Suggest a gaming build - $600?

[Andre2807]

Hi guys. The build is rather simple. You have $600 to spend on only 3 parts. CPU, Graphics Card, and Motherboard.

Here is my build:
CPU:
Intel Core i5 2500K = $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Motherboard:
Asus Maximus Gene Z = $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131759

Graphics Card:
ATI HD6870 2GB = $210
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150563

Note: Here in SA ASRock Mobo's are highly unavailable, so please only suggest Motherboards from Asus and Gigabyte.

 

[nekko]

Are you going to be overclocking?

 

[Andre2807]

Like to yes

 

[manu 11]

too overpriced for 6870, get the more powerfull 560ti for the same price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401

it overclocks like a beast

 

[nekko]

CPU (2500k): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
MOBO (GIG GA-Z68M-D2H): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128523
GPU (XFX 6950): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150549

Subtotal: $604.97 (before rebates and shipping)

Rebates total to: $40

Total (before shipping & after rebates): $564.97

 

[sadams04]

CPU (2500k): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
MOBO (GIG GA-Z68M-D2H): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128523
GPU (XFX 6950): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150549

I like this, but the MB is 4x on the second PCIe slot. Maybe switch that out for the ASUS below for more ideal SLI / CF options down the road...

MB ($170 before rebate) - ASUS P8P67 PRO (REV 3.1)

 

[legendkiller]

CPU (2500k): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
MOBO (GIG GA-Z68M-D2H): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128523
GPU (XFX 6950): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150549

Subtotal: $604.97 (before rebates and shipping)

Rebates total to: $40

Total (before shipping & after rebates): $564.97

I Highly recommend getting a Video Card in the 6950 that is unlockable... If it's unlockable than you just save $100 for the performance from a 6950 to a 6970...

 

[Noodletoe]

CPU: 2500K $230 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
MOBO: Gigabyte P67: GA-P67X-UD3-B3 $135 - $20 MIR: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128488
GPU: 69502gb $275 - $30 A/R http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150549
Total: $590 after rebates, and ready for crossfire for future

 

[legendkiller]

CPU: 2500K $230 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
MOBO: Gigabyte P67: GA-P67X-UD3-B3 $135 - $20 MIR: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128488
GPU: 69502gb $275 - $30 A/R http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150549
Total: $590 after rebates, and ready for crossfire for future

Looks like you dont understand, you want a a 6950 to be a 6970 or just a 6950? the different in gaming between the two card is about 10-30FPS which is huge for a performance OC or Unlocked over the stock 6950 which is a 6970 when you unlcoked the "Shader"...
There's this videocard that can be unlocked but it seems to be the cheapest, if you would have posted this thread about a month earlier you could have gotten a 6950(Sapphire Dirt 3 Edition) for $260 which is completely unlockable...
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?p=MSI-695_OC&c=pw&hash=c29cUXVIyOXQ3TVLJ8i4laViJMOKjo%2FhAGDCeHqvV6O0Vx4EKwIeayTHF5ZLFwCEupRZVfD1Wa4gxgnDpF7LlJ6zwL4bxopSmSQXFt%2F5Oynkvr7frBQXxvVJgl%2BC

http://www.vortez.net/articles_pages/msi_r6950_twin_froz_iii_power_edition_unlocking,1.html
Try to look for dual bios(Some not unlockable) 6950 and google it if it's unlockable...
BTW, If you can, get a i3-2120 and upgrade to IVB later in Q2 2012 which is worth it to upgrade to over the current LGA 1155... Also get a good Board too if your planing to upgrade some of your hardware like CFx or something... Get a board with 16x and 16x/8x or better compacity on board

 

[Andre2807]

Best answer selected by Andre2807.