Gaming Rig in 45K

[harikt]

1. What is the purpose of the computer? (Note: If you are planning to say multimedia, you will have to be more specific as all types of systems are capable of doing that)
A: Gaming. Mostly gaming. I'm looking at something that doesn't make any 2011 game (including those that are yet to be released) a pain to play. Some amount of video editing and encoding. Though not very often.

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A: Yes I am, but I hope anyone suggesting an alternative will give me a reason better than "cuz I said so"

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: 45000. maybe 2k more if the juice is worth the squeeze. certainly not for something like a fancy cabinet.

4. Planning to overclock?
A: Yes, though I've never done it before.

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A: Win 7

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A: 500 GB, 1 TB if it fits in the budget. Also want to consider an SSD.

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want? If you already want have one and want to use it, mention its resolution and size.
A: 20" 1080P. 22" if budget can take it.

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
A: 3

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
A: An assembler

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A: I have a 1 month timeframe

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A: Yes. I don't want to have to get a new rig all over again. Looking for a smooth transition

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A: No mouse, no UPS, no speakers, no ODD unless we're talking a Blu-Ray burner.

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A: Mumbai. Lami. Road. I can also source components from other places if at all anyone offers a better price than Lami or stocks a rare component.

14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A: Ever since my AMD Turion laptop burned to death, I have cooling paranoia. Any case suggested has to take cooling as the first priority, honestly don't care if its looks make me puke.


I have a soft spot for the i5 2500k, mostly because of the rave reviews. But a bit confused because of the whole Llano-Bulldozer-Ivy Bridge thing going on. Future-proofing is important, and I may push my budget a bit more for that.
eg. if the Llano series gives a decent graphic performance (30fps at medium settings) on most recent games, I'm willing to wait. (i.e. if the Llano can make me skip a separate graphics card altogether, that would let me wait to upgrade, right?)
But even then, I'd like a config that I can buy within a month.

I know my rig is too ambitious for the budget, but I hope you guys have some ideas.

Finally... I choose function over form. I don't mind a butt-ugly piece of machinery that does its job 1% better than something that looks cooler, or is less noisy. I can live with that

I keep seeing highly-recommended ASRock motherboards for the 2500k, but not on Indian websites. This thing isn't available here, is it?

Looks like I just asked for too much.....

 

[shayem]

Component | Make | Price Processor |Intel Core i5 2500K|10500
Motherboard |GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3|9500
RAM |Corsair Vengeance (CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9)|2500
HDD |Seagate 1TB 7200.12|2700
GPU |Sapphire HD6850 1GB|9500
PSU |FSP SAGA II 500|2000
Case |CM Elite 310|1500
Monitor |Dell IN2020M|6500
KB+M |logitech/microsoft|600
| Total |45300

 

[Sarath]

^^^nice rig up there. Does that mobo support Lucid V. I have read some of the gigabyte z68 ones dont have them? I could be wrong.

OCing that beyond 4Ghz will require seperate CPU cooler. I have got the same proc and I was told its safe to OC till >4Ghz on stock cooler but never tried.

Also for RAM you can go for G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL or its GBRL which performs more or less the same as Vengeance(in case you dont find these).

You can wait for the next gen AMD Intel procs if you want. Only time will tell if its worth it.
Since those are not out yet, cant say if the Llano will do the job of a discrete gfx well.

 

[shayem]

Yes that mobo suppot Virtue.

G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL is 2x2Gb but RAM I suggested is 1x4GB. That means if he goes with Corsair he will have option for another 4Gb to work as duel channel.

 

[Cilus]

shayem, could you post the link of the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 motherboard link for any Indian Online shop? If it is widely available then we can incorporate it in our Pre build configs

 

[harikt]

Component | Make | Price Processor |Intel Core i5 2500K|10500
Motherboard |GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3|9500
RAM |Corsair Vengeance (CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9)|2500
HDD |Seagate 1TB 7200.12|2700
GPU |Sapphire HD6850 1GB|9500
PSU |FSP SAGA II 500|2000
Case |CM Elite 310|1500
Monitor |Dell IN2020M|6500
KB+M |logitech/microsoft|600
| Total |45300

Thanks Shayem.
I have a few questions though.

1. I honestly did not know about the Z68 boards, and Newegg has only 8 reviews (not all positive) of this particular one. Is this chip dependable?

2. NOOB ALERT : I really know nothing about monitors, but I've heard some Dell model has '______ bleeding' issues. Is that true?

3. an i5 2500k plus hd 6850 was what I've seen recommended in many places. "Supposing" I was willing to pay the extra 4k (right?) for a 560 Ti, is that VFM?
Since AMD 's HD3D is not comparable to NVidia's 3Dvision, and I really want to try 3D... should I postpone my discrete graphics purchase altogether and work with the Intel HD3000 for now?

