Build advice

[Widz]

I want to know if this is a decent first build, for overclocking, gaming and general use

What I really want to know is with the Asus P7P55 LX motherboard, would I be able to add a second 6870 later on to utilize crossfire, it says its compatitible but someone said one of the x16 slots are running at x4 bandwidth, I dont have much of a clue when it comes to motherboards.

I want to be able to overclock the cpu to around 4.0Ghz stable if possible, would that be asking for too much from this?

CPU: Intel i5 760

CPU Cooler: Thermaltake Frio

Motherboard: Asus P7P55 LX

Memory: 4GB Corsair DDR3 1600mhz XMS3 CL9 (2x 2GB)

Case: Xigmatek Asgard

PSU: 650W Corsair TX Ultra-Quiet

Graphics card: ATI Radeon HD 6870 1GB

Heres the motherboard: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus...-(x16)-ddr3-2200(oc)-sata-3gb-s-sata-raid-atx

 

[Tortuga]

Are you going to wait a few days for the new intel cpu reviews and numbers? That's what I would do.

 

[Widz]

Yeah, I suppose I will, but still if anyone has any help on this it would still be much appreciated

 

[eunoia]

Are you going to wait a few days for the new intel cpu reviews and numbers? That's what I would do.

+1

Yes, at the very least, at this point either you'll be switching to Sandy Bridge or getting a much better deal on this system.

 

[tinytomlogan]

Wouldnt bother with that cpu cooler, it only works well on full speed, and that will make you deaf.

Look at the Noctua NH-D14 if you want to overclock, and that will also be quiet.

Also look at Mushkin Ram, Aria sell it in the UK and its bloody good kit, I have it as my prefered choice for my bench rig.

 

[Widz]

Thanks I will look into it, but any help with the motherboard?

 

[adicool96]

Have u seen the sandybridge review imho wait for some good motherboard and get that or get sandybridge with the maximus 4 u cant go wrong with that.

 

[taz838]

Have u seen the sandybridge review imho wait for some good motherboard and get that or get sandybridge with the maximus 4 u cant go wrong with that.

so far, if I look at the review, the Sandy Bridge Processors are PHENOMENAL. I would suggest trying to fit one into your budget as you cant go wrong with them. It would be nice to know a budget aswell, as looking at the prices for the maximus 3, they are pretty expensive and might be worth checking out other boards, for example:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Comp...+Motherboard+?productId=42938&source=googleps

or something like this: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=647&Itemid=69

Would be sufficient depending on your requirements, are you going to crossfire sli?

For a gaming budget build I would recommend the 2400k, since gives you more options to overclock (not really sure how it works though) and it will be about 140 pounds in the uk when it is released.

Hope I've helped

SORRY: 2500K thanks zeal

 

[Widz]

I might crossfire in a few months so I want a cheap crossfire board really

 

[taz838]

I might crossfire in a few months so I want a cheap crossfire board really

Do you have a budget, and are you willing to wait till sandy bridge? You might aswell as you will get a better deal either way; other processors will become cheaper, motherboards will become cheaper, or you get a new, just out processor.

 

[Stryker64]

CPU, gotta get the i5 2500K, since you can overclock it like crazy, and most games won't use more than 4 threads and 4 actual threats will trump hyperthreaded ones.

Look at a MSI Sandy bridge. Sandy Bridge from the reviews seem to be epic. Also MSI products as of late have been pretty good; I'm a bit of a MSI fanboy been using their products since my Pentium 4 PC, so you might want to listen to a Sandy Bridge motherboard expert.

/Summon TTL

 

[Widz]

When is the release date for the sandy bridge stuff though?

 

[killablade]

When is the release date for the sandy bridge stuff though?

I think I read something about them being available to order on the 9th?

 

[Stryker64]

I think I read something about them being available to order on the 9th?

+1

 

[eunoia]

Early indications are that the Sandy Bridge release is a sufficient improvement on the LGA 1156 it's replacing that you'll be seeing some price drops in the hardware you're looking at. You can build a high value system with quality components at a reasonable price if you shop around in the coming weeks.

So to answer a few questions: Yes you can add a second 6870 later in crossfire and yes you can overclock. That being said, it's true the second 6870 will be in x4 mode. That's a limitation for the type of system you'd be building, but it's not critical. You'd still be getting most of the scaling advantage of the second card.

As for overclocking, you have to look at 3 things:

1) the Corsair power supply is excellent, stick with Corsair at 650W, it's THE quality PSU and is enough for the eventual second 6870.

2) the cooler is a good after-market cooler, but for the kind of overclocks you're looking for isn't the best choice. Noctuas, as mentioned, are more for serious OCs, they're all I use, so be aware I'm biased, but there are some less expensive ones that distinguish themselves in lower price ranges like the Coolermaster Hyper 212+.

3) the motherboard. A big overclock on an entry-level motherboard can be done, but is a bit chancy. If it's possible to spend a bit more here without breaking the bank (esp. with the aforementioned potential LGA 1156 price drops) it doesn't have to be a fancy "enthusiast" board but something like a Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/giga...pci-e-20-ddr3-2200-sata-6gb-s-raid-usb-30-atx

Gigabyte doesn't have gimmicky "enthusiast" mobos (yet, but soon) but overclockers are enthusiastic about them nonetheless (again, I'm biased here.) OCing is fun and highly rewarding if you get the right kit.

The RAM is an great choice as well and DDR3-1600 is a sweet spot for bang-for-buck, though there are a few equivalent picks depending on prices in your area. Look around and stick to problem-free brands.

As for cases, that's a really individual choice. Be aware that regardless of looks, "quiet" and "well-ventilated" tend to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. If you're overclocking, well-ventilated is important. A very quiet, very well-ventilated case tends to cost a little or a lot more, though if you're willing to settle for something a little less flashy for more functionality (you should) there are good choices at every price point. Look at how many fans come with the case, their quality and how they're arrayed, builder reviews for practicality concerns, and resist the bells and whistles if performance is a priority.

I wish I could be more helpful for pricing it out, but I'm in Canada and prices and availability are out of my scope. It is worth reading as much as you can about each individual component and pestering everyone with questions. You'll save time, money and headaches in the long run. If all this seems daunting, look for LGA 1156 bundle deals or even a used system from someone who just has to have the new and shiny.

Overclocking especially is all about getting the most for the least.

 

[Widz]

Thats a great help man, thanks alot, you covered pretty much everything I was wondering about, now I will wait to the sandy bridge stuff comes and I will decide. Thanks again fella.