2012 Gaming Rig - 1.700Eur budget

S

spasme

New member
Hello Tom,

I hope I've posted this in the right forum and I hope you have a few minutes to spear for some advice. The main problem is that i cannot decide on my new build. I have done a lot of research, a lot of my decisions are based on your reviews but i cannot seem to reach a decision because I'm getting some unexpected feedback from certain communities and some of my friends that should know what they are talking about... I would really trust your decision as I've noticed i share some of your approaches when it comes to certain aspects of computer builds.

So here I go...

Important aspects I'm looking for in my new build:
- estimated budget is ± 1.700Eur (I'm in Eastern EU so prices are a bit higher)
- the possibility to upgrade it in 1-2 years or whenever
- will be used 90% for gaming, other activities will be limited to some light CS6 work.
- flawless gaming performance for the immediate future
- good bang/buck ratio

Here is what I am inclined to getting:
1. Intel Core i7 3820 3.6 GHz box, 2011
2. Gigabyte GA-X79-UD3
3. 8GB DDR3 2133MHz CL11 Dual Channel Kit
4. Gigabyte Radeon HD7970 OC 3GB DDR5 384-bit
5. Noctua NH-D14 SE2011
6. Corsair Enthusiast Series Modular TX850M
7. CM Storm Trooper

I will be using the HDD's (2x WD400GB, 2x WD1TB), SDD (80GB Corsair), optical, etc. from my old rig.

Comments on why I am choosing these components:

1) I think that going with a 2011 CPU has serious advantages in the possibility of upgrading in a few years when the prices drop for the K series CPU's. I'm hearing many people saying that for gaming a i5-3750K is enough but i feel that i would be limiting my rig by going with a 1155 socket rig.

2) Going with a 2011 Motherboard opens up the possibility of upgrading in a few years. Higher RAM speeds, 16x/16x/8x/8x for the GPU's also seems important and the fact that is new gen seems important for me.

3) I cannot really find 2133mhz RAM except from Giel in my region and i'm hearing some negative feedback about RAM at these speeds - that they are running 1.65V and thats not so good. I honestly dont know what would be nest here. Also it should fit under the NH-D14.

4) I really like Gigabyte so the Gigabyte Radeon HD7970 seems to be the way to go for this price. Too bad that in my region it costs about 620Eur. Any thoughts on a GTX560 from Gigabyte? Although i'm having problems finding one.

5) I'm quite partial to air cooling although i was seriously considering getting a H80, but nothing more than that. Upon seeing so many complaints about the noise of the pump I think it would be safer to stick with air cooling from Noctua - especially after seeing your review.

6) A modular PSU seems best and the TX850M seems to be the best decision considering the price.

7) I loved your review on the CM Storm Trooper and it is the main reason i'm choosing it. I'm looking for plenty of room, good air circulation, good build quality, plenty of fan places for extra fans and most important dust filters everywhere! The CM Storm Trooper comes closest i think, except for some CASELAB producs (but it's not available in my region) and the Cosmos II is still crazy expensive.

So the two components that are giving me the biggest headache are the CPU and Motherboard.

Scenario #1 - as recommended by others
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H-WB
i5 3570K 3.4GHz
=== Total cost is 495Eur

Scenario #2 - what my noob decisions have lead to
Gigabyte GA-X79-UD3
Core i7 3820 3.6 GHz box
=== Total cost is 582Eur

#1. many say that it is best for gaming, that anything extra is overkill and that a K series is the best wa to go, but i feel that there is not much possibility for upgrade so when the time comes I will be forced to change almost everything in 3 years.

#2. May be overkill for gaming, although i will be doing a bit of CS6 work but not much but the ability to upgrade just the CPU in the near future seems the logical way to go, especially considering the small price difference.

If you're still reading :), I would really value your opinion and I don't mean to be a kiss ass but you seem like you know what you are doing!

Please feel free to recommend and other components but please elaborate your choice because I would really like to also understand the reasons.

I look forward to receiving your and the communities advice!
Thanks in advance.
 
Hahaa, are we alright to advise too?

-For gaming you dont need an i7 - especially not 2011 at that. Drop the cpu to an i5 3570k on an MSI Z77A-GD65 or the UD5 as suggested
-2133mhz RAM speed is pointless for gaming and will not make any difference if slightly slower. Save money and get 1600mhz.
-Should probably go with a GTX 670 if you want bang for buck, but the 7970 is good too...
-That should save you enough money for getting a fully modular AX series. 850w is overkill for that system, but if you want SLI/ Crossfire in the future fair enough.