Also for RAM you can go for G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL or its GBRL which performs more or less the same as Vengeance(in case you dont find these).

You can wait for the next gen AMD Intel procs if you want. Only time will tell if its worth it.
Since those are not out yet, cant say if the Llano will do the job of a discrete gfx well.

I know... but the Llano ones are ready for release, they're just biding time, aren't they? Even with my limited knowledge, AMD isn't exactly famous for shaking up the processor scene every time it releases something, but I want to give them a sporting chance.

Also, I keep seeing G.Skills all over the place. Does that mean they're the best, or just the most VFM?

Another Noob question : I haven't really been following the processor wars, so does AMD still have the heat issues as before?

shayem, could you post the link of the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 motherboard link for any Indian Online shop? If it is widely available then we can incorporate it in our Pre build configs

And yeah, actually. This thing is entirely new to me. Thanks all so far.

 

[Demon Lord]

1) CPU-Intel Core i5 2500k
3.3GHz-11000rs
2) RAM-Corsair Vengeance™ 4GB Single
Module DDR3 Memory Kit
(CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9)-2600rs
4) MB-Asus ROG MAXIMUS 4 GENE-
Z
-11800rs
5) CABINET-Cooler Master Elite
430-2400rs
7) MONITOR-Dell IN2020M 20
” LED-6200rs
8) HDD-1TB Seagate Barracuda
7200rpm-2700rs
9) GPU-Asus GeForce GTX560 Ti
direct cu 2-13500rs
10) PSU-Corsair GS 600-4000rs
TOTAL-52k
If u r willing to extend ur budget, as u said above

 

[Cilus]

Don't put XMS3 modules with Sandy Bridge configs as Sandy Bridge offers best compatibility with 1.5V modules whereas XMS3 operates on 1.65V. There are incompatibility issues reported from Sandy Bridge users.

 

[Demon Lord]

@cilus yup,edited my post

 

[harikt]

1) CPU-Intel Core i5 2500k
3.3GHz-11000rs
2) RAM-Corsair Vengeance™ 4GB Single
Module DDR3 Memory Kit
(CMZ4GX3M1A1600C9)-2600rs
4) MB-Asus ROG MAXIMUS 4 GENE-
Z
-11800rs
5) CABINET-Cooler Master Elite
430-2400rs
7) MONITOR-Dell IN2020M 20
” LED-6200rs
8) HDD-1TB Seagate Barracuda
7200rpm-2700rs
9) GPU-Asus GeForce GTX560 Ti
direct cu 2-13500rs
10) PSU-Corsair GS 600-4000rs
TOTAL-52k
If u r willing to extend ur budget, as u said above

Thanks DemonLord ... but I'm retreating from the GTX560Ti

1. I loved its idle temperature, but I cant use its best attributes on a non-HD monitor like the Dell IN2020M. Is the Benq HD 22" one highly reviewed?

2. I think I'll stick with an HD 6850, and get a Full HD monitor instead. That way my PSU doesn't need to be a 600W one also

3. Do I really need 1TB of HDD? I don't need storage space, only operating space. I already have 1.5TB in external storage. So will I need 1TB for all my installs and a few raw video files (whichever are currently being edited)

4. I need some tutorial on OC. is there a forum section that deals with it? Whats the general experience with OC'ing the i5 2500k in indian conditions? I'm not too good at understanding voltages, besides if I didnt want to OC, i could have settled for a non-K SandyBridge and a H67. Also the HD 6850 in the same rig will generate heat so that makes for quite a hot machine, doesnt it?

Thanks again, Cilus and Demon.

 

[shayem]

shayem, could you post the link of the GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 motherboard link for any Indian Online shop? If it is widely available then we can incorporate it in our Pre build configs

No ...1 of my friend bought it from ebay. Price including shipping+custom.

1. I honestly did not know about the Z68 boards, and Newegg has only 8 reviews (not all positive) of this particular one. Is this chip dependable?

This one is the best bang of buck in Z68 mobos.

2. NOOB ALERT : I really know nothing about monitors, but I've heard some Dell model has '______ bleeding' issues. Is that true?

This one don't have that AFAIK.

3. an i5 2500k plus hd 6850 was what I've seen recommended in many places. "Supposing" I was willing to pay the extra 4k (right?) for a 560 Ti, is that VFM?
Since AMD 's HD3D is not comparable to NVidia's 3Dvision, and I really want to try 3D... should I postpone my discrete graphics purchase altogether and work with the Intel HD3000 for now?

I don't know if FSP 500w can handle 560Ti with your RIG I suggested. IMO work with HD3000 for now and purchase card later.

 

[Cilus]

shayem, Thanks a lot. I've found 2 of the Z68 mobos from Gigabyte in ebay.in. Both are supporting Lucid Virtue and come with superb feature set. I;ve posted the details in the PC buying guide section. Please have a look at it.

