Need help with new rig

[findanish]

Hello [HC],

This being my first post here on Hardware Canucks, I'd like to say that this community certainly rocks! I have been on a hiatus with regards to hardware since a year or more now and hence I need your help in building a value for money system for my gaming needs.

I just shifted to Winnipeg, so I would appreciate if ya'll could give me references from this city itself.

Ok, I have a Xeon W3520 and an almost dead Biostar Tpower X58 motherboard, 6 GB GSkills out of which 4 gigs work and the other 2 gigs having major mood swings, EVGA GTX 260, 500GB HDD, 22" BenQ display, Tagan 800 PSU.

So, i need :

A good X58 motherboard - around $150-200 if any
Cabinet - under $100
8/12 GB memory kit - err.. under $100?
Graphic card ATi/Nvidia - under $200
Keyb/mouse - under $50
A cheap table - CHEAP!
CPU cooler (air/water) - under $90

Please add if I have missed anything!

And Yes! Moderate over clocking will be performed on this system. I am looking to save as much as possible. Also, I am planning to CF/SLI in the near future.

I am not sure what to do with the GTX 260 and the 6GB GSkills, will probably put it up for sale.


Thanks much HC!
Anish

[Masteroderus]

Hello findanish.

I was wondering if you would consider using a different processor. Triple channel memory kits are pretty expensive, and the x58 chipset is end of life.

I was wondering if you would consider buying a z68 mobo and get something quaint, but good enough for now (like an i3 or a low end i5) and then get an ivy bridge upgrade in the future.

For example, the cheapest 12 gig triple channel kit was 100 bucks compared to a dual channel 8 gig kit for 20 bucks.

Yep 20 bucks.

Edit:
(cheapest kit @ mem express edmonton north)

[stoanee]

Originally Posted by Masteroderus

Hello findanish.

I was wondering if you would consider using a different processor. Triple channel memory kits are pretty expensive, and the x58 chipset is end of life.

I was wondering if you would consider buying a z68 mobo and get something quaint, but good enough for now (like an i3 or a low end i5) and then get an ivy bridge upgrade in the future.

For example, the cheapest 12 gig triple channel kit was 100 bucks compared to a dual channel 8 gig kit for 20 bucks.

Yep 20 bucks.

Edit:
(cheapest kit @ mem express edmonton north)

Good point, you may also consider watching the BST thread for good deals on what you require.

[great_big_abyss]

We have a memory express on Century Street between Sargent and Wellington Ave (near the airport). As far as I know, they'll often have some of the best prices in the city.

While you're in the area, you can also compare CBIT which is on St james between Wellington and Saskatchewan (one block away from Mem Express). A couple of friends swear by them, but I think that their prices are actually higher. Doesn't hurt to check it out though.

As for an actual build, all prices from memory Express. You should pricematch to find the best prices though.

ASUS P8Z68-V LE - $139.99
Intel I5-2500K - $209.99
GSKILL Ripjaws 8GB DDR3 1600MHZ - $49.99
WD Caviar Black 1.5TB - $149.99
Coolermaster 690II Advanced - $109.99
Corsair TX650M - $109.99
ASUS GTX 560 Ti DCII - $259.99
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus - $29.99

Subtotal: $1059.98

substitutions:

Intel Core i3-2120 -- $144.99
ASUS 6870 DC -- $199.99

New subtotal: $934.92

There you go, a quad core Intel/Nvidia build for just over a grand, and a dual core Intel/Radeon build for just over $900. Add in an optical drive and you're good to go.

[findanish]

@ Masteroderus I was infact thinking over the i5 for quite sometime, but then the lack of a proper budget is the biggest turn off for me at the moment and yes the upgrade towards ivy bridge also makes a lot of sense but alas. If I do go for the i5, I have to buy the processor, motherboard and dual channel kit which would cross $500 easily :(
Here, I already have a processor, so all i have to get is the motherboard and a good triple channel kit. I'd save around 100-150!
But, tell me this; doesn't the W3520 perform better compared to the 2500k and triple channel > dual channel?

Thanks for the effort great_big_abyss!
I shall certainly go to the stores you mentioned. A couple of queries though,
How is GTX 550Ti for a 22inch display in terms of gaming?
Is there any other Cabinet in that price range since i am not a big fan of Coolermaster!

[great_big_abyss]

Corsair Carbide Series 500R
ThermalTake V9 Black Edition
There's lots more, just look in that price range.

And no, the GTX550Ti isn't a very good gaming card these days. A Radeon 6850 is a better choice for the same or less money. You'll be able to play BF3 and Skyrim on medium settings with good FPS.

[Masteroderus]

Originally Posted by findanish

@ Masteroderus I was infact thinking over the i5 for quite sometime, but then the lack of a proper budget is the biggest turn off for me at the moment and yes the upgrade towards ivy bridge also makes a lot of sense but alas. If I do go for the i5, I have to buy the processor, motherboard and dual channel kit which would cross $500 easily :(
Here, I already have a processor, so all i have to get is the motherboard and a good triple channel kit. I'd save around 100-150!
But, tell me this; doesn't the W3520 perform better compared to the 2500k and triple channel > dual channel?

Thanks for the effort great_big_abyss!
I shall certainly go to the stores you mentioned. A couple of queries though,
How is GTX 550Ti for a 22inch display in terms of gaming?
Is there any other Cabinet in that price range since i am not a big fan of Coolermaster!

From some gaming benchmarks I have seen the 2500K performs better. Your processor is analagous to an i7 920.

AnandTech - The Sandy Bridge Review: Intel Core i7-2600K, i5-2500K and Core i3-2100 Tested

My main point is that x58 isn't future proof, and if it were me I would just grab a cheapo-i3 for now and save up for an ivy bridge.

I would really recommend the corsair carbide series because they are cheap and effective cabinets.

[findanish]

I guess I have to opt for the 2500k now since the Xeon W3520 has got burnt marks which i just noticed.