Gaming build, opinions wanted

[alcatraz]

Approximate Purchase Date: 4-6 weeks
Budget Range:$800-$1000
System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing, movies
Parts Not Required: PSU (Ultra x4 750w modular), video card (HIS 4870 1gig), HDD (WD Caviar 640g)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg, open to others
Country of Origin: US
Parts Preferences: Asus, Gigabyte, AMD
Overclocking: Yes
SLI or Crossfire: Future (plan on 5870s this fall)
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 (main) and unknown (secondary)

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811517004

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

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231400

CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018

DVD drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

I left out mouse/keyboard as I will be buying them locally. I have been reading reviews and checking prices for a while now. I considered an i7-1366 build, but after reading that Intel will be ditching the 1366 socket soon I don't want to put money into something that won't be supported. I also considered a Phenom IIx6 but from the reviews I've read, they're not so hot for gaming. Most of the benchmarks I've seen here and elsewhere place the 1090t below the 965. I know that that is in stock configuration, but I don't want to pay $100+ more for something that has worse performance out of the box. The reason I chose to stick with AMD is the fact that I've read in several places that Bulldozer will use the AM3 socket and that some current boards (like the Crosshair) will be compatible with a bios update.

As mentioned, I plan to upgrade to X-fired 5870s (this is why I chose a full tower case) this fall, as well switching to an SSD for OS/games and using my current HDD for storage. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

you heard wrong about AM3 and bulldozer. Bulldozer will be an entirely new architecture and won't be backwards compatible with AM3 at all.

5870 will be replaced this month by 6990. consider going with a pair of 6950s instead.

 

[sadams04]

Bulldozer will be an AM3+ socket. Not compatable with AM3.

MB - That is a NICE MB, but if you aren't running three GPUs its kinda overkill. Stick with 800 series chipset with USB 3 and SATA 6.

CPU - If you are overclocking, then pick up a Phenom X4 955. It will OC the same as the 965.

CPU Cooler - Overkill! Go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&cm_re=hyper_212-_-35-103-065-_-Product

Case - Pricey! Check out the Antec 300 series for cheaper options.

 

[alcatraz]

Ok, taking into account the advice posted, here are 3 revisions. These bring my build in under budget, which is always nice.

Case: Antec 300 Illusion
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

CPU: 955BE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

Mobo: Asus 890gx
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131631

I also did some reading on the 6950 card. Depending on where prices are later this year I may indeed use that one instead. In fact, depending if I can get a decent price out of my 4870 I may get one a lot sooner.

I don't have to have the bleeding edge of technology, I just don't want to be stuck with a slingshot when everyone else is packing a Barrett.

 

[sadams04]

Looks good! That would accept a nice X6 CPU upgrade down the road as well...

 

[alcatraz]

As I said in the original post, I considered a 1090tBE build to begin with, but most of the gaming benchmarks I saw the 965BE was outperforming the 1090tBE. Now this may be due simply to the higher clock speed (since from what I understand, most current games are incapable of using the extra cores) but I didn't want to spend the extra money on something that wasn't as good for what i wanted to do.

 

[alcatraz]

After reading some of the reviews of the i5 2500K, and expected prices, I'll be waiting for Sandy Bridge. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[alcatraz]

Best answer selected by alcatraz.