 

[harikt]

I don't know if FSP 500w can handle 560Ti with your RIG I suggested. IMO work with HD3000 for now and purchase card later.

Thanks for the inputs, Shayem, but I changed my mind later

I'm going with the HD 6850 for now, since 3D requires much more investment - the glasses and a 120 Hz monitor, so you know what... screw it. The 560Ti's idle temp was what attracted me to it but, considering my usage, the card would rarely be idle. and Crysis load temperatures are nearly the same for 6850 and 560Ti.

I just hope that with the right case and CPU cooler I should keep overall temperatures reasonable, especially with room temperatures hovering between 30 and 40.


As for the monitor, I'm thinking an LED would be a better investment if I'm gaming. Am I right or wrong? And really, how dependable is BenQ? Like someone said here, the logic of clothes doesn't apply to components, but still... I've never really thought of Dell OR BenQ as good at the monitor business. Like i said my knowledge is outdated. My last Desktop was a Pentium III

 

[Demon Lord]

Thanks DemonLord ... but I'm retreating from the GTX560Ti

1. I loved its idle temperature, but I cant use its best attributes on a non-HD monitor like the Dell IN2020M. Is the Benq HD 22" one highly reviewed?

2. I think I'll stick with an HD 6850, and get a Full HD monitor instead. That way my PSU doesn't need to be a 600W one also

3. Do I really need 1TB of HDD? I don't need storage space, only operating space. I already have 1.5TB in external storage. So will I need 1TB for all my installs and a few raw video files (whichever are currently being edited)

4. I need some tutorial on OC. is there a forum section that deals with it? Whats the general experience with OC'ing the i5 2500k in indian conditions? I'm not too good at understanding voltages, besides if I didnt want to OC, i could have settled for a non-K SandyBridge and a H67. Also the HD 6850 in the same rig will generate heat so that makes for quite a hot machine, doesnt it?

Thanks again, Cilus and Demon.

If u think u don need that HD then take it out and with that 2700rs more u can buy either BenQ E2200HD 1920x1080 @8500rs
or
Acer H235H 23inch 1920x1080 @9k
and gpu is ur choice.
for psu i would say get a corsair vx550(v good product) @4.2k
or GS 600 @4K

 

[Piyush]

-->BenQ E2200HD is my recommendation too

-->you can go for HD6850
its a decent card for full HD gaming, but 560 TI is the bang for buck....other way round you can get HD 6870(as 6850<6870<6950/560 TI) available in the range 11.7k-12.5k (depending upon places)

-->VX 550 is good choice here, otherwise you can go for seasonic 520W or corsair new GS 600W psu @ 4k

-->as you already have 1.5TB, i dont think you would even require a new one

 

[rajan1311]

shayem, Thanks a lot. I've found 2 of the Z68 mobos from Gigabyte in ebay.in. Both are supporting Lucid Virtue and come with superb feature set. I;ve posted the details in the PC buying guide section. Please have a look at it.

IIRC, Virtue works only with multi monitor setups, at least 1 monitor needs to be connected to the Onboard display output, not too sure though...can someone confirm?

 

[shayem]

shayem, Thanks a lot. I've found 2 of the Z68 mobos from Gigabyte in ebay.in. Both are supporting Lucid Virtue and come with superb feature set. I;ve posted the details in the PC buying guide section. Please have a look at it.

Thanks happy to help

-->as you already have 1.5TB, i dont think you would even require a new one

Where did he say he has 1.5TB???

-->you can go for HD6850
its a decent card for full HD gaming, but 560 TI is the bang for buck....other way round you can get HD 6870(as 6850<6870<6950/560 TI) available in the range 11.7k-12.5k (depending upon places)

only OCed GTX 560Ti can compete with 6950 else 6950>560Ti AFAIK. But 6950 can be unlocked so its better than 560Ti any way

 

[harikt]

Where did he say he has 1.5TB???

I meant I have that much in portable storage so do I need 1TB onboard?

only OCed GTX 560Ti can compete with 6950 else 6950>560Ti AFAIK. But 6950 can be unlocked so its better than 560Ti any way

Aren't almost all the 560Tis overclocked anyway? I got that impression.

Also which is the best in 6850s? the Sapphire one?

 

[Cilus]

IIRC, Virtue works only with multi monitor setups, at least 1 monitor needs to be connected to the Onboard display output, not too sure though...can someone confirm?

No Virtue actually works with single monitor setup. The output needs to be connected with the Onboard display output and Lucid Logic Virtue will dynamically switch between the on-board and dedicated card depending upon the nature of the application. But the main output needs to be connected with on-board output, you don't need to connect it to the Graphics card output.

 

[rajan1311]

thats nice..thanks cilus...