Budget Gaming Build Questions Under $1000

[jsmessick]

Hey,
I am planning on building a gaming and personal use PC for under $1000. I have a couple of questions concerning my build though.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Two Weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $1000 AFTER tax

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Schoolwork, Watching Movies.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, OS, CD/DVD drive

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: no

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My questions are:
If i am planning to overclock my AMD CPU to only about 3.6 Ghz is it necessary to purchase a third party CPU cooler or will i be alright with my stock cooler?
Is a 650W PSU too much or just enough, would i be alright with a 550W PSU?
Do mail in rebates actually work? I've heard many complaints about companies not paying.
Please leave any comments or concerns below i really appreciate them.

CPU AND PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.432017

Motherboard and RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.443520

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.425802

GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187113

Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236059

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

Thanks

 

[lowriderflow]

Looks like a solid build. I wouldnt buy a sparkle... no reputation. I'd much rather get the EVGA superclock at 209.99 on newegg or the Palit Sonic Platinum 1gb at $249.99 both are factory overclockd about 20% for just a little more money!

 

[Proximon]

Is a 650W PSU too much or just enough, would i be alright with a 550W PSU?

Either is fine. If you need to save a bit with the 550VX combo go for it.

If i am planning to overclock my AMD CPU to only about 3.6 Ghz is it necessary to purchase a third party CPU cooler or will i be alright with my stock cooler?

Get at least a less expensive cooler. Like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004

Do mail in rebates actually work? I've heard many complaints about companies not paying.

It's a dice roll. Make copies of everything and be careful to jump through all their hoops.

 

[gkay09]

^ Though Sparkle brand doesnt have as good reputation as the EVGA or other, but still are a decent company IMO...they have been in the market for a pretty long time...
But generally if the price difference is not significant, then go with a more reputable brand...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500169
If EVGA is back in stock, then IMO that would be the best option...

As for the questions...
CPU Cooling - For 3.6GHz, an aftermarket cooler is necessary to keep the temps in check...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185142
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004

PSU - For a single graphic card solution, Corsair 550W would suffice...you wont need 650W...
But if you count in the Mail-In-Rebates, then the price would come to same, so its good to go with the 650W...

 

[mosox]

How about that?

GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 + AMD Phenom II X4 955
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.436925
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB + Antec NEO ECO 520C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.434589
LITE-ON Black 24X DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 + NZXT GAMMA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.431380
SAPPHIRE 100282-3SR Radeon HD 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102884
ASUS VH236H

$974.91

 

[batuchka]

$800AR once that ODD is swapped out

$170 23" LCD, free ship
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254050
$970AR

 

[mosox]

^ +1

GTX 460 -> HD 5850 -> HD 5870

Next whishlist will sport a Thuban and the HD 5970 in the same budget.

 

[jsmessick]

Best answer selected by jsmessick.