Hardware for new computer build.

[Bearcat]

Hi everyone. I am in the process of selecting the hardware for a new computer that I want build myself. Since cost is an object for me, I am trying to select components that will give me the most bang for my money. I was thinking that if I bought an i5 CPU, rather than an i7, I could use the savings to purchase an SSD for my build. My question is this, which would give me better over all performance, an i7 CPU with a standard HDD, or an i5 with an SSD? Also, if anyone has any opinions on a good graphics card that won't cost me an arm and a leg, please let me know.

Thanks, Bear

[A Guy]

Bear, Even if you overclock, there are few differences between an i5 2500K and a i7 2600k, and the i5 is about $100 less. The i7 has Hyperthreading, useful if you do a lot of video encoding for instance. The i7 also has the HD3000 GPU as opposed to the HD2000, a moot point if you use a descrete GPU.

Intel Core i7-2600K

CPU Base frequency: 3.4GHz
TDP: 95W
Core/ Threads: 4/8
Max Turbo Frequency: 3.8GHz
DDR3 Speed: 1333MHz
L3 Cache: 8MB
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 3000
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency: 1350MHz
Intel Hyper-Threading technology
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX)
Intel Quick Video Sync
Intel AES-NI
Intel Virtualization technology

Intel Core i5-2500K

CPU Base frequency: 3.3GHz
TDP: 95W
Core/ Threads: 4/4
Max Turbo Frequency: 3.7GHz
DDR3 Speed: 1333MHz
L3 Cache: 6MB
Integrated Graphics: Intel HD 3000
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency: 1100MHz
Intel Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX)
Intel Quick Video Sync
Intel AES-NI
Intel Virtualization technology

http://www.guru3d.com/article/core-i5-2500k-and-core-i7-2600k-review/

For me personally, I'd get the i5 2500K (the K has the unlocked multiplier, so you can easily overclock. Many are easily getting 4.5GHz on air). A SSD will make a dramatic difference in felt performance. Much more than the i5 to i7 would. I believe you'd never need the extra abilities of the i7, but you'd feel the benefit of a SSD every day.

I am a fan of Asus for Motherboard, but many like Gigabyte, and there are many good boards out there now from basic to extreme. Your MB might be your "building point", your CPU and Ram choices, along with the GPU will determine power requirements, helping you choose your PSU. So much fun! But compromising between want and need and can afford is interesting You can definitely tailor a system to your needs, and not worry about what else is out there.

As for the GPU, we'd need to know do you game? What kinds of things do you use the PC for? Here is the latest GPU hierarchy chart from Toms:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card-game-performance-radeon-hd-6670,2935-7.html

This will be a fun thread Bear, hope you go through all the components so we can vicariously build through you, lol. A Guy

[hal9000]

Definitely go for an SSD, even if the extra cost means downgrading slightly in other areas. It makes a BIG difference.

Like A Guy, I think we need to know what you use your PC for and if you game what sort of monitor size/res you have/want as this will have an effect on suitable GFX cards. For now though the AMD 6870 or an overclocked Nvidia GTX 460/560 are good bang for buck cards at 1680x1050 or 1920x1080.

Perhaps a rough idea of your budget would be useful as cost is a major concern.

[Bearcat]

Hi A Guy. Many thanks for your reply! Your input is always greatly appreciated! As far as the CPU, its good to hear that we are thinking along the same lines. I figured that an SSD would be the better choice for overall performance. For the most part, my daily computer use involves word processing and photo editing, along with the internet. I play games once in a while, but they are not a priority. I think that i5 2500K would be more than sufficient for me. As far as the motherboard, I am looking at the ASUS P8Z68-V Pro - ATX - LGA1155 Socket. I've always looked at the motherboard as being the "heart" of a computer and am willing to pay a bit more for a good one. I have had good luck with Corsair RAM in my current PC and will probably buy it for the new build, unless someone suggests something better. I was thinking along the lines of 8 gigs of DDR 3 PC1600 RAM. I will take a look at your link to Tom's Hardware for some reviews on a good graphics card. I do play DVD movies and other types of video's on my PC, so I would want something pretty decent for quality purposes. Once I get put together a list of the components I want, then I will make a decision on a good PSU. That is another area I don't want to cut corners on.

@ hal9000 Thank you also for your reply! I will be keeping my current monitor, which is a 25" View Sonic flat panel display set at a screen resolution of 1900 x 1080. I really don't have a maximum budget, as I am willing to spend enough money to put together a quality system.

[INDRANIL]

P8Z68-V Pro good choice . 8 gigs of DDR 3 PC1600 RAM +1 . SSD for OS and ordinary 2 + 2 TB for your storage (most will be software's ).

[Student26]

Personally, i'd recommend the SSD because you'll know the difference immediately. best of luck on the build keep us posted

[Bearcat]

Thanks Indra! For storage I was thinking about adding a 1 Tb WD Caviar Black SATA 3 HDD. I already have other HDD's that I can store more data on using my Thermaltake e-sata dock.

[INDRANIL]

Sounds cool good luck . Oh you must throw a party after you done . But no Brain foods or related stuffs are allowed. go for 2 TB it would be best I think .

[Redy]

After i read ur post, if u r not a gamer, I definitely go with i5 and a SSD, also consider a liquid cooling.

[A Guy]

The i5 2500K really doesn't need extreme cooling unless you plan an extreme overclock. It can go to 4.1GHz on the stock tower cooler, so a change to an aftermarket cooler may not even be necessary. I like all your choices so far. For the SSD you can get a SataII and save some money, they difference won't be massive. SataIII are still very expensive. A OCZ Vertex 2 or Intel X25M 60Gig if you want to save, 80Gig you can put OS and almost all your files on. The read/write issue is probably not a big deal, as extreme testers are getting Terrabyte writes:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?271063-SSD-Write-Endurance-25nm-Vs-34nm/page30

Post #722 and #740

Kingston SSDNow 40GB- Intel 25 rebrand
131.79 TB writes
MWI- 28%
RaS-6

Intel 320 40GB
172.0 TB writes.
MWI- 11%
RaS-15

You are so going to enjoy your new PC!

A Guy