I am really just looking for a decent GPU, CPU and Case (no screws - easy on easy off). If I need a new mobo/RAM with the new CPU then I can buy that as well. My current GPU is the 560 TI with the EVGA X58 Mobo. I only run 6 gigs of ram on windows 7 so I can get more if there is a good deal on a 12 gig set or something.
What is your current RAM speed and timings? The new processors dont use triple channel memory so you either should step down to just two sticks, or an even better idea would be to buy another single 2GB stick that matches your current memory so you can run 8GB in dual or quad channel. And what processor do you currently have? The case is the hardest requirement. Ill have to do some searching. The only towers I know of off the top of my head that do now have screws on the side panel to open the case would be the COSMOS 1000 and COSMOS 2
Alright. Ill put something together for you when I get home, but you already have a pretty good processor. The only way to upgrade is moving to the new Ivy Bridge cores, those will be about 20% faster at the same clock speed. Which I guess is a good jump, but it really wont be noticeable in actual use. The only real way to see a worthwhile improvement would be if you get an Ivy quad core and overclock it to 4.5GHz+. That is an easily doable thing, but just thought it would be something you would want to think about before spending money on a new processor. What you are looking at would be an Ivy Bridge quad core, with a Corsair H80 or H100 cooler, a new tower that has no screws like you want, a new motherboard that is able to use the new processor, and at least 1 more stick of RAM. That would be like $750 for the only upgrade where you would get a noticeable difference in processor performance. Then an upgrade from a 560ti would be either a 670 or 680. Or moving to AMD would be a 6950 or 6970. And those are in the hundred's of Dollars as well just for the GPU. If you do not yet have a solid state drive, IMO it would be a much more worthwhile upgrade to simply buy a pair of 256GB SSDs. Use one for your OS and programs, and one for the games you care about. Put random games that you dont play much or dont care that much about on your current mechanical drive. A pair of upper end 256GB solid state drives would run you $550 which is not only cheaper than just upgrading your CPU but also would give a significantly faster feel to your computer. Things will not PROCESS faster, games will maybe only run 1fps faster at most, but you can click around way faster, games will load a bit faster, and the computer will just have an overall faster feel to you. Talk to Erock, he just got a SSD on my recommendation instead of a new top end GPU. See how he feels about his purchase. If you are running into FPS issues in games, you could always get 1 or two SSDs, and throw a new GPU on as well. Most likely MMO performance issues are more related to game design and engine rather than true GPU limitations though These are the solid states you would be looking at, in order from slowest to fastest. All should be pretty reliable, with the OCZ Vertex 4 not yet tested enough though so cant say for sure. It is brand new and uses a new controller on the market: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167086 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227792
My corsair 600T case does not have case screws. Small handles on each side of the case pop off the side panels. One of the easiest builds when i switched to it.
If you really want to upgrade parts, this is what you would be looking at to improve a noticeable amount over what you have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116502 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835209054 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148149 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127675 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139007 $1,147.94 And if you felt like actually upgrading your RAM instead of just buying for platform compatibility as above, then get these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226245 Or a pair of these and maybe that GTX670 posted above and call it a day: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164
Overclock your CPU, grab a SSD or 2 if you dont have already and get a new GPU (670) and you would be golden. Our X58 platforms still have a lot of life in them.
I have a SS Drive - one you recommended a little while back Corsair I think. Although it's only for my programs, games, and windows. I use a mechanical drive for random crap. I am a bit of an EVGA nut because of their quality how is Asus and MSI holding up these days? I always thought of MSI as a bargain brand while EVGA is enthusiast. I would rather get something that will last than something with a little extra performance. Is the 670 the best card for the money on the market? I mean if I am paying $400 for a card why not spend an extra $100 and go all the way? Is it worth it? I have been so out of touch with computer parts that I have no idea what is what anymore. The Corsair case looks cool but I am pretty sure, like 100% sure I would need a full tower case for air flow and overall fitting of the parts. Lastly, liquid cooling is something I have wanted to try but never was sure if it was worth the fuss and muss. How difficult is it to maintain a water cooled system for someone who is a lazy fuck? Ok, lastly, lastly. Anyone else notice Paul from newegg is about as boring and slow talking as two flies fucking?
I'm actually looking to build a new rig and really like the selections you posted enigma. I'm probably going to end up putting together a new tower altogether if my mom still needs a computer (any computer) and pass her my current build, meaning I'm back in the market for everything. One thing I don't know much about is power supplies and what would be a good one to get for my money. Any suggestions on wattage and model? I likely wouldn't SLI, but maybe a safe suggestion for with and without in terms of power consumption would be helpful to me too. my current 650w is kinna loud I'm really liking what I read on the 600T tower so leaning towards that. In terms of it only being mid-sized it still seems to have all the room you need for the little additions like liquid cooling and whatnot. It is still a big tower, maybe 3-4 inches shorter then a lot of the full towers I've been looking at while sporting the average full-tower length. Since it is so big, I'm wondering how they classify what is mid and what is full?
I'm an eVGA nut as well, but ASUS has been making great products lately (mainly their motherboards, their ROG series - while some might say is overpriced - are really good quality products). If you are looking for graphics card, eVGA is top of the line, and for me its more of a brand loyalty thing now but I've used a bunch of other manufacturer's products but now I always buy eVGA for their customer service, select warranties, etc. According to most benchmarks and reviews on multiple gaming sites (anandtech, Tom's, etc) the GTX 670 sometimes matches or runs neck and neck with the GTX 680. If you're looking to save some money and still get great top of the line performance (the 680 being one of the fastest single GPU card out there right now) to match the 680 - then get the 670. If you can hold out a little longer and wait for the 4GB model to come out, do that. More VRAM to help on your maxed out games, and if you ever decide to run Surround then the extra VRAM DOES matter. I don't have a full tower case and have a perfect setup. Don't assume that bigger tower means bigger cooling. Unless you just want future proofing and a fucking huge tower sitting on your floor, desk, or whatever - then if you can fit your parts in a mid tower case that would be good too. I dropped down from a HAF 932 (Sold it to a friend) to a CM 690 II Adv. case and I absolutely love it and I get better temp's too at times. Its all about how you manage your airflow, understanding thermal dynamics, and setting up your case fans and layout to get the best airflow to your components. Also, don't assume that more fans = cooler airflow. You can get a lot of performance out of minimum stuff. Unless you plan to go custom water cooling in the future, or need 8 HDD's and 4 SSD's, or triple SLI/Xfire then you don't need a full tower case. If you are going with A.I.O. liquid cooling (Corsair Hydro series, or Antecs) then all you need to do is making sure your case supports those units. Corsair H100 has a 240 rad. on it for example, so you'd need to make sure the case you pick has a 240 rad exhaust setup (most cases do anyway) - 2 x 120 fan outlets. Corsair makes great cases, so does Silverstone, Cooler Master, and Antec use too.
Hmm... My post I did the other day doesnt seem to be here. I guess Ill have to type it all out again after work today.