I5-2500k $1000 Gaming Build

[CruelAngels]

Approximate Purchase Date: Around Mid May, after the tax breaks

Budget Range: $1000 total, may go a little over. This should be BEFORE rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming. Main priority here. Will do some simple word processing and internet usage. No interest in video processing.

Parts Not Required: Do not need an Operating System.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: tigerdirect.com as I live in New Jersey and Newegg charges tax in New Jersey. Also want to buy the cpu at Microcenter since they have the i5-2500k for $50 cheaper than Tigerdirect. However, I can totally accept Newegg.com if they have the better price in the end

Country of Origin: United States, New Jersey

Parts Preferences: Have absolutely no preference to parts for CPUS/Graphics Cards. Power Supply should be reputable, so should motherboard and RAM.

Overclocking: Definite Yes

SLI or Crossfire: I plan on Crossfiring a few years from now

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: I would like a build that can game well, stable, will last a good time, and features good value

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Current List:

i5-2500k, $180 at Microcenter
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

ASUS P8P67LE B3, $140 at Tigerdirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7343083&CatId=6978

XFX Radeon 6950, $275 at Tigerdirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=93094&CatId=7005

Corsair 4GB DDR3-1333, $50 at Tigerdirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6044642&CatId=4524

Silverstone OP800 800 Watt Power Supply, $96 at Tigerdirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3905289&CatId=2534

Thermaltake V4 Black Edition, $45 at Tigerdirect
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6447916&CatId=1509

Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB, $60 at Microcenter
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0340562



I plan on: Overclock 4.0 Ghz+ on i5-2500k, modding 6950 to 6970, crossfire another modded 6950, eventually add 4GB more RAM, maybe get a better case down the road, maybe RAID the Spinpoint with another later on.

 

[joelmartinez]

too early to start planning

 

[CruelAngels]

1 month?

 

[joelmartinez]

yeah, start planning like a week before because it's hard to know what all the deals will be at that time

 

[genghiskron]

i would definitely get a higher quality power supply if you plan to run dual unlocked 6950's. at least something 80 plus certified. for example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151100

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7195039&CatId=2534


the mobo you have chosen will not be ideal for a crossfire setup. you want a mobo that can support at least x8/x8 pci lanes. The best options for this are (sorry but tigerdirect has a small selection):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229&cm_re=asrock_extreme4-_-13-157-229-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130574&cm_re=p67_gd65-_-13-130-574-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128478&Tpk=p67%20ud4

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131703&cm_re=asus_p67_pro-_-13-131-703-_-Product

i own the msi board and am very pleased with it.

i would also get a slightly nicer case. the antec 300 illusion is a great value. it comes with 4 fans, has excellent cooling, fits the 6950 and large cpu cooler, and is on sale at newegg for $55. i am a proud owner.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&Tpk=antec%20illusion

for ram: theres alot of debate over whether you want 4gb or 8gb, 1333mhz or 1600mhz. Youll be fine with 4gb of 1333. HOWEVER, if you keep your eyes on newegg sales, you can find 8gb gskill 1600mhz ddr3 for $75.
for that price, youd be stupid to turn it down. even if its only slightly better (for now) it IS better and you wont need to upgrade when the day comes that 4gb doesnt cut it.

also, always check amazon.com as well when looking for the best price. newegg may tax you in new jersey, but tiger direct almost always charges shipping.

 

[aznshinobi]

SIGGY 1000$ (more like low 900s now because of rebates and such).