~1200$ Gaming PC, SC2, Future Upgradability

[dswayze]

Hey guys, 5 years ago I built a computer for only around 800$ that still (after a few graphics card upgrades) can still run sc2 at medium settings.

I'm looking for something that will do the same for me this time. I've a little bit larger budget, and I'm looking to build another solid PC that will be super upgradeable, has some of the latest technology, and is very affordable. I'm looking to purchase this within the next few days. These prices are straight out of my cart on newegg.com including combo deals.


CPU:
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

The most affordable i7 out there it seems. This should be super overclockable as well as future ready and capable of handling anything over the next few years.

~289.99

Motherboard + Case Combo :
Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Without shame, I chose a case with a window and some color. I know I could shave around 30-40$ extra off on a cooler master, but this seems like a solid case with a solid rep, and some flare.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058

~119.95

ASUS P6X58D-E LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

I chose this motherboard because I know Asus makes reliable motherboards, and this seems to be highly upgradeable. There was a 289.99$ premium version, but as far as I could tell, there were no real differences, at least not justifiable for 50$.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641

~239.99

~319.99 COMBO DEAL

GPU:
GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

I chose the GTX 460 due to it's later tech, overclockability, high reviews from this community, and the fact that it's a single card. In the future, I'll purchase another to SLI it with, which should be a sizable and solid upgrade in the future. This card however seems like a phenomenal card for any current game / HD video streaming that I could currently want.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125333

~229.99

PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7

Currently on special and comes with a 4gb flash drive. Modular, SLI / Crossfire Ready, high efficiency, and certainly able to withstand a year or two's worth of brutal gaming.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018

~54.99 after rebate


RAM:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM

So the question: Is this RAM fast enough / large enough for gaming on a Windows 7 machine? At only 100$ this seems like a phenomenal buy, and I could always upgrade to 8gb in the future. I play sc2 on a machine with 1.5gb of RAM as it is and I can't see 6gb being necessary just yet. Do you guys have any other recommendations?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231278

~99.99$

GRAND TOTAL:

$1029.89

That leaves me with a 170$ budget to purchase a HDD, DvD Drive, Win 7 Upgrade, Optional CPU cooler for when I overclock in the future, and thermal paste etc.

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So what do you think guys, did I do well? I'll be looking to purchase this within the week and I'm hoping you guys can look over this, make sure I'm completely compatible, and let me know if you see any better deals!

 

[CoolMoose]

Id say that you did your research. As long as you are sure that you are going to go with intel then Id say you are all good. Just know that Intel's main socket is about to change.

 

[dswayze]

Hey CoolMoose, thanks for the reply!

I've only been able to google and search around for a few articles about the new socket change, but how do you think that will really affect me?

My 2 major choices when putting together this PC was to choose a mid-range, budget CPU, mobo, and graphics card to be up-to-date, or to choose a more expensive, future oriented build like the one I made.

Now, the things most likely to change in the future are the CPU, the GPU, and the Mobo. My question is however, will next year's new tech / architecture reasonably surpass an overclocked 3.4ghz + i7, with 2x GTX460 SLI?

I believe I have made the right decision for now, but I'm totally welcome to other opinions / knowledge from those of you who have been doing a little bit more research than I have.

Also, will 4gb be enough for Windows 7 + gaming? I can't imagine anything using more than 4gb?

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Any other input guys?!

 

[xurwin]

a i7 with a gtx 460 sli'ed would last for almost two years. i think from now. if your going with gaming all the way. i suggest you go get a high gpu like ati 5850. but gtx 460x2 also works. depends on your budget though. but i would recommend the 460 sli'ed according to benches it surpass a gtx 480. and cost less. windows 7 64bit + 4gb is fine. dont worry.

 

[CoolMoose]

I think an AMD build would definantly be more future proof since the AM3 socket just came out and will be going on for quite a while. But if you go the Intel route the next time you upgrade processors you would probably need to get a new motherboard. But two 460s would last you a long time. I would think maybe at least 3 years. But if you wanted a single gpu I would recommend a 5870. I just got an XFX one and it is fantastic.

 

[dswayze]

Yea, unfortunately I'm not very familiar with AMD as it simply isn't as easy to interpret speeds etc. What is the AMD generation you're referring to?

 

[xurwin]

gtx 460's that were sli'ed were really impressive. a 5870 is a good single card. and powerful once CF. or you could just wait for the bulldozer cpu by amd coming this 2011 i think for am3.

 

[mrhoshos96]

definatly get amd it's more future proof and also get gtx 460 1gb as it outpreforms the 5850 is sc2

 

[dswayze]

So if I were looking at a comparable AMD processor and a bulldozer compatible motherboard, what would I be looking at? Do you think you could show me an example or two to get me started?

 

[Godspeed409]

So if I were looking at a comparable AMD processor and a bulldozer compatible motherboard, what would I be looking at? Do you think you could show me an example or two to get me started?

It would be easier if you filled out the pre-made questions at the top of the forum. Are you planning on OC'ing the rig at all? To me, "Super Upgradeable" means AMD.

I would do:

ASUS M4A89TD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131655

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition - If you know your not going to overclock it, I think spending the extra $20 on the 965 is justified. Understand that they are the same exact card except the 965 is factory overclocked a little. (955,965)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

The new bulldozer is expected to be backwards compatible with the AM3 socket..

Then follow it up with a ATI HD 5850 of your choice. NewEgg had them for 250 last week. Getting the 5850 over the GTX 460 for $20 more is justified, and you can crossfire it later. With the savings on the motherboard and CPU, honestly a 5870 is not out of the question for your budget.