Keep the motherboard and add an SSD (or HDD), and you're good.

Already have a 1tb HDD, I should put that in the OP.
thanks though :D

500w PSU is ok

im building one too, for similar budget ($555). yours seems better `-` mine includes PSU cost though~

Why a "K" CPU if it's a H67 board? ......does not compute:(

o i c wat u did there ahahaha ..

"Being new to building a PC"

You're gonna have to explain what you meant

Edit: I did some googling and now I understand, is there a different mobo you could recommend?

Edit:Edit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121512 Would be suitable then, yes?

Well, H67 can use the GPU (IGP) inside the Sandy Bridge CPU, while the P67 can overclock but you can't use graphics part (so, yuo need a dedicated graphics card).

The first chipset what was capable of overclocking and also use the IGP at the same time was the Z68. The Z68 also has Vitru which can turn off your dedicated graphics card when it's not needed and run things using the IGP only (you connect the monitor to the graphics output on the motherboard, and virtu looks up the currently running application in a database if it needs a dedicated graphics card or not and redirects the output accordingly)

The "K" at the end means it's an unlocked CPU, so you could overclock it, but as I explained above, the H67 chipset won't let you (well you still can gain a little bit with the memory settings).

This is a "cheap" but reliable/stable motherboard with no usb3 problems, good bios support and also a very good overclocker: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3

Asus could be an other option, but the good boards are expensive (or this one from msi)

If you pick a stronger Power supply you can even put a second 6870 into the rig next year if you want, which probably gonna be considerably cheaper that time.

Thank you!
Too bad it's out of stock at newegg, I'll look elsewhere for it for now. I'll get the msi one if I can't find a decent deal.
Have a [+] sir

Asrock out of stock:(

Is a p67 would be enough? (they are cheaper but you can't use igp)

This Asus also looks good ASUS P8Z68-V LE (the lx is cheaper but lacks the sink on the mosfets, which you would need for the overclocking). Good caps and usb chip, but the Asrock would be the best buy now.

Good shit inside in this one: XFX Core Edition PRO550W, but a good 500W is more than enough, even this cheap one would be enough with a single gpu

They also have the ASRock Z68 PRO3 GEN3 which is ceaper and the same stable overclocker, but it has a shittier usb3 chip (you will have speed problems on the usb3 ports, usb2 ports aren't affected!) and only can take 1 graphics card (no SLI/CROSSFIRE)... so that's why I didn't recommend.

The no SLI doesn't bother me too much, how bad is the problem with usb3 ports? Will I notice it in day to day use or what?

With that said Ill probably get the other one, if its in stock when I order everything

well, slowdowns annoy me a lot tbh:D.. you would feel it while copying for example..

The MSI is also a good board with high quality parts, other boards with similar features (except the Asrock one I linked) are all in a higher price segment.

I recommend the extra money for the z68 because you can sell your video card and still use your computer with the IGP while you waiting for the new one, and also multimedia conversions are superfast when using the Sandy IGP (Intel's Quick Sync)..

gl:)

Again, thanks for the help :D

np:)

he could still sell his GPU and use the IG instead using a h67...just no virtu

and no OC

Well if you can't get the Extreme3Gen3 from the Asrock, this one is the cheapest I can find which is g3 and will OC the 2500K to 4.5Ghz (or the easy way is to go for the 4.3Ghz which can be done automatically from the bios (you will need the latest one from the MSI site))

Just make sure you have good airflow in the case because looks like it has very small sinks on the mosfets...

Sorry about the delay, had other things to do and it's also really hard to find a board in this price segment... good z68 boards for the 2500k mostly starting from $180 tbh, and newegg is a strange territory for me:S

Don't be sorry at all, you're doing a great job

as far as cases, I haven't found a better one at the price range but then again, I'm all ears.

well it's a cheap board and I can't see shitty parts on it.
Perhaps I would spend extra $5 on a faster ram to leave same timing-room for the overclocking.

Also if you have some money left, spend on this one, and put it into the last PCI slot. The DG is a nobrainer, it has amped Dolby 5.1 Headphone support.. worth every cents imo.

Scrapping for cash, though I may keep the soundcard in mind. Build cost is at around $660 at the moment (before mail-in rebates), I ended up needing a new power supply after all. Since I'm OCing, do I need a aftermarket fan like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 ?

A good power supply is always a wise decision to make your build stable and last longer, but if you have a new 500W PSU, you don't need a new one just for the OC because 4.3 or 4.5Ghz on the CPU will be more than enough. The 2500k is a true monster around that speed and the system will be heavily GPU limited anything above 1650x1080 anyway, so you will only need the extra juice for the Radeon.

Yes you need the aftermarket cooler ofc, I though you already have one, most older coolers get free upgrade brackets to Sandy Bridge.

ps.: :O won't you get free shipping for this many goods?

afaik, he has pretty much stock parts right now.

Getting a fan will be fun though 8D

Well I do have a 550w psu, but it's old and a terrible brand. I'd feel more comfortable getting a decent one that won't crap out on me.

