[kung lao]

Hey guys I'm new to this forum but the first thing I realized is that they're some really smart people on here. I would like some help building my first gaming computer so far I have the NZXT phantom and the asus rampage 4 extreme. It probably wasn't wise getting such an expensive mobo but I love ROG products and I couldn't resist. The next two items I want to buy are the CPU and GPU. I am planning on getting the gtx 570 or 580 and probably SLI later on. I chose this card because where I live everyone is getting the 600 series gpus and as a result I can get a used 570 for around $220. I want to buy a CPU that will not limit the performance of SLI'd cards and nothing more. Thx in advance guys.

[Jakob1406]

Hi, thought i'd do some pre-work before the techies give you an answer

Quote

so far I have the NZXT phantom and the asus rampage 4 extreme

Correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't the Rampage IV (4) Extreme socket 2011? If this is in fact the motherboard you have, the i5 2500k will not fit. I suggest you return it unless you are prepared to spend a considerable sum on the CPU (starting at 300$).


List of useful information:

-Links to the items you have already (you can use sites like http://www.newegg.com/)
-Links to items you want in your build
-Country you will be purchasing the items in (Useful when operating on a budget)

If you are unsure about the other parts you want in your build I'm sure someone will be happy to give you a good parts list that delivers a lot of bang for the buck, therefore an estimated budget should also be added to your post.

[kung lao]

Oh, thanks a lot for pointing that out I misinterpreted the video that said something about using older coolers. So only lga 2011 cpus such as this one:

http://www.ncix.com/...91&promoid=1114

will work with my board? If so could you point me to some, and yes i'm fine spending $300 on the cpu

ALSO: I really cannot return the board it would cost me too much

[iammykyl]

Hi.
Please supply the following information.
What country will you be buying your parts from?
What is your budget?

Do you have any parts to bring to the new build, ie monitor, keyboard, mouse, optical or HDD?
Do you have a Retail license OS? You will Not legally be able to use an oem licensed version.

Is this the Mobo you have selected? > http://www.asus.com/...#specifications

Here is a list for the GTX 570, will you an ida of how much they may be worth second hand. > http://pcpartpicker....=2&c=39&sort=a5

We prefer to select all other parts before choosing a PSU.

[kung lao]

OK.

1)I am buying in Canada.

2)I don't really have a budget I just buy the parts as money becomes available however, I dont want to go all out on optical drives and ram and psu's. Just need enough to game smoothly with my one or possibly two gtx 570(s).

3)Yes, I have 2 monitors a keyboard, gaming mouse and an ssd that I will be taking from my asus g53(it houses two hdd's) so i can live the normal 750gb as I wont be using as my primary machine.

4)I think I can get Windows from my University for free.

5)I already bought this gpu

http://www.asus.com/...CII2DIS1280MD5/

for $200 CAD (well i should be picking it up this weekend). I wanted to know if my current setup could house two of these cards because they oc quite well. This overview of the board (from 4.50 to 5.10) suggests it should but I'm not convinced:

[iammykyl]

Thank you for answering the questions.

Quote

I wanted to know if my current setup could house two of these cards because they oc quite well. This overview of the board (from 4.50 to 5.10) suggests it should but I'm not convinced:

I don't think the Motherboard would have any problems running what it is designed for. The issue is ridding the system of heat. I think you have cracked that nut with the selected case. I have found that running side fans can disturb good airflow in the case or directly effect the performance of the GPU/s resulting in higher reported temps. I would do some testing with and without the side fans.

Just some information before we start selecting parts.
Windows 7 64bit Home Basic supports up to 8GB, Windows Home Premium up to 16GB of RAM even if you Mobo supports more. All other Windows 7 64bit versions support up to 192GB, source > http://msdn.microsof...8(v=vs.85).aspx For gaming performance, 8GB is more than enough.

Some though and care should be given to the ouput from top end gaming rig (what you see on the display). Because a GPU can benchmark qto fps for a given game, that is not what you see on your monitor,
> http://www.hardocp.c...nology_review/1

[kung lao]

Thanks for the info iammykyl. I will monitor the temps with the fans on the side. If they cause problems, I will try moving one to the front by the hdd bays. I will be using win7 pro most likely and I think 8gbs is fine. Could you recommend a particular brand that is available in Canada?

Very interesting article. Yes, I'm aware that many benchmarks are taken with vsync off and with those settings the game will not be as visually pleasing. I tend carefully observe the settings of the games that are benchmarked to make sure that the settings are satisfactory.

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UPDATE:

Case(purchased): NZXT Phantom Red

GPU(purchased): Asus DCU II GTX 570

Mobo(purchased): Asus Rampage iv Extreme mobo

CPU(considering): intel i7 3820

RAM: ???

PSU: ???

CPU cooler: ??? (want to oc to ~4.3 GHz)

SSD(purchased): patriot ssd (cant find a link atm)

Optical Drive : Do I need one? Can I install Windows via USB?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[iammykyl]

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Optical Drive : Do I need one? Can I install Windows via USB?<br style="color: rgb(13, 41, 117); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242); ">

You can, but I think it is a pain, remember that nearly all your drivers, installation software for your printer, etc. will come on CD and if you download software from the net and you want a hard copy, you will have to save to a USB stick. What do you do if your mum/friend proudly presents you with their holiday/wedding pics on a DVD? For $19, just not worth the hassle. I Goggled and selected this result, > http://www.pcworld.c...a_cd_drive.html

Quote

CPU(considering): intel i7 3820

After researching reviews like this one, > http://www.techspot....l-core-i7-3820/ and seeing as you already have the Mobo, the 3820 is the best option, it would be a waste of $s to get anything more powerful. for a gamer.


