Critique my build?

basilmarket.com forums : Tech Talk | 14 posts archived

thread starter walridge3 May 01 2010 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Rather than hijack someone's thread, I might as well make my own.. Since the last time I mentioned my build, which was at the time totaling ~$2000, I've managed to cut down on unbalanced parts (overpowered), and have dropped the total cost to ~$1700. Still, however, I'd like to see what people think of it, as the first time I built it, I didn't know much about balancing, and just went for rather high end parts even though it was unbalanced. The setup: - PSU: Corsair CMPSU-750TX (750W, non-modular, Crossfire-ready) - RAM: G.SKILL 4 GB (2x2 GB) DDR3 1600 - Display: ASUS VH226H (21.5" 2ms LCD) - SSDs: Intel X-25M (Will be used for OS and some frequently used programs/games) - HDD: WD Caviar Black 640 GB, 7200 RPM - Graphics: Radeon HD 5850, 1 GB (Asus brand) - Optical: LG DVD-RW DL - CPU: i5-750 (2.66 GHz) - Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD7 (Picked this one cause it can use two PCI-Express x16 running at x16 rather than having to split between two x8's, better potential for Crossfire) - Case: Antec 900 (or CM960 II?) - Aftermarket Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 (assuming it will fit) - Misc: RAZER keyboard (already have a mouse). So I have the one question about whether the WD HDDwill really utilize 6.0 Gb/s or is going to not even surpass 3.0 Gb/s, and otherwise I'd just like opinions about it. Edit: Updated build, list above reflects it.

My Characters: SachieI - 32 Windia Aran in Memory

Pen14 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Build looks good, the money you receive back from rebates could probably bump you up to the 5870. Only suggestion is the case, I am not too sure about thermaltake's stuff but from what I've seen, the CM690 is a better looking case as well as a better case overall and its on sale for 59.99 + free shipping on newegg. Also, it hurts me to see that a build this nice did not include an aftermarket heatsink/waterblock, if you cannot afford it, then I suggest taking out 1 SSD as you really don't need 2 for a OS drive. If you like SSD's, I recommend this SSD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167023&cm_re=X-25-_-20-167-023-_-Product over 2 vertexs because of the faster random read speed if you don't need the 80GB capacity, then drop down to the 40GB http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=X25V-40GB&title=Intel-Mainstream-X25-V-40GB-SATA2-MLC-Solid-State-Drive&c=CJ , make sure to use Bing Cashback every chance you get :D. The X-25V is a pretty popular SSD so it's sold out almost everywhere except on ewiz (legit site, good site as well) Most people would say you're going overkill but on any other computer tech forum (hwc, th, ocn to name a few) its perfectly fine (kinda weak LOL) so if you really desire this build, I'd say go for it. If I were you, I would (even though my current build is better)

My Characters: Pen14 - 114 KradiaGMS Hermit

Mejust 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Why on earth are you getting 2 SSD's for your OS when you need only 1? YOU DON'T NEED 60GB OF HDD SPACE FOR YOUR OS, 20GB IS ALREADY MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MY KNOWLEDGE. Christ. If you have so much money to spend, why not get a HD5870 over that second useless SSD? Also, why a 750W PSU? You need a 600W or so. Unless you're going to Xfire in the future, of course. But then again, by the time you're going to do that there's probably a new series of cards out, and your money will arguably be better spent on getting a new GPU instead of buying a second one.

My Characters: Mejust - 94 Scania Chief Bandit

Pen14 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

^ LOL RAAGEE Yeah, you really only need 1 SSD for the OS, If you want the SSD to make your games (particularly steam games) and apps load quicker, then I suggest the 80GB X-25M which was on sale last night (80 bucks off, making it cheaper than 2 OCZ Vertex's and offering more capacity) but now has gone back to its $299 price. All that mejust said is kinda true (minus second SSD being useless ), the 5870 would be a noticeable upgrade over the 5850 but when the 5850 is overclocked to 1000MHz on the core, it offers performance just 2% lower than that of a 5870 at stock speed. ATI has already started work on their 6XXX series cards and plan to release them before nVidia refreshes their recently launched GTX400 series but probably won't because they have just switched to the GlobalFoundries 28nm fabrication process. But, Crossfiring the 5850s isn't a bad idea. When the 6XXX series comes out (i'd expect it to be DX11 still) then crossfiring the 5850 might be a better idea than buying the new gpu. All in all, its a good build, the SSD separates it from similar builds

