PC System Rigs/Builds

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Ilrita

The Imperial Storm
Hi guys and gals!

This is probably asked a lot, but I did run a search both through google and the forum and only came up with this thread (PC - Skyrim PC Requirements List | Skyrim Forums) on Requirements and wasn't sure if I should post it in there or not. So I apologize if I could have posted this there.

Anyway, my question. I have a very limited budget on gaming and was wondering if this rig will be good enough to play Skyrim and if so, what kind of settings I might be able to look forward to?

Motherboard: MSI Z68A-G43 (G3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard (already bought it)
CASE: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (though I am looking for a blue-led one, this is all I could find)
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor
GPU: PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card
PSU: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply
RAM: G.Skill NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory (or should I invest in something better?)

I'm not computer savy, so I'm not sure if some parts are compatible with each other or not. I was led to believe the RAM I select is of poor quality, and I haven't bought it yet, but again...no knowledge on this matter.

I was also thinking, if the above thread does not allow posting, if we could make this into a "rig/build" thread where people post their builds and what settings they could play on etc etc and also ask about their own?
 

Hadean

Member
the difference in price between ddr3-1600 and the 1333 speed will be small, as will the general performance gain, but i'd still go for the 1600 for sure. as for everything else it looks sound. i've read that skyrim does favour nvidia cards which would probably mean looking at a gtx 660 but i cant back it up with my own evidence.

an SSD is a helpful piece of kit if you want to drop loading times but i'd consider this a luxury if you are in a right budget
 

ZeroDragon

Bring me my broadsword, and clear understanding.
My first thought is that you will need a larger power supply. On checking, the graphics card is recommended you have a minimum of a 500W supply. If you shop around a bit you should be able to find a reasonable proce for something 700W and higher.
 

Ilrita

The Imperial Storm
Hi guys! Thanks for the posts! :)

Hadean; any suggestions? I was looking at Intel DDR, but I wasn't so sure of Intel so looked around and found this;

Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Ultra Stable Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1333C8

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

ZeroDragon; Wow, that would have been unfortunate that I bought the PSU and GPU and did not see that or know about it. Any suggestions? All the 700W PSUs I find are around 70-80 dollars. I found a 500W for 39.99 (49.99 normally), and a 600W for 49.99.

Of course it would be nice to also find one that is modular, but I won't hold my breath on that one.
 

ZeroDragon

Bring me my broadsword, and clear understanding.
I'd always go for the larger one. The rest of your PC needs some of the power. I've not built a pc from scratch for a couple of years and apparently the core i5 and i7 need an 8 pin connector instead of the normal 4 pin so check your psu is compatible. This one Amazon.com: Rosewill 630-Watt Green Series 80 PLUS Certified Power Supply RG630-S12: Computers & Accessories is $50.99 (normally $89.99) and has a 4 pin which is expandable to 8 for compatibility with the i5. I'm in the Uk so I'm not sure of alternative sources.
 

Ilrita

The Imperial Storm
Hi and thanks again!

I didn't know I had to get PSU that is compatible with my CPU (wasn't even aware of that). Will the one you linked to be enough to power the system including the GPU? If so, then I will be glad switch my PSU to that one! :)

Oh, I should probably ask. Will this PSU be able to accept IDE drivers? I have 320GB ATA, but my largest is 500GB IDE and I would hate having to part with her.
 

ZeroDragon

Bring me my broadsword, and clear understanding.
To be honest I wasn't aware of the i5 and i7 needing specific connectors. To be sure about the power, put all your pc details into http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/ it will calculate the power supply you need. I'd do it, but I'm about to leave for work (evil necessity).

The psu in the link has sufficient connectors of all types, including 4 pin molex which is what your ide drives use. The question from me would be - are there sufficient ide sockets on the mobo ? I rebuilt my daughter's pc and had to buy a 2 way sata to ide adaptor. Cost equivalent of around $10.

If you can wait 'til later when I get back in, I don't mind checking.
 

Ilrita

The Imperial Storm
Hi and thanks for the reply once again.

Wow, very useful website. I had it calculated around 595W, assuming I did the entire process right *left some things out like LED lights and fan water cooling*. How could I know if my mobo has the ide sockets? Is it if it has the 24-pin power connector, or the 8-pin?

And yes, that would be very appreciated, thank you. :)
 

ZeroDragon

Bring me my broadsword, and clear understanding.

Ilrita

The Imperial Storm
Hi

I haven't any soundcards about, and wasn't planning on getting one for the new rig as I hoped the mobo would support sound itself. Do I need one?

Wow! Small little piece and for a good price, too. I think I'll get this now ahead of the rest of the computer so I can start backing up my driver or at least using it. Of course I'll look into buying a new SATA later on, this should keep me going until then.

Thanks

edit

Ah, I see. There is a separate port on the board when it supports IDE/PATA ans SATA ports when it supports SATA. Makes so much sense now. Somehow I had it in my head that the PSU enabled which kind you could have. o_O
 

ZeroDragon

Bring me my broadsword, and clear understanding.
You don't actually need a soundcard, the mobo has onboard audio. It's a personal preference, I'm from the days when onboard audio was rubbish :D
 

Ilrita

The Imperial Storm
Hi,

Ah, I understand. I used to have to buy sound cards. Used to have three Sound Blaster cards lying around. lol

Alright, here is the new build;

Motherboard: MSI Z68A-G43 (G3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard (already bought it)
CASE: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor
GPU: PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card
PSU: Rosewill 630-Watt Green Series 80 PLUS Certified Power Supply RG630-S12 (Not sure what 12V rail is, but I should be able to add one more fan help circulate the hot air it blows at the mobo)
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

PCPARTPICKER LINK:

Intel Core i5-2500K, PowerColor Radeon HD 7850, NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) - System Build - PCPartPicker

I considered the blue Corsair CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9B, but I saw a few reviews on how they gave BSODs and problems, and found a lot of nice reviews for the black Corsair CMZ4GX3M2A1600C9, so I decided to go for that one.

The link is the full system minus the Motherboard that I already purchased. Since the GPU is last, the cost is 354.96$ and then shipping and tax. Next to be bought is the CPU and the PSU, then the case, then the RAM and then the GPU. Then I'll have my beautiful build. And then I'll buy Skyrim! :D

I hope the Corsair PSU won't conflict with the ATX motherboard and the ATX case.
 

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