RAM, QVL + APPROVED HEAT-SINKS AND FANS. both on the same page, > http://www.asus.com/...IV_Extreme/#MSL
If you can't find this where you are, you will have to search on the QVL, try to stay with 1.5v, no big heat spreaders as they often prevent installation of many coolers.
> http://www.newegg.co...00C9D3P1K2%2f8G

Quote

CPU cooler: ??? (want to oc to ~4.3 GHz)

You can overclock on air, but what you decide on is up to you, have a look on the QVL X socket, researching will be quite time consuming.

[iammykyl]

PSU, allowed for a 2nd GPU, additonal 2 HDDs, water cooling and over-clocking.
Order of choice, 1 Antec, 2 Cooler Master, 3 Corsair, > http://www.newegg.co...5E17-171-048-TS

[kung lao]

Thanks for the info iammykyl. I have a couple old optical drives I can use to install windows so I will use one of those. I dont want to buy an optical drive yet b/c its not absolutely needed atm and I want to buy a nice blu ray drive. I only buy parts as I get money and I want to get this thing up and running asap.

I will definitely be getting the 3820 cpu.

I dont think I understand what u are saying about the ram and cooler? Only the ones provided on the QVL will work? if not can u tell me if this one will?

http://www.tigerdire...63&Sku=P56-7100

I want to see if i can keep the red and black theme going . On that note, I think I will be picking up the antec psu that u suggested, however, I read on another forum that u should get silver certification. What do these certifications mean?

RE: the cooler
I am willing to go with the method that's cheapest, easiest, and still effective. I will use air cooling if u think I can achieve a decent OC wiith it. That being said, is there a certain vendor of air cooling that u can suggest?

THANKS !!!



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE:

Case(purchased): NZXT Phantom Red

GPU(purchased): Asus DCU II GTX 570

Mobo(purchased): Asus Rampage iv Extreme mobo

CPU(getting): intel i7 3820

RAM: ???

PSU (going to buy) : Antec High Current Gamer 900W

CPU cooler: ??? (want to oc to ~4.3 GHz) preferably air cooling

SSD(purchased): patriot ssd (cant find a link atm)

Optical Drive : Will use an old/external one until I can afford bluray

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[iammykyl]

Quote

Only the ones provided on the QVL will work?

RAM on the QVL has been tested and will work, as there are thousand of different sticks/brands/speeds, only so many can be tested. RAM that meets the required specifications will work but as it has not been tested on a particular manufacturers Mobo, you do take a small risk that it is not stable. My suggestions, 1 Kingston, 2 Corsair, 3 Crucial, > http://www.tigerdire...re.asp?CatId=10

CPU cooler. For this you are going to have to do your own research, will all depend on how much money you want to spend. Look for reviews like this, > http://www.xbitlabs....2011.html#sect0 > http://www.tomshardw...cking,3130.html
You can then refer back to the QVL X socket to see if it is on the list.

[kung lao]

Hey. I had a question about using an ssd + hdd. Is it ok to install the os on the ssd and install big programs on the hdd? I'm asking because last time I did this my hdd started acting up and was being read as a RAW drive. I had to take my data off and format it.

[iammykyl]

Yes, it is a good practice when you are limited by the small size of the SSD.
There are many ways of achieving this, some very complicated. Will be able to give you Tutorials should you decide to use one.

I favour a simple approach.

Install the OS and essential programs to the SSD.
Partition the larger HDD, Programs/DATA/Downloads.
Install things like Word, burning/picture editing software to Programs.
Move the default location of the My Documents to DATA.
Move the default location of downloads to Downloads.
Instigate a good back up strategy to an external source and PERFORM it on a regular basis.
We will give help when you need it.

[iammykyl]

Info.
How to build.
> This thanks to Troy and Artellos, > http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/
> http://www.diy-gamin...ild-a-Computer/
You will need some TIM for your cooler. > http://www.hardwares...ary-2012/1468/1 I use Arctic Cooling MX 4 as it contains no metals and is electrically non conductive.
Two items to add to your list.
This I consider essential, an Anti Static wrist strap like this, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16899261005
Optional, an internal System Speaker. > http://www.cwc-group.com/casp.html

[kung lao]

Thx for the info!!

Hey guys! Long time eh? I have purchased the CPU and ram for my build (thx dad ), and all that is left is the cooler, ssd/hdd, and ODD. This time I have a budget of $150 to get the rest of the things I need. Also, initially I did not plan to buy an ssd but now that my dad has helped out, I want to see if can keep my ssd in my laptop or possibly get a smaller one for it since it already has an 750gb hdd.

I am still not very sure about the cooler. The mobo I have supports older coolers and a friend of mine is willing to give me his old one. If I can I would like to buy the noctua d14 or the corsair h80 (even if it means no ssd).

for a ODD, I was thinking I dont really burn so getting a BD-rerader would be cheaper, but then I saw this for a decent price:
http://www.tigerdire...2604&CatId=3634

I want opinions on how I should spend this $150 (ssd is not a must)... Also after I get these parts I will start building so any additional advice would be helpful..

Thanks.