~$1,200 First time gaming build

[cjrulli]

Whats going on guys,

This will be my very first build and any advice you can give me about my selected components maybe anything you would change or if there are compatibility issues that would be great. I also have a few questions that any help would be appreciated.

I can wait until late August to buy, other than Bulldozer AMD chips coming out is there any chance of any new hardware releasing like GPUs? Also to compliment that do you think there will be any price drops on any of my hardware by August?

One more, since this if my first build, I've watched many tutorials and what not on how to assemble the PC, but once its together do I just pop in the OS disc and power it up? I'm not too familiar with messing with BIOS, I only know how to get to it with a OS already installed.


Approximate Purchase Date: Late August 2011

Budget Range: ~$1,200 USD

System Usage from Most to Least Important:Gaming, Internet, Blu Ray

Parts Not Required: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Win7

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg, tigetdirect or any US based company

Country of Origin: USA

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe in the Future

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1200

___________________________________________________________________________________
Hardware:

Case: Cooler Master Storm Sniper Black Edition $149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194

Mobo: ASRock P67 Extreme4 $159.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229

CPU: Intel i5 2500K $224.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

GPU: Radeon 6950 2GB - Not too sure on which brand yet

SSD: Intel 320 Series 40GB as boot drive $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167044

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233170

Bluray/CD Drive: Samsung Black Blu Ray Drive $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151222

PSU: SilverStone 750W $129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256059

Approximate Total Price: $1,207.92 before taxes/MIR

 

[brpeden82]

this is the best rated 6950 on newegg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127562&cm_re=6950_2GB-_-14-127-562-_-Product

 

[cjrulli]

this is the best rated 6950 on newegg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127562&cm_re=6950_2GB-_-14-127-562-_-Product

Think any chance of price drops by late August?

 

[mlcaouette]

You might want to spend a little extra and get a retail blu-ray drive so you are sure to get the software required to play blu-rays. Tigerdirect still has reference 6950 2Gb models that can be unlocked into 6970's via a bios flash. Here is a much better SSD that you can combo with this M/B and save fifty bucks:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.644029
Windows alone will take up about 75% of that 40Gb drive.

And I'd spend the extra four bucks and get this PSU for the same rating except it comes with modular cabling as well (it's actually cheaper after the rebate):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010&Tpk=corsair%20hx750

Squeeze in one of these aftermarket HSF's too:
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Hyper-Sleeve-RR-B10-212P-G1/dp/B002G1YPH0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1306356116&sr=8-1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185142&cm_re=scythe-_-35-185-142-_-Product

Here is some much cheaper ram too (still 8GB 1866Mhz cas9):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

 

[cmadrid]

hard to argue with that ram deal

 

[aznshinobi]

mlCaouette, the Silverstone is modular as well.... In fact fully modular.

I'd get the HAF 922 or HAF 932 over the CM Scout Sniper, that thing just costs way too much.

 

[cmadrid]

I'd get a Silverstone Raven RV02-E

 

[mlcaouette]

Good point on the silverstone PSU, I missed that it was modular. One of the photos is slightly misleading.

On a side note, I would wait to plan your build till August since pricing and products available will be different then.

 

[cjrulli]

Thanks for all of the replys! I definitely will check all the products out as I get closer to purchase and I'm sure I will be back for some more advice, but overall is my system pretty solid?

 

[cmadrid]

Yes!

 

[rraannddoo]

most of the 6950 are not reference card now(means you can't flash easily with), so make 100% it is reference even if it's 2gb, Also $90 for a 40gb ssd a bit much, intel ssd seem overprice....look at benchmark on similar size and price 40gb for $90 is over $2/gb, you can get 64gb ssd for $10 more or the same price ex:Crucial c300 . Also Z68 mb just came out, it has ssd caching =)
Also, Corsair rams are bit pricey for $110 probably can get g.skil for $70-90, i got 16gb of g.skill ram for $140, look for 1600mhz and 1.5v or less(1.6v may damage mb)

 

[cjrulli]

most of the 6950 are not reference card now(means you can't flash easily with), so make 100% it is reference even if it's 2gb, Also $90 for a 40gb ssd a bit much, intel ssd seem overprice....look at benchmark on similar size and price 40gb for $90 is over $2/gb, you can get 64gb ssd for $10 more or the same price ex:Crucial c300 . Also Z68 mb just came out, it has ssd caching =)
Also, Corsair rams are bit pricey for $110 probably can get g.skil for $70-90, i got 16gb of g.skill ram for $140, look for 1600mhz and 1.5v or less(1.6v may damage mb)

Yea I just heard many like the Intel SSD for their reliability as many other brands including Crucial seem to break down and stop working? I'll def have a look though, bigger the SSD the better even tho I'm using it strictly as Boot Drive. And yea there was a post above that linked me to some G.SKILL Snipers that I'll probably end up getting 8GB for 79.99

 

[vibhas]

Yea I just heard many like the Intel SSD for their reliability as many other brands including Crucial seem to break down and stop working? I'll def have a look though, bigger the SSD the better even tho I'm using it strictly as Boot Drive. And yea there was a post above that linked me to some G.SKILL Snipers that I'll probably end up getting 8GB for 79.99

Just on the PsU (This will certainly give you a better understanding / choice), this website is 1 of the 3 trusted reviewers of psu's online. His word is law!

