New gaming build. needs experienced input.

[Deven]

I’m looking to build this computer ASAP, but I want to make sure to be smart about picking the correct parts. That’s where you awesome experts in this field come into play! Thanks for all your info.

I would love to keep the price down to a good $1600 before rebates and the monitor. But performance is extremely important. The graphics and speed must kill. That being said, I am 100% willing to put up $2000.
System usage needs to be geared toward gaming, internet surfing and movies / music.

Parts that aren’t required: Mouse, keyboard and speakers.

Preferred websites to buy from: Newegg.com & frys.com

Country of origin U.S.A. /flex 

Parts preferences:
I’m looking for a full tower with awesome airflow and the possibility of a future liquid cooling setup. Possibly this case.
Thermaltake ArmorPlus(Armor+) VH6000BWS Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case.

Processor: Intel unless I can get better components and still manage GREAT performance with a cheaper AMD. I’ve heard for a more inexpensive build the AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX can me good.

Overclocking is a yes.
Crossfire for sure.
Monitor resolution, needs to be good for gaming. Unsure as to what a good video card will allow me to have. Monitor size 20”– 22”

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I am new to building. I’m trying to use this experience to build a bit of knowledge of my computer and its components. If you know of common mistakes when building that would be great as well. Again thank you for any assistance with this project.

 

[Lmeow]

Alright... let's get this started.

For starters, since you're going to overclock, might as well get the AMD Phenom II X6 1055T 2.8 GHz for $199.99:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103851

This board has plenty of overclocking features and is open for three way CrossFireX, the ASUS Crosshair IV Formula for $229.99, $8.50 shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131644

Do you care much about aesthetics? If you want matching RAM which costs $15 more than RAM which doesn't match, here:

G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz CL7 (Black) - $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231279

G.SKILL Ripjaws 4GB DDR3 1600 MHz CL7 (Blue) - $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231303

There's also this memory kit which has slightly higher latencies but costs slightly less than the blue kit, and is black:

OCZ AMD Black Edition 4 GB DDR3 1600 MHz CL8 - $102.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227496

For a graphics card, you'll want this:
XFX Radeon HD 5870 1 GB GDDR5 - $379.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150490

Maybe another one later on?

As for HDDs, the OCZ Vertex 2 50 GB is a very fast drive and not badly priced either at $169.99 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227528

For storage you'll want a SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1 TB, otherwise a WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 6.0Gbps HDD:

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 1 TB 7200 RPM - $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

WD Caviar Black 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA III - $94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

Corsair HX750W & 700D PSU/case combo - $279.98 after $40 rebates, $19.99 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.440685

This CPU cooler is one of the best - Thermalright Venomous-X for $74.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835109030

Total = $ 1578.40 shipping and rebates included, with the most expensive options chosen (i.e, most expensive RAM and HDD)

If this is too much, the SSD would probably be the best option to take out.

I have not included a monitor as I am not sure what are the best monitors out there right now.

This setup allows you to expand to HD 5870 CrossFireX if needed, the PSU will handle it. If you need an unlocked multiplier, you'll need to shell out $100 for the Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition.

As for newbie mistakes, normally it's just not reading the manual when needed, otherwise it's not sticking all the connections in, mainly CPU eight pin. Also with custom coolers newbies either add too much or too little thermal paste.

 

[batuchka]

$820AR

+100 OS
+170 - 200 23-24" lcd
60GB Sandforce based SSD: optional

 

[Deven]

Best answer selected by Deven.

 

[Deven]

thank you both for posting your builds for me. As for Lmeow i really like what you have posted. a few of the parts you mentioned I already was already thinking about. my only real question is about the RAM, is there any benefit to matching it?

 

[Lmeow]

Nope, just so it looks cool.

 

[Deven]

Also I was wondering why you chose the x6 core over the faster x4 core 955 black edition. Only reason I ask is my buddy is telling me to get the x4 core if i am being serious about gaming because of the overclock potential and the fact that most games out as of now do not even use up the full x6 cores. I would not put it past him to be mistaken, that would be why I'm asking you.

 

[Lmeow]

The only reason why the Phenom II X4 is faster than the Phenom II X6 is simply because it has a higher clock speed, and Turbo CORE doesn't seem to help that much. Once you overclock (and you can overclock those Phenom II X6s pretty well) the performance will be the same, if not higher seeing as the Phenom II X6s have 3 MB L2 cache instead of the Phenom II X4's 2 MB.

 

[Deven]

sweet, I really appreciate your advice on all this. I have been checking out the components you have listed and feel the system should be really sound. Is there anything you can think of before I start ordering parts? I need my PC back up and running soon.

 

[Lmeow]

Nope, not really. You might want a cheaper case, but the 700D looks great and isn't too much more expensive than other cases.

The RAM & HDD you pick is your choice, all down to preferences.