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[NEW BUILD] 1,600 Gaming System

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I need some "okays" on parts, and some recommendations if I should change anything. I am planning on overclocking.

Budget: 1,200 - 1,600 USD. However, my current build is $1,700 already.

PREFERRED PARTS:

Case: Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T $169.99
*** I really like the color. Plus, the H100 will fit in it.
CPU: Intel i5 2500k $214.99
*** Microcenter has it for sell for $179.99 so I'll be getting it from there.
RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Radioactive 8GB (2 x 4GB) $54.99
*** I really like the yellow.
OS: Windows 7 Home Retail from Newegg $189.99


OTHER PARTS: *** This is what I need help on ***
MOBO: MSI Z68A-GD65 (G3) $189.99
*** Supposed to be compatible with the new Ivy Bridges once released?
PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX750 $169.99
OR
PSU: Seasonic X-Series 760 Watt Modular ATX Power Supply $179.99 From Microcenter
*** Depending on which is cheaper on Black Friday
SSD: OCZ Agility 60GB SSD $109.99 from Microcenter
HDD: I have a 600GB 5200rpm from my laptop that I can use as my HDD. 2.5inch
GPU: MSI N560GTX-Ti Hawk GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB $264.99
OR
GPU: MSI R6950 Twin Frozr III 1G/OC Radeon HD 6950 1GB $259.99
*** I am leaning towards the 6950.
COOLER: Corsair H100 $119.99 on Newegg
OPTICAL DRIVE: I'll pick when I go shopping on Black Friday at Microcenter?
MONITOR: ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" $199.99


I have a spreadsheet and the calculated cost if I get everything off of Newegg is: $1,780.23 (includes S&H)
Microcenter AND Newegg: $1,715.88 (includes S&H)

Is it better to get all of my components from the same retailer? that way if I get a dead part I can easily just replace it with one receipt and at once instead of having to go through two retails to get a RMA.

More about : build 600 gaming system

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Mobo: MSI mobos are generally not regarded as highly as Asus or Gigabyte, but that mobo does look good.

PSU: 750w is overkill for a single 6950 or 560 Ti. If you are going for CF or SLI in the future then keep it, otherwise go with a 500-550w.

SSD: How much do you plan putting on the SSD? A win7 install with all updates will take a large chunk of that, around 20gb. The sweet spot for SSDs in terms of price and storage is 120-128gb.

GPU: 560 Ti vs. 6950: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/331?vs=330

Monitor: I prefer LED backlit monitors due to the greater contrast ratio and brightness, but if you like CCFL then stick with that one.

Hi there
I would go the Asrock Extreme 3 Mobo (cheaper, practically the same)
Other than that its a solid build. I would save up for a 120GB SSD though as it will serve you better into the future.
Also I have the 560Ti HAWK it ok but I would go the 6950 (2Gb if you can afford it) as it will scale better in CF if you plan on doing that later down the road (althrough it doesn't make a difference, some games are better on nividia some on radeon)

gmcizzle said:
Mobo: MSI mobos are generally not regarded as highly as Asus or Gigabyte, but that mobo does look good.

PSU: 750w is overkill for a single 6950 or 560 Ti. If you are going for CF or SLI in the future then keep it, otherwise go with a 500-550w.

SSD: How much do you plan putting on the SSD? A win7 install with all updates will take a large chunk of that, around 20gb. The sweet spot for SSDs in terms of price and storage is 120-128gb.

GPU: 560 Ti vs. 6950: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/331?vs=330

Monitor: I prefer LED backlit monitors due to the greater contrast ratio and brightness, but if you like CCFL then stick with that one.


Could you recommend a monitor for me that is backlit? Preferably around $250. And thanks, I will go with the 6950.
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steadywaters said:
1. Microcenter is offering a $60 discount on any Z68 motherboards with the purchase of an i5-2500K. Pick up the CPU with the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 for $345 + tax.

2. There are a ton of combo specials on Newegg for Corsair PSU + Corsair cases. Here's one for you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

3. Windows 7 OEM is ~$100.

4. I'd go out of my way to pick up parts at many retailers if their prices are right.


Thank you, I will check out for combos on the items I want when I will finally be making the purchases. Also, should I go with the retail version or the OEM? I did some research and if I go with OEM and I do not sell the computer off to someone else it is in violation of their legal terms. So, that is why I decided to go with the retail version, plus with the retail version I will be able to receive support for it.

This will be my first build so I am really excited! My items should be getting here sometime next week since they all qualified for 3 day guarantee from Newegg except for the H100. Here is what I decided to go with in the end:

Case: Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T $159.99
CPU: Intel i5 2500k from Microcenter $149.99
*** Going to get it on Black Friday. Listed is their Black Friday price.
RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Radioactive 8GB (2 x 4GB) $49.99
*** I really like the yellow.
OS: Windows 7 Home OEM $99
MOBO: ASROCK Extreme3 Gen3 LGA1155 Z68 $124.99
PSU: SeaSonic X750 Gold 750W Modular $109.99
*** Black Friday sale price
SSD: OCZ Agility 3 120GB $149.99
HDD: Maybe I'll get one later, but since this is my gaming RIG only I think the SSD will suffice
GPU: GIGABYTE GV-R695OC-1GD Radeon HD 6950 1GB $249.99
COOLER:Corsair H100 $119.99
OPTICAL DRIVE: LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer $19.89
MONITOR: Asus VE248H Black 24" $169.99
Wireless N Adapter:TRENDnet TEW-647GA Wireless N Gaming Adapter $19.99

Grand Total Of: $1, 429.62
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