New Build

[JaidynM]

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit --- Carried Over

CPU
Intel Core i7-2700k
$367

Motherboard
ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-Z
$419

Memory
G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-17000CL11D-8GBXL
$92

Graphics Card
​

MSI GeForce GTX 580 Twin Frozr II Overclocked
$499

Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio (Integrated)

Monitor Displays
CHIMEI CMV 221D 22" --- Carried Over

Hard Drives
Crucial M4 SSD 256GB
$425
&
Seagate Barracuda LP Green 3.5'' 2TB Internal HDD 5900RPM --- Carried Over

PSU
Corsair AX850 Gold
$245

Case
CoolerMaster HAF X
$209

Cooling
Corsair Hydro Series H100
$165

Keyboard
Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 1000 --- Carried Over

Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2000 --- Carried Over

Speakers
Logitech Z506 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers
$79

My budget is $3000 and the total cost of the build equates to $2700. Well that's about it... Any advice would be appreciated.

This post will be continually modified.

 

[Airbot]

While it looks like pretty nice components, IMO the thing that's really going to give instant gratification in responsiveness is having that SSD. The build sans SSD is kind of akin to having a Jaguar - being pulled along on ropes by a snail.

 

[JaidynM]

While it looks like pretty nice components, IMO the thing that's really going to give instant gratification in responsiveness is having that SSD. The build sans SSD is kind of akin to having a Jaguar - being pulled along on ropes by a snail.

Fair enough. From the MSY site, what would be the best SSD? Or even another site, as long as it ships to Australia. I've never had one before and therefore have no experience in such matters.

 

[smarteyeball]

For online, you can't really beat PCCG. Better range, better service. Worth the extra few dollars.


https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index

or alternatively:

Umart Computer Notebook&PC Parts - Umart online® Your one stop Computer Shop for computer parts,notebook and new system

 

[JaidynM]

For online, you can't really beat PCCG. Better range, better service. Worth the extra few dollars.


https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=index

or alternatively:

Umart Computer Notebook&PC Parts - Umart online® Your one stop Computer Shop for computer parts,notebook and new system

Thanks, but it seems MSY is still cheaper.

 

[smarteyeball]

On average, MSY is a little cheaper. But the range/stock issue is a bit of a concern. YMMV at your local MSY. (Mine rarely has my third choice, let alone my first in stock. That's why I use PCCG. A little more expensive, but at least they have want I need)

I'm not sure whereabouts you are in Vic, but PCCG also have shop front.

Perhaps source the main bits from MSY and instead of settling for the rest (ie SSD), order one or a few components that you want elsewhere. I'm not a fan of settling, so I pay the premium - but Ça plane pour moi.

If you want to stick with MSY, but don't want one of the Kingston or Patriot SSD's, at least grab a couple of 1TB Samsung F3's for RAID 0. It's a cheaper compromise for price vs performance.

 

[A Guy]

Intel Core i7-2600k good choice.

ASUS P8Z68-M-Pro good choice.

The Ripjaws and the Snipers are almost exactly the same, both 1.5v. The Snipers are slightly taller. I'd pick whichever you like the looks of best, they will both perform the same.


The Coolermaster PSU looks to be better, no experience with Shaw.

The Coolermaster HAF 912 would be my pick, although it is out of stock, as was your 2nd choice. Antec makes great cases, but I haven't seen much on that case, looks real good though Antec Dark Fleet DF-30 ATX Case Review | PC Perspective

Cooling will be important, and depend on your selection, and cost. I use the Coolermaster Hyper 212+

A Guy

 

[JaidynM]

On average, MSY is a little cheaper. But the range/stock issue is a bit of a concern. YMMV at your local MSY. (Mine rarely has my third choice, let alone my first in stock. That's why I use PCCG. A little more expensive, but at least they have want I need)

I'm not sure whereabouts you are in Vic, but PCCG also have shop front.

Perhaps source the main bits from MSY and instead of settling for the rest (ie SSD), order one or a few components that you want elsewhere. I'm not a fan of settling, so I pay the premium - but Ça plane pour moi.

If you want to stick with MSY, but don't want one of the Kingston or Patriot SSD's, at least grab a couple of 1TB Samsung F3's for RAID 0. It's a cheaper compromise for price vs performance.

It seems I didn't look at PCCG. It has the same sort of prices. Thanks, I'll have more of a look there.

Intel Core i7-2600k good choice.

ASUS P8Z68-M-Pro good choice.

The Ripjaws and the Snipers are almost exactly the same, both 1.5v. The Snipers are slightly taller. I'd pick whichever you like the looks of best, they will both perform the same.


The Coolermaster PSU looks to be better, no experience with Shaw.

