First time build 1000-1500

[Grimm_101]

My current Conroe E6600 and 8800 GTS system is on its last leg and I need to upgrade before FFXIV, SCII, and Crysis 2. I am not sure if I should try to make my current system last for another 6 months and wait until the next set of cpus and gpus are released or make a cheaper system now and upgrade it up to bulldozer when it comes out.


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within 2-3 weeks

BUDGET RANGE: 1000-1500 (The less the better)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: SC2, WoW, FFXIV, Crysis 2, Star Wars:Old Republic, CAD

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: HAF 932 or Antec 1200

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 currently will upgrade to 1920x1200 in the future

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This is my first PC build

CPU/Mobo = (x4 955) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.445122
GPU/PSU = (5870) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.448428
CPU cooler = (Scythe) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185142
Memory = (G-skill ECO) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231321
HD = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
Case = (HAF 932) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.435620
OS = Window 7 Home Premium
Total Cost = 1136.02 with shipping


Also should I go with SLI 460 or get 1 4870 and upgrade that to crossfire later.

 

[WR2]

Looking very good.
With 1680x1050 monitor you could get by with a single GTX 460 but you couldn't SLI with that motherboard.
So I'd say 1 5870 now and think about a 2nd if you get that 1920x1200 monitor (or get a 2nd 1680x1050 monitor on your way to an EyeFinity setup).

+1 XFX XPS Black Edition 750W PSU review @ JonnyGuru
Excellent use of combo deals @ NewEgg. I see everything except an operating system?

 

[Grimm_101]

Thanks for the OS reminder. Also can you see any way that I could cut a some cost without a major performance drop.

 

[WR2]

You can probably shave about $70 off the cost of a gaming case.

Antec 300 and DVD Burner $82

 

[Grimm_101]

After looking at my initial motherboard some more I realized it was not compatible with Crossfire at x16 for the second card.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.430451
Is that a good motherboard for crossfire support in the future.

 

[WR2]

The MSI 870A-G54 is a Crossfire board - but it does run @ X16/x4 which while not ideal is not actually as bad as it sounds. The 'performance hit' isnt that great.
The BioStar TA890FXE does full x16/x16 CF and it's a relative bargain for 890F motherboards. It also is getting a good reputation for overclocking.

 

[WR2]

HD 5870 PCI-Express Scaling

 

[Grimm_101]

I was wondering if it was possible to use the $30 student Windows 7 upgrade on a new PC.

PS: Would love to get more views on a good motherboard