Building custom PC need some help deciding on the spec.

[CriticalError]

Hi All!

So hopefully this month or next I will build a new PC for around £600-700 ($984.66 - $1148.77). Now my main tasks with this PC are:

Gaming (High-end BF3, BF4, GTA etc)
Programming & Web Development
Possible Video Editing
Unity 3D Work
Blender 3D Work and rendering
Game recording

The main thing I want to know is what CPU I should go with, in my current PC I have AMD Athlon X64 (Good CPU but now old), I am not a CPU fan boy or want to start a flame war here, I need something reliable.

Now I have looked back and forth at the Fx Bulldozers, (8 cores), but they seem to be high on power and bench marks don't put them any forward as the Intel I5 I don't need a PC which is going to heat up as hell and water cooling is a kinda no for me lol.

I am thinking about the 8 core as it is cheap, but some games like CS:GO and Motherboards will need updating I don't want to get into that hassle, so this makes me want to get an I5 instead (i7 goes out of budget ). I5 seem good anyway and I think it will be years before games will go over 4 cores, every game released only needs a quad-core CPU and that's it.

The PC will have around 8-12GB RAM
and probs a 7790 or higher GC.
An SSD drive to speed stuff up.

Advice please.

cheers.

 

[GeneO]

IMO I don't think you would get an advantage with 8 cores over 4. If you are going with Intel, you would probably benefit from Hyperthreading. Go with an I7 if you can swing it - either a 3770 or 4770. If you want to overclock, get the k version. If you have a Microcenter around you, their CPU prices are usually > $50-$75 cheaper than anywhere else, but you have to get them at a store. For instance you can get an i7-3770k or the 4770 non-k for $250. Similar good deals for the i5:

Core i5 : Processors/CPUs : Computer Parts : Micro Center

For SSD, the best is Samsung 840 Pro or the 840 EVO is the best bang for the buck.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I would look to a 3570k or Haswell 4570k depending on the value and savings. The 3570k will run just slightly slower then the Haswell but cooler and has much better overclocking ability IMHO. This is why I choose this chip over the Haswell. A revised Z97 mobo and Intel chip are rumored to be coming so if budget and interest permit then waiting may offer more options. I love many of the upgrades to the Z87 mobo's but the reality is the combo of the Z87 and Haswell has underwhelmed in the real world of overclocking.....this may or may not hold interest with you?

Don't skimp on PSU as it's the heart of the rig and please ask if we can help we will. Do take tons of pictures of the build as we get a little rush off each picture ! lol.

I agree the Samsung is a top flight SSD I have a 830 and a new 840 Pro as well several Crucial's and a dirt cheap OCZ, all are performing well.

I can also speak to my XFX 7870 GPU it's a great card but I hear that AMD's GPU's are getting a premium for a coin mining advantage so you may be interested in Nvidia cards for value?

 

[CriticalError]

I might be able to get 3770 I7, I am not interested in OC. When getting a PSU unit what's the thing to look out for? I know not to go dead cheap, but an £80-100 PSU should be fine and a good brand.

 

[AddRAM]

Just go with a 3570 then.

I would go with at least a good 550 or 600 watt PSU, it doesn`t matter if you`re putting in a dedicated video card or not, get yourself a good one.

Corsair, Seasonic, Antec etc.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The AMD gpu's are currently spendy and can be hard to find because so many are using them for cyber coin mining. Any of the newest generation of ssd'd should be fine, the 840 Pro is the Cadillac of drives but the cheaper ssd's are good as well. I would get at least a 750 watt psu or more, SeaSonic, Corsair, ThermalTake. Be sure and google reviews on the model you choose before buying.

A i5 3570k and 7950+ gpu should be a good game player. I picked up a asus r9 280x TOP on sale and it's a speed demon.

The AMD cpu's are not heat generators until you over clock or over volt. Run at stock clock they cool fine with a good air cooler. My 8350 is 26C right now running at 4.6ghz and light load on h2o. The r9 is also 26C with the vrms about 8C higher on air at 20% fan.

 

[Computer0304]

I would get a EVGA GTX 760 Dual FTW as the video card.

 

[CriticalError]

Well thanks guys, I actually work at a warehouse where we sell computers and components, so I get everything VERY cheap, however I7 is still expensive so I probably will lash out with a I5 3570 and a good Rx Graphics card

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I think you'll be very pleased with the 3570k, I've yet to begin my 3570k build but all the parts are in. If you'll take pictures you should post them to the "show us your rig" thread.

 

[CriticalError]

So here is the parts I chose:

I5 4760 (non K since not Oc'ing), Asus H81M Mobo; R7 260X GC @ 2GB. 8GB RAM & 750W Corsair PSU Unit.

I was going to get Asus Z87 Pro, but it was expensive and I was not planning to do any SLI stuff or use 32GB RAM!

 

[Dude]

Looks like a good build mate, post some pics in show us your rig when you build it

 

[GeneO]

You might save some money on that power supply. If you are not going to overclock or SLI you really draw only about 250W with everything going full-tilt, so as low as a good 350W supply should do you good. I would look in the 450 -550 range.

 

[CriticalError]

I purchased it in case I ever need to upgrade components or smth..Might be little overkill but OK..

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Looks good but don't forget to combine a small ssd say 128gb and you spinner, you'll thank me later. Set the ssd up with your clean install and all the software and games that will fit and the less played games and data on your spinner.

 

[CriticalError]

I was planning on SSD but I heard they don't last as long as HDD, so I kinda left it out plus it went over my budget..

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Look to get a quality unit from Samsung, Crucial, Intel, Corsair. I've been using a Samsung 830 in one rig and a 840 Pro in another....flawless, the rest have been Crucial and out of seven purchased so far not one failure and if anything I think these will out last a spinner two to one at lease.

 

[CriticalError]

hmm, I might get one at later date, I am thinking about GeneO suggestion, the GC requires a 500 watt PSU unit I am thinking of changing mine to get a 550W Corsair 80 Plus PSU unit, it will knock off a good £50..

 

[linnemeyerhere]

If you're headed towards a clean install anyway I would find the discounts and source that ssd now. I just got a XFX PSU and as I'm a huge fan of Seasonic the XFX was cheap and really good quality.

XFX Core Edition PRO550W (P1-550S-XXB9) 550W ATX12V 2.2 & ESP12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com

Crucial M500 Series 120GB SSD - 2.5 Form Factor, SATA III, Encryption Technology, Advanced Controller Technology, Adaptive Thermal Protection (CT120M500SSD1) at TigerDirect.com

 

[CriticalError]

The case I got (Gigabyte GZ-G2) does not have a 2.5" HDD bay...

 

[linnemeyerhere]

No worries I like to mount mine with velcro dots behind the mobo tray out of sight....clean and easy!