The other day an Intel i5-3570K with 16Gb of ram ran with this case ($398) and I was critical of it basically because this case is generic and fugly box and a nondescript PSU that ate $70 of the price of what overall has pretty high-end components. Let see if that still is the case this time.
The CPU/mobo seem great match for an above average entry level gaming build. Don’t care that they're sticking you with one 8Gb stick, but the low price might have grabbing another so you can run dual-channel not a damng idea. Add those three pieces and I'd put real world value today at $210-220. So that make that case an $80 value... don’t think so!
Consider all this for under $300 after rebates and codes. You get the CPU with XIGMATEK Gaia cooler, a Gigabyte mobo that's only difference is you forgo USB 3.0 support, faster ram while now it runs in dual channel, decent PSU with one 6-pin support 80+ Bronze Active PFC, and an acceptable case with that at least clad in suitable enough attire. After that $300, grab a nice 7770 like the Sapphire Vapor-X 100358VXL OC (1100Mhz) for $135 –AR$15, and a HDD and you really get a nice above average entry gaming machine for $502 and a NEXUiZ Free Coupon.
• FX-6100 3.3GHz 95W FD6100WMGUSBX - N82E16819103962 Combo with XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm CPU Cooler - N82E16835233082 = $131 • GIGABYTE GA-970A-D3 Mobo - N82E16813128521 = $80 –AR $10 • Patriot 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600 (PC3 12800) - N82E16820220705 = $26 (- $5 off with code MEM106 and -AR $10) • COOLER MASTER Elite 430 RC-430-KWN1 - N82E16811119227 = $30 –AR $20 • COOLER MASTER GX 450W RS450 US 80+ BRONZE Active PFC PSU - N82E16817171060 =$30 (after code EMCNAHB64 -$15 and rebate of $15)
After re-looking at this as gaming, I'd switch to the FX-4170 Zambezi 4.2GHz (4.3GHz Turbo) 125W Quad-Core. It’s still on combo with the XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler for the $131 price. I’d think the extra cores aren't a big help, while I'd rather have the newer process higher clocked part... Might offer enhanced OC’n that can be found using that Xigmatek Gaia. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1079935
You could get 4.6Ghz (1.25Vcore) and a 7850 1Gb ($170 -AR$10) and not even stress the 450W PSU. I'm seeing a OC FX4100 @4.5Ghz and 7850 and other parts call for 317W, so you’d be about 60% of that PSU.
The other day an Intel i5-3570K with 16Gb of ram ran with this case ($398) and I was critical of it basically because this case is generic and fugly box and a nondescript PSU that ate $70 of the price of what overall has pretty high-end components. Let see if that still is the case this time.
The CPU/mobo seem great match for an above average entry level gaming build. Don’t care that they're sticking you with one 8Gb stick, but the low price might have grabbing another so you can run dual-channel not a damng idea. Add those three pieces and I'd put real world value today at $210-220. So that make that case an $80 value... don’t think so!
Consider all this for under $300 after rebates and codes. You get the CPU with XIGMATEK Gaia cooler, a Gigabyte mobo that's only difference is you forgo USB 3.0 support, faster ram while now it runs in dual channel, decent PSU with one 6-pin support 80+ Bronze Active PFC, and an acceptable case with that at least clad in suitable enough attire. After that $300, grab a nice 7770 like the Sapphire Vapor-X 100358VXL OC (1100Mhz) for $135 –AR$15, and a HDD and you really get a nice above average entry gaming machine for $502 and a NEXUiZ Free Coupon.
• FX-6100 3.3GHz 95W FD6100WMGUSBX - N82E16819103962 Combo with XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm CPU Cooler - N82E16835233082 = $131
• GIGABYTE GA-970A-D3 Mobo - N82E16813128521 = $80 –AR $10
• Patriot 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600 (PC3 12800) - N82E16820220705 = $26 (- $5 off with code MEM106 and -AR $10)
• COOLER MASTER Elite 430 RC-430-KWN1 - N82E16811119227 = $30 –AR $20
• COOLER MASTER GX 450W RS450 US 80+ BRONZE Active PFC PSU - N82E16817171060 =$30 (after code EMCNAHB64 -$15 and rebate of $15)
I like Casecutter's plan. Makes sense to me and I've been building machines for 15 years. Thanx Casecutter.
After re-looking at this as gaming, I'd switch to the FX-4170 Zambezi 4.2GHz (4.3GHz Turbo) 125W Quad-Core. It’s still on combo with the XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler for the $131 price. I’d think the extra cores aren't a big help, while I'd rather have the newer process higher clocked part... Might offer enhanced OC’n that can be found using that Xigmatek Gaia.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1079935
You could get 4.6Ghz (1.25Vcore) and a 7850 1Gb ($170 -AR$10) and not even stress the 450W PSU. I'm seeing a OC FX4100 @4.5Ghz and 7850 and other parts call for 317W, so you’d be about 60% of that PSU.