First build gaming pc for under $1500 for FFXIV

[byakki]

Hi im planning to build this gaming pc this coming September. I just wanna tell you now that I have some note on some parts and would like for you to read it and help me decide and answer my questions. Its on psu,gpu,monitor, memory, dvd/cd drive, keyboard, router. Also I read that crucial m4 doesn’t come with 2.5-3.5” bracket. Does the other parts that I listed come with it? It would save me $6 if it does but if it doesn’t I could just buy it. Thank you.
Approximate Purchase Date: This coming September, but when is the best time for deals? Early,mid late? Because I can wait if I can save money.

Budget Range: Less than $1500 before rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, browsing internet

Parts Not Required: mouse

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country of Origin: MI,USA

Parts Preferences: none really but after a week of reading forums, reviews and benchmark im kinda confident on what im planning to build

Overclocking: yes and will be my first time

SLI or Crossfire: crossfire in the future

Monitor Resolution: I think 1900x1080 is best for me unless someone has better recommendation

Additional Comments: I’m trying to build this mainly for playing FFXIV. I also am trying to build a gaming pc that is somewhat future proof.
Here is what I have so far:
MOBO: Asrock p67 Extreme4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=otzm3zr19qid
CPU: intel i5-2500k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
GPU: Sapphire toxic hd6950 2gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102951
Or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-102-945&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo
for $18 less? ( dirt has $8 shipping)
(Note I think hd6950 is for me and it seems this is the best out of all. Also I read about the other versions of hd6950 not being able to unlock to hd6970 anymore. I chose this because they said it offers a 50/50 chance to be able to unlock to hd6970 and if not its ok because it comes with 880mhz. Im still thinking of which to choose between toxic and dirt version. Both have mix reviews about unlockability to hd6970.
Case: haf 932 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=11-119-160&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=4#scrollFullInfo
I chose this because like I said I want to build a pc that I can use for 5yrs+
CPU cooler: cm hyper 212+ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065
SSD: Crucial m4 120gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=arvgoc04n8i3
Memory: Gskill ripjaw x series 4gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231443
Note: I chose this because people said to go for 1600-1866mhz with 8 or less cl for speed and ocing.
HDD: Samsung spinpoint f3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL070811&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL070811-_-EMC-070811-Index-_-InternalHardDrives-_-22152185-L0B&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1bc6eqnm35gjt
PSU: Corsair hx850w http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL070811&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL070811-_-EMC-070811-Index-_-InternalHardDrives-_-22152185-L0B&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1bc6eqnm35gjt
Note: seems a lot of corsair psu has 10% promo cod until 8/31, so I wanna ask if I should buy this now or wait for more savings this coming September. Should I wait for more savings or buy it now for $15 saving, would appreciate if someone could help me with this one before 8/31 Wednesday.
Monitor: ASUS ML239H Black 23" 5ms IPS Panel Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 ASCR 50,000,000:1 (3,000:1) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236122
Note: I think im good with 1900x1080 res. Im not really sure about this one but my budget for this is $200, $250 is pushing it but if the reasons are outstanding maybe ill reconsider. I chose this because people said to get at least 23” with 5 or less ms and IPS instead of TN.
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.
Note: Any cheaper deals or college student discount? hehe
DVD/CD drive: Asus 24x DVD Burner http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
Note: I’m planning to copy dvds such as my relatives p90x, but im not familiar with burning copyright stuff, so do I have to buy an specific drive?
Keyboard: I have one but its just normal keyboard, it seems to work fine though. I have a budget for $50 if it will really helps my performance in gaming (FFXIV/MMO) and general or makes my life just easier. Any recommendation?
Routers: I know it doesn’t belong here but I wanna ask if different routers gives better performance in internet speed. Currently I have Linksys Wrt160N and charter express which has 12mbs dl speed and 1mbps upload speed. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124277
I know it’s a lot of reading but thanks for taking your time to read it!

 

[9_breaker]

great build but you wont need 850w you shold get 600 or 700 and 8gigs of ram would be better with that budget

 

[008Rohit]

That is a great build.

You'd want a minimum of 8GBs of RAM because even 4GB is getting outdated slowly. 1600 or 1866Mhz with lower latency is fine.

The PSU that you've chosen is capable of handling two 6950's in crossfire. So you can add another one in future without messing with the other components.

I'd also suggest an ASRock Gen3 Z68 board with PCIe 3.0 slots. It'll support future Ivy Bridge processors so you have a path open to upgrade in future.

