$2000 Epitome Gaming Rig

[mrwhit30ut]

Wow, I love it when you finish typing out your whole thread and linking everything, then you accidentally click on the Ad at the top and all of your hard work goes to waste. Well anyway, I am going to be assembling a gaming rig after Christmas, in the US. My parts preference is Intel, Nvidia. My budget is $2000 as specified in the title. I will be mostly gaming on this PC, and recording in fraps. I will also probably use the adobe suite as well. I only need the computer, I have all the other peripherals. I will definitely overclock and SLI is eventually going to happen, unless there is a card that bests SLI of whatever I have. I have a full HD (1920 x 1080) monitor, and somewhat of an intention of going 3 monitors, but not particularly. I prefer to order off newegg, and if there is a good deal I will either go into the tigerdirect or microcenter near my house. All parts are on newegg right now just to get a rough estimate.

Build

CPU - i5 2500k

Cooler - Corsair H100

MoBo - Asus Maximus IV Extreme

RAM - G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (4GB x 2)

GPU - MSI GTX 580 Lightning Edition

PSU - Corsair HX1050 or Silverstone Strider 1000 Gold

Case - Corsair Obsidian 650D

DVD Drive - Asus 24x

SSD - Corsair Force Series GT 120 GB

HDD - Western Digital Caviar Black 500 GB

If any of the links aren't working I will post the correct link, and all comments are much appreciated. I am open to suggestions on everything especially the case, SSD, HDD, and cooler. Thanks in advance.

 

[kajabla]

Having an "ultimate build" is all well and good, but you don't need to get expensive parts for their own sake. So:

What the heck are you doing with a $340 motherboard? It's going to give you NOTHING that a $200 one wouldn't, as you don't need quad-SLI.
The MSI Z68A-GD80 is very good, and cheap for its features. Tom's loved it, with the one caveat that you MUST NOT put a card in the third PCIe-x16 slot. This won't be an issue, though; just don't get a third 580. It's got a 5-year warranty, too. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130610

That case is pointlessly expensive, especially as it's not that good-looking. Also, it wouldn't have fit your original mobo, though you're not getting that anyway Choose by stylistic preference; most boxes above $50 are fine. If you love the 650D's looks for some reason, go for it; it's your money. Just know that it won't get you anything but the looks.

You do not need liquid cooling. SB doesn't have big heat problems. You'd be fine with a Mugen 3 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185168&Tpk=mugen%203 ).

There seem to be problems with that PSU; go with the Silverstone 80+ Silver 1000W ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256057 ).

This SSD's a little cheaper: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226236
Performance differences between high-end SSDs are very small and not worth extra money. Choose almost entirely by Egg feedback (reliability).

Microcenter is currently selling 2500Ks for $180. Worth the trip, I think.


With my edits, you're more than halfway to your second 580! There's something like $280 in savings.

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Thanks. I thought the MoBo was a bit over the top, good that will shave some off my price. the case would have fit it as I have seen many videos on youtube with this motherboard and this case. I really like the case it's good cable management, and good minimalist looks. I have slowly migrated to the less flashy cases because there aren't really any that I like.

Which PSU had the problem, I posted 2.

I got the cooler to reduce clutter, because I like being able to see all of my components through the window, and not just a big shiny heatsink.

That SSD is not cheaper? I will use the MIR, and I know from experience that Corsair honors their MIRs.

 

[kajabla]

The Silverstone had an average Egg rating of 3. This could just indicate a bad batch and not reflect badly on the PSU in general, but that batch'd be what you'd be getting it from. The silver seems like the best choice to me anyway.
Oh, hadn't noticed the MIR. Carry on
You can still save some cash with an H80, then. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/h2o-h80-h100-benchmark-overclocking,3084-9.html

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Yea, You were on to something though, I really don't want water cooling, I just thought "hey why not". And also, What cases would you recommend?

