$1300 Gaming Rig Help

[fatjon]

I have never built a computer before. I would like some comments/suggestions on some of the parts I have picked out. Mainly the GPU and mobo (especially the mobo)

I will be buying everything next week with a budget of $1300 (slightly flexible)

Part list permalink: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4yCu
Part price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4yCu/by_merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler

Motherboard: Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard

Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 6970 2GB Video Card

Case: Cooler Master HAF X ATX Full Tower Case

Power Supply: OCZ 600W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply

Optical Drive: LG GH24NS70 OEM DVD/CD Writer

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit)

Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Wired Gaming Keyboard

Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse

Total: $1355.81

 

[tlmck]

If you plan on adding a second video card later, you would need a bigger PSU. Something in the 750 watt 80 Plus Bronze range from Corsair, Antec, Seasonic, Silverstone, OCZ or XFX.

Also, since it looks like you plan on overclocking the processor, you might wish to get 1600 speed ram to give yourself a little wiggle room there. The GSKill RipJaws is very popular and the heatsinks will not interfere with the cooler. The value series will work as well.

There are also less expensive options on the case that would work just as well. Even the mid towers will have good enough airflow for a dual card rig. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007583&IsNodeId=1&Description=Cooler%20Master%20HAF&name=Computer%20Cases&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=20

 

[sarinaide]

Part list permalink: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4zfd
Part price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4zfd/by_merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Zalman CNPS11X Extreme CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z68A-GD65 (G3) ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($167.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($117.94 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 570 1.25GB Video Card ($339.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (64-bit) ($138.99 @ B&H)
Total: $1303.72
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-02-10 04:37 EST-0500)