 

[phenom90]

it's a good build nonetheless... but it could be better... for motherboard... you can use this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

this will support ivy bridge cpu with a simple bios update and also support new pcie 3.0... you don't have to upgrade your motherboard next time....

also... ram is getting cheaper and cheaper... so why getting 4gb only while you can get a decent 8gb for $60?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231479

and for casing... haf 932 is a good casing indeed... but since you want to build this pc for years to come... i think its better to have some dust filters so you don't have to clean your entire pc very often.... too bad haf 932 doesn't have any... your pc will become a 'dusty pc' in a few years to come... having too much dust in your pc may not be a good idea... so after searching and searching... i eventually found a good one which can acommodates anything you want(except watercooling)... easy detachable... easy to clean.... top panel, side panel, bottom and front panel also have dust filters... it is more suited for your need in the long run... although the looks may not appeal to you... so up to you to decide...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133191

for ssd... i think this model should be faster than crucial m4 for the same price... while cheaper after MIR...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233191


i hope this helps...

 

[byakki]

Thanks for the advice guy. I have some question though. I like what you guys recommended for mobo change its $11 cheaper and would allow me to upgrade for ivy bridge cpu and pci 3.0 gpu and the hdmi is a plus too. But one thing i catch that the extreme3 doesnt have that p67 offers is on sata 6gb category is this 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Marvell SE9120, support NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions (SATA3_M2 connector is shared with eSATA3 port). What does this actually do. I remember reading about it about ssd, crucial m4 seems to use this marvell thingy. Is this only useful when you use ssd for raid? Im planning to use the ssd for os and game boot drive, so would this feature even be useful for me and even worth extra money to get? I saw this mobo the Asrock z68 extreme4 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157250. Its kind of pushing my budget, but has more features including the marvell. Is is really worth the $55 more getting this instead. I really need a solid reasons to switch for this.

For the memory going 8gb seems a better idea but i have a question about what phenom90 suggested. Like i said im only using this for gaming and seems i read a lot of forum saying 4gb is enough for what i wanna do but then i said i want something that is future proof. I'm thinking of just getting a faster memory for now and maybe just get a bigger memory later that is newer and offers better performance that most sticks offers now. So speed wise wouldnt my choose of 4gb with cl8 be better than 8gb with cl9? Also wouldnt cl8 or less be better in ocing than cl9? is cl9 even oc capable?

For the case, i know i shouldnt be totally focus on reviews but thats why i went for haf 932. i read a lot of forums and seems the thermaltake that you suggested doesnt come up ofter. And for liquid cooling im not familiar with it. The dust filters features though is a great thing. Difference between 2 cases though that i picked up is haf932 includes all fan positions but thermaltake doesnt include side panels but offers the expansion. i read something about side panels only increasing a minimal cooling on you system which doesnt really change much. One of the downs of the thermaltake is its $45 dollars (including shipping) more so i dont know if its worth the switch, i might as well get haf x for upgrade which is $5 less after the rebate. I dont know im still unsure with case category.

For the ssd i saw some mix review about corsair ssd, it seems its still new and having trouble? i went for crucial m4 because it seems people like its reliability. it has some issues but being fix. In fact i just saw this post here in toms about crucial m4 firmware update which will enhance its performance. http://www.tomshardware.com/news/crucial-m4-ssd-firmware-update,13314.html

I appreciate the advices on the major parts and like to focus on it but it would be great too if i could get some advices on other things such as best time to buy this on september, considering new stuff will come out, psu, monitor, router, keyboard. Also i have till tomorrow to decide on whether to buy the psu corsair hx850 for 10% off? Should i wait this september for better savings, if i buy it today or tomorrow that will save me $15 which is great. Also for the monitor is my choice solid, Asus IPS panel with 5ms, its gonna be for MMO gaming. Again thanks for giving me your time.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

prices *always* drop.

pull the trigger when you want. Sales come and go, but on average, the prices for the same equipment always drops. ALWAYS.

 

[008Rohit]

The Extreme4 has two PCIe ports at 8x/8x in SLI/Crossfire.
I don't know about that special SATA port.

You can use a SSD as the boot drive.

You should get the Corsair 850W PSU if you get any kind of rebates on it.

AMD's new bulldozer processors will (probably) be launched in mid september, I don't think that's gonna reduce the prices of Intel SB processors, though.

 

[byakki]

@008Rohit nice catch on extreme4, i didnt notice that it doesnt come with pci 3.0. but would like someone to shed some light about the 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors by Marvell SE9120, support NCQ, AHCI and "Hot Plug" functions (SATA3_M2 connector is shared with eSATA3 port).

Yes the psu has $20 rebates.

 

[byakki]

update. i browse some 8gb memory and found these two,
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445
which has cl8 8-8-8-24 timing and 1600mhz for $70

and

G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460
which has cl9 9-10-9-28 and 1866mhz with 15% promo could which would total to $60

The sniper wins speaking of the price ($10 less) but if im trying to choose one that has best performance, stock/oc, which is better?

 

[008Rohit]

The 1600Mhz one seems better.

