Sub $900 Build

[Priox]

Approximate Purchase Date: within 1 week


Budget Range: 700-900 before rebates


System Usage: Gaming


Parts Not Required: Don't need a case (I currently have a NZXT Phantom - White), keyboard, mouse, monitor, OS


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon, Newegg, Microcenter


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: I'm pretty set as to my choice of processor. Otherwise I'm open for suggestions.


Overclocking: Yes


SLI or Crossfire: Hope to add a second video card within a month or so.


Processor: Intel Core i5 2500K - $180

Motherboard: MSI P67A-G43 - $130

Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws (2 x 2GB) - $40

HDD: WD Caviar Black 750Gb - $60

DVD Drive: Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner - $20

PSU: Antec EarthWatts 750W - $90

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 - $30

Graphics: SAPPHIRE 100312-3SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB - $270

TOTAL: about $820

Any suggestions, comments? Any problems or compatibility issues that I'm missing?

 

[reaper2794]

RAM is $35, not $40

Why would you get that HDD when you can the Spinpoint F3 for $55, best drive out there

Why get a 6950 2GB when you can get a 6970 2GB for just $40 more

 

[jeremy1183]

Agreed. Might as well jump up to the near top of the line for just $40 more. He is also right about the HDD. Spinpoint F3 is something like $54 for 1TB. He was right about you mislabeling the RAM...so that saves you $5...now you would only pay $35 more fore the 6970. and if your going to crossfire you will need a larger PSU IMO for that and OCing. Plus that PSU isnt even bronze, silver, or gold rated. I'd suggest around 850 and atleast bronze for safe side.

 

[wenqi]

actually, the antec EA-750 is a decent unit, the rating isn't everything, (jonnyguru) if the OP can afford it, a Antec TP-750 or a Corsair TX-850 would do nicely. no point in the WD black and you can get cheaper DVD burners. if you want a cheaper PSU, look out for rebranded ones, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207011 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194093 both are nice units and if i remember correctly both are rebranded. IMO get the Lepa one as it is cheap, modular and 850w

 

[Priox]

Good point about the video card and HDD. I was rounding up on the price of RAM and the DVD burner for simplicity. The PSU was one of my concerns. 750w seemed pushing it even for what I had. I'll be relisting w/ new parts later on when I get some more time.

 

[wenqi]

get the LEPA i mentioned, it is pretty good for its price and is 15% off with some promo code

 

[Priox]

Thanks for the replies.

The LEPA has multiple 12v rails, something I'd rather stay away from. I found another PSU that seems pretty good for the price: RAIDMAX RX-850AE 850W. Raidmax is not a name I've heard too much, but it has good reviews, a single rail, modular cables, and a 80 plus gold rating.

Also, Newegg has a pretty sweet deal on some other G.Skill RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB). I plan on using the promo code which brings it down to $33.

I'll also definitely be using the Samsung Spinpoint F3.

The cheapest HD 6970's I found were $70 more than my current pick. I'd just as soon save that and get another HD 6950 for Xfire in a month or so.

 

[wenqi]

the raidmax RX-850AE is a solid rebranded Top Power PSU, if you can find the original get that (if it is at a similar price) this RAM is a bit better and cheaper (before promo, but the rebate gets it down to $30) @ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226176&cm_re=mushkin_enhanced_silverline-_-20-226-176-_-Product

 

[genghiskron]

Seasonic (the best manufacturer, imo) 850w silver rated psu - $125:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151100

750w is fine if you stick with 6950's

agreed that at current prices, the 6970 is a better choice (or gtx 560 ti):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127554

other good combos:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.689147
better cpu cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.688693

 

[Priox]

I'll probably be switching the RAM. The Mushkin is a strong option. And I've head that G.Skill has compatibility issues with the MSI p67A lineup. I'll also probably be switching the PSU, maybe to that Seasonic. Since finding the Raidmax one, I've read bad things about the brand.

The HD 6970 is still an option. But will 850W run two of those in Xfire?

Also since genghiskron suggested a Z68 mobo... What's the real difference between that and a p67? Other than SSD caching and Virtu.

 

[genghiskron]

theres no other difference, although the mobo i suggested doesnt have virtu, because it doesnt support onboard graphics. the biggest difference in this case is that the combo allows you to get 8gb of 1600mhz ram for just slightly more than the other mobo+ram. I also think its a better mobo in terms of layout and connectivity.

 

[taintedducky]

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=61001&vpn=GA-Z68X-UD4-B3&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1363

$100 off the mobo if you buy today.

Great deal.