IMO, saying you'd go 2011 because of the upgrade possibility is rubbish. If you choose to upgrade in 3 years to a better processor (Ivybridge-E) or equivalent then fair enough. But I would hope you'd get a new motherboard too, as they'll be newer better chipsets out then which will support everything else better. Also the PCIE lanes on Z77 boards are better as you have 3.0 - not that it really makes a difference.

If you are doing a fair bit of CS6, you may be better off with a 3770k for a little bit more money - but it probably wont make that much difference if you dont do a lot
 
id say go with a 3570k and get the maximus V formula for the improved sound as theres no soundcard on your list.
 
spasme said:
Hey and thanks for the fast reply.
Could you please elaborate? Why should I not go with 2011 socket CPU?
Click to expand...

If you want elaboration - the only real difference between a 3570k and a 3820 is hyperthreading on the 3820. Very few programs can actually use this other than video editing anyway, and in gaming there's no difference whatsoever between a 3570k and even a 3960x for 4 times the price. Better off saving the money and using it somewhere else ie - better graphics cards as they'll make more a performance increase than wasted money on HT
 
OcSurfer said:
id say go with a 3570k and get the maximus V formula for the improved sound as theres no soundcard on your list.
Click to expand...

You would really recommend spending all that extra money just to get better sound? IMHO onboard sound on current motherboards is mostly fantastic
 
all that money? its barely breaking the bank for what you get compared to a discreet sound card of the same power. youll notice the improved sound a lot, especially in gaming, footsteps, environmental noise is a lot more noticable, even more so through headphones. compare it to the UD5 hes looking at and its a £60 difference
 
Yes, but the integrated sound in all the Z77 boards - infact - pretty much all the new boards out is now very good. I say save the money initially and get the gigabyte or MSI, if he thinks sound is lacking, then buy soundcard afterwards...not spend the money on the best z77 board there is just in order to get a better sound card.

And £60 difference? You really think the maximus V formula is gunna be priced at £210? I havent seen the info if it's already been released, but that's a very low price if it is
 
I would choose the first option. You said that you will not be doing a lot of CS6 work, so I don't think the extra money spent on the 2011 based system would be worth it (unless you are planning to make use of the extra threads in the future - ala Folding@Home :p).

If you want a bang for buck card the 670 is a very good choice. You could also consider the 7950 as the OC potential is very good and you could see it perform as well as or better than a stock 7970 depending on the Silicone lottery of course :)
 
Can get the ud5 for 170 from Aria, and the maximus 5 with the sound card is 250.

Regardless - I still dont think it warrants spending the money just to get a better built in sound card. Also the UD5 is the top of the range board in the UD series whereas the formula is the bottom in the series of the maximus. Because of this, I'd expect more features on the UD5. I may not be right, cant really be bothered to check because whatever the case I still believe it's ridiculous to be spending that amount on a Z77 motherboard just to get a better sound card.
 
jamesriley94 said:
If you want elaboration - the only real difference between a 3570k and a 3820 is hyperthreading on the 3820. Very few programs can actually use this other than video editing anyway, and in gaming there's no difference whatsoever between a 3570k and even a 3960x for 4 times the price. Better off saving the money and using it somewhere else ie - better graphics cards as they'll make more a performance increase than wasted money on HT
Click to expand...

Wow i was really expecting at least one person for go for the 2011 setup. You're killing me! :)
What you guys are saying is starting to make sense.

I'll sleep on it and most likely order the i5-3570k/GA-Z77X-UD5H setup in the morning.

Many thanks for all your advice!
 
Little more food for thought - the 3570k will overclock better so will actually perform better in tasks than the 3820 if overclocked.
 
personally i'd go with the msi z77a-gd65 as the mobo, now i know people will probably slate me for being biased as thats my board,
BUT, read ttl's review of the gd65, there is no finer z77 board available, PLUS the gd65 has THX surround sound built in
 
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Not gonna slate you at all that is one fine motherboard, If he had a smaller budget I would recommend the g45 but as he doesnt the gd65 is a great choice :)
 
I agree with that for the MSI. If he's really wanting built in wifi though, it is better to get one where the adapter comes with the board IMO. Drivers are always so much better
 
corsair ax 750w psu, msi z77a-gd65 board, i5 3570k cpu, gtx670 gpu would be my choice
good luck with your build mate
 
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