 

[byakki]

i just found that ASUS ML239H Black 23" 5ms IPS Panel Full HD has backlight bleeding problem. I think i will just go with TN panel monitors. Any advice on monitor to get with 1900x1080 res and 5ms or less?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

just a note: an alternate case:

Rosewill Challenger-U3: $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147060

 

[Why_Me]

Here's a different take on your build. The RAM in this build is spendy, but there's no need to o/c this RAM for the fact it runs @ 2133hz....the max on any 1155 board. The board down below not only has the NF200 bridge (runs dual cards @ x16), but it also has the new PCI-E 3.0 slots for the 22nm Ivy Bridge cpu's due out next spring. That case is large...check the specks on it, and seeing how that board comes with a black bezel that includes 2 x 3.0 USB ports and 2.5" SSD bracket your future proofed in that regard. As far as IPS vs TN. IPS has the advantage of better viewing angles, but it has the disadvantage of high response times (5ms) which leads to ghosting. TN panels like the one posted in this build has a low response time of 2ms hence the reason your gaming monitors are TN panel monitors.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.722409.11-119-197 $189.98 - $10.00 Mail In Rebates FREE SHIPPING $10 off with promo code haf922deal, ends 8/31
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Computer-Cooling-R4-LUS-07AR-GP/dp/B002LE8BJA/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1314731522&sr=1-4 $14.76 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25
Cooler Master Computer Case Cooling R4-LUS-07AR-GP 200mm Red LED Case Fan

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.707927 $169.99 10% off with promo code CORSAIR10AUG, ends 8/31
CORSAIR Professional Series HX850 (CMPSU-850HX) 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-Z68E7G3 $287.99
ASRock Z68 EXTREME7 GEN3/ Intel Z68/ DDR3/ Quad CrossFireX & Quad SLI/ SATA3&USB3.0/ A&2GbE/ ATX Motherboard

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002G1YPH0/ref=s9_bbs_gw_d2_g23_ir01?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-7&pf_rd_r=0PW1BJ3V39QB4YRS51W8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938451&pf_rd_i=507846 $27.67 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler, RR-B10-212P-G1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231468 $99.99 FREE SHIPPING
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-17000CL11D-8GBXL

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=CT128M4SSD $187.99 Free Shipping
Crucial M4 2.5 inch 128GB SATA3 Solid State Drive(MLC) - CT128M4SSD2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.696136 $72.48 Save $10 with promo code EMCKBHD25, ends 9/1
Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model AD-7260S-0B - OEM
Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055Y66A4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d1_g23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0PW1BJ3V39QB4YRS51W8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846 $264.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Sapphire DIRT 3 EDITION Radeon HD 6950 2 GB DDR5 DL-DVI-I/SL-DVI-D/HDMI/DP PCI-Express Graphics Card 100312-3SR

http://www.electronics-emporium.com/products/ASUS-ML228H-22%252dInch-Ultra%252dSlim-Widescreen-LED-Monitor-%252d%252d-2OBO00413CURD01.html $146.19 Free Shipping
ASUS ML228H 22-Inch Ultra-Slim Widescreen LED Monitor -- 2OBO00413CURD01

Total: $ 1,462.03 *not including shipping, rebates, and promo codes

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IZN3NY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_g23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0PW1BJ3V39QB4YRS51W8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 $59.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping
Corsair CA-HS1ANA Gaming Audio Series HS1 Analog Gaming Headset

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157269 <----- That board on newegg

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=Z68%20Extreme7%20Gen3 <---- A better look at that board. Scroll down towards the bottom of the page to see the black 2 x 3.0 USB bezel w/2.5" SSD bracket

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ImageGallery.aspx?CurImage=13-157-269-Z05&SpinSet=13-157-269-RS&ISList=13-157-269-Z01%2c13-157-269-Z02%2c13-157-269-Z03%2c13-157-269-Z04%2c13-157-269-Z05&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16813157269&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=ASRock%20Z68%20Extreme7%20Gen3%20LGA%201155%20Intel%20Z68%20HDMI%20SATA%206Gb%2fs%20USB%203.0%20ATX%20Intel%20Motherboard <----- You can see it on there also.

http://www.asrock.com/microsite/PCIe3/index.html <---- PCI-E 3.0 for Intel Ivy Bridge due out next spring.

http://www.asrock.com/microsite/IntelZ68/index.asp <----- Z68 features

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6606 <------ A better look at that case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236099 <----- A better look at that monitor

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-stutter-crossfire,2995.html <---- Toms showed with this review here last week that those boards (NF200 bridge x16 & x16) help to reduce micro stutter

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/crucial-m4-ssd-firmware-update,13314.html <----- Crucial M4 Firmware update

 

[byakki]

Best answer selected by byakki.