Buyer's Guide II: Extreme, High-End, Mid-Range, Budget, and Entry Level Systems - Part 2

[Felfirez]

Sho cheap! But is a SandForce.

Very tempting but I don't see any reviews on it do I guess we'll see how intel's 330 does soon.

 

[hunterdoom]

Intel Core i5 2400 & BIOSTAR TP67B+ ~ $391
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 8GB (2X4GB) ~ $60
Palit GTX 560 Ti 1GB ~ $300
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 32MB ~ $160
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
FSP Aurum AU-500W ~ $115
Ikonik EN2 ~ $55

hi i am using the above built for my rig but not the same casing
i am intending to change my old casing are there any good casing around now or ikonik en2 is the best?

 

[yeokpd]

Not advisable to do crossfire/SLI on mATX setups where both card will most likely be adjacent to one another, leaving no gap for ventilation. So keep your HD 6850.

And i guess you should wait for Ivy Bridge coming really soon.

And why do you need 240GB SSD? Pretty exp though.

Thanks $face !

So if I want to do cross fire on my HD6850, I will go to atx then. Will an cross fire setup of 2x HD 6850 be better than the newer HD7850 ?

The reason why I want an bigger SSD is really for convenience sake. (I heard that RAID 0 on 128GB SSDs is not advisable). I intent to do a Acronis backup of my current setup and to a Universal restore into the new system (my current system image is 190GB). I really hate starting software install from scratch. Then I can tweak the driver and what have you after the restore.

I guess waiting for the new Ivy bridge is worth while, maybe not so much for better performnace, but maybe better for future proofing for the next 3-4 years. I usually built a rig every 3-4 years.

What setup will you recommend for the Ivy Bridge ? Can you advise ? Want to do my homework so I know what to get when its out.

Many Thanks !

 

[fat_yogi]

Hi
I need some advice to build a rig.

i already hv a 32" LED full HD TV and intend to use it as monitor. I also bought wireless mouse and keyb during recent PC show. also already hv Windows license.

it will be used mainly to surf internet, download, and watch movies (most of the time), quality of display is important. some light work on excel / words.

Pls advise what is the config, cost and where can I get it.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[rusydi]

Moneyface,

I already decided on this items:

i5-2500k + ASUS Maximusus Gene-Z
MSI HD7870
Plextor SSD 128GB.

Do I have to change my current 560 ANDYSON PSU(I think its 560 if I am not wrong).

How do I determine what kind of MOBO I need to get? And as for RAMS, which is a good gaming RAM?

When will price start to drop ah since ivy bridge coming out. It is all for gaming.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Thanks $face !

So if I want to do cross fire on my HD6850, I will go to atx then. Will an cross fire setup of 2x HD 6850 be better than the newer HD7850 ?

The reason why I want an bigger SSD is really for convenience sake. (I heard that RAID 0 on 128GB SSDs is not advisable). I intent to do a Acronis backup of my current setup and to a Universal restore into the new system (my current system image is 190GB). I really hate starting software install from scratch. Then I can tweak the driver and what have you after the restore.

I guess waiting for the new Ivy bridge is worth while, maybe not so much for better performnace, but maybe better for future proofing for the next 3-4 years. I usually built a rig every 3-4 years.

What setup will you recommend for the Ivy Bridge ? Can you advise ? Want to do my homework so I know what to get when its out.

Many Thanks !

Definitely much better, but there is this micro-stuttering phenomenon troubling around multi-card setup. Google for more info. And this will consume more power and thus require higher wattage PSU.

RAID TRIM support will be available soon from Intel RST 11.5. And strongly not advisable to use clone images. It'll cause a lot of trouble thereafter, you can ask people around here and they'll say the same.

And no need to add anymore RAM...

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-3570K + Intel Z77 @ $450+
GPU: HIS HD 6850 1GB @ $195
SSD: Crucial RealSSD M4 256GB [SATA III] @ $480 (VRForums)
ODD: HP 24X CD/DVD Writer [Retail] @ $28
PSU: FSP Aurum CM 650W [80 Plus Gold] @ $159
Free Gentle Typhoon 2150 rpm fan!
CASE: NZXT Phantom 410 @ $159

Total: $1471

Optional:
SSD: Intel SSD 330 240GB

Promotions in BOLD.

Buy all unspecified from PC Themes.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Hi
I need some advice to build a rig.

i already hv a 32" LED full HD TV and intend to use it as monitor. I also bought wireless mouse and keyb during recent PC show. also already hv Windows license.

it will be used mainly to surf internet, download, and watch movies (most of the time), quality of display is important. some light work on excel / words.

Pls advise what is the config, cost and where can I get it.