And oh yes! I think I'm only paying for shipping on one or two items.

It's never the brand what matters, but what is in thee inside. You right, it would be insane to start OC-ing with an old (4-5 years) PSU, so you need a new one,

but again you need a proper mainboard for advanced overclocking. Don't expect the MSI to go above 4.3-4.5Ghz with that 4+1 phase voltage regulator design, because it won't. P8P67 is the minimum for that kind of stuff and you would also need a better cooler for that anyway:)

4.3 is absolutely fine, seems like a big improvement.

So that puts my final (?) build to
OCZ ZS 550w psu 80plus bronze 35$
Coolermaster Haf 912 case $50
i5 2500k $200
RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428 $40
the msi mobo you linked $120
sapphire radeon 6870 $165
Fan http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 $30

the mainboard I linked is only $118, and I don't know anything about the OCZ PSU.

Looks like it has two rails and only 38A, (the bronze thingy is just a marketing gimmick that doesn't mean anything) but - on the other hand - reviews are very positive about it, so should be good.

well it always ends up more expensive, that's the way how it is;)

I just realized that I accidentally linked 2 msi mainboards, the g45 is not gen3 board (no pci-e 3.0, which is a useless feature now, but nobody knows what you will need 2 years later) but has a stronger power design, while the g43 has a weaker power design and a lower quality sound card, but it's cheaper and newer (has pci-e 3.0).

Your choice but there are many non-gen3 boards so if you don't care about pci-e 3 (no difference with the current 6870 card) you are not forced to go with the msi than.. anyway good luck and hf:)

One last question good sir,

Which mobo would you recommend between these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?It...ro3%20gen3

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130621

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131773

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?It...-_-Product

I don't bother with USB Flash Drives often so I don't think the messed up USB 3.0 would bother me on the ASRock Pro3 Gen3.

The prices are within $10 of each other with shipping included is why I ask. (That and I really don't know anything about motherboards) :)

Sorry for the late reply, I just wondered this way again and noticed you wrote to me, I did not receive any sign about I got a reply. This is happening too many times lately:(((

Well if it would be up to me I would save some more money and would buy this one at least:p, but it's just my stupidity, I'm cursed with my perfectionism and never buy "half" solutions because I always regret it later;)

It's not only the usb problem, but they ruined the bios in the Asrock Pro3/Gen3 and it's not as good for OC as in the Extreme3-Gen3.
If the MSI is out, I would pick the Asus. (edit: deleted unnecessary tweaking part;])

Asus z68 boards are good, you wont have any problems imo.

Thanks once again!

Hopefully this is the last time I need to ask for help

np, I'm happy to help any time you need.

Those are all good boards btw (even the one from MSI is a solid and well accepted board)
Just don't forget that you are buying a value board and not an extreme overclocker (even if the Asus has the best power design among the four you listed).

Don't go above 4.5Ghz and aim for 1.3-1.4V maximum(!), that power design can't really provide a higher 24/7 overclock without lowering the lifespan of your CPU.

But it will be a good board, and iirc Asus also gives very good warranty options in the States.

gl,hf:)

Do you plan to OC? If not you can just get the 2500 (non-K) version or look for an E3 if you can find one.
If you plan to OC then you need a more expensive board. If you plan use CF to include a 2nd GPU then youll need a bigger PSU too

Don't plan on using CF, I will OC. Getting a different mobo, looking at what kapca linked http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130621

If you're really on a budget I would go with AMD. Even with FX being a dead end (for now?) the phenom ii x6 is still a helluva lot cheaper than an intel proc and most games are gpu limited anyways.

I got a gigabyte 990fxa-ud3 board a couple months ago with an x6 and the only thing that ever maxes this processor is video encoding. BF3 runs great considering I'm using 2 ancient geforce 9800gtx+'s in SLI...

I saw you said MSI somewhere for a mobo. Stay away from them like the plague. I got 3 MSI boards that were all defective before I convinced newegg to give me a refund.

Get an AMD processor and go buy beer with the money you saved.

Already ordered the i5 because it was on sale, which was about to end. Saved $40 doing that :p

Ah good enough =D.

Still hate MSI though

Also I got a corsair tx-650w psu which is rock solid. I think they make a 550 variant too. Not modular but the voltages are rock solid compared to my antec earthwatts psu which was alright.

I'll try and stay away from MSI, I don't want to deal with getting a dead mobo. I also know next to nothing about motherboards

Would http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?It...-_-Product
be a good buy?

I'm not really an expert on Intel boards. If you're interested in overclocking check out overclock.net and see what boards people are using. Generally if the board is good for overclocking it will be good for anything :D.

I don't think I would get that board in particular but maybe one of the higher end gigabyte boards like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128506

Still thats alittle too expensive for my taste and I haven't researched this much at all. Look around on overclock.net forums and see what boards people are using. If I had done that before I bought that MSI board I would have known that it had low quality MOSFETS that would blow up along with bad vdrooping problems.

