Gaming rig $800-$900 budget

[jevjake]

Hello there, first off I'm new on building a computer. Just know the basics and have been through all of Newegg's video tutorials on how to build a computer. Just wanted to ask the community if the parts/case were compatible, if the video card fits in the case and where could I cut some costs or add better parts. I will like to hear what you have to say and recommend. Thank you.

Budget Range:
$800~$900

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Gaming, Media Center, some Video/Photo Editing, Internet.

Parts Not Required:
Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, O.S. (Windows7)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
Newegg & Amazon

Country:
U.S.A. - Puerto Rico

Parts Preferences:
Intel, Video Cards i'm open to opinions and recommendations.

Overclocking: Never tried this. Not necessary for my needs I believe.

SLI or Crossfire: It is not necessary for now I believe.


Case:
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066 =$49.99

PSU:
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020 =$94.99


Mobo:
MSI Intel p67 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130576 =$89.99

CPU:
Intel i5-2500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073 =$209.99

RAM:
Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104262 =$39.99

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100312-3L Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102954 =$259.99


HDD:

HITACHI 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299 =$79.99



All of these for a total of $825.00 w/o shipping included.
Also, if I use all of the rebates it will go down $75.

Total w/rebates & shipping included: $800

I use ShopRunner so the shipping is free except for the Case because I live in Puerto Rico.




Additional comments:

I wish to play games like Skyrim, Battlefield 3, Star Wars:TOR when it comes out, Diablo 3, Shogun Total War 2 all on high or ultra settings

 

[madchemist83]

Get 2500k cpu instead

 

[jevjake]

may I dare ask why get a 2500k?

 

[elayman]

It's unlocked so you can OC it a lot more

 

[rshim]

if u don't plan to overclock, find a cheap h67 motherboard to save more money.
the only reason u need 2GB gpu is if u are planning to use more than 1 monitor, if not, i would recommend gtx 560 ti because it offers better drivers, less noise, cooler, and physX

 

[cbrunnem]

ditch the mobo for this one. the one you choose to the blunders of people ahead of me that havent notice, doesnt support dual gpus.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
id recommend this gpu instead. it will run cooler and last longer. it is louder but i never hear it will gaming.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125385

dont buy into the nvidia vs amd thing. there isnt a difference between the two that should sway you. the 6950 is faster then a 560ti anyway

 

[madchemist83]

Also you'll need a cooler for your cpu if you get a k version

 

[Geeksire]

If you are going to get that graphics card, I would recommened getting the GTX 560 Ti - 900 mhz. Runs better graphics but by a teeny bit. Did I mention it is also cheaper : D

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130610

For $225 (including shipping and the rebate, which you have to send.) That's pretty awesome, do not you think?

 

[mourice12]

you dont need a 2500k. its a waste if you dont plan to overclock. if you want a quad core Intel just get a 2300 or 2400 and save some cash. Also when it comes to GPU's the 6950 is faster than the 560 ti its is suppose to compete with the GTX 570.

If you arent dead set on an Intel you could get an AMD 6 core for cheaper and with its 6 cores it will preform better at rendering etc and they are cheaper.

 

[cbrunnem]

If you are going to get that graphics card, I would recommened getting the GTX 560 Ti - 900 mhz. Runs better graphics but by a teeny bit. Did I mention it is also cheaper : D

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130610

For $225 (including shipping and the rebate, which you have to send.) That's pretty awesome, do not you think?

at 240 the 6950 is a better buy performance wise in most games
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/331?vs=330

 

[Geeksire]

You beat me there. Tooshay!

 

[cbrunnem]

You beat me there. Tooshay!

refering to me lol?

OP i thik it is important to know what games you will be playing. some games like skyrim and Bf3 you will loose fps with an amd cpu so let us know what you play

 

[jevjake]

Thank you all for your quick answers..

Btw, the games I'll be playing mostly would be Skyrim, Battlefield 3, Shogun 2 Total War and stuff like that..

I'm going with the i5 2400 cpu to save some money for better components and because I really don't wish to overclock.

Might switch to a 750 or 850W PSU also just in case I wish to upgrade to SLI or Crossfire in the future.

Also, I have one question is it better to go with a Z68 Mobo, or just go with a P67 or H67?


I'm undecided between the 6950 or the gtx560 ti; I'm more inclined to going with nVidia's GPU since they have better drivers and support. I might SLI two 560's in the future.

Also, what Case do you recommend around the <$100 price mark.

Thanks.

 

[madchemist83]

Fractal design define r3 or arc midi. Corsair 400r, CM rc-692

 

[cbrunnem]

Thank you all for your quick answers..

Btw, the games I'll be playing mostly would be Skyrim, Battlefield 3, Shogun 2 Total War and stuff like that..

I'm going with the i5 2400 cpu to save some money for better components and because I really don't wish to overclock.

Might switch to a 750 or 850W PSU also just in case I wish to upgrade to SLI or Crossfire in the future.

Also, I have one question is it better to go with a Z68 Mobo, or just go with a P67 or H67?


I'm undecided between the 6950 or the gtx560 ti; I'm more inclined to going with nVidia's GPU since they have better drivers and support. I might SLI two 560's in the future.

Also, what Case do you recommend around the <$100 price mark.

Thanks.

your going to leave performance on the table and it will be a decent amount if you cross fire. if you crossfire either one of the gpu's your cpu will not be able to keep up at its stock config in skyrim and bf3. better to spend 20 more and get a cpu that can be overclocked.

in case you dont know anyone can overclock there K series cpu to atleast 4.2 with just changing the multiplier to 42 and leaving the voltage and everything else to auto. that all you would have to do. so the 20 dollars extra is worth more then 20 dollars in performance.