do with your 1800 :)

Take your time with build and cable manage the crap out of it so it looks nice and neat :)

You Should sli it if you can in the future, your case would be good for it. Im sure you can fit in a 750w psu with your budget.

Thank you for your reply,
I saw your post regarding the h60. As I said on CL, I am going to stick with the stock cooler and avoid overlcoking much, or at all. In 4 - 6 moths when I get some more money together, I will likely build a w/cooling loop that will be able to cool the CPU and possibly even the gpu.

Of course I shall not building it, being the first time I will definitely have to take my time. And I will still try to get some cable management in there at some point.

SLI is definitely a prospect for the future, since my mobo supports SLI it will definitely be on the list of things to upgrade.

Once again, thanks for the help!

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#555737 9-Dec-2011 07:13

I would upgrade to a better PSU. The corsair series are good quality and have longer warranties then most others. My one has 7 years.
Playtech is the best place to buy from online. Free overnight courier,however make sure you ask them for a discount! usually they will take a bit off :) not $50 but maybe $20. Also they have a free 0508 PLAYTECH number so you can ring them right away!

in terms of the processor, to be honest save some money and get the intel 2500k, it BEATS the 2600k in more games

b0untypure1

1426 posts

Uber Geek

#555738 9-Dec-2011 07:14

also! use an anti static wrist strap...everyone reading this is probably thinking "why? man up" but I was the unlucky 0.1% who didn't bother and it turned into a blown PCI slot :/

Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#555789 9-Dec-2011 09:27

Thanks for the advice!
I have been involved quite alot with the huys a computer lounge since my first post and forogt to update the build. You basically summed up what I'm gonna change.

I am now going to use a 2500K and a corsair 650w. That should give me room for a little bit of stable overclocking with SLI a possibilty in the future.

I will be ordering from Playtech, possibly online, so I shall definilty ask for a discount. Also, I shall look out for an anti-static wrist strap. The last thing I want is my first home built computer being defeated my static discharge!

Thanks for the tips.

Equinox IT

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shrub

775 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#555793 9-Dec-2011 09:31

The 560TI will play modern games but is not what id call future proof as it struggles with BF3 on High. 8gig ram is the new minimum 2x2gb will use all your slots try find some 2x4gb DDR3 1866. A 600-650w good brand power supply would be best.
Do not skimp on hard drive get a 120gb SSD you will be amazed at the speeds.

garvani

1873 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#555798 9-Dec-2011 09:34

a good 60gb ssd is the way to go, i have an OCZ Agility 3, it flys (It takes less than a minute for Windows 7 to boot from power on). I have enough room for windows 7, my apps and my favourite 3 games.. i also have a spinpoint 1tb drive for other games and apps etc.
You should be able to get a good 60gb ssd and a 1tb drive far cheaper than what a good 128gb ssd will set you back..

I would also recommend the 2500k over the 2600k. The 2600k has no advantage over the 2500k when it comes to games.

Edit: actually no you cant, with the price increases to traditional hard drives a 128gb ssd is cheaper overall. Depends how much storage you need i guess.

Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#555835 9-Dec-2011 10:37

I do eventully plan on either overclocking the GTX560, or putting it into SLI, or even both. I think this is the best plan forward as the next card up is a bit out of budget.

What do you mean 4gb will take up all of my slot? The m/board I chose has 4 slots? I intend to initially buy 4gb whilst I am still using a 32bit system. Then, once I find the will to install a 64bit version, I will buy another 4gb.

An SSD would be great, but in terms of my budget, it just won't fit in. Plus, I will be installing my current HDD from my laptop to svae time/money on new HDD and OS.

garvani

1873 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#555855 9-Dec-2011 11:57

Chances are the laptop hard drive is a 5200rpm drive, this is less than optimal for a gaming machine. Just saying.

Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#555857 9-Dec-2011 12:12

You are correct, it did come with a 5400rpm drive, but I recently installed a new 7200rpm seagate into it.

zCelicaDude

171 posts

Master Geek

#555862 9-Dec-2011 12:21

Why are you installing 32bit,

Once you've got it all setup and working, you have to go through the pain of completly backing up your data and re-formatting/reinstalling 64bit

Go straight to 64bit, saves mucking around

Agree on the memory options, go for the 4gb kits,

From what I've seen, its now cheaper to buy 1x 4gb stick then it is to buy 2x2 , so what's the point :)

Summary:
1) Install 64bit from the get go
2) Get 4GB Kits

Phexx

415 posts

Ultimate Geek

#555865 9-Dec-2011 12:29

zCelicaDude: Why are you installing 32bit,

Once you've got it all setup and working, you have to go through the pain of completly backing up your data and re-formatting/reinstalling 64bit

Go straight to 64bit, saves mucking around

Agree on the memory options, go for the 4gb kits,

From what I've seen, its now cheaper to buy 1x 4gb stick then it is to buy 2x2 , so what's the point :)

Summary:
1) Install 64bit from the get go
2) Get 4GB Kits

I do agree with you, however, I don't think I explained my hdd situation.
Over the past year I have had to reinstall Windows about 5 times, reformatting, installing then restoring/re-downloading all applications. Instead of having to do that again I am going to take my hard drive from my current PC, my laptop, and put it inside my new PC. This means that there is very little install required once the system is built (just drivers). Then once I am happy and settled with the new rig, I will buy a new hard drive and install a new, 64 bit OS onto it, then return the laptop hdd to the laptop. Making sense?

It is purely a more hassle-free system rather than creating additional work for myself.

garvani

1873 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#555871 9-Dec-2011 12:41

It sounds like you think you will be able to move the drive into the new system and it will work once you have reinstalled drivers. Windows 7 is good but not that good. Ive tried doing this quite a few times at work but it has almost always ended up in a reload. The chipset on your laptop and the new desktop will have to be fairly similar for this to work.

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