Approximate Purchase Date: mid February
Budget Range: $600 - $700; I'm flexible, but lets keep it realistic
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming and other miscellaneous computer functions (browsing, word processing, nothing else demanding)
Parts Not Required: Monitor, mouse, keyboard, and (maybe) HDD
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I'm comfortable with Newegg, but open to other trusted and reliable options.
Country: United States
Parts Preferences: Generally N/A
Overclocking: Maybe, but probably no.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes, I want to reserve that option for the future, thus x2 PCIE 16 is mandatory.
Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050
Additional Comments:
(1) I built my existing computer, thus have some limited experience building / troubleshooting
(2) I have an existing HDD (something like 250gb 7200rpm sata) that I can use, but would be open to the potential of an SSD; this would depend on getting my usb based copy of win7 onto the ssd (it was easy enough with the HDD I have, that is if I can find the usb drive or win7 files...)
(3) The level of interest I have in attempting to overclock the computer would be about 20%; as the computer gets older, this may increase, but not significantly. I've had my current PC for, give or take, 4 years and haven't ever bothered with it.
(4) I'd like, at least and even if its not beneficial at the moment, to keep the possibility for SLI / Crossfire open. If you feel the desire, provide a concise argument for one 'awesome card' as opposed to a decent one now, only to double up in the future.
(5) In the future, I'll grab a second monitor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After some poking around, this is what I've come up with
Processor: i5-2400 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074)
This is based on the fact that I probably will not try to OC
Power: Antec HCG-750 / 750w (80+ certified) - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049)
Please keep in mind that I'd like to have the option for dual GPU
Board: ASrock z68 Extreme3 Gen3 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271)
Memory: Wintec AMPO 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161364)
Pulled this from the recent builder marathon, open to other options if the quality is significantly better
Case: NZXT Source 210 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146077)
Very flexible here as long as it's just a normal, stable, no excessive frills, good ventilation case
GPU: Sapphire 6870 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948)
I'd just Crossfire two of these at a later date if I did so at all
SSD: Crucial M4 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441)
Puts me over, at least with these parts, but I'd heard good things about this model and wouldn't mind running a primary SSD with a secondary mechanical
Without SSD = 666.xx
With SS = 766.xx
This is where you come in... Where can I save some money and still have a decent rig (expected to last 2-3yrs, or longer with minor upgrades)?
I figure I can save on the case, the mobo (maybe), and the PS (provided it will have enough for dual GPU in the future). Furthermore, I am aware that all the prices will vary, with mail-ins or instant rebates, etc... I've no problem buying a component at a time and waiting a month or so. Just looked, there is a Microcenter near me, so I can save on the Processor, either the i5-2400 or the i5-2500k.
Any thoughts / comments are much appreciated.
Thanks.
Budget Range: $600 - $700; I'm flexible, but lets keep it realistic
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming and other miscellaneous computer functions (browsing, word processing, nothing else demanding)
Parts Not Required: Monitor, mouse, keyboard, and (maybe) HDD
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I'm comfortable with Newegg, but open to other trusted and reliable options.
Country: United States
Parts Preferences: Generally N/A
Overclocking: Maybe, but probably no.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes, I want to reserve that option for the future, thus x2 PCIE 16 is mandatory.
Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050
Additional Comments:
(1) I built my existing computer, thus have some limited experience building / troubleshooting
(2) I have an existing HDD (something like 250gb 7200rpm sata) that I can use, but would be open to the potential of an SSD; this would depend on getting my usb based copy of win7 onto the ssd (it was easy enough with the HDD I have, that is if I can find the usb drive or win7 files...)
(3) The level of interest I have in attempting to overclock the computer would be about 20%; as the computer gets older, this may increase, but not significantly. I've had my current PC for, give or take, 4 years and haven't ever bothered with it.
(4) I'd like, at least and even if its not beneficial at the moment, to keep the possibility for SLI / Crossfire open. If you feel the desire, provide a concise argument for one 'awesome card' as opposed to a decent one now, only to double up in the future.
(5) In the future, I'll grab a second monitor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After some poking around, this is what I've come up with
Processor: i5-2400 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074)
This is based on the fact that I probably will not try to OC
Power: Antec HCG-750 / 750w (80+ certified) - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049)
Please keep in mind that I'd like to have the option for dual GPU
Board: ASrock z68 Extreme3 Gen3 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271)
Memory: Wintec AMPO 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161364)
Pulled this from the recent builder marathon, open to other options if the quality is significantly better
Case: NZXT Source 210 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146077)
Very flexible here as long as it's just a normal, stable, no excessive frills, good ventilation case
GPU: Sapphire 6870 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948)
I'd just Crossfire two of these at a later date if I did so at all
SSD: Crucial M4 - (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441)
Puts me over, at least with these parts, but I'd heard good things about this model and wouldn't mind running a primary SSD with a secondary mechanical
Without SSD = 666.xx
With SS = 766.xx
This is where you come in... Where can I save some money and still have a decent rig (expected to last 2-3yrs, or longer with minor upgrades)?
I figure I can save on the case, the mobo (maybe), and the PS (provided it will have enough for dual GPU in the future). Furthermore, I am aware that all the prices will vary, with mail-ins or instant rebates, etc... I've no problem buying a component at a time and waiting a month or so. Just looked, there is a Microcenter near me, so I can save on the Processor, either the i5-2400 or the i5-2500k.
Any thoughts / comments are much appreciated.
Thanks.