Many thanks in advance.

CPU+MB: Intel Celeron G530 + ASRock H61M-HVGS @ $128
RAM: G.Skill NT DDR3-1333 CL9 4GB [Black PCB] @ $26
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C 1TB [SATA III] @ $148
ODD: LG 24X CD/DVD Writer [OEM] @ $25
CASE+PSU: In Win BL634 + 300W TFX PSU @ $109

Total: $457

Optional:
CPU: Intel Pentium G620 @ +$21

Buy all and build at Tradepac.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Moneyface,

I already decided on this items:

i5-2500k + ASUS Maximusus Gene-Z
MSI HD7870
Plextor SSD 128GB.

Do I have to change my current 560 ANDYSON PSU(I think its 560 if I am not wrong).

How do I determine what kind of MOBO I need to get? And as for RAMS, which is a good gaming RAM?

When will price start to drop ah since ivy bridge coming out. It is all for gaming.

You'll regret in a month's time.

Change if you can afford.

Depending what features you need. There is no such thing as gaming RAMs, RAMs are just RAMs. Bare value RAMs are cheap and good.

A few months later...

 

[Jendezvous84]

Core i7 will overshot your budget alot, costing $130 more, yet doesn't show much improvement over Core i5 for your kind of usage.

This particular Gigabyte motherboard is the most value for money in its price range. It's reliability is proven. Shops recommend ASUS because they want to attract customers (most people know ASUS as top motherboard maker) and margins are generally higher. But the problem with ASUS is their much higher price tag that dilutes most of their motherboards' value.

Thank you Mr $face! I guess I need to do more research on lots of stuffs! I read afew posts on Asrock MB, price is slightly cheaper then Giga but Giga more reliable i guess if not you wont recommend me that! Hehehe...I will use the spec you recommended me for reference when the ivy is out. And my budget can stretch to 2.2k max Liao! So the extra cash is it better to get i7 or invest on other stuffs like better MB, or GPU etc... ?
Once again thank you so much for your recommendations and replies.

 

[rusydi]

You'll regret in a month's time.

Change if you can afford.

Depending what features you need. There is no such thing as gaming RAMs, RAMs are just RAMs. Bare value RAMs are cheap and good.

A few months later...

I can afford. So in a month's time what do you recommend? I cannot wait liao. My com really bth already. But is MSI 7870 ok?

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Thank you Mr $face! I guess I need to do more research on lots of stuffs! I read afew posts on Asrock MB, price is slightly cheaper then Giga but Giga more reliable i guess if not you wont recommend me that! Hehehe...I will use the spec you recommended me for reference when the ivy is out. And my budget can stretch to 2.2k max Liao! So the extra cash is it better to get i7 or invest on other stuffs like better MB, or GPU etc... ?
Once again thank you so much for your recommendations and replies.

Both Gigabyte and ASRock are equally good, just that Gigabyte board has slightly better value. Anyway you should really look out for Z77 boards coming this sunday onwards.

 

[DarkFord]

Both Gigabyte and ASRock are equally good, juat that Gigabyte board has slightly better value. Anyway you should really look out for Z77 boards coming this sunday onwards.

able to use i5 2500k chip on Z77 board??

 

[yeokpd]

Definitely much better, but there is this micro-stuttering phenomenon troubling around multi-card setup. Google for more info. And this will consume more power and thus require higher wattage PSU.

RAID TRIM support will be available soon from Intel RST 11.5. And strongly not advisable to use clone images. It'll cause a lot of trouble thereafter, you can ask people around here and they'll say the same.

And no need to add anymore RAM...

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-3570K + Intel Z77 @ $450+
GPU: HIS HD 6850 1GB @ $195
SSD: Crucial RealSSD M4 256GB [SATA III] @ $480 (VRForums)
ODD: HP 24X CD/DVD Writer [Retail] @ $28
PSU: FSP Aurum CM 650W [80 Plus Gold] @ $159
Free Gentle Typhoon 2150 rpm fan!
CASE: NZXT Phantom 410 @ $159

Total: $1471

Optional:
SSD: Intel SSD 330 240GB

Promotions in BOLD.

Buy all unspecified from PC Themes.

Thanks $Face. Much appreciated.

Looked up the Micro stuttering issue, seems to affect Duo card setups, less for tri card and non for single card. I guess my HD6850 can last a little longer before I need to upgrade. Will stick to a single GPU Card then. As such, I may then look into a small rig with micro atx or mini itx. Can they hold the following ?

2 x HDD RAID
1 x SSD (or 2x SSD RAID assuming Intel RST 11.5)
1 x HD6850
16 GB Ram
1 x DVD / CD drive

What small case would you recommend ? I kinda like my current shuttle foot print. I can go a little taller considering heat maybe an issue, any case you can recommend ?

