Recommendations for new build

[xXxTehxXx]

Hello RFDers,

About 5 years ago, I built my first computer. That beast has carried me through the times, keeping up with current gen systems as best as it could. I upgraded parts here and there to try and keep it in the loop, however today it's hit the point of no return. Basically, I can't properly cool the CPU at all. I'm running a H60 cooler, which although isn't the best watercooler, it should be sufficient. However I'm running idle temps of 50-55, and 75-80 load. The H60 is running at full tilt 24/7 (which can't be good for it). I did have the chip running at a pretty substantial OC for the past year which may have contributed to this problem (I've since downclocked it to stock). I've tried re-seating the CPU and re-applying thermal paste but no matter what I do, the temps keep shooting for the sky. Multiple different heat monitoring systems used also so I don't believe it's the sensor.

All of this inside an unfinished basement which has an ambient temp of about ~20-25C

That novel aside, I believe it's time to start rebuilding the beast. The good news is, the parts I have are rather decent and should be able to carry over the new build nicely.

What I've got that's useful:
-600W Ultra PSU
-Full tower case with 120mm front and 120mm exhaust
-Evga GTX 550TI SC
-H60 water cooler
-Wireless adapter
-Multiple hard drives
-OCZ 120GB SSD
-DVD drive

What I've got that isn't useful:
-4 gigs DDR2 RAM (working just fine)
-Q6600 CPU ready to catch fire
-680i mobo (working just fine)

I've been out of the industry for quite awhile, so I need some suggestions from you guys. I'm aiming to spend $200-400 on the mobo/cpu/ram. I use the computer week nights for mediocre gaming (League of Legends/TF2/COD). I'd love to be able to have a setup allowing me to stream my League games while playing, although I'm sure that requires quite a high-end CPU.

Thanks ahead for your advice

[ben_liu]

Core i5-3570K $240
Gigabyte Z77-UD3 $150
8GB DDR3-1600 $45

I know it's over your budget but you won't need to upgrade anything in the next 3-4 years at least.

[Ironsmack]

Do you have any fans for the case?

Im assuming you clean the inside of the case since you re-seated the CPU block?

[xXxTehxXx]

Do you have any fans for the case?

Im assuming you clean the inside of the case since you re-seated the CPU block?

Yeah I've got a 120mm intake on the front of the case, and a 120mm exhaust fan that came with the H60. Both of which are working great and pushing plenty of air through the case. The inside of the case is completely clean.

Thanks for the suggestions ben_liu, any sales on those anywhere?

[DavidY]

Yeah I've got a 120mm intake on the front of the case, and a 120mm exhaust fan that came with the H60. Both of which are working great and pushing plenty of air through the case. The inside of the case is completely clean.

Thanks for the suggestions ben_liu, any sales on those anywhere?

Try http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/ or keep checking the daily/weekly deals at CC, NCIX and ME including various mobo/CPU/RAM deals. I agree with Ben that your best upgrade is an i5-3570K, Z77 mobo that crossfires/SLI (some models crossfire/SLI slower than others), 8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz low profile RAM. An i5-2500K, Z68 mobo and the same RAM would work too....has less bang for the buck however....a bit cheaper, probably better overclocking, but less future proof since it's a Sandy Bridge configuration (other is the newer Ivy Bridge).

NCIX has the i5-3570K for $220. i5-3570K/Z77 combos for $320.

Dave

[xXxTehxXx]

Try http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/ or keep checking the daily/weekly deals at CC, NCIX and ME including various mobo/CPU/RAM deals. I agree with Ben that your best upgrade is an i5-3570K, Z77 mobo that crossfires/SLI (some models crossfire/SLI slower than others), 8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz low profile RAM. An i5-2500K, Z68 mobo and the same RAM would work too....has less bang for the buck however....a bit cheaper, probably better overclocking, but less future proof since it's a Sandy Bridge configuration (other is the newer Ivy Bridge).

NCIX has the i5-3570K for $220. i5-3570K/Z77 combos for $320.

Dave

Awesome website, I'm leaning towards the i5-3570k + Gigabyte Z77 board. Looks like I'll be putting out a little more cash than I expected but I think it'll be worth it

[DavidY]

I think that there is a "X" Z77 board by Gigabyte that is favoured (8x/8x SLI/crossfire?), but costs more (closer to $150 I think).....not too sure since I have no plans for dual video cards or overclocking.

Here's a list of low profile RAM that satisfies at least one aftermarket CPU cooler:

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_ram_gen&products_id=34&lng=en

Dave

[xXxTehxXx]

Thanks David for the info. Do you guys know of any impeding sales for CPUs/mobos in the very near future?