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks. I thought the MoBo was a bit over the top, good that will shave some off my price. the case would have fit it as I have seen many videos on youtube with this motherboard and this case. I really like the case it's good cable management, and good minimalist looks. I have slowly migrated to the less flashy cases because there aren't really any that I like.

Try the Corsair Carbide - it's nearly $150 cheaper and has the same looks and cable management system.

I got the cooler to reduce clutter, because I like being able to see all of my components through the window, and not just a big shiny heatsink.

I actually agree with this - when I installed my new board last week I grew to really hate large, cumbersome heat sinks. What should have been an hour long project nearly took the whole morning because I couldn't properly get the heat sink plugged into the mounting bracket without constantly plugging and unplugging cables (and I *STILL* don't have the cables routed correctly... :lol, and the fans are so huge that they don't offer much room between the edge of the fan and the bottom of the top case fan. I'm planning to ditch the fan for an H100 like you suggested.

That SSD is not cheaper? I will use the MIR, and I know from experience that Corsair honors their MIRs.

Don't buy products based on MIRs - that's NEVER a good way to go. Corsair makes a lot of awesome products but I have not read a lot of good things about their SSDs.

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Okay, Switching to mushkin chronos SSD, Staying with H100, and I don't know what it is, something about the 500r just makes me go, no. I know the 600t Isn't that much less, but it is a start. and what do you guys think about the Corsair PSU, Combo that with the case, and you get a $55 instant discount. Plus $40 in MIRs but from what I hear from you I should not base my build of MIRs. OH! I also switched to the MSI GD 80 motherboard.

 

[g-unit1111]

Okay, Switching to mushkin chronos SSD, Staying with H100, and I don't know what it is, something about the 500r just makes me go, no. I know the 600t Isn't that much less, but it is a start. and what do you guys think about the Corsair PSU, Combo that with the case, and you get a $55 instant discount. Plus $40 in MIRs but from what I hear from you I should not base my build of MIRs. OH! I also switched to the MSI GD 80 motherboard.

The 600T is a great case, it's the same one I have - but I will warn you that it's very big and heavy. The Carbide would be a better choice if you plan on transporting your system anywhere.

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Really, Its that heavy? and also the 500r will not fit in the space i need it to fit. Like, pain in the arse heavy or like just annoying heavy (being uhh, this is light but it is awkward to carry).

 

[kajabla]

Why not H80? Or Zoidberg?

 

[mrwhit30ut]

What is Zoidberg? and the H100 is kind of a perfect fit for that case, but then again so is the H80. I guess I dont like how thick the H80 is.

 

[kajabla]

Again, your money.
http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/futurama-zoidberg-why-not-zoidberg

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Lolz I like that. I also like your XKCD comic, read my web comics every morning lolz. Also any other case recommendations besides Zoidberg?

 

[kajabla]

XKCD is crazy good

 

[jacknhut]

Ugh do not get the Muskin Chronos for 185 bucks on newegg, that is extremely expensive for an asynchronous SSD. Also, egg feedback is not a reliable way to tell if the product is good or not, use professional reviews instead.

If you must get Muskin SSD, get the Muskin Chronos Deluxe version for 25 bucks more here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226225
The Muskin Chronos Deluxe belongs to the top tier of Sandforce 120 GB since it uses toggle NAND tech instead of asynchronous NAND like the lower tier SSD. In short, OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS, Patriot Wildfire and Muskin Chronos Deluxe belong to the top tier that uses toggle NAND tech.

If you dont' want to spend extra for a toggle NAND and prefer a synchornous NAND SSD for a slightly cheaper price, get the Kingston Hyperx 120 GB or Vertex 3 120 GB.

The asyn NAND SSD such as Muskin Chronos, Patriot Pyro, OCZ Agility 3 are the slowest of the Sandforce 3 and they usually cost no more than 120-150 bucks for 120 GB.

 

[mrwhit30ut]

wow thanks for that, good to know. CASES CASES CASES gents please.

 

[jacknhut]

wow thanks for that, good to know. CASES CASES CASES gents please.

