Need Suggestions on New Build - $800-1000

[squirly245]

Approximate Purchase Date: Within two weeks (Hopefully before SW:TOR)

Budget Range: $800-1000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, surfing the internet, movies, and music

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, superbiiz.com, tigerdirect.com

Country: United States

Parts Preferences: Intel CPU, nVidia graphics

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Not yet, maybe in the future

Parts:

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K

Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB)

Graphics: EVGA SuperClocked 01G-P3-1563-AR GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB

Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W Modular

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932



Additional Comments: I would like to be future-proof for at least three years, but I don't think that I'll be upgrading to Ivy Bridge or PCIe 3.0 next year or the year after. Honestly, I am hoping this holds me over until the next gen CPUs and graphics cards.

CPU - I am set on this
Motherboard - I am not so sure in, but I hear that Gigabyte boards aren't that great with Z68. I am experienced with ASUS only, but I am willing to consider other options other than ASRock or ASUS. I will consider other chip sets also since I am going to have a dedicated GPU.
RAM - I am confident in this but will consider other options
GPU - I am confident in my selection but I am considering the 2GB version since its only ~$30 more
PSU - I want modular and I am considering Corsair and Antec (I currently have an Antec 500W that is two years old)
Case - I want CoolerMaster HAF 932 or Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 (Whichever is cheaper)

 

[raptorxrx]

When deciding PSU's read some professional reviews. AKA jonnyguru.com and hardwaresecrets.com There are other good PSU review sites but those are basically the best. I'm assuming off your previous collection of parts you've got a DVD drive. If I'm wrong ~20 bucks.

Down to business.

i5-2500k-best price/performance. keep
Mobo: ASRock Extreme 3 Gen3
GPU: I would recommend any 560ti or above. EVGA, MSI, and a plethora of other companys make great GPU's. This is a great card for cooling and performance.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127594
The difference in the vram isn't as noticeable now, but future games are going to take more. 2 gb isn't going to change your FPS much right now.
RAM: Both company's you listed are great. I have the G.Skill Ripjaws X series 1600mhz version, and love them. Don't pay for more than 1600 mhz, and below 1333 either. (IMHO)
Case: HAF 932 or 922, CM 690 II, Lian Li cases. There are tons of choices here...
PSU: Corsair 650 or 750 modular your's looks good too.
If you can fit it, people who have SSD's love them. Not needed though...

Now I'm sure somebody more helpful will come along but this will get the ball rolling.

 

[squirly245]

Bump because I cleaned up the format and linked all my considerations

 

[squirly245]

What is the best strategy to buying the parts? All in one order or spread it out over several weeks?

 

[raptorxrx]

Personally I buy it all at once... If you know exactly what you want, than spread it out.

 

[squirly245]

I would like to find as many combo deals or rebates as possible. I'm not familiar with any other websites except tigerdirect and newegg

 

[squirly245]

I want to get a different computer case to save on money and potentially put it towards other parts. I need suggestions please!

 

[raptorxrx]

Do you have any old HDD's or DVD burners?(SATA)

A HAF 922 would be fine. Do you ever want to water cool though?

Honestly your build looks fine.

 

[squirly245]

I have HDD and burner already. No water cooling for me. I'm considering cm 690 ii Advanced or a thermaltake v3 black

 

[raptorxrx]

Those are both fine cases with the CM being nicer.

 

[squirly245]

I am going to purchase the CM 690 II Advanced case. Now, is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus going to fit in the case with the side going to fit? I wasn't sure how to check the total dimensions

 

[raptorxrx]

It will fit. You can't put on an extra side fan on the top vent, but you will be able to on the bottom vent.

 

[aznshinobi]

Check out my $850 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore
It'll probably give you some help it's a decent/good read from feedback I've heard. Hope it helps.

 

[squirly245]

Best answer selected by squirly245.

 

[aznshinobi]

Good luck!