New Build for ~$1k

[waynec121]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Closer to October, but soon!

BUDGET RANGE: $1000 US

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, internet, movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: KB, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers and Printer

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, zipzoomfly, any reliable US website

PARTS PREFERENCES: I am leaning towards ATI/AMD simply because of all the different sockets Intel is releasing
Also, the case has already been decided: Antec P180 mini - $95 on zipzoomfly. Therefore I need a good mATX mobo.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Would like to in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Hey guys! I've been gone for a while. Busy with school and work, you know just going with the flow. Anyways, I am looking to build a gaming computer for myself to play Mass Effect 1 and 2, Witcher, Dead Space 1 and 2 when it comes out, and the list goes on... I'm pretty sure not too much has changed since I've been gone.

955/5850 sounds like it's definitely within my price range. Possibly the i5 750/5850 too. The i5 scares me though because Intel is updating the 1156 line to 1155. I am liking AMD keeping it pretty simple.

I need a mATX mobo as well because I will be getting the Antec p180 mini case. So basically I want to try and keep it under $1000 with the case I listed.

If possible to get a 5870 in there for under $1100 then I would definitely do it! Thanks

 

[batuchka]

$915 (if u ok with white version of that case hehe)

If u wanna start clocking a.s.a.p a nice capable yet lowish profile cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103046

 

[waynec121]

Hey batuchka, great build. What about an i5 option with that 5870? Do you think I should avoid that platform vs. an equivalent amd 955?

 

[batuchka]

Like u said : socket change time ...u are welcomed ^^

 

[waynec121]

if i can get an i5 750 for $150 is it worth it to switch over? Will the longevity of the power outweigh the need to update sockets in a year or 2? Also the mATX mobo doesn't have 2 x16 or x8/x8 slots. I would like to eventually crossfire the GPUs! Thanks

 

[batuchka]

1. Best gaming CPUs for the $$
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-phenom-ii-corei-i5,review-31915.html
U dun even need a PhenomII X4 945 as i suggested really and i only hit that because it could be had at your budget In fact that same case is comboed with a 720BE OEM and i was very tempted to go with that + CM GeminiIIS cooler hehe
2. I wouldn't suggest multi GPU in an mATX/SFF rig

 

[waynec121]

1. Best gaming CPUs for the $$
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-phenom-ii-corei-i5,review-31915.html
U dun even need a PhenomII X4 945 as i suggested really and i only hit that because it could be had at your budget In fact that same case is comboed with a 720BE OEM and i was very tempted to go with that + CM GeminiIIS cooler hehe
2. I wouldn't suggest multi GPU in an mATX/SFF rig

True but that Antec p180 is still kind of big. I used to have the gunmetal one a while ago and it had great cooling.

And also based on what your saying I would prefer to have a X4 945. I would like to keep this desktop for like 2-3 years with only minimal upgrades.

So that leaves me with 2 questions then. Based on my 1680x1050 resolution, which I don't plan on upgrading anytime soon, would 1 5870 last me for a solid 2 years w/ max settings on games?
Also how good is that XFX psu? Just as good as a Corsair or Antec?

 

[batuchka]

Yes that XFX compares favourably with a Corsair 650TX but is modular which aids in neater cable management hence promoting better airflow in an mATX case. Precisely which i choose it hehe Well we can't speculate about GPU requirements for games in future but GPU upgrades for a gaming rig is inevitable sooner or later ^^ For 1680 x 1050 though a HD 5850 would be more than fine so the HD 5870 will give ya more shelf life me thinks

 

[waynec121]

Yes that XFX compares favourably with a Corsair 650TX but is modular which aids in neater cable management hence promoting better airflow in an mATX case. Precisely which i choose it hehe Well we can't speculate about GPU requirements for games in future but GPU upgrades for a gaming rig is inevitable sooner or later ^^ For 1680 x 1050 though a HD 5850 would be more than fine so the HD 5870 will give ya more shelf life me thinks

Nice, then I just gotta get an OS and it would be right on budget. I think that looks like a solid build, should be a great machine. Thanks

 

[batuchka]

Yep happy shopping/building and u are welcomed ^^

 

[waynec121]

I may even go with a 5850 to save some cash. If I do that I will definitely combo it with an 80+ 650w PSU as well.

 

[batuchka]

Ya that is arguably one of the most bang for buck GPUs up to this quarter and i dun see things change until a refresh from both camps hehe

 

[waynec121]

Quick update: Purchased the case! Newegg sold out of them but I got a great deal on one on eBay.

I am actually going with an X4 945 and a 5770 1GB. I really thought about it and I will barely be doing any gaming. Maybe StarCraft 2 and Diablo 3 but thats it. My gaming gets done on my xbox. Just waiting for Halo:Reach now. I will be using this computer to hold all my movies, montages, music, and shows. I will be watching a lot of 1080p video.

I will save some money this way, and still get everything I need. I will update again in about a month when I finish it and post pictures.

Thanks batuchka!