$1700 gaming build.

[Zinx]

Approximate Purchase Date: Aug. 20th


Budget Range: $1700


System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, surfing the internet


Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country of Origin: U.S


Parts Preferences: Whatever works out best

Overclocking: Mabey


SLI or Crossfire: Whatever works out best


Additional Comments: This is my first build and I want the best gaming computer for my money. If anyone has any recommended reading for building a pc or any videos to help me out, that would be greatly apreciated. Thanks.

 

[wintermint]

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500k $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

Mobo: Gigabyte Z68X-UD7-B3 $345
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004ZQ6F54/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

RAM: 2x Kingston Hyperx 8GB DDR3 1600MHZ $98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104266&Tpk=N82E16820104266

GPU: 2x EVGA SuperClocked GTX 570 $696 [$25 MIR available]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130595

HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

CASE:NZXT Phantom Black $125 [15% off promo available until 8/14]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068

PSU: Antec HCG Series 900W $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371050

OPTICAL: Some $20 DVD Burner

$1703 including shipping/ Around $1624 after MIR and promo.

You're free to make changes. You will be able to crossfire/sli at dual x16 so you get the best out of everything. The i5-2500k is a complete beast in games and hyper-threading from the i7 won't matter because games don't use it. You may opt for a single GTX 590 instead and a slightly bigger power supply to handle overclocking and sli comfortably [preferably 1000w]. It's all up to you. I tried to avoid shipping costs so you'll get more for what you pay.

Edit: Added aftermarket heatsink almost forgot

 

[Zinx]

Cool! Thanks a lot. Soo, are sli gtx 570 better than a single gtx 590?

 

[wintermint]

Yes gtx 570 sli will run better than the gtx 590 but you'll get less upgradeability since you'll already be using more slots than the 590. The motherboard has 4 pcie 2.0 slots though so you'll probably be fine. I also think the GTX 570 sli will handle anything you throw at it. I think you will be fine with Crysis 2 at directx 11 with high settings.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/crysis-2-directx-11-performance,2983-6.html

 

[Zinx]

Do you think I need an additional fan if I go with a bigger power suppy or will the cooling be fine?

 

[jackofhearts495]

The cooling in the NZXT Phantom is adequate.

Also, I'd suggest splurging less on the Motherboard (keep it below $200... beyond $200 offers tragically diminishing returns) and instead going for a cheaper P67 board (I recommend the EVGA P67 SLI 130-SB-E675-KR) and, with the money you'd save, buy a 64 or 120gb SSD.

 

[Zinx]

Are you sure about the EVGA P67 SLI 130-SB-E675-KR? Would it be compatibale with my parts without bottleneck? What are the benefits of the Gigabyte Z68X-UD7-B3 compared to the EVGA P67 SLI 130-SB-E675-KR? Thanks.

 

[bawss]

Go to slickdeals.net for newegg coupons.

 

[Zinx]

If I buy a 120gb SSD should I still get the HDD Samsung Spinpoint F3? Or is it meaningless to have both an hdd and ssd?