$1500 first build

[Capn_crunch]

Approximate Purchase Date: Next week - month


Budget Range: 1500-1400 bucks

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, internet, music/video, Cadd


Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, OS,case (obviously important but that's the last thing im going to decide on)


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg or amazon, preferably newegg


Country of Origin: US


Parts Preferences:
PSU - Corsair hx750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010
CPU - core i5 2500k
mobo - ASUS P8Z68-V PRO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131730
Graphics card - HIS IceQ X Turbo Readeon 6950 2gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161372
Hard drive - Western Digital caviar black 1tb
memory - corsair vengence 2 x 4gb DDR3 1833
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233170


Overclocking: Yes


SLI or Crossfire: Yes (Not right away though)


Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200


Additional Comments: First time building. I want this build to be somewhat upgradable for crossfire and the memory as well. I have done a decent amount of research but im still shaky on whether or not to get z68 or p67, readeon 6950 or GF 560 ti, etc. Im keeping an open mind to any suggestions on mobo and GPU and the memory. At the end of the day I just want an overall decent build that can handle ultra settings on SC2 and and type of CAD. I really would just like any advice and whether or not you guys think this will all get the job done. Thanks in advance

 

[mlcaouette]

Newegg has two reference HD 6950 2Gb versions back in stock for $280 (easy unlock to HD 6970's).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161355&cm_re=6950_2gb-_-14-161-355-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102914&cm_re=6950_2gb-_-14-102-914-_-Product

This ram is equivalent but a way better price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460&cm_re=g_skill_8gb_1866-_-20-231-460-_-Product

This M/B is just as good at a much better price as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128494&Tpk=z68%20ud4

Here is another two PSU's but they are fully modular (corsair is just as good too):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256059&cm_re=silverstone_PSU-_-17-256-059-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256058&cm_re=silverstone_psu-_-17-256-058-_-Product

Don't forget an aftermarket HSF.

 

[Capn_crunch]

Eh the Mobo suggestion is good thats worth looking into but what are the cons and pros vs the asus or the asrock z68 extreme 6 or even an MSI around the 200 dollar mark

and i really dont like g.skill plus thats not really better timings are 9-10-9-28 while cosair was 9-9-9-24
plus im a corsair kinda guy so im willing to pay the extra bucks. as for the graphics card can you send me a link

almost forgot the HFS i plan on getting when i start to overclock so not right away

 

[mlcaouette]

It is easiest to just install the aftermarket HSF from the get go that way you avoid having to remove old thermal paste and the backplate is easiest to install while the M/B is outside the case.

The Asus has some pro's such as you can use the onboard gpu where the gigabyte requires a discrete card, it comes with a usb 3.0 front mount thing, and bluetooth. The gigabyte does have a dual bios though and a better price.

The difference in timings is gonna be about a millisecond in real world usage, but get the ones you want since this is your computer. The corsair's you linked to have timings of 9-10-9-27.

I edited my post to include the links for the graphics cards.

 

[Capn_crunch]

i the appreciate help. i must have read a different model of the corsair vengence.

But as far for the mobos im still kinda on edge right now im torn between the asus and the asrock. will i really need an extra PCIe 16 slot?

 

[mlcaouette]

Well the third only runs at x4 speeds anyhow so it's basically a waste (you could run three way crossfire but is it worth it i dunno). The choice between those two boards would be difficult since they are both worthy contenders, sorry but I don't know which I would pick either.