Good to know, I'll check it out. Can't really go over my current price by much, I'm already over budget.

i've had 3 straight msi boards for various builds and not one has had any issue at all o_O

I also had a board from MSI and it worked very well just like all the ASUS boards I had.
You can find "bad stories" just about any brand because things break all the time:)

I think it was the specific model I bought. It had a high failure rate on newegg. Every electronics manufacturer has defective parts occasionally but I went through 3 boards all with the same problem before I refunded it and got a gigabyte 990fxa-ud3 that worked solid. The comp I built for my friend has a msi board in it and it has no problems at all

I saw a full truck of defected motherboards once, whoever bought one from those bought something just to RMA it immediately.
Shit happens.

How can you recommend anything against the 2500k it's just beyond me. It's the greatest processor since the Core2Duo came out and nothing comes even close in terms of price/value except the other Sandy Bridge miracle the i3-2100.
It's cool, it's energy efficient, it's an overclocking beast (effortless 4.5Ghz on air is just the start), and - most importantly - it's superfast in every possible way.

What else do you need?

reread what I said. the difference in price compared to performance is hardly justified especially when every new game is gpu limited. I would get an i5 or i7 only if I was doing video encoding every day or if I needed hardware accelerated aes.

No it's absolutely not. That's the whole point.
You buy a 2500k for $200, OC it with a reasonable voltage, and you are done with the CPU stuff for several years. All you have to do is putting new video cards into your system later when new games demand more.

It performs 20% better than the brand new 8 core AMD FX-8150 which needs almost 40% more power and costs ~$60 more.
That shit can even feed the strongest sli/crossfire combo, and it's doing it without a need of a nuclear powerplant or an ice-room in the backyard.

It's the best buy now by far.

edit: for example, look at SC2 with the strongest video card you can get, and tell me it doesn't matter for a gamer if it's playing with 57 or 80 fps.

Ya but I wasn't talking about FX. FX so far is a huge disappointment and it's not even 8 true cores.

I don't know what graphics settings they used in that benchmark (other than res) but on 1080p low i can get over 150fps with 2 9800gtx+ and an amd x6 1090t be. On 1080p Ultra (not enough vram for extreme :P) its around 60fps except on the most demanding custom maps.

But my limitation is entirely GPU not CPU. And you will find that trend across almost every game.

Basically I don't understand their benchmark at all unless they showed those settings on another page.. but i just woke up :D

Good morning:)

The X6 and FX has about the same speed (FX is little faster in Sc2), and they probably turned everything to the ultra-max + AA +AF:)

The point is again, that if you need a good gamer CPU you can have the best for $200, but if you don't have that much money you can have an i3-2100 for $110, both are the best buys for a gamer.

You are right about (almost) all games are gpu limited now, but perhaps this won't be the case 3 years later, and if he would follow your advice, he would need to change his cheap AMD cpu as well not just the video card, which would make the whole story more expensive than the simple $200 investment today:)
(not to mention the +$5 AMD adds to the electricity bill each month:p)

ps.: and I would be really happy if AMD could bring something up against Sandy Bridge, because that would put the prices down a little bit more, but SB is so awesome, they just can't compete atm:(

I can assure you that even with my rather old GPU (gtx 275) the 2500k was NOT a waste of money even before I overclocked it.

Some recent games might be very GPU bound especially with my old card but it still makes a difference as it allows me to run my mouse at 1000hz etc because I just have a lot of CPU power to spare - and that's entirely a good thing.
Gaming with your CPU at 100% is not something you want to do at all, as it means you'll get input lag and possibly other issues.

Ya but if you read anything I wrote you would know that I don't run any games at 100% cpu......

What else do you need?

An i7 2600k?

That's an overshoot for a gaming only CPU, and it's only justifiable if you are also running heavily threaded applications as well.
I was talking about the best buy, and while the 2600k cost $100+ more, the performance difference is negligible, and sometimes it's even worse in some games.

Well, many PC gamers are getting into things like streaming which would benefit from extra cores, plus even gamers who say they only play games, use threaded/apps like after effects, winrar to do chores which benefit greatly from the extra cores.

When you consider these systems will last them 2-3 years I don't think the extra money is that big a deal, as they'll probably save many hours of time over the years with the extra cores alone, and its nice to know if your needs change you'll have a system that will cope.

Can't see the i2500k or i2600k being challenged until late 2012 and even then, a quick overclock should keep both CPU's highly competive until well into 2013.

So like the old E8400 and Q6600, these are systems which are gonna last a long time. So I say if you're gonna make the jump to i5 you might aswell go the whole hog if its not that much more.

Though knowing when to stop is always the problem.

I disagree. I'm reading a lot in the last few days about this subject (well I red a lot about this kind stuff in the last two decades tbh:D, but I pushed the CPU part a little bit more in the last 3 days, I pretty much red all the main articles and reviews again).

$100-$120 is too much for the difference between the 2500k and the 2600k. Yes if money doesn't matter, it's better to have a stronger CPU of course, but if you are on a budget you gain much much more by spending that extra money on a faster GPU.

If you are on the budget but want something what will last for a long time, the 2500k is the point where you should stop.