I am looking to build/re-build a budget gaming computer. I have an AMD build from 2008 and I am looking to build an intel i5 while salvaging what I can. My goal is to run BF3, Skyrim, and other upcoming releases (gw2, diablo 3, etc.) on at least medium but preferably high or ultra settings.
Original comp is an AMD Phenom II x3 720, Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P, 4gb (2gx2) DDR3 1333 and ATI radeon 4770 512mb.
Salvageable parts (i think):
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU:
680w (not sure of brand)
Hard Drive:
320 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Ca
- Not sure if newer hard drives are much faster. Also I am debating if I should replace this HDD anyways. I have never ran out of storage space but I have had to reformat and reinstall windows twice as well as several system restores and other errors. If there is a potential virus or any permanent damage that may not be removed by reformatting and could effect my new build I would rather replace then risk it.
Optical Drive:
LG 22X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Black
New Parts (at least 2 options for each part, please provide advice):
CPU and Mobo package:
i5 2500k - $295
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
i5 2400 - $280
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/ite...
GPU:
GTX 460 - $135
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
HD 6850 - $140
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
GTX 550 ti -$120 (I think this is a lesser GPU though, so probably out of the running)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
RAM:
Kingston HyperX 8gb 1600mhz - $45
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
Patriot G2 8gb 1600mhz - $35
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
HDD:
320gb 7200 rpm - $80
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite...
120g SSD - $105
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/ite...
Total (assuming I salvage my HDD)
High end $480, Low end $435
I look forward to hearing your reviews on this build. Specifically can you analyze the parts to make sure they are compatible and capable of meeting my expected performance. I am leaning towards the 6850 and the 550 is almost out of the running. With the RAM I am leaning towards the patriot unless their is a significant reason it is cheaper. I am at a toss up on the CPUs. With the Hard Drive the 320g is only if I should replace my old one and the SSD is a questionable buy. Do SSD's improve gaming performance, I hear they don't? I may even use the SSD to replace my HDD and then buy a second HDD when I fill the 120gb capacity.
Sorry for the lengthy post and a big preemptive thank you for your reviews!