Do i buy now? i-5 gaming build

[dlong]

My budget is 1300. This build is currently at 1360 after MIR, shipping and tax.

Here is my build on newegg.

Ram: 100$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276

CPU/Cooler Combo: 222$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.296096

MB/PSU combo: 280$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.304258

GPU: only hd 5850 i can find... 315$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161302

Monitor: 170$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

HardDrive: 55$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

Disk Drive: 32$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030

Mouse/Keyboard: 22$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126018

Case: Antec 900 for 99$ -40$ MIR. I already bought this during Black Friday, and is already factored into the current 1360$ total after MIR, tax and shipping.

Total: 1360$ after MIR, tax and shipping.


I guess my question is, are there better deals or combos out there for these parts? (Microcenter is not an option for me)

Also, are there components that i dont need and can be replaced with something cheaper? For example, replacing my 750W PSU with a 650W PSU? or cheaper/slower ram?

please, any help is apreciated. thank you.

 

[dpaul8]

That is a very fine build. You obviously have been researching these components for a while because you have picked items that have good quality and performance without being overpriced. You are within $60 of your budget, and you already have some nice combo deals. If I were you I would pull the trigger on this build before the combo deals end or the 5850 is sold out.

If your budget limit is fixed, one option you might consider is buying one 5770 ($175) now, and adding a second one when you have the money.

Good luck with your build!

 

[MadAdmiral]

The PSU could be switched to a 650W, but I don't think you'd save much as it would break up the combo. That RAM is a really good deal, and I wouldn't look for anything less.

Maybe the only thing I would suggest (and still won't get the $60 you need) is to not get the aftermarket cooler right now. You can always pick that up later.

I agree with dpaul. About the only thing I could recommend that would get you below your budget is switching to the 5770.

 

[dlong]

yea ty, i have been doing alot of research, about 2 months now. i just ordered a diamond 5850 off amazon for $300. waiting on more deals atm.

i dont plan on building a new computer for another 6 years, so will it be possible to upgrade my system in 2-3 years with the 1156 socket that i will be purchasing? or is it a dead end with the i5/p55 mobo?

 

[dpaul8]

Very, very few people upgrade their Intel processors because Intel comes out with new technology every year. In three years, the processors and motherboards will have probably advanced two generations, and you will have to purchase a new processor and motherboard to get the latest technology. The P55 motherboards were just introduced and will be around for another 18 months before they are replaced with the next generation boards. This is the way technology works.

It is true that Intel will be coming out with i9 processors early in 2010. Although the i9 processors will be based on the 1366 socket, this does not guarantee that they will work with older generation X58 motherboards. People purchasing X58 motherboards today with the thought of "future proofing" their builds are going to be in for a big surprise if they think they can just drop in a i9 processor and have it work. It won't! The motherboard manufacturers will be coming out with brand new motherboards that are i9 compatible.

If you need a new computer today, buy the one that best suits your needs and live with the fact that in 18 months it will be old technology. That is the way it has been for the last 30 years, and that is the way it will be in the foreseeable future. And if you think about it, this is actually a good thing!

 

[dlong]

yea ur right, i mean im still using my dell pentium 4 and it works great. just cant game nemore hah.

 

[dlong]

i ordered a diamond hd 5850. are there any issues with diamond that i should know about? quality, warranty etc..