My Characters: Pen14 - 114 KradiaGMS Hermit

walridge3 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Yeah, in my notes to myself I wrote down that an aftermarket heatsink might be an option, and my roommate has offered to help design a watercooled system for me (he's built one for his i7 920 already last year). As for the SSDs, I decided two in RAID0 would offer ideal performance... however I didn't notice that TRIM isn't supported on RAID configurations yet. So I may opt for a single SSD instead, maybe get a second Caviar and RAID the HDDs? Also since I did drop the price, a 5870 is viable, or I might move back up to an i7 930 and change CPU, Mobo, RAM again to see how the pricing is at that point. And to be honest I've never built a gaming computer or anything close to this in terms of performance, so I'm a bit of a novice in picking out matching parts; I don't know what to look for in cases too much, so I'm just looking for advice on PSU, case selection in particular (GPU possibly too though).

My Characters: SachieI - 32 Windia Aran in Memory

xxknicksxx 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Drop the RAID array all together since you really dont know what you want to do with it. Rock 1 SSD, and a larger HDD. Keep the money in your pocket or put it to other components . Get the HD 5850 and volt mod it, then overclock it. The only reason its that much weaker than the 5870 in the first place is because of the stock clock discrepancy between them. Like Pen said, OC it a bit and your performance will be amazing, and at that rez, you really shouldnt need anything more until the 6000 series comes out next year. 5870 just isnt worth it in its price progression yet. If you dont need HT, get the i5, if you do, then get the i7, because when you want to upgrade, you wont have spent as much. Id say no to WC. It is very viable with your budget, but its just not worth it unless you plan on WCing your whole system and OCing it through the floor. Cases are mostly a dime a dozen, but there are a few that stand out, mostly because you seem like youre going for a larger case and a modular PSU, which means you favor cable management and air flow. Get the 650TX since its like 100, and all good PSUs will cost about that much, and get a case like the Antec 902 or CM692. The TTV9 isnt bad, but there are better options. A big case with good air flow that offers cable management is what you want. Modular PSUs are nice, but expensive. Plus you get a small amount of resistance at the connectors.

My Characters: V1P3RxB0WM4N - 56 Windia Hunter

walridge3 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] xxknicksxx : Drop the RAID array all together since you really dont know what you want to do with it. Rock 1 SSD, and a larger HDD. Keep the money in your pocket or put it to other components . Get the HD 5850 and volt mod it, then overclock it. The only reason its that much weaker than the 5870 in the first place is because of the stock clock discrepancy between them. Like Pen said, OC it a bit and your performance will be amazing, and at that rez, you really shouldnt need anything more until the 6000 series comes out next year. 5870 just isnt worth it in its price progression yet. If you dont need HT, get the i5, if you do, then get the i7, because when you want to upgrade, you wont have spent as much. Id say no to WC. It is very viable with your budget, but its just not worth it unless you plan on WCing your whole system and OCing it through the floor. Cases are mostly a dime a dozen, but there are a few that stand out, mostly because you seem like youre going for a larger case and a modular PSU, which means you favor cable management and air flow. Get the 650TX since its like 100, and all good PSUs will cost about that much, and get a case like the Antec 902 or CM692. The TTV9 isnt bad, but there are better options. A big case with good air flow that offers cable management is what you want. Modular PSUs are nice, but expensive. Plus you get a small amount of resistance at the connectors. [/quote] After thinking about it I have followed the advice of just one SSD (an 80 GB one though, to put some of my Steam games on it; not all) and one HDD. I agree with the price/performance balance with the 5850 vs 5870, but I'll keep a lookout on it as time passes. I initially went with the i7 but reconsidered after thinking about whether I'd really need HT (probably not; though with these console ported games that are CPU dependent, would they benefit?), I moved to the i5. I have since updated some of my parts; I'll edit the post to reflect this but the Newegg wishlist has already been updated. Also, about the 650TX: It only has 2 PCI-Express power connectors, which means I won't be able to Crossfire in the future without a new PSU. I have, per skye's recommendation before, selected the modular 750HX however, and that one seems to be future proof enough if I decide for a second graphics card. And about the 750W choice; it was a recommendation, and because this build will change a lot before I actually get the money to build it, I'm aiming to get whatever will be the best single card cost/performance-wise at the time I begin the build, and then Crossfire (or SLI if Nvidia gets better) it as I see fit. Edit: I do plan on OC'ing the processor and graphics, etc: Should I consider WC at all or should I just work with getting a non-stock heatsink etc and aircool?