Try this:
CM Storm Trooper
NZXT Phantom
CM Storm Enforcer

 

[inzone]

ASRock X79 EXTREME4-M LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
$218.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157283

Intel Core i7-3930K Sandy Bridge-E 3.2GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 2011 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor BX80619i73930K
$599.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116492

Antec TPQ-1200 1200W Continuous Power with PowerCache Technology SLI Ready CrossFire Certified 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
$219.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371032

EVGA 015-P3-1580-AR GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
$499.99 and a $10 rebate makes iy $489.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130587

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B
$82.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145347

Corsair Force Series GT CSSD-F120GBGT-BK 2.5" 120GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$199.99 and a $30 rebate makes it $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233191

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1502FAEX 1.5TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136793

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$102.99 and a $15 rebate makes it $87.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

LG DVD Burner 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model GH24LS70 LightScribe Support
$20.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136228

LG Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Drive Model UH12LS28 OEM LightScribe Support - OEM
$59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136232

Total for this build is 1970.91 and it includes the new Sandy Bridge-e Proccessor.

 

[kajabla]

I think Egg reviews are decent as a measure of reliability, as pro reviewers won't ever see more than one or two of the product.

Why would you want SB-E? That build will not provide any more performance than a 2500K setup, as it'll be equally GPU-limited, and that's 420 extra dollars in the CPU!

 

[inzone]

I think Egg reviews are decent as a measure of reliability, as pro reviewers won't ever see more than one or two of the product.

Why would you want SB-E? That build will not provide any more performance than a 2500K setup, as it'll be equally GPU-limited, and that's 420 extra dollars in the CPU!

TomsHardware seems to dissagree with you.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i7-3930k-3820-test-benchmark,3090-15.html

 

[kajabla]

"mart enthusiasts who need the effective Sandy Bridge architecture and raw compute power of six cores will buy Core i7-3930K instead of-3960X."
They recommend it for people who need crazy processors, not for gamers on this generation of hardware. If you're going to be making your living on video editing, that's a great chip, but here it's unnecessary.
"[The Best of Tom's Hardware award is] a distinction reserved for the best of the best, price be damned."
In this situation, I don't think "price be damned" is the best approach. In the benchmarks from that article, the 2600K (essentially the same as the OCed 2500K) puts down just about exactly the same framerates as the 3930K. In this situation, gaming and some Adobe CS work, it's just not worth $400 extra.

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Yes, whoever is saying that I need a sandy bridge E, to state it bluntly, you're wrong. There is no significant gaming increase in SBE, and most games today I am pretty sure don't even use four cores, let alone 6. and from your tom's review, if you can see the difference between .2 frames I will buy two processors, one for me, and one for you.

 

[madchemist83]

Check out Fractal Design Define R3
it can support massive water coolers and have lot's of space .. super quiet and comes with 3 fans
i would also recommend snatching Cougar fans on newegg they are awesome
for a cooler .. i still would go with air over water .. imagine one of the tubes rips and ur 2k rig goes down the crapper
if you will decide to go air ... look no further then Thermalright Archon rev A - best air cooler in the world (currently) and you can slap another 150mm fan on it (that's right 150mm ) and stay cool as a cucumber
for mobo go with Asus P8z68-v pro/gen 3
PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121089
or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817116013

 

[mrwhit30ut]

Fractal R3 = Deactivated on newegg, sadface. I like the NZXT one, and the Kingwin one just looks cheap in my opinion. So is the Corsair HX 1050 out of the question? +1 to the thermalright heatsink, do you know of a reputable vendor where I can get that? And is the Asus one better than the MSI one? and lastly, "cool as a cucumber" ... lolz And i get what you are saying on the crapper.

 

[kajabla]

Very impressive (seriously; over a Silver Arrow? :O), but a Mugen 3 would do it at $30 less.
Amazon's got it if you want the bragging rights, but you don't have to pay that much.
Yeah, the Corsair's not 80+ rated, while you can get others at the same price that are Gold.
I like the look of that NZXT.