Help Choosing Case, GPU, & PSU for <$350

[brockstar113]

I haven't built a computer in a long time but I am up to date on the current technologies of everything . I've already purchased my i5-2500K CPU and ASUS P8Z68-V Pro/Gen3 MoBo but thats all I have towards the build am I'm having trouble deciding on the rest. Picked them up at MicroCenter in NJ <--- AWESOME Store.

Approximate Purchase Date: Pref Today, could wait until Monday at the latest

Budget Range: After Rebates --> $350 ($400 Max)
Additionally, for my RAM, I haven't purchased it but I picked out and planned to purchase the Cosair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) 1600 MHz
If you have any suggestions or comments to help, I would appreciate it too.

System Usage: Schoolwork (chemistry structure modeling, biomechanical/kinesthetics simulations), flight simulators, minor Autocad use,
Internet browsing (I hit pretty hard on tab usage ha), online lecture viewing, Heavy simultaneous document usage
Possibly some movie watching but not that important.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I don't care as long as it's not used; for a big enough discount, I'm even open to Manufacturer Recertified/Refurbished items

Overclocking: Some, most likely not above 4.5GHz

SLI or Crossfire: Either/Or

Monitor Resolution: 1024x768, 1280x1024 --> I have been using either my 37" Samsung 1080 LCD or my 28" 1080 Vizio LCD. However, I eventually (within
the next 8-12 months) want to move to 4x ~23" 1080 LEDs, but don't focus on that right now unless you have some input (I would be
happy to hear it; Especially if you know of any good/cheap wall mounts)

Thannnnkkkssss alott

 

[Linguo_bastardo]

About the RAM, don't but corsair vengeance. It's great RAM, but it's too big and may make installing an aftermarket heatsink a pain. Buy G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB or Kingston Genesis Grey.

This is a very nice case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233 - 65$ with shipping

This is a great GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127578 - 250$ with rebates

My friend has this PSU. It powers his gtx 560 ti ( exactly the same like the one i linked ) and his 2500k OC'd to 4GHz. So, it's good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[sosofm]

Like @Linguo_bastardo said this case is great, i can talk from my experience because i own this case : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
Gpu : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401
Psu 620W modular 80+bronze : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095
Total : $349.97

 

[g-unit1111]

About the RAM, don't but corsair vengeance. It's great RAM, but it's too big and may make installing an aftermarket heatsink a pain. Buy G.Skill Ripjaws 8GB or Kingston Genesis Grey.

While I agree with this, Corsair does make a low profile version of the same RAM for this reason. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233252

Gpu : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125401

Good choice but I'd be more inclined to go with EVGA - awesome company and great RMA department. Gpu : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125401

This is a very nice case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119233 - 65$ with shipping

I'll second this recommendation - I have this case and I've used a lot of others for the same money - this one is amazing for the price. Excellent cable management and airflow and it's actually quite a bit cooler than my Corsair Graphite 600T.

 

[brockstar113]

@ALL --> The RAM I linked is the low-profile version, white 1.35V version of the RAM Gunit1111 linked... I like the Ripsaw RAM too, but I leaned towards the Vengeance because I thought the white would look good with the board. ( Exp.

 

[brockstar113]

How much better is the GTX 560 Ti compared to the GTX 550 Ti and the Radeon HD 6850/6870/6790?

 

[g-unit1111]

@ALL --> The RAM I linked is the low-profile version, white 1.35V version of the RAM Gunit1111 linked... I like the Ripsaw RAM too, but I leaned towards the Vengeance because I thought the white would look good with the board. ( Exp.

You'd better check the QVL list from your motherboard manufacturer before buying low voltage RAM - having the wrong voltage could mess up your build - and trust me I know from experience. :lol:

How much better is the GTX 560 Ti compared to the GTX 550 Ti and the Radeon HD 6850/6870/6790?

Sadly the 6790 has been discontinued - the 550TI is pretty decent (I have two of them running in SLI). The 560TI would be your best bet - it starts at around $199. The 6850 is a better bang-for-your-buck option and that runs about ~$150.