My first ($1200) build, seeking criticism.

[Survivalist]

Hey guys. I've been lurking around the forums for a while now, but this is my first post; lets hope i didn't screw anything up!
So this is the build I came up with after a couple days of research. Since this is my first build it's probably not optimized as well as it could be. So please, leave suggestions!
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Approximate Purchase Date: Mid April

Budget Range: $1200 USD before rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, case, OS (Windows 7, 64-bit).

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: Intel (Sandy Bridge) CPU with ASUS MB

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
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Here are the parts i have selected.

ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K


ASUS EAH6950/2DI2S/2GD5 Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity


CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7


CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-850HX 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply


Cooler Master HAF 932 High Air Flow ATX Full Tower Case Black. I already have this case and it will not count towards the budget.

 

[aznshinobi]

The build isn't really... balanced. Your budget should be allocated towards the CPU and GPU. You don't need the deluxe when a 160$ ExtremeP67 could do the same job and save you about 80$.

Cheaper PSU for the same performance and wattage. Cheaper by a lot in fact. Both are made by Seasonic so no issues there.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207001&Tpk=xfx%20850

I know I know, you want Asus. Just know that Asrock is a subsidiary of Asus and performs just as good for cheaper. In fact, the 80$ saved can go towards the i7 2600K. If you don't need the 2600K, allocate the 80$ for SLI 560 Ti's. The reason I suggest this over CF 6950 is because the 560's run quieter and cooler than the 6950 by a LONG SHOT.

Check out my build guide below for more suggestions.

BTW just some evidence where Asrock is just as good as Asus.
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/1098/pg2/asrock-extreme4-p67-and-fatal1ty-professional-p67-vs-x58-with-core-i7-950-review-asrock-p67-extreme4.html

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4080/welcome-to-sandy-bridge-with-the-asrock-p67-extreme4/7

 

[XXF]

For my money, since I just purchased parts for a similar budget build (actually less since I had to include the case and OS in my budget) I would drop down to the ASUS P8P67 Pro for 189.99 (I snagged one at MicroCenter, they're becoming more available).

Additionally, switch to either the XFX suggested or drop down to 750w, because I don't see anything there that would draw 850w.

If your primary motivations are gaming you won't see any (very small) from switching to the i7 2600k, so IMO, put it toward a GPU and upgrade to a GTX 570 (EVGA is a good brand) and you'll have the option to SLI if you want to in the future.

 

[Survivalist]

Thanks for the replies so far. Sorry if I came off as an ASUS fanboy, I'm really not all that loyal to brand; I just hear more about ASUS than any other manufacturer.

I really am a newcomer to both these forums, and to building a pc. So thank you for taking the time to reply and suggest parts.

 

[aznshinobi]

All good.

 

[Survivalist]

Best answer selected by Survivalist.