My Characters: SachieI - 32 Windia Aran in Memory

xxknicksxx + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Solves your problem with 6 pin connectors . The 650TX can power xfired 5850s just fine. The 750TX is a good deal too, and cheaper. You dont need a modular PSU. Its a waste of money. Im suprised skye even mentioned it since he abhors modular PSUs. For games, since you plan on getting an aftermarket cooler, OC the i5-750 to 4Ghz, and you wont have to worry about a CPU bottleneck. If it really bugs you that much, then go ahead and step up to the 930. If the price gap between the 5850 and 70 closes, then yea, get the 70. But $100 isnt worth 1 shader cluster. Your cooling depends on how far you want to go. I like air over water because its much more cost efficient. A good WC system will cost a few hundred where you can air cool everything in your system quite well with 100 or less

My Characters: V1P3RxB0WM4N - 56 Windia Hunter

walridge3 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] xxknicksxx : Solves your problem with 6 pin connectors . The 650TX can power xfired 5850s just fine. The 750TX is a good deal too, and cheaper. You dont need a modular PSU. Its a waste of money. Im suprised skye even mentioned it since he abhors modular PSUs. For games, since you plan on getting an aftermarket cooler, OC the i5-750 to 4Ghz, and you wont have to worry about a CPU bottleneck. If it really bugs you that much, then go ahead and step up to the 930. If the price gap between the 5850 and 70 closes, then yea, get the 70. But $100 isnt worth 1 shader cluster. Your cooling depends on how far you want to go. I like air over water because its much more cost efficient. A good WC system will cost a few hundred where you can air cool everything in your system quite well with 100 or less [/quote] I guess I would go for a 750TX out of simplicity then; I think he just mentioned the 750HX cause I had a modular PSU selected before that, and he didn't really make assumptions about what I wanted or anything, or just was looking for a quick alternative without looking into it too much. From looking at other peoples' OC experiences I assume I'll OC the 750 to 4 GHz as well, so I'll end up looking for an aftermarket cooler, and stick with the i5 unless I see anything that convinces me otherwise.

My Characters: SachieI - 32 Windia Aran in Memory

Pen14 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

If you can find a great deal on a modular PSU like this one which is more than enough for 5870s in CF http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018&cm_re=ModXstream-_-17-341-018-_-Product 700W 69.99 after MIR, then grab it. Modular PSUs make less cable mess than non Modulars which results in better airflow therefore higher OCs, especially on air cooled systems. I'd recommend something better than the TTv9 though, I know I am repeating myself but something like the CM69 (add lots of fans) or the Antec 900 (what I have). Both have excellent airflow, the Antec 900 houses my 5870s in CF running at 1000/1300. For the heatsink, you probably will spend over 60 bucks on one. Something like a Venemous-X, Noctua D-14 (if it fits your case), Megahalems, Megashadow, TRUE, etc. If you really want to increase the performance of these, lap the heatsink, you might be able to squeeze a few more megahertz.

My Characters: Pen14 - 114 KradiaGMS Hermit

walridge3 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

It seems like I'd go between the CM690 or the Antec 900; currently I've selected the Antec 900 though. As for the PSU, there's either the modular OCZ700MXSP you recommended or the Corsair 750TX (non-modular); at this point I'm preferring the Corsair simply because it's less work to Crossfire, but modularity is somewhat appealing still (plus it's cheaper and 600W is still enough for Crossfire). After reading about heatsinks (got led to frostytech.com in my searches), I also ended up at the Noctua D-14... do you think that would fit in the Antec 900 with the motherboard I selected? And by lapping the heatsink you mean the CPU right? Last time I heard about that it was performed on the CPU to make it a flatter surface, not the heatsink (assuming the heatsink is already flat).

My Characters: SachieI - 32 Windia Aran in Memory

xxknicksxx 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

You lap both. Not all HSFs come flat. The TRUE was notorious for that.

My Characters: V1P3RxB0WM4N - 56 Windia Hunter

Pen14 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

^ Most people lap their heatsink first. If they like the results, they end it there because lapping the CPU voids its warranty. For those who go all out, they lap their CPU as well. It would fit in the antec 900 though you wont be able to use the sidefan (you might even need to take off that plastic sidefan holder as well). Not sure if it would block your RAM but make sure you have standard ATX motherboard just to make sure.

My Characters: Pen14 - 114 KradiaGMS Hermit

walridge3 05/01/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Hm it should work, and I might try it out without lapping first, and then see if I need it.. or I might just lap the heatsink cause of the warranty issue with the i5. I think if I don't install that... whatever thing the motherboard comes with for extra cooling, then I'll have enough room.

My Characters: SachieI - 32 Windia Aran in Memory