Budget build ($800-900) HTPC/Gaming

dizzc

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Oct 15, 2011
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Hey guys, looking to build a mostly new system to replace my ancient P4 setup. Will be getting back into gaming and will be used as a HTPC also.


Approximate Purchase Date: Next couple days

Budget Range: $800ish CAD

System Usage: Gaming, HTPC

Parts Not Required: Monitor, HDD, Disc Drive, Case

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.ca, ncix.com, memoryexpress.com

Overclocking: Yes (in the future)

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe (in the future)

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200

Parts

Motherboard:
Asus P8z68-V Pro

CPU:
Intel I5 2500K

Memory:
GSKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB PC3-1280

PS:
Corsair TX750

Graphics Card:
SAPPHIRE 100311-2SR Radeon HD 6970 2GB

I'm a little torn between getting an ATI 6970 or a Nvidia 570. You guys have any insights on the matter?

Total : $856.00 (including tax, rebates, and shipping)


As you can see Im trying to maximize on as many deals as possible so time is of the essence.

Does this seems like a decent setup for a decent price to you guys? Anything you would add/change?

Thanks!
 

morgoth780

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Aug 13, 2011
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you have to use a bunch of utilities to download a new bios, flash it, and hope it works. However, that is very unlikely to work now, as amd has been trying to fix that problem, and it can also really screw up your card.

I'd suggest switching your motherboard to an asrock z68 extreme3 gen3 if you can, cause it has pci-e 3.0.
 

dizzc

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Oct 15, 2011
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Reading the newegg.ca reviews from the last week it seems like all you have to do to unlock it is move a switch while the board is off. I think I might take my chances with it. :sol:

That seems like a solid board and $50 cheaper than the asus board I was looking at.
 

morgoth780

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though it's not going to do as well in higher resolutions. However, he's going to try to unlock a 6950. I personally wouldn't choose to do it, cause it's like buying a phenom II x2 and betting the entire performance of your system for it to unlock to an x4. That is a kind of bad example, cause a 6950 won't bottleneck compared to a 6970 as much as an x2 compared to an x4.