New rig for 85k - suggestions

[KodeKalla]

Hey guys!

I'm currently running a C2D and have finally decided to upgrade. My budget is around 80K and after some research, I have come up with what I think is a pretty good config. If you guys can point out which areas I can improve on without breaking the budget too much, I'd be really grateful! First, here are the answers to basic questions:

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: Lots of programming (including building Linux kernels / android builds from sources, which is very processor intensive) and casual gaming (high end, must be able to play all the latest titles with ease)

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A: Definitely.

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: 80K (burst budget 85K )

4. Planning to overclock?
A: Not out of the box.

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A: Ubuntu, Windows 7 Ultimate

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A: Right now, none. HDD prices are through the roof following Taiwan tragedies, so I will wait before buying a WD Black and just use my current Seagate 7200.10 for now.

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: WTB a 21" - 23" LED display with maximum resolution possible (anything higher than 1080p available at all?)

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: 9

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

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A: Early next week - in a couple of days

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A: Of course!

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A: HDD, keyboard, mouse, DVD writer.

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A: Bangalore, and I can only buy from Bangalore.

14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A: Please take a look at my requests below the config.

Here's the config I have in mind:

Component | Make | Price Processor |Intel Core i7 2600k|16,250
Motherboard |ASUS P8Z68-V PRO|13,900
RAM |G-skill 1600MHz Sniper (4GB x 2)|3,650
Graphic Card |MSI GTX560 Twin Frozr II|14,000
PSU |CM M700 Silent Pro 700W|6,850
Case |CM HAF 922|7,000
Monitor |Dell ST2220L 22"|8,450
| Total |74,000(appx)

There are a couple of areas where any suggestions would be GREATLY welcome.

I would like to know if the MSI GTX560Ti Hawk edition should be considered over GTX560Ti TFII, and also if I should consider AMD 6950 (and which model) instead.

I would also like to hear about the SMPS. Have I chosen the right one? I need a modular one, so please don't recommend Corsair GS series. Any other alternatives for my budget out there?

What about the cabinet? I was stuck between Antec 900 and CM 690 (more inclined towards the Antec 900) but the shop guy convinced me that the CM HAF 922 is much better than both of them, and comes at Antec 900's price point.

I'm going to purchase this pretty soon, so any and all inputs are very welcome. =)

 

[rajatGod512]

Intel Core i7 2600k @ 17k
Asus Maximus IV GENE-Z @14k
Gskill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9S-4GBXL x2 @3.6k
MSI HD 6950 TF III/PC @16k
Corsair HX750 @8.5k
Corsair Carbide 400R @ 5.4k
Logitech Z313 @1.5k
Dell ST2320L 23" Wide LED @9.5k
Total - 74.7k

 

[KodeKalla]

Intel Core i7 2600k @ 17k
Asus Maximus IV GENE-Z @14k
Gskill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9S-4GBXL x2 @3.6k
MSI HD 6950 TF III/PC @16k
Corsair HX750 @8.5k
Corsair Carbide 400R @ 5.4k
Logitech Z313 @1.5k
Dell ST2320L 23" Wide LED @9.5k
Total - 74.7k

Thanks Rajat!

That looks like a really nice motherboard. Other than fewer PCI slots, it seems to have all of the features of ASUS P8Z68 V Pro (and some extra overclocking features) even in its micro ATX form factor. It also fits my budget. Am I missing something? Is there something the P8Z68 V Pro has that this one doesn't?

I like the HAF 922 better, since it's a little wider and the 200mm fans run MUCH quieter. I'll look into the HX750, but it's much more expensive than the one I had in mind. Any particular pros?

Thanks for the gfx card and monitor suggestions. If the 2GB 6950 is available for <= 16k, I'll definitely get that. The monitor looks great too, hope I can find it for that price here.

Anyone else? Right now, motherboard is pretty much the only thing I'm having trouble deciding on. Any better Gigabyte counterparts? That and the cabinet - Antec 900 or CM HAF 922?

 

[d6bmg]

RAM G-skill 1600MHz Sniper (4GB x 2) 3,650

Avoid it.
Buy 2X Gskill Ripjaws X F3 CL9 Ram modules. Reason: sniper nodules run at 1.25V & ripjawsX run at 1.5V, better for overclocking.

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: WTB a 21" - 23" LED display with maximum resolution possible (anything higher than 1080p available at all?)

In a single monitor setup, 1080p is the max that you can get.

Asus Maximus IV GENE-Z @14k

IF OC'ing is OP's first priority, then he/she can get GENE-Z, otherwise V-PRO is better.

 

[KodeKalla]

Avoid it.
Buy 2X Gskill Ripjaws X F3 CL9 Ram modules. Reason: sniper nodules run at 1.25V & ripjawsX run at 1.5V, better for overclocking.