Anyways:

Silverstone Strider 750W - $130 (+$5 shipping):

review: http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=183
Its given 9/10 rating by him.

HX750W $125 AR: Can't find a review by jonny for the 750w, but the 850 w is almosts identical so.. http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=153
9.6/10. HX > Silverstone..

But heres the clincher.. the High Class Gamer 900W by Antec is $110 ($110 for 900watts !)
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=211
9.5/10. So it got 0,1/10 less than the HX 750, but it gives out 150 more watts and is at least $15 cheaper. Furthermore, you can SLI GTX 580's with this psu, or HD 6950s with ease. The other PSU's will not SLI/overclock 6950's with much headroom to spare. If you are sli'ing or looking to, buy this psu; best deal imho.

Also, have you considered the GTX 570?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162075&cm_re=gtx_570-_-14-162-075-_-Product
This is $25 more than the one that another user recommended (They recommended the 6950 2GB twin frozr OC); if you want a factory OC'd gtx 570 here is one by EVGA (you can swap the graphics cards to 'step up' in EVGA's step up program, allowing you to upgrade to new graphics cards within 90 days, and only pay the difference in price). OC'd EVGA SoC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130622&cm_re=gtx_570-_-14-130-622-_-Product $315AR.

Heres why the GTX 570 owns the HD 6950 and HD 6970...

HD 6950vsGTX 570: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/293?vs=306 The first 5 tests are equal (benchmarks), but after that the GTX 570 shows its class; it wins 91 fps vs 66 fps in one test etc.. It averages around 10-15% more fps after you add up the FPS's of each card..

HD 6970 vs GTX 570: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/292?vs=306
The 6970 wins the first few, and then gets dominated somewhat. GTX 570 by 5-7% overall. A big win includes 91fps vs 72...

Really, consider it; for $25 more you are getting a non-overclocked graphics card that will still beat the $265 overclocked 6950. Overclock the graphics yourself and you have a winner.

 

[cjrulli]

Just on the PsU (This will certainly give you a better understanding / choice), this website is 1 of the 3 trusted reviewers of psu's online. His word is law!

Anyways:

Silverstone Strider 750W - $130 (+$5 shipping):

review: http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=183
Its given 9/10 rating by him.

HX750W $125 AR: Can't find a review by jonny for the 750w, but the 850 w is almosts identical so.. http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=153
9.6/10. HX > Silverstone..

But heres the clincher.. the High Class Gamer 900W by Antec is $110 ($110 for 900watts !)
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=211
9.5/10. So it got 0,1/10 less than the HX 750, but it gives out 150 more watts and is at least $15 cheaper. Furthermore, you can SLI GTX 580's with this psu, or HD 6950s with ease. The other PSU's will not SLI/overclock 6950's with much headroom to spare. If you are sli'ing or looking to, buy this psu; best deal imho.

Also, have you considered the GTX 570?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162075&cm_re=gtx_570-_-14-162-075-_-Product
This is $25 more than the one that another user recommended (They recommended the 6950 2GB twin frozr OC); if you want a factory OC'd gtx 570 here is one by EVGA (you can swap the graphics cards to 'step up' in EVGA's step up program, allowing you to upgrade to new graphics cards within 90 days, and only pay the difference in price). OC'd EVGA SoC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130622&cm_re=gtx_570-_-14-130-622-_-Product $315AR.

Heres why the GTX 570 owns the HD 6950 and HD 6970...

HD 6950vsGTX 570: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/293?vs=306 The first 5 tests are equal (benchmarks), but after that the GTX 570 shows its class; it wins 91 fps vs 66 fps in one test etc.. It averages around 10-15% more fps after you add up the FPS's of each card..

HD 6970 vs GTX 570: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/292?vs=306
The 6970 wins the first few, and then gets dominated somewhat. GTX 570 by 5-7% overall. A big win includes 91fps vs 72...

Really, consider it; for $25 more you are getting a non-overclocked graphics card that will still beat the $265 overclocked 6950. Overclock the graphics yourself and you have a winner.

Thanks! The reason I was really considering the Silverstone is because it is fully modular, which the High Gamer I found on newegg are not. However, I looked up the Corsair HX750W and that is actually 124.99 after MIR and fully modular, so would this be the better choice to go with?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010&cm_re=HX_power_supply-_-17-139-010-_-Product

Also, I would go for the 570, but many tell me its must better bang for the buck to buy the 6950, and if its not enough eventually xfire them. Also it seems that the 570 runs hot, and quite a power hunger monster num num num. Would this be a problem with the HX750? How well would 570s Sli under the 750w?

 

[xrodney]

All corsair HX are great PSU's, you cant make mistake to go for one.
2xGTX570 in SLI with I5-2500 can be easily handled by HX750, unless you plan add 3rd later on you are good. Each is rated 220W so it still leave you 360W for rest of system.