Luckily I managed to get the old beast up and running using some new thermal compound. However the temps are still abnormally high (especially for stock), idle 50-55, load 70-75. I've got the H60 water cooler running at full tilt and it just can't keep up with the heat the CPU is putting out. Is this a sign of the CPU dying? Never seen this happen before.

[Jimbobs]

the temps are still abnormally high (especially for stock), idle 50-55, load 70-75. .

Those temps don't sound excessive. Intel CPU's have good thermal protection so will cut out when temeperature is excessive. Did you use a good quality thermal paste or just some stuff you had lying around for years? Did you clean both surfaces with acetone and make sure they are clean and flat?

[JamesA1]

I've been considering a new build based on the Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H with a Core i5-3570K CPU. These seem to be commonly paired, and there's usually a bundle on sale at NCIX/ME for around $350-$375. You have to watch out for the differences caused by one letter though: in Gigabyte's model line a Z77X is not the same as a Z77, and a -UD3H is not the same as a -D3H. I'm note sure why they have to have quite so many easily-confused variations.

I had a good experience with my last Gigabyte motherboard, not so good with Asus in the past, so I have a slight preference to stick with Gigabyte. I'd like to have as much future-proofing capacity on the motherboard as possible, but I'm not sure it's worth it to step up to something like the GA-Z77X-UD5H.

The choice in cases is a bit overwhelming, and I'm not sure how to pick a good one. I don't really care what it looks like as long as it's unobtrusive. It's not like I'm going to jam a lot of stuff in there. I'm just looking for a decent mid-size tower case. Any recommendations?

[aplayaz2000]

if you're soley using your pc for Gaming

i picked up a i3-2120T, performs on par with 2500K gaming wise
8GB
some Asus $129 mobo... for like $350

[DavidY]

ME has a $289 after $10 MIR combo on the i5-3470 and a Gigabyte Z77-D3H ATX mobo. Not for OCing. http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/BDL_3470_Z77D3H

Dave

[xXxTehxXx]

Those temps don't sound excessive. Intel CPU's have good thermal protection so will cut out when temeperature is excessive. Did you use a good quality thermal paste or just some stuff you had lying around for years? Did you clean both surfaces with acetone and make sure they are clean and flat?

At first I used thermal paste that was lying around (few years old), did nothing so I went out yesterday and bought some new thermal compound (Cooler Master), although it did lower the temps a little bit it's still abnormally high. I've cleaned the CPU/heatsink completely clean before applying.

Those temps were only after a few minutes of testing. An hour long game brings the CPU temps to 80-85, prime95 close to 90 (usually shuts off before). I'd rather go for the i5 because I plan on streaming my games and I can make good use of the 4 cores compared to 2. Thanks for posting those sales! I'm gonna have a look around. I found a Gigabyte Z77 board on pretty cheap but it was Crossfire only support, no SLI

EDIT: Figured the problem out. My mobo has 2 CPU fan ports both are auto-controlled depending on temperature. The pump is supposed to be run at 100% 24/7 not varied in percentage depending on temps. Plugged it into a molex to fan adaptor straight from the power supply and I'm looking at 45 idle, 60 stress test. What a difference. Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I still plan on upgrading the mobo/cpu/ram, at least now I have some breathing room until a sale hits

[JamesA1]

ME has a $289 after $10 MIR combo on the i5-3470 and a Gigabyte Z77-D3H ATX mobo. Not for OCing. http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/BDL_3470_Z77D3H

That's a decent price for the combo. The CPU is only a little less powerful than the 3570K, although it lacks a few features in overclocking and graphics capability. The lower-spec motherboard without the "X" and the "U" is lacking several significant features though, such eSATA, SLI support, extra power connectors, extra PCIex8 slot.

[vonblock]

Lol never heard of a dying CPU getting hotter :lol:.

Of course the CPU was not the problem, but something else.

If you want to stream only League of legend, try if your current cpu is good enough before buying a new one, you may be surprised.

[DavidY]

That's a decent price for the combo. The CPU is only a little less powerful than the 3570K, although it lacks a few features in overclocking and graphics capability. The lower-spec motherboard without the "X" and the "U" is lacking several significant features though, such eSATA, SLI support, extra power connectors, extra PCIex8 slot.

Would prefer a H77 mobo to cut costs more. No O/C or SLI/crossfire for my systems.

Would like to see a cheaper i3-21xx CPU....too pricey for what you get...especially the jump up to i5-3450+ for around $70. The i5-2400+ has basically become irrelevant....I would only buy one if it was around $140-$150.

Dave

[xXxTehxXx]

I'm hoping to find a nice deal on a mobo/i5-3570 combo soon, I'm an avid OCer and I'm running 2 550tis in SLI. Do mobos/cpus normally go on sale during back to school season?