Building a Gaming Rig
The plan for a new computer... any advice would be appreciated.
Intel Core i7 2600K Quad Core Unlocked Hyperthreading Processor LGA1155 3.4GHZ Sandy Bridge 8MB
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA1155 ATX 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI SLI CrossFireX USB3.0 SATA3 Motherboard
Corsair XMS3 CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 Dominator DHX+ 8GB DDR3 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24 Memory Kit
Western Digital RE4 1TB SATA3 7200RPM 64MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive OEM
Corsair Force 3 Series 120GB 2.5IN SATA3 6GB/S Solid State Disk Flash Drive SSD Sandforce SF-2200
Coolermaster Silent Pro 1000W Modular Power Supply SLI ATX12V 24PIN Active PFC PCI-E 135mm Fan
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-FI Titanium FATAL1TY Champion PCI-E 1X 24BIT Sound Card *IR-$31*
LG GH24LS70 24X SATA Lightscribe Internal DVD Writer Burner DVDRW Optical Drive Black OEM
Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case Black 4X5.25 1X3.5EXT 6X3.5INT *No PSU*
Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard USB LCD Customizable Backlighting Integrated Audio 18 G *IR-$15*
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Edition 64BIT DVD OEM
I'm still unsure which video card to buy. EVGA 560 or 570? There is several versions of each at NCIX where I will purchase.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php? ... d=108#eVGA
Which version is best for what we do?
Single card or SLI is another question. If I go for the 560 I will SLI 2 of them. If I go for the 570 it will be a single card. Which would be better?
Intel Core i7 2600K Quad Core Unlocked Hyperthreading Processor LGA1155 3.4GHZ Sandy Bridge 8MB
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA1155 ATX 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI SLI CrossFireX USB3.0 SATA3 Motherboard
Corsair XMS3 CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 Dominator DHX+ 8GB DDR3 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24 Memory Kit
Western Digital RE4 1TB SATA3 7200RPM 64MB Cache 3.5IN Hard Drive OEM
Corsair Force 3 Series 120GB 2.5IN SATA3 6GB/S Solid State Disk Flash Drive SSD Sandforce SF-2200
Coolermaster Silent Pro 1000W Modular Power Supply SLI ATX12V 24PIN Active PFC PCI-E 135mm Fan
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-FI Titanium FATAL1TY Champion PCI-E 1X 24BIT Sound Card *IR-$31*
LG GH24LS70 24X SATA Lightscribe Internal DVD Writer Burner DVDRW Optical Drive Black OEM
Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case Black 4X5.25 1X3.5EXT 6X3.5INT *No PSU*
Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard USB LCD Customizable Backlighting Integrated Audio 18 G *IR-$15*
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Edition 64BIT DVD OEM
I'm still unsure which video card to buy. EVGA 560 or 570? There is several versions of each at NCIX where I will purchase.
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php? ... d=108#eVGA
Which version is best for what we do?
Single card or SLI is another question. If I go for the 560 I will SLI 2 of them. If I go for the 570 it will be a single card. Which would be better?
I'd really suggest using a full size ATX case. I know even with my mid size ATX case the video cards are almost long enough to hit the drive bays. I know for a fact that most of the video cards now are longer, thus you might have an issue, not to mention the cramped wiring which doesn't allow for good air flow.
As far as video cards, I've been using this list when trying to decide what to get (I'm looking at building a new rig too.)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bes ... 935-7.html
This is also a good review on the 560/560Ti
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gef ... ,2944.html
Hope this helps.
As far as video cards, I've been using this list when trying to decide what to get (I'm looking at building a new rig too.)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bes ... 935-7.html
This is also a good review on the 560/560Ti
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gef ... ,2944.html
Hope this helps.
![Image](http://www.virtualblueangels.com/FTPMain_Members/Beaker/Sigs/VBASig_Rhino.jpg)
Phantoms Phorever!