@vibhas: Check review on hardccp for Antec HCG 900, it shut down on full load which is big fail in my eyes as good PSU should be even able handle small overload for short time. They tested more then one unit to make sure it was not just single unit issue:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/02/15/antec_high_current_gamer_900w_power_supply_review/

 

[cjrulli]

All corsair HX are great PSU's, you cant make mistake to go for one.
2xGTX570 in SLI with I5-2500 can be easily handled by HX750, unless you plan add 3rd later on you are good. Each is rated 220W so it still leave you 360W for rest of system.

@vibhas: Check review on hardccp for Antec HCG 900, it shut down on full load which is big fail in my eyes as good PSU should be even able handle small overload for short time. They tested more then one unit to make sure it was not just single unit issue:
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/02/15/antec_high_current_gamer_900w_power_supply_review/

So 360 is plenty for my 2500K, ram, MB, and whatever else? I feel like its a little low, but like I said this will be my first build so I don't know much.

 

[rraannddoo]

one 6950 is 500w, each is rated at 250w, a gtx 570 is 550w, each is rated 220w, so if u sli two gtx 570 u'll need a bit higher then 750w to be on the safe side, Silverstone psu are great PSU. You dont really need full modular psu, you can get half modular which has 24 pin and 4+4 pin connected connected already which is a bit cheaper.

TBH, you dont need to cf or SLI unless you want triple monitor game, because a 2gb 6950 or a 1.5gb gtx 570 will have enough ram for large monitors and will run a lot of things on max. On a single monior cf/sli is bit overkill unless playing like a 60 inch tv

 

[cjrulli]

one 6950 is 500w, each is rated at 250w, a gtx 570 is 550w, each is rated 220w, so if u sli two gtx 570 u'll need a bit higher then 750w to be on the safe side, Silverstone psu are great PSU. You dont really need full modular psu, you can get half modular which has 24 pin and 4+4 pin connected connected already which is a bit cheaper.

TBH, you dont need to cf or SLI unless you want triple monitor game, because a 2gb 6950 or a 1.5gb gtx 570 will have enough ram for large monitors and will run a lot of things on max. On a single monior cf/sli is bit overkill unless playing like a 60 inch tv

Yes I was going over some benchmarks and the GTX 570 definitely performs better at 1900x1200 however, are the temps it reaches and its power consumption a problem for my setup?

 

[rraannddoo]

Yes I was going over some benchmarks and the GTX 570 definitely performs better at 1900x1200 however, are the temps it reaches and its power consumption a problem for my setup?

My cf 6950 reference card runs LOUD i mean LOUD, so i went wc. If you are concern about heating problem go for manufacture fan coolers. Like MSI Twin Frozr II, for one card 600w is fine, if you two 6950 750w is requirement, gtx 570 is 770w so you need 800w, I would get a 800w or abv, 900w+ is a bit overkill unless they sell for cheaper =)

Google the specific cooler on specific card, there usually benchmark of temps at some clock speed

 

[cjrulli]

Ok after reading over reviews of the HAF X and watching some videos, I love the case. On newegg they have a combo deal with the HAF X and a Cooler Master Silent Pro m850W for $309.99 before a $10 MIR and ~$11 shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.645013

My question now is, other than being big is this case all that its cracked up to be? And are Cooler Masters PSU's reliable? More specifically the Silent Pro m850W?

 

[cmadrid]

google some reviews of the psu.. the case is good, the HAF X at least has some filters

 

[cjrulli]

Is this a 6950 reference card that can be flashed to the 6970 bios?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7092103&CatId=2306

 

[rraannddoo]

Is this a 6950 reference card that can be flashed to the 6970 bios?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7092103&CatId=2306

that is a reference card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103181 same thing, but bit pricy for 6950, i got mine for 255 each with $20 mir, if you can probably get gtx 570 for same price,

The haf-x are fine, but the psu idk.....you can easily find haf-x for $150

 

[cjrulli]

that is a reference card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103181 same thing, but bit pricy for 6950, i got mine for 255 each with $20 mir, if you can probably get gtx 570 for same price,

The haf-x are fine, but the psu idk.....you can easily find haf-x for $150

A 570 for the same price as a 6950? I haven't seen any 570's under ~$300 and the 6950/6970 are almost just as good.

 

[rraannddoo]

A 570 for the same price as a 6950? I haven't seen any 570's under ~$300 and the 6950/6970 are almost just as good.

I've seen couple of times, but they are in Canada prices, newegg isnt the only place that sell computer parts....ncix is pretty common parts for canada, idk about us
comes with $20 ncix gift card and bunch of other stuff(hawx 2, mafia2, just cause 2, in canada it's a MIR of $20 idk shipping fee
http://www.ncixus.com/products/index.php?sku=58683&vpn=N570GTX-M2D12D5%2FOC&manufacture=MSI%2FMicroStar&promoid=1322

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7042719&CatId=3669

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7303441&CatId=3669
if you dont mind $40 mir, EVGA has really good customer service
The 6950 reference card runs really loud, I thought it's going to break at 80% fan speed, i keep it idle at 30%, at 40% its a bit loud, If it's just $10-$20 difference between 6950(flashed and oc) and gtx 570(oc), see which benchmark is mark is higher