Thanks in advance for your kind help.

 

[fat_yogi]

CPU+MB: Intel Celeron G530 + ASRock H61M-HVGS @ $128
RAM: G.Skill NT DDR3-1333 CL9 4GB [Black PCB] @ $26
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.C 1TB [SATA III] @ $148
ODD: LG 24X CD/DVD Writer [OEM] @ $25
CASE+PSU: In Win BL634 + 300W TFX PSU @ $109

Total: $457

Optional:
CPU: Intel Pentium G620 @ +$21

Buy all and build at Tradepac.

Thanks $face !

I most likely go with G620 option.

If I want to add an additional HDD (500 GB) can the PSU support it?

also do i need to change to H61-U3S3?

Thanks again!

 

[MoneyFace =p]

able to use i5 2500k chip on Z77 board??

Can no issues.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Thanks $face !

I most likely go with G620 option.

If I want to add an additional HDD (500 GB) can the PSU support it?

also do i need to change to H61-U3S3?

Thanks again!

PSU is more than adequate to support the extra HDD. Note that this chassis can only contain up to 2 3.5" HDD. And no need to change motherboard, H61M-HVGS has HDMi port ready.

 

[joker2007]

Need Advice

Hi All,

Need some advice on the spec of the machine.

Looking at this DIY spec :

Asus Rampage 4 Extreme i7 3930K
WD 1TB 64MB Caviar Black
WD 2TB 64MB Caviar Black
Kingston 12800/1600 16GB (4GBx4) Kit CL9
EVGA GTX 3072MB GDDR5
CM HAF 912 (advance) w/USB 3.0
CM Silent PRO M2 850W Modular 80+
C.Mster Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler

Looking to use for gaming and not planing to use any SSD or water cooling.

Any advice is very much appreciated.

Thank You.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Thanks $Face. Much appreciated.

Looked up the Micro stuttering issue, seems to affect Duo card setups, less for tri card and non for single card. I guess my HD6850 can last a little longer before I need to upgrade. Will stick to a single GPU Card then. As such, I may then look into a small rig with micro atx or mini itx. Can they hold the following ?

2 x HDD RAID
1 x SSD (or 2x SSD RAID assuming Intel RST 11.5)
1 x HD6850
16 GB Ram
1 x DVD / CD drive

What small case would you recommend ? I kinda like my current shuttle foot print. I can go a little taller considering heat maybe an issue, any case you can recommend ?

Thanks in advance for your kind help.

CPU+MB: Intel Core i5-3450 + Intel Z77 @ $400+
SSD: Crucial RealSSD M4 256GB [SATA III] @ $480 (VRForums)
ODD: HP 24X CD/DVD Writer [Retail] @ $28
PSU: FSP Aurum 400W [80 Plus Gold] @ $95
CASE: Lian Li PC-Q11 [Black] @ $165 (Cybermind)
Capable of holding up to 2 3.5" AND 2.5" disk drives, making it ideal to suit to your preferred configuration.

Total: $1168

Optional:
SSD: Intel SSD 330 240GB

Promotions in BOLD.

Buy all unspecified from PC Themes.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Intel Core i5 2400 & BIOSTAR TP67B+ ~ $391
G.Skill DDR3-1333MHz 8GB (2X4GB) ~ $60
Palit GTX 560 Ti 1GB ~ $300
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 32MB ~ $160
Samsung SATA 22X DVD Rewriter ~ $24
FSP Aurum AU-500W ~ $115
Ikonik EN2 ~ $55

hi i am using the above built for my rig but not the same casing
i am intending to change my old casing are there any good casing around now or ikonik en2 is the best?

No more Ikonik EN2. Xigmatek Asgard XP replace it at same price with far better quality and features. Do consider full aluminium Haial chassis going just for $39 at PC Themes.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Hi All,

Need some advice on the spec of the machine.

Looking at this DIY spec :

Asus Rampage 4 Extreme i7 3930K
WD 1TB 64MB Caviar Black
WD 2TB 64MB Caviar Black
Kingston 12800/1600 16GB (4GBx4) Kit CL9
EVGA GTX 3072MB GDDR5
CM HAF 912 (advance) w/USB 3.0
CM Silent PRO M2 850W Modular 80+
C.Mster Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler

Looking to use for gaming and not planing to use any SSD or water cooling.

Any advice is very much appreciated.

Thank You.

Seriously a SSD large enough for your games and apps is going to be much more beneficial than the extra 2 cores which are going to be white elephant. What's your budget btw?