- Tailhook
- Virtual Thunderbird Alumnus
- Posts: 1052
- Joined: Tue Apr 04, 2006 3:17 pm
- Location: Baltimore, MD
No, either one of these. Faster and Cheaper.Redeye wrote:Corsair XMS3 CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 Dominator DHX+ 8GB DDR3 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24 Memory Kit
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.as ... 6820233147
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.as ... 6820233185
Mmm that's some sexy RAM.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)
Sound cards are pointless, a waste of space, and a waste of money at this point in time. Integrated sound is so advanced and high quality now that there's no point in having a sound card unless you're still running Windows 98. I have always used integrated and don't see why people buy sound cards when there is little difference (it's just sound).Redeye wrote:Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-FI Titanium FATAL1TY Champion PCI-E 1X 24BIT Sound Card *IR-$31*
I actually just bought this and love it. It also matches my ASUS DVD drive perfectly.Redeye wrote:LG GH24LS70 24X SATA Lightscribe Internal DVD Writer Burner DVDRW Optical Drive Black OEM
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
Great looking case but I also suggest what Rhino said. Most newer video cards are rather long and if you plan to go SLI or Crossfire, than you may begin to have some space problems. If you are looking for a full-sized case with great airflow while maintaining a pretty look, I suggest looking into NZXT because I am yet to see a case from them that I don't like.Redeye wrote:Coolermaster CM 690 II Advanced ATX Mid Tower Case Black 4X5.25 1X3.5EXT 6X3.5INT *No PSU*
Also noticed that case has a SATA connection for an HDD on the top? That's a little weird but interesting. I guess full-sized HDD's are the new jump drives now.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
If you want more for less, then I recommend going ATI/AMD because NVIDIA is still trying to catch up to AMD's latest chipsets.Redeye wrote:I'm still unsure which video card to buy.
![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
For the price you intend to spend on an NVIDIA, I recommend checking out XFX's AMD selections on Newegg.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductLis ... 1&name=XFX
XFX is nothing but awesome when it comes to quality, performance, support, and price.
Last edited by Tailhook on Mon Jun 27, 2011 4:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
![Image](http://www.virtualthunderbirds.com/Signatures/sig_Tailhook.jpg)
I'd personally get a Thermaltake case. Just preference... (Love my V9 BlacX with dual external SATA docks).
I'd skip the SSD for now, since your P8Z68 mobo has the new SRT technology, essentially making it boot like a SSD but without the hassle of splitting your files on separate drives/partitions. You can always add an SSD later if you feel the Z68 isn't zippy enough for you.
I'd get two GTX 560s over a single GTX 570. In order to determine which 560 to buy, look at the specs for all of the EVGA cards (or whichever brand you prefer) and pick the model that has the fastest clockspeed for both core-, memory-, and the highest number of stream processors (within the 1GB memory "family" which should be more than sufficient). Something between 750-850MHz core clockspeed, close to 4,000MHz effective memory clockspeed and ~384 stream processor cores would be my rule of thumb for the 560 lineup. (The 570s may actually be "slower" (clockspeed) but most likely have ~512 steaming processors).
The rest of your list looks spot on!!!![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
I'd skip the SSD for now, since your P8Z68 mobo has the new SRT technology, essentially making it boot like a SSD but without the hassle of splitting your files on separate drives/partitions. You can always add an SSD later if you feel the Z68 isn't zippy enough for you.
I'd get two GTX 560s over a single GTX 570. In order to determine which 560 to buy, look at the specs for all of the EVGA cards (or whichever brand you prefer) and pick the model that has the fastest clockspeed for both core-, memory-, and the highest number of stream processors (within the 1GB memory "family" which should be more than sufficient). Something between 750-850MHz core clockspeed, close to 4,000MHz effective memory clockspeed and ~384 stream processor cores would be my rule of thumb for the 560 lineup. (The 570s may actually be "slower" (clockspeed) but most likely have ~512 steaming processors).
The rest of your list looks spot on!!!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
Last edited by Lawndart on Mon Jun 27, 2011 10:18 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Tailhook, he's ordering from the store he linked in Canada (not Newegg) so some of the deals may not be the same there.
You don't need a dedicated sound card, but it's nice to have. Tailhook is right, but at the same time I couldn't be happier with my X-Fi. It's just a little more sound, especially if you have home theater speakers or want more settings. I can tell a big difference, but for the average gamer it's not really a "must have" by any stretch.
Oh, Redeye... If you're going for broke I'd add a G700 Logitech wireless mouse as well - best I've ever had. The G930 Logitech wireless headset is also great!
You don't need a dedicated sound card, but it's nice to have. Tailhook is right, but at the same time I couldn't be happier with my X-Fi. It's just a little more sound, especially if you have home theater speakers or want more settings. I can tell a big difference, but for the average gamer it's not really a "must have" by any stretch.
Oh, Redeye... If you're going for broke I'd add a G700 Logitech wireless mouse as well - best I've ever had. The G930 Logitech wireless headset is also great!
