11 years ago
Fri Aug 10 2012, 06:25pm
WOW, it's been an aeon since I've posted anything in this sub-forum... *blows dust off the mantelpiece*
I'm in the market to do a mini upgrade since my 7-year-old mobo (ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe) decided to go to that great silicon bin in the sky about 2 weeks ago. Having no PC at home makes it difficult to actually research pricing and compatibility, but I borrowed a laptop from a friend, so I'm able to surf the 'net once more :-)
I'm on a VERY limited budget, but at the same time, I don't want to buy at the bottom of the range, since I'm very well aware that all I'd be doing is paying $$$ to bring hassles into my life.
Therefore, and without further ado, I'm considering getting the following components (I only need mobo, CPU and RAM):
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77M-D3H
CPU: Intel Core i5 3570K 3.4Ghz Quad Core
RAM: 4Gb kit (2x2Gb) Corsair Vengeance
Any thoughts? I've struggled to find a decent review of that motherboard, where it specifically describes the overclocking capabilities (that i5 is particularly overclockable, from 3.4Ghz to 5Ghz - on air).
I aim to upgrade the RAM later, from 4 to 16 or preferably 32 (will be making use of Virtual Machines).
Was gonna say that you might have to look at more mem but since you've mentioned you plan on upgrading anyway that's all sorted. I'll try to find a review on the board and let you know what I find. Looks good for a limited budget.
All looks good there gents, for both of you.
However, 1 thing I would change. RAM. Firstly, RAM is dead cheap, and is easy to upgrade later. BUT, if it were me I'd build for that later upgrade. Don;t go for 2 x 2GB now, rather go for 1 x 4GB (almost the same price and very very little performance difference) and then in a month or 3 grab another 4GB stick (or 3 for 16GB). That's the only change I'd make, otherwise both great boaards and awesome CPU. Rock on!
11 years ago
Mon Aug 13 2012, 11:42am
Siversmith - the HD4000 GPU built into the i5 3570K will almost certainly run DotA faster than your 7600GT. That is, if your mobo supports using the GPU on your CPU...
Enigma, I feel that the benefits of Dual Channel outweigh the savings, and since RAM is so cheap, I won't feel it so badly if I have to replace the 2x2Gb kit with 2x4 or 2x8 later :-) But thanks for the thoughtful suggestion!
I'm heading off to pick up the components in an hour! Woop!
Morgue your most likely right right but this is dota 2 and not traditional warcraft 3. I am simply just going to have to bear with it until the end of this month. Then I will get my graphics card and everything will be all good. :)
I agree with the SSD hard drive. In another month after I have my graphics card I will be getting an SSD harddrive!
I already have one in mind, but will have to wait until I can get it then I can find out if it is available.