Need advise on first build

[overmyhead]

Kinda looking for advise on where to start. Was eyeing up this core and video card. Looking to spend about $1000 cad before tax. Good start? or look for a different core? Everyday general use system, but going to be used for some casual gaming and would like to play BF3.


AMD Bulldozer FX-4100 Quad Core Processor 3.6GHZ Socket AM3+ 95W Retail Box ncix.ca $129

Powercolor Radeon HD 6950 800MHZ 2GB 5.0GHZ DDR5 2XDVI HDMI 2x Mini DP Dual Fan PCI-E Video Card ncix.ca $234 after rebate

Thanks

 

[mrgskier11]

good start

I would get an i7 2600k IMHO

 

[iceyc0ld]

Yes, you can probably fit in a 2600K build in there, but, I can suggest something better.

Drop the 2600k/processer u picked before, and get an i5 2500k or i5 2500 (not sure of the difference with unlocked multiplier, someone want to elaborate) and then you can get a better graphics card, since a gaming comp does not really NEED a i7 2600k, an i5 will do you fine.

Don't quote me on this, since I'm not up to date with the new shenaniganistic behavior of the new cpu's, lol.

Good Luck.

 

[mrgskier11]

Yes, get the 2500k, much easier to OC

 

[Trotter]

Intel i7 2600K = $359.34 CAD

AMD Bulldozer FX-4100 = $129.98 CAD

Yes, the 2600K is faster, but it is almost three times as much. An Intel i5 2500K would be a much better choice than the 2600K, but even it is $239.98 CAD or almost double. Bulldozer may not be heck on wheels but it is no slouch, either... and a definite for bargain shoppers who do not have extremely deep pockets.

The FX-4100 will be plenty for BF3. It runs great on my AMD Phenom II 965 BE.

 

[Talyor]

I Ran bf3 and got like 60 percent usage on high with an amd radeon 6670 and fx 4100

 

[overmyhead]

Thanks for all the replies. So I can pair a low end processor with a high end graphics card no problem? And sorry I dont understand what 60% usage on high is. Is that good, bad or otherwise?

 

[MindoverMaster]

In sensor programs, such as coretemp, it will tell you how much of a % your CPU is using up.

 

[Roark]

Just got done with a 6hr drive and a glass of scotch, but heres my 2¢.

BF3 likes Nvidia cards, so you should probably build your system around a GTX 560Ti, GTX 560Ti 448 core, or GTX 570.
You'll probably be better off with an AMD 960T than an FX-4100, although for ~$1,000 CAD you should be able to get a 2500K build.

Will post a build tomorrow afternoon if someone doesn't drop a viable build before then.


*Edit - Suggestion:

CPU: $230 Intel i5 2500K
MB: $160 Asus P8P67 (REV 3.1)
RAM: $42 8GB Mushkin Blackine 1600/CAS9
HDD: $110 750GB Hitachi Deskstar
ODD: $20 Sony Optiarc 24x DVD/CD Burner
GPU: $240 MSI GTX 560Ti
PSU: $70 Corsair CX600 V2
OS: $110 Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit OEM

Total = $982 CAD (-$35 in rebates = $947)

Left out a case since they are personal preference, you have ~$50 for one if you want to count rebates up-front.
I'd suggest either the: $40 Raidmax Reiter or $57 (-$10 MiR = $47) NZXT Source 210 Elite

*Edit 2 - Found a combo deal.
$220 (-$20 MiR = $200) Corsair CX600 V2 + Asus P8P67 (REV 3.0)
$10 cheaper up-front, but you lose out on the $15 rebate on the REV 3.1 version.

 

[overmyhead]

Thanks alot for the advise. That looks good to me.