Fast all around pc (gaming, htpc, surfing and multi-tasking)

[jareppond]

Hello, I would like to ask for some suggestions for a new build. I already have the case an Apevia X-QPACK2-NW-BK/500 (it fits the location requirements). It already comes with a 500W psu. I'm looking for input on CPU (Intel Intel Core i5 650 Processor - 3.20GHz, LGA 1156 vs. AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Quad Core Processor - 3.20GHz) , motherboard to be determined by processor chosen ($200 max), as well as ram (4 - 12GB ?). Hard drive to be 1TB 3G SATA 7200rpm, and single graphics card (due to desire not to replace current power supply at this time -also not over $200). The system needs to be stable and reliable with possible OC'ing in the future but no extreme OC'ing. I'm looking for a good overall machine that won't bust $1000.

Purchase Date - soon

Budget - $1000 or less

Items not needed - Case, psu, dvd, OS (Win 7 - 64bit) Monitor (24" 1080p), keyboard & mouse.

ALL suggestions are appreciated

 

[rwpritchett]

What games do you intend to play?

 

[jareppond]

Flight sims, COD & WOW

 

[dndhatcher]

The most powerful GPU you should try running on that power supply is an ATI 5770.

I'd go with the Samsung F3 1GB HDD or seagate 7200.12 1TB as they have 500GB platters and are much faster than older 1TB HDD (like caviar black).

The i5 650 is the same price as the i5 750 so there is no point in not going i5 750 if you go intel. Both CPUs sit in the same socket. The 650 is for people wanting onboard video, which gamers dont.

You wont get any performance benefit from more than 4GB.

I would say to go with either the AMD 955 ($165) and a Gigabyte MA770T-UD3P ($80) motherboard or the i5750 ($200 or $150 from microcenter) and a Gigabyte P55A-UD3P ($135). Obviously the i5 will be the faster processor once you overclock, but I would not overclock it until you replace the PSU and get a good CPU cooler.

 

[rwpritchett]

If you stick with the QPack case, you'll need a µATX motherboard (GA-P55A-UD3P is ATX).

Any of these Asus or Gigabyte H55/H57/P55 µATX boards will fit though. Pick one that has the features you want that falls within your budget.

 

[dndhatcher]

Thanks, I (obviously) didnt look at the case.

 

[jareppond]

Thanks for the input so far! Any other suggestions?

 

[jareppond]

Okay, new thoughts any comments or input on this upgrade?

Intel BOXDP55SB LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:BOXDP55SB
Item #:N82E16813121386
$209.99 -$10.00 Instant $199.99
. .
SAPPHIRE Vapor-X 100283VXL Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail
Model #:100283VXL
Item #:N82E16814102868
$184.99 -$10.00 Instant $174.99
. .
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ600MXSP 600W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ... - Retail
Model #:OCZ600MXSP
Item #:N82E16817341017
$99.99 -$25.00 Instant $74.99
. .
Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - Retail
Model #:BX80605I5750
Item #:N82E16819115215
$199.99 $199.99
. .
Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model KHX1600C8D3T1K2/4GX - Retail
Model #:KHX1600C8D3T1K2/4GX
Item #:N82E16820104142
$122.99 (2 each) $245.98
. .
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:HD103SJ
$89.99 $89.99

$985.93 total

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[jareppond]

I just found this deal on MicroCenter's site. Realize that a motherboard change would also be in order as well. But would this be a better option than the other system I listed?

Intel Core i7 920 Boxed Processor
Reg. $349.99 Save $150
after instant savings $199.99
Corsair XMS3 6GB DDR3-1600 (PC-12800) CL8 Memory Kit
Reg. $199.99 Save $30
after instant savings and $20 mail-in rebate $169.99
Buy Together for only $429.98