Suggestions and help for my intel i5 build

ratman · 27 Jun 2012

Hi, I am nearly finished choosing the parts for a Intel build. I have a budget of $950, but already have a Sapphire 6870 which I will use.

So far, I have chosen:
Case: ........ Antec 300 - $58
CPU: ......... i5 3570k - $240
DVD: ........ Samsung 22X DVD Writer - $18
HDD: ........ WD Blue 1Tb - $99
MOBO: ...... ASUS Sabretooth Z77 - $259
PSU: ......... 720W CoolerMaster Silent Pro (Modular) - $135
RAM: ........ G.Skill Ripjaws-X 8GB Single 1600mhz - $59
Cooler: ..... CoolerMaster X6 cooler - $75
GPU: ........ Sapphire 6870 - free (second hand)

Total: $943

I will mostly be using it for programming, homework, internet, and gaming. I plan to do some minor overclocking, hence the X6 cooler.

Some main questions:
is one stick of RAM by itself compatible with the mobo that I chose? I chose a single 8gb stick over 2*4gb sticks so that it is easier to upgrade in the future (without wasting slots).
Also, is 720W enough?

Any suggestions, improvements, tips are welcome!
Thanks in advance!

UnknownReverent · 27 Jun 2012

The graphics card requires a minimum of 500W, so it seems like you're fine on the power supply. As for the RAM, it should be fine. You can probably find a cheaper 2x4GB dual channel kit that's cheaper and you can take advantage of the dual channel on the motherboard though.

ratman · 27 Jun 2012

Thanks for the help. Wow, I completely forgot the dual channel capabilities. Thanks for the reminder. In that case, I would much rather double the bandwidth than merely save ram slots. And you're right, I just checked, a kit of 2*4gb sticks is about $15 cheaper than a single 8gb stick.

UnknownReverent · 27 Jun 2012

No problem. Go ahead and mark this as solved unless you have any more questions.

ignatzatsonic · 27 Jun 2012

A look at Newegg tells me that Asus Z77 boards begin at $135. Gigabyte has Z77 boards beginning at $110.

I'd at least consider a board in the $150 to $175 area and then use the saved money for a $75 to $100 SSD for the operating system and applications. Use the WD Blue for data.

You may have valid reasons to spend $260 on that motherboard--I don't know. But that's the first possible modification that jumped out at me.

You could also easily shave $10 or $40 off the PSU price with any of several Seasonic, Antec, XFX, or Corsair units with at least 500 watts.

Many would point you to less expensive coolers that are still fine for overclocking.

Here is a highly regarded Coolermaster heatsink for $35 shipped:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103099

UnknownReverent · 27 Jun 2012

I do agree with the motherboard suggestion, although I'd keep a decent watt power supply. I wouldn't want to go for the bare minimum 500w just to shave some money off. I got an Asus Z77 board for 140. Not the Sabertooth obviously. You can get a cheaper power supply though that's still good enough for the requirements.

The processor you listed is also 10 dollars cheaper on Newegg. If you're getting the K version of the processor then I'd suggest getting the 2500K. It's 20 dollars less than you listed and rated very well for overclocking.

I can't give you a suggestion for the power supply because I'm not sure what you prefer. I can give a few suggestions on Z77 boards if you'd like. You can really manage to take the price down by getting a different motherboard, the 2500k, dual channel ram, a different choice of power supply, and a different cooler.

Just my personal preference... I haven't trusted CM power supplies since mine died right after the warranty.