According to these links:

G.SKILL-Products
G.SKILL-Products

They both seem to run at 1.5V. I did see a blue Ripjaws X that said 1.65V. But I haven't seen the blue ones in any of the shops here. If both Ripjaws X and Sniper that they have in stock here are 1.5V models, which one would you recommend?

IF OC'ing is OP's first priority, then he/she can get GENE-Z, otherwise V-PRO is better.[/QUOTE]

BTW, since the Gene-Z is based on micro ATX form factor, is everything going to be a little cramped up? Is it any worse in the cooling department due to this? How about the video card - can it fit a MSI GTX560Ti Hawk without a problem?

 

[Sarath]

In a single monitor setup, 1080p is the max that you can get.

There are resolutions higher than that even for single monitors. Your budget can easily accomodate a HD6970 @19k, unless you want to SLI/CF later.

 

[vickybat]

If you're planning to develop in linux, i suggest you stick with nvidia to be in the safe side. I don't have any idea on kernel programming and don't think the developing environment has anything to do with graphics drivers as they harness the cpu only.

But still i recommend nvidia and here goes my config which is an edited version of jaskanwar singh's original config with few minor changes....

Component | Make | Price Processor |Intel Core i7 2600k|16300
Motherboard |MSI Z68A-GD55|9800
RAM |Gskill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL|3300
Graphic Card |Msi Gtx 560-ti Hawk SLI|28000
PSU |SeaSonic SS-850AT|6300
Monitor |Dell ST2320L|9500
Case |Coolermaster USP100|3000
UPS |APC 1.1KVA|4300
Speakers |Edifier C2|3200
| Total |83700

I overshot the budget by 3k but its pretty future proof and can run all games in full-hd with terrific framerates and will prove to be worthy enough for all kinds of development work. Alternatively, you can go for Sapphire HD 6950 1GB * 2 Crossfire @ 26400
and i don't think its a bad idea at all. Its upto you.

Besides keep the Noctua NH-U12P-SE2 @ 3750 as an optional upgrade cause it will keep the 2600k much cooler than stock as it runs a bit hot in stock cooler.

 

[rchi84]

Well, at 85k you should seriously consider an sli or crossfire setup. Multi cards are a bit of a hassle in linux, but for kernel churning and header bashing, they will be more than adequate. And unless hyper threading is crucial for you, you could consider the 2500k and a cheaper z68 mobo that will allow you to go in for dual 560ti or dual 6870 which will outperform a 580

 

[KodeKalla]

If you're planning to develop in linux, i suggest you stick with nvidia to be in the safe side.

Good point, I wonder how I overlooked that factor. Also, nVidia seems to be generally more compatible with Hackintosh builds (which I'm currently running on my C2D), so I'll stick to nVidia. Thanks!

I overshot the budget by 3k but its pretty future proof and can run all games in full-hd with terrific framerates and will prove to be worthy enough for all kinds of development work. Alternatively, you can go for Sapphire HD 6950 1GB * 2 Crossfire @ 26400
and i don't think its a bad idea at all. Its upto you.

There are resolutions higher than that even for single monitors. Your budget can easily accomodate a HD6970 @19k, unless you want to SLI/CF later.

Well, at 85k you should seriously consider an sli or crossfire setup. Multi cards are a bit of a hassle in linux, but for kernel churning and header bashing, they will be more than adequate.

Thanks guys, but I'm not really a "hardcore" gamer. I do game and would like to be able to play the latest titles, but doesn't really have to be on the highest settings with 8xAA. As long as I can get acceptable FPS with good settings, I'll be happy.

This is the reason I'm not opting for an SLI/Crossfire setup - I don't want to spend ~30k on my occasional gaming desires. But with something like a GTX560, I'll always have the option to throw in another one a year or two later and continue playing the high-end games. Right now, though, one high-end card should be more than sufficient.

And since I'm going for a single GFX card, I should be able to make sure all the other components are high-end with no compromise anywhere. That is my main intention.

After reading several reviews and watching youtube videos, I'm almost certain that I want the CM HAF 922. Any dealbreakers I might have overlooked?

As for the RAM - thanks for the suggestions, I will go with Ripjaws X rather than . Or wait, does Corsair Vengeance perform any better?

Thanks a ton to everyone again!

 

[rajatGod512]

Yeah I now to think you should go with SLI as you want to play latest titles with ease and Playing Battlefield 3 at Ultra on 1080p would be hard for a single card (gtx 560ti / hd6950).
You need to SLI to get about 60fps.

But as you game a little you might keep a single gtx560ti for now

BATTLEFIELD 3 - I realy want to play this game but my computer cannot even run COD 2 properly . Lolzzzzzzzzzzz