$800-$1000 build

[Crunchiie620]

Hello there forumers!
I'm currently planning out a new build since my old rig died a few weeks ago. I've been using my laptop since then.
I also feel that it's time for an upgrade from my Core2Duo.

My motherboard has died, I plan on replacing it anyway. I have ddr2 ram, so that's pretty much useless nowadays. And I'm sure that my 8800 is pretty outdated too. So, I want to make a completely new build.

The only thing that I don't want to replace for now are my monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

Anyway, my budget is about $800-$1000; however, I want to keep the price as low as possible, but still get the quality I want and need.
Mostly, I will be using my PC for some gaming (BF3, MW3, Skyrim, Mass Effect 3, etc, etc.), video editing, Photoshop, web browsing, Word, Excel, and all those good stuff for school.

My current plan is as follows:

Intel Core i5 2500k ($224.99)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 ($149.99)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
**Still not sure if I should get a z68 or p67 though. I don't seem to get the advantages of it.

CORSAIR Vengeance 2x4GB DDR3 1600 9-9-9-24 ($44.99)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

And I'm thinking of getting a 2 6850s for crossfire, or a single 6950 or 6970 depending on the price.

Suggestions?

 

[aznshinobi]

Check my $850 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore

I'd wait a bit to buy though, the main reason is the 7870 and 7850 (huge contenders at your budget) will be releasing in 1-2 weeks. It beats out the 6950 and 6970 for lower power consumption (by a long shot) much cooler temps, quieter, better overclocking and just all around performance.
7870 and 7850 review:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148.html

 

[g-unit1111]

Here you go:

Case: Fractal Design Arc MIDI - $99.99
PSU: Corsair TX650 V2 - $89.99 ($15.00 MIR)
Motherboard: Asrock Z68 Extreme 3 Gen 3 - $129.99
CPU: 3.30GHz Intel Core i5-2500K - $229.99
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo - $34.99
HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB - $109.99
Optical: Lite On DVD Burner - $17.99
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB 1600MHz - $44.99
Video Card: EVGA Geforce GTX 560TI - $249.99 ($15.00 MIR)

Total: $1,002.84 - $30.00 MIR = $970.84

I would not recommend going 2 x 6850 - go with a single 6950 or as was mentioned wait a couple weeks for the 7870.

 

[Crunchiie620]

Should I just wait till then? Because if it really is significantly better than the current cards, then I'll be willing to pay for the additional features.

Also, my friend just told me that he'll be willing to sell me his previous case, a Raidmax Blade. It is exactly like this: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156262
Is this a good case, and should I buy it off of him for $30?

 

[aznshinobi]

Yes, I just showed you a link previewing the 7870's performance.

 

[Crunchiie620]

I know. Haha.
Alright then, thanks for the help guys.
I'll stick with my Pentium Dual Core laptop for now. XD

 

[Crunchiie620]

Best answer selected by Crunchiie620.

 

[aznshinobi]

Haha alright no problem, it'll be amazing in a few weeks 1-2 at most.