A Few Build Questions? (AKA I Hate Decisions)

[augmatic]

Hi guys, brand new here and I thought I'd finally register to ask some questions :)

I'm building a new machine finally, and haven't exactly been in the 'loop' lately so I'm not the brightest with specs. I've figured out a few pieces and trying to put the rest together... with a little help!

I use the comp daily for generic tasks, but since it's an upgrade I'm surely going to want to game more. My budget is probably around $1000, but I already have some pieces purchased so now I guess I could splurge more on the pieces that are missing. I'm also in Ontario if that makes any difference. I'm also using dual 19" (1440x900) monitors for now, but hopefully will upgrade to dual 22" or maybe 1x 24" and 1" something smaller. Not positive yet..

ANYWAYS! Here's what I have so far. Please help me figure out what I should do!

EDIT: And so it is done.

CPU: Intel Core i5 760 Quad Core Processor Lynnfield LGA1156 2.8GHZ 8MB Cache Retail Box
MOBO: MSI P55A-G55 P55 ATX LGA1156 DDR3 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 3PCI SLI CrossFireX SATA3 USB3.0
RAM: Corsair XMS3 CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 4GB DDR3 2X2GB DDR3-1600 CL 9-9-9-24 Core i5 Dual Channel Memory Kit
PSU: Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Cyclone OC 725MHZ 1024MB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E Video Card
CASE: Not too important. I have a CM Storm Scout I could use, but was thinking a CM 690 II

Powercolor Radeon HD 5850 AX5850 1GBD5-DH 1GB PCI-E Video Card ($265 - $15 MIR)
or
MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Cyclone OC 725MHZ 1024MB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E ($250 - $20 MIR) (Also includes 3 PC Games. Not too important)

..

But then, I thought it might have been overkill? Or that I should wait until the 5xxx series drop in price when the 6xxx come out? So I started to look at this little guy.

MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Cyclone OC 725MHZ 768MB GDDR5 Dual DVI Mini-HDMI DX11 PCI-E Video Card ($179.99 - $20 MIR)


So, now I'm at a complete loss between these. Any suggestions would be great.
Thank you for the help!

[xlilmissmjx]

Either versions of the 460 will do fine in SLI for a 24inch 1920x1080/1200 res, though I'd go with the 1GB version if you can swing it!

Any 4GB DDR3-1333/1600 kit from Corsair, G Skill, Mushkin Enhanced or Patroit will do fine.

I would get a Corsair TX/HX650 unit for your psu. The Corsair TX is non-modular units verses the HX series modular units for easy cable management.

If you can go over you budget then get the CM690II Advance, otherwise stay with the scout for now.

Good luck with your build

[fishingfanatic]

+1 for the 460. As said, if you can swing the 1gb, go for it.

The Corsair psu is a good selection. Modular really makes a difference for cable management, aesthetics, air flow,...

As for Ram, I prefer Mushkin. Any of the lifetime warranty memory is good. Patriot, G Skills and the Corsair fall into that category.

Case selection is subjective. Go with what you like and is practical for you.

Component selection shows you've taken time to read some reviews and done some research. Good luck with your build and enjoy the new system!

[augmatic]

Thanks guys :) Now just a quick question, is there a reason everyone is choosing the 460 over the 5850? I thought the 5850 was superior. I'll definitely try to swing that 690 II, it's soo pretty. :)

[Luay79]

The 5850 is stronger than the 460. It used to be the value king, but now the 460 offers more FPS for every dollar. With your budget it would be wiser to get quality parts for the rest of your PC.

Also, your motherboard of choice supports dual cards. a pair of 460s scales much better than a pair of 5850s and ends up performing "Edit:slightly" better, if you plan to spend on another card later down the line.

And the price difference between the 5850 and 5870 has somewhat diminished so a 5870 would be the next logical single card upgrade from a 460 but that's my opinion.

Oh and it's newer.

[sswilson]

And........ if you go Nvidia.... we'll be all over you as a potential new GPU FAH folder...... :)

In all honesty, I'd personally go 460, but that's biased towards folding PPD. Either card will suit, but I think the gaming edge currently goes to the 5850, although a case could be made that the 5850 drivers are about as "mature" as they're going to get, while the 400 series card drivers probably still have some room for performance tweaks ongoing.

[stoanee]

Originally Posted by sswilson

And........ if you go Nvidia.... we'll be all over you as a potential new GPU FAH folder...... :)

In all honesty, I'd personally go 460, but that's biased towards folding PPD.

Beat me to it. The 460 is the new darling of the mid-range cards right now plus if you buy specific versions there is a limited lifetime warranty available.

[Phill]

Your build is so far looking good, cpu is good, mobo is good, ram is good so keep it up you are making a great PC.
IMO Corsair PSUs are a safe move. ATM NCIX has this one sale if you are interested http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26414&vpn=CMPSU-650TX&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1223
As far as GPU, IMHO the MSI GeForce GTX 460 Fermi Cyclone OC 768MB for $179.99 - $20 MIR) is the wises choice. It is so much cheaper then the 1GB version and only a little slower at higher res. I do not think the extra money for the 1GB is warranted. I am sure you know this but a 460 begs to be Oc'd and once it is it will reach/exceed the performance of the 5850.

On a side note I found this interesting

a pair of 460s scales much better than a pair of 5850s and ends up performing better

. Luay79 could you please provide a link that supports that statement? Thanks

[augmatic]

The price is super tempting on the 768's, but I think I may just stick with the 1GB 460. I don't mind throwing out a bit more money, and hopefully I'll see a difference.
Still tempted to grab 8gb of RAM but it's probably complete overkill for anything I'll do for now.

Also, I'm pretty clueless about overclocking, but I may be very tempted to try it out. Should I look into getting a new heatsink for the CPU? Any other suggestions would be very appreciated.

Thanks a lot guys, you're helping me out a ton!

[xlilmissmjx]

Both of Cooler Master's offerings, the Hyper 212 Plus & V6GT are great options, Thermalright Venomous X & Thermaltake's Frio are 2 more options for you to consider.