FWIW, the Thermaltake V9 BlacX fits the GTX 460/560 perfectly without any cramped wiring between the drive bays. Now, a longer card like the GTX 580/590 might be a little trickier to fit because of what Rhino said earlier.
There are many good cases out there nowadays. I like NZXT, Antec and just read a review of the Corsair 650D with very high marks. Might be worth looking at? Reason I went for the Thermaltake V9 BlacX was the feature set and pricetag, though.
There are many good cases out there nowadays. I like NZXT, Antec and just read a review of the Corsair 650D with very high marks. Might be worth looking at? Reason I went for the Thermaltake V9 BlacX was the feature set and pricetag, though.
Tailhook got me thinking...
XFX Radeon HD 6870 Black Edition 940MHZ 1GB 4.6GHZ GDDR5 2XDVI HDMI 2x Mini DP PCI-E Video Card $190.02
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=56598 ... acture=XFX
OR
MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Hawk OC 950MHZ 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E Video Card $272.85
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=60642 ... FMicroStar
Both cards have similar overall performance looking at the Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart.
I would buy 2 cards for a SLI/Crossfire setup.
Q: Any problems with these cards in FC2?
If there are no problems I'm leaning towards Tailhook and now thinking in going with the Radeon more for less card.
XFX Radeon HD 6870 Black Edition 940MHZ 1GB 4.6GHZ GDDR5 2XDVI HDMI 2x Mini DP PCI-E Video Card $190.02
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=56598 ... acture=XFX
OR
MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Hawk OC 950MHZ 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E Video Card $272.85
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=60642 ... FMicroStar
Both cards have similar overall performance looking at the Graphics Card Hierarchy Chart.
I would buy 2 cards for a SLI/Crossfire setup.
Q: Any problems with these cards in FC2?
If there are no problems I'm leaning towards Tailhook and now thinking in going with the Radeon more for less card.
Updated 2011/06/29
Intel Core i7 2600K Quad Core Unlocked Hyperthreading Processor LGA1155 3.4GHZ Sandy Bridge 8MB
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA1155 ATX 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI SLI CrossFireX USB3.0 SATA3 Motherboard
MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Hawk OC 950MHZ 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E Video Card
Corsair XMS3 CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 Dominator DHX+ 8GB DDR3 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24 Memory Kit
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB SATA3 6GB/S 7200RPM 64MB Cache 3.5IN Dual Proc Hard Drive OEM
Corsair Force 3 Series 120GB 2.5IN SATA3 6GB/S Solid State Disk Flash Drive SSD Sandforce SF-2200
Coolermaster Silent Pro 1000W Modular Power Supply SLI ATX12V 24PIN Active PFC PCI-E 135mm Fan
LG GH24LS70 24X SATA Lightscribe Internal DVD Writer Burner DVDRW Optical Drive Black OEM
Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition ATX 3X5.25IN 2X3.5IN EXT 5X3.5IN INT USB3.0 Mid Tower Computer Case
Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard USB LCD Customizable Backlighting Integrated Audio 18 G
Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930
Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Edition 64BIT DVD OEM
Intel Core i7 2600K Quad Core Unlocked Hyperthreading Processor LGA1155 3.4GHZ Sandy Bridge 8MB
ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe Z68 LGA1155 ATX 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI SLI CrossFireX USB3.0 SATA3 Motherboard
MSI GeForce GTX 560 Ti Hawk OC 950MHZ 1GB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E Video Card
Corsair XMS3 CMP8GX3M2A1600C9 Dominator DHX+ 8GB DDR3 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24 Memory Kit
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB SATA3 6GB/S 7200RPM 64MB Cache 3.5IN Dual Proc Hard Drive OEM
Corsair Force 3 Series 120GB 2.5IN SATA3 6GB/S Solid State Disk Flash Drive SSD Sandforce SF-2200
Coolermaster Silent Pro 1000W Modular Power Supply SLI ATX12V 24PIN Active PFC PCI-E 135mm Fan
LG GH24LS70 24X SATA Lightscribe Internal DVD Writer Burner DVDRW Optical Drive Black OEM
Thermaltake V9 BlacX Edition ATX 3X5.25IN 2X3.5IN EXT 5X3.5IN INT USB3.0 Mid Tower Computer Case
Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard USB LCD Customizable Backlighting Integrated Audio 18 G
Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930
Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Edition 64BIT DVD OEM