Ordering this week - please look over my "budget" gaming build.

[chihlidog]

My current PC is over 3 years old now and though it has served me well it's time for a replacement. I say "budget" because while I would like to keep the price as low as possible, Im not going to skimp on components. I want it to be blazingly fast. My aim here is bang-for-buck, not the rock-bottom lowest price I can get it. If I need to spend a bit more, I can. I've been waiting for this for months now.

I am a bit unsure on the Motherboard and the power supply but this is what I have picked out so far.

EDITED to reflect some of the suggestions made here. Would still appreciate any feedback.

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Case (I could get better cooling for less money, but I have to admit I love the lights on this): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103033

Motherboard (definitely open to suggestions here) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157198

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

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231308

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371026

For a GPU, I have a 4850 I am currently using, and a 4850 that came out of my wife's machine that she isnt currently using. To save some money, I am simply plan to run them in crossfire rather than buy a new card.

Here's a dumb question about Windows - I plan to buy Win7 64-bit. All I have right now is Vista. Am I ok buying the "system builder's" version? I dont understand why it's cheaper than the regular retail disc.


Any feedback is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

 

[zooted]

Hdd: I would go for the samsung spinpoint 1tb, it runs on two 500gb platters making it faster.
Mobo: Go for the Asrock 870 extreme (it has 8x 8x cf support)
Cpu : You can drop it down to the 955be and raise the mulitplier one notch in the bios to reach the same speeds as the 965.
PSU: This is the most important part of the build do not skimp on this, you want one with a reliable brand. The antec EW650 will do the build good.

 

[chihlidog]

Hdd: I would go for the samsung spinpoint 1tb, it runs on two 500gb platters making it faster.
Mobo: Go for the Asrock 870 extreme (it has 8x 8x cf support)
Cpu : You can drop it down to the 955be and raise the mulitplier one notch in the bios to reach the same speeds as the 965.
PSU: This is the most important part of the build do not skimp on this, you want one with a reliable brand. The antec EW650 will do the build good.

Thanks for the feedback. I chose the 965 because after my last build, I am overly concerned about heat issues. I currently have a 6000+ that runs HOT (Idles at 40) even with a supposedly very good aftermarket cooler. That cooler was so difficult to put on, I never want to go through it again, so I intend to use the stock speed and the out of the box cooler. I did consider going with an OC'ed 955, but decided I'd rather spend the extra money for ease of installation and less concern about heat.

I'm checking out the rest of the suggestions now. Thanks!

 

[Why_Me]

Windows OEM (system builder) is only good for one pc.

That psu you have up there isn't one I would use for anything other than a door stop and/or paper weight.

This mobo down below runs two vid cards at 8x & 8x. This is something to consider seeing how that MSI board up there does not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157198 $89.99 FREE SHIPPING
ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

And you can save a few dollars with this RAM down below.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276 $54.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH

 

[chihlidog]

Windows OEM (system builder) is only good for one pc.

That psu you have up there isn't one I would use for anything other than a door stop and/or paper weight.

This mobo down below runs two vid cards at 8x & 8x. This is something to consider seeing how that MSI board up there does not.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157198 $89.99 FREE SHIPPING
ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

And you can save a few dollars with this RAM down below.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276 $54.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH

I've got 8 gigs of RAM selected and really want to stick with that much - your link is a 4 gig combo. I've edited the motherboard to the Asrock though based on this advice, I think you guys are right.

Any other comments? Thanks!

 

[cthunder067]

I've got 8 gigs of RAM selected and really want to stick with that much - your link is a 4 gig combo. I've edited the motherboard to the Asrock though based on this advice, I think you guys are right.

Any other comments? Thanks!

Hi, Nice build love the CPU choice. The isn't a better CPU than the 965 BE unless you plan on going x6. Also I know you like the case you selected. But have you looked at the Antec 300 Illusion?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

Just asking

 

[chihlidog]

Cthunder, thanks for the comments. I did look at a ton of other cases. I love the Xclio. Being able to change the color any time I want is a HUGE plus, it's the main reason I'm going with that case. I like it enough I'm willing to pay the extra for it LOL.

 

[cthunder067]

Cthunder, thanks for the comments. I did look at a ton of other cases. I love the Xclio. Being able to change the color any time I want is a HUGE plus, it's the main reason I'm going with that case. I like it enough I'm willing to pay the extra for it LOL.

That's kewl, Enjoy your new build