The Coolermaster HAF 912 would be my pick, although it is out of stock, as was your 2nd choice. Antec makes great cases, but I haven't seen much on that case, looks real good though Antec Dark Fleet DF-30 ATX Case Review | PC Perspective

Cooling will be important, and depend on your selection, and cost. I use the Coolermaster Hyper 212+

A Guy

Thanks, Bill. I'll probably go with the Ripjaws. And it looks like PCCG has better prices and range so I'll probably buy from there. Also, what would be the difference between this memory and this one? I can't see much difference but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[A Guy]

From what I read, the F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL were introduced first and designed as a broadrange set for AMD and Intel chipsets, the AMD 790/890 and Intel P55, X58, (and at the time the upcoming P67 and variants H67/Z68).

The F3-12800cl9d-8GBXL series were designed specifically w/ the latest P67 and variants in mind, (though they also seem to work equally well across the board w/ all AMD and Intel.

Some people have issues with F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL on P67, so if you have the newer Intel chipsets, F3-12800cl9d-8GBXL is preferred.

A Guy

P.S. People should know you modified your 1st post, so my 1st answer might be confusing

 

[JaidynM]

I might go with the XL then. Would it be worth going from the P8Z68 to the P8P67? Z68 chipset is newer than the P67 but apparently the P67 motherboard I've chosen has more 'features'.

 

[A Guy]

Personally, I believe I'd go with the P8Z68-M PRO. I don't see any reviews on it (as opposed to the -V pro). But looking at the specs, I'd never need all the features of the more expensive ASUS P8P67 PRO myself I'm sure you'll get more info from others.

A Guy

 

[JaidynM]

I thought as much. There's no point in spending money on what you aren't going to use. Thanks, Bill.

 

[Britton30]

For RAM I don't think you'll go wrong with Ripjaws, that's what I have, or any of GSkill's memory. They provide good tech support, unlike most manufacturers. The RAM I have was designed for Intel CPU's but with advice, OCing and some BIOS tweaks, I have it working well with my AMD PhenomX4.

 

[JaidynM]

For RAM I don't think you'll go wrong with Ripjaws, that's what I have, or any of GSkill's memory. They provide good tech support, unlike most manufacturers. The RAM I have was designed for Intel CPU's but with advice, OCing and some BIOS tweaks, I have it working well with my AMD PhenomX4.

I'll stick with the Ripjaws then. Now for the power supply. I'm going with Corsair but I'm not sure whether to get the HX650 or the TX750. I know he HX is modular and the TX isn't but that's nothing a few cable ties can't fix. That being said, a decent 650W PSU should be able to handle a GTX 560 and i7-2600k, shouldn't it? I've never overclocked before and would like to try it with an i7 so would the HX650 be sufficient?

 

[A Guy]

Also keep in mind any further plans to SLI multiple GPUs.

eXtreme Power Supply Calculator

A Guy

 

[Britton30]

I would go with the HX 850W if your budget allows, that would give you some headroom for expansion as Bill said. The modular is very nice too, I have the HX650 and it made wire routing easier.

 

[kodi]

My 2 cents worth;
If you want to be treated like you are dirt go to MSY or for real service and quality go to PCCG, I would not go anywhere else.
Shaw power supplies are a Joke, just go to whirlpool or overclockers australia forum and you will see.You wont go wrong with corsair power supplies.

EDIT sorry missed some posts, I agree with Britton30 you need some headroom for future expansions.
Modular is better if you can afford it, you can really have problems trying to hide those extra leads unless you have a HAF X case or similar

 

[pparks1]

With regards to power supplies, after using a modular in my latest build, for any quality machine in the future, I would do nothing but a modular anymore. Just makes wire management easier. While bundle off and try to squeeze in a bunch of extra cables that you don't need.

 

[JaidynM]

I would go with the HX 850W if your budget allows, that would give you some headroom for expansion as Bill said. The modular is very nice too, I have the HX650 and it made wire routing easier.

I might get the HX850 then.

My 2 cents worth;
If you want to be treated like you are dirt go to MSY or for real service and quality go to PCCG, I would not go anywhere else.
Shaw power supplies are a Joke, just go to whirlpool or overclockers australia forum and you will see.You wont go wrong with corsair power supplies.

EDIT sorry missed some posts, I agree with Britton30 you need some headroom for future expansions.
Modular is better if you can afford it, you can really have problems trying to hide those extra leads unless you have a HAF X case or similar

lol, no. Don't worry. I'm only going to MSY if the product is cheaper there. Which in most cases, it isn't. I realise that Shaw is a joke too and I've also read a lot about it but I got it for free when I didn't have a PSU. Anyway, I'll probably be getting the Storm Scout and the HX850. The Shaw I have at the moment isn't modular and tends to clutter up my case.

 

[mjf]

I went with MSY because of cost but would expect a BIG battle if I needed to return a faulty unit. We suffer from limited suppliers in Australia unlike the US who are spoilt for choice To RMA from overseas is a bit risky.

I made a mistake and chose a PSU that doesn't cater for too much growth. I'd go for an efficient 750W - but then I'm not a Gamer.

I wouldn't touch an LG anything - in my opinion their customer service is very bad in this country.