My first gaming PC - How does it look?

[iiH3R3T1C]

I'm gonna build a PC mostly for playing games like The Withcer 2, Skyrim and BF3. But how this is the first PC I ever build I have my doubts about the compatibility between the parts and how well they will work altogether. I would appreciate it if someone could give me any advice.
Here are the parts:

-$140- Case: NZXT Phantom

-$224- Processor: Intel Core i5-2500k Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz

-$160- Motherboard: MSI Z68MA-ED55 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI

-$60- RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)

-$360- Graphics Card: Sapphire AMD Radeon HD 6970

-$65- Hard Drive: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB

-$130- Power Supply: SILVERSTONE ST75F-P 750W

-$40- Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1

-$20- DVD Burner: SAMSUNG SH-222AB - OEM

Total -$1199-

Thanks

 

[cmadrid]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229

alternate motherboard

you can get the Hyper 212 plus from amazon for $29.51 with free shipping also!

 

[cmadrid]

https://store.bitfenix.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=52

http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Steel-Computer-Window-RV02B-EW/dp/B004BDOGSO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1308276184&sr=8-1


other cases to look at. everything is pretty good on your build tho

 

[iiH3R3T1C]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229

alternate motherboard

Actually that seems like a nice motherboard (not that I have any experience with mbs =P). I'll do some research about it and might actually replace the one above for this one. Thanks.

 

[iiH3R3T1C]

https://store.bitfenix.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=52

http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Steel-Computer-Window-RV02B-EW/dp/B004BDOGSO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1308276184&sr=8-1


other cases to look at. everything is pretty good on your build tho

Not really a fan of led lights so I wouldn't buy the bitfenix and the silverstone is a little bit more expensive than what I would like to spend. Thanks for the suggestions though.

 

[cmadrid]

I really like the Fractal Design Arc Midi case, but I can't find anyone selling it in the US >_> they have other nice cases as well, btw!

 

[internetlad]

I'd personally get the 6950 as opposed to the 6970 and unlock it. (there's a pretty minimal difference and you save a fair bit of WONGA)

 

[iiH3R3T1C]

I'd personally get the 6950 as opposed to the 6970 and unlock it. (there's a pretty minimal difference and you save a fair bit of WONGA)

I've heard you can unlock the 6950's Bios and make it perform exactly like a 6970, but is it hard? I don't really know how to mess with all the software stuff and I'm afraid I could *** the card. Also I've been told that it doesn't work with the new 6950s

 

[internetlad]

I've heard you can unlock the 6950's Bios and make it perform exactly like a 6970, but is it hard? I don't really know how to mess with all the software stuff and I'm afraid I could *** the card. Also I've been told that it doesn't work with the new 6950s

I haven't done it myself but i was under the impression it was just a bit of software you can run, and they are supposed to have a "reset" jumper much like a motherboard BIOS if you fudge it. As for it being impossible with the new ones that's news to me but it does make sense since they underwent a redesign recently (at least the Sapphire ones i was looking at did)

It won't be the EXACT same, from what I understand, but the performance difference is far outweighted by the price difference on an unlocked card.Check out the rumour of them locking that out. If there's any truth to it try to get an older card, if not, then just go ahead. It seems very Un-ATI to "lock" a card like that though.

 

[iiH3R3T1C]

Best answer selected by iiH3R3T1C.