Hi, this is my first real build so i thought i would run it by you guys and see if you have any advice. I started off with a 1k budget then bumped it up to $1300 and now its up over $1400 which is a bit more than i would like to spend if i can help it. If you guys have any advice on how i could bring the price down let me know
I agree with changing the PSU to the Corsair 550VX - $100. It's not modular, but will help save money.
The E8400 is also a good choice. If you're overclocking (and I assume you are since you have an aftermarket cooler listed), you can go even cheaper and still have great performance. The E6750 is another solid choice.
You can save a bundle by going with a low end proc, and overclocking it alot. I have an E2160, overclocked to 3.2Ghz. Save you $150.
You can also change out your video card for a different manufacturer, like the XFX 8800GT 512MB and save another $30.
If you don't overclock, drop the Xigmatek, and go with the E8400.
Much of this is assuming primary use is gaming. If not, let us know what the use will be and we can give better advice.
Agree about E2160 (or like I use the E2180) to save money & OC to 3.0/3.2 range. Although I love my Q6600 as well.
Keep an eye on random sales... sometimes the Antec 900 drops to 100 or has free shipping. Otherwise look at Coolermaster Centurion cases... with an added fan or two they cool very well. ($50 case, 2 or 3 x $4-5 fans... gg)
Other option is a slightly smaller monitor, go with Acer 20" for around $200 depending on sales, (sales sometmies knock off 20-30 dollars) 1680x1050 resolution of course.
Also you could save money on cooler ($10) by going with the AF7Pro.
Looks like the best budget gaming build. What are the uses? Any overclocking? How long will it be kept?
This rig will be mostly for gaming, a bit of encoding, photoshop and general apps. I would like to overclock at least to 3.0 and hopefully 3.4 which is why i went with the Antec 900 over the Sonata III which would have been much cheaper.
