$1500 gaming build - last minute check

[varigg]

Hi,

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on my new rig. My last build was a Core 2 Duo E6600/Radeon X1950, so I'm a bit out of practice and would like some assurances that I'm doing the right thing. I based this on the $1000 Enthusiasts Build. Basically upgraded memory and case and added an SSD. I'm not totally sure on the video card. I'm aiming for great game performance in 1920x1080 (Shogun 2, DoW II) at the lowest noise level possible without a custom cooler. So far, with combos, I'm at $1400 after taxes and shipping.

Case
Antec Nine Hundred Two V3 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Motherboard
ASRock P67 EXTREME4 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Memory & Video Card
SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB & G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB 2 x 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
Power supply & data drive
CORSAIR s CMPSU-650TX 650W & SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb Internal Hard Drive
Processor & Cooler
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz 3.7GHz Turbo Boost LGA 1155 & COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 120mm CPU Cooler
System Drive
OCZ Vertex 2 OCZSSD2-2VTXE60G 2.5 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive
DVD drive
ASUS DRW-24B1ST Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM


Thanks,
Steffen

 

[buttons123]

Steffen - I think from what I've read, your SSD is too small, should be at least 80GB but I'm also looking for SSD advice and want to soon pull the trigger on a similar build, so I'll wait to see what people say.

I went w/ a slightly larger power supply for the potential to add a second graphics card in the future.

I'm not sure about the case, although I know this one is well reviewed. There is also the HAF 922.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[buttons123]

Also, I am wondering about the graphics card and would prefer a Radeon I think..

 

[varigg]

Steffen - I think from what I've read, your SSD is too small, should be at least 80GB but I'm also looking for SSD advice and want to soon pull the trigger on a similar build, so I'll wait to see what people say.

I went w/ a slightly larger power supply for the potential to add a second graphics card in the future.

I'm not sure about the case, although I know this one is well reviewed. There is also the HAF 922.

Thanks,
Andy

Do you have any specific articles that mention those size concerns? I'd think 50GB should be plenty for Windows. I might not be able to put all games on there, but that is fine. The CoolerMaster looks too bulky and I've had good experiences with Antec. I'm still debating on maybe going with a P183, but I think the video card is going to be the loudest part anyway, so all those dampening features would be wasted.


Regards,
Steffen

 

[buttons123]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264196-32-what-size-build

I think you're right, I can't find the forum post where people were talking about 60gig too small but in this one it seems to say that 60 gig is fine.

I will be looking to put StarCraft 2 and Windows 7 on the SSD.

 

[varigg]

The ASRock P67 Extreme4 is sold out on Newegg and I cant seem to find it anywhere else. I think I'll go with the Pro3 then since I don't plan on going crossfire.

 

[Subidoo]

60g SSD should be fine for your OS and a couple small things, unless you plan to put all your games on the SSD than you would want to get a larger one.

 

[varigg]

After looking a bit more I came across the MSI Twin Frozr II . The reviews seem to indicate that it's a bit quieter than others. Can anybody confirm this?


Thanks,
Steffen

 

[aznshinobi]

Twin Frozrs are pretty quiet vs. the other reference designs. As for the DirectCu's even more quiet.

As for SSDs a 60g is good enough. And the Extreme4 is a GREAT board.

Could check out my 1500$ build for more advice.