Need help with my i5 2500k build PLZ!

[skitsofrenic]

Hello everyone.

I'm on my journey to making myself a gaming rig. I plan to spend about $1k so I decided to go with the i5 2500k.

That is how far I got to so far, and this is where my problem begins. I don't have much knowledge when it comes to building computers. I know a little, but that is not enough to build a system without reaching out a hand. So if you would help me get things going, I would really appreciate it. I will thank every single posts that contributes to my goal. Thank you!!

Right now, I'm on the stage for picking out a motherboard. I found 2 that looked good on newegg, and I need your help to see if these are good boards. Also, please point out if there are better boards out there that I missed.

1. ASUS P8Z68-V PRO - $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-131-730&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

2. GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3 - $135
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128512

 

[Rosebud]

I would get the asus for that i5 now you spent 425.00

 

[Rosebud]

If mobo is 200 i5 is just right it 214 cpu and mobo should be around the same price something I learned long ago

 

[Emelth]

Here is a build for you that should help you out the rest of the way
If you plan to SLI/CF bump the PSU up to a 750W with the 560Ti or a HD 6950

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $50.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

Intel Core i5-2500K - $215.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 - $125.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 - $45.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

MSI N560GTX-TI Twin Frozr II/OC GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 - $245.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127565

Seagate Barracuda 500GB 7200 RPM - $115.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148701

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus - $26.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

LITE-ON DVD Burner - $19.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289&cm_sp=Cat_CD_%26%2347%3b_DVD_Burners_%26%2338%3b_Media-_-72_Hr_Sale-_-27-106-289

CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified - $95.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - $100.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

Total: $1035 (w/o taxes/shipping/MIRs)

 

[skitsofrenic]

Thank you everyone for replying to my questions! I thought I could thank the posts that were helpful to me but it seems like tomshardware doesn't have that function. After my build is complete, I will select the best answer.

I have a microcenter in my area and I plan on shopping there for black friday. They just released their black friday ad and I found some nice deals I could get.

1. Core i5 2500k - $149.99
2. Corsair XMS 8GB DDR3 1333MHz Dimm Kit - $24.99
3. Samsung 22x Dvd Rw Burner - 17.99
4. eXtreme Power Plus 700W ATX Power Supply - $49.99
5. Cooler Master HAF 932 - $100

Everything from #1 to #4 looks great to me. #5 might be an overkill for an i5 2500k system, right? If so, how is Antec 300 for $35 from bestbuy for my build?

They also have alot of SSD, Cooling fans, Water Cooling deals.
Do I need to get water cooling for my system?
Do I need to replace my factory cooling fans?
Does SSD help other than booting and starting up applications faster?

 

[skitsofrenic]

a little sample of my unfinished build so far

CPU: Core i5 2500k $149.99
MOBO:
GPU:
HDD:
RAM: Corsair XMS 8Gb DDR3 1333MHz $24.99
Optical Drive: Samsung 22x $17.99
PSU: eXtreme Power Plus 700W $49.99
Case: Antec 300 $35

 

[vx53c]

If mobo is 200 i5 is just right it 214 cpu and mobo should be around the same price something I learned long ago

Sometimes this is true but atm AsRock z68 extreme3 gen3 at 125$ is a fantastic pair to the i5 2500k. One of the best motherboards i have ever had with the only problem that it doesn't come with any bells or whistles, just the basics: the board, 2 sata cables, the backplate, a manual and dvd and an audio cable extension.

 

[skitsofrenic]

You guys would prefere asrock z68 over the gigabyte mobo i posted in my original post? They are priced at a similar price. The gigabyte one however is toms hardwares 2011 recommended buy.

 

[skitsofrenic]

Best answer selected by skitsofrenic.