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twb1978

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Approximate Purchase Date: by 3/31/2012 if possible.

Budget Range: Currently at around $1300.00 - I am up for going cheaper depending on suggestion

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Multitasking - between surfing the internet, watching movies, & basic application usage - also - possible pc virtualization (nothing too strenous), some video creation/editing (this is not as important being last of course) - but it would be nice.

Parts Not Required: Monitor, Keyboard, mouse. If there are some good deals of these items im all ears.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com - might consider other sites as suggested.

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: I was looking towards AMD, but read that overall (mainly gaming - Intel is suggested I do like the Asus mobo and cooler master full tower case - but Im here looking suggestions -

Overclocking: Maybe - not necessarily

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe - not necessarily

Monitor Resolution: not a preference at this point, I would only really consider resolution based on games I play and movies I watch(quality I suppose)

Additional Comments: I would like a computer to be built strong sturdy and up to date for the money, I know how technology advances and its nearly impossible to keep up with unless you have the money. I do not necessarily, but I am currently using a Pentium 4 so all this new hardware will and should be a huge difference (I cant complain - it lasted me like 5 years). The games I intend to play would be WOW, Diablo 3, battlefield 3, Modern Warefare 3, Starcraft II and grand theft auto 4. Any games among this caliper I will probably end up at least trying. I am not a real serious or picky gamer but I do like to play online sometimes and at the minimum would like for my pc to be able to handle whatever I throw it. I will probably up RAM, to SSD & processor with this particular board, thats a ways down the road though. The video card is up in the air. I do not want to go much over of what thae one costs, I wasnt sure if I should go NVIDIA or ATI.

Here is what I have currently found - I am hear for suggestions.

DVD Burner

LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Item #: N82E16827106335

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335

Hard Drive - undecided

Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822148840

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

Video Card - This is undecided after doing research - I wasnt sure if I should go with a NVIDIA or ATI -

SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
Item #: N82E16814102948

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948

RAM - undecided - in order of preference I guess

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B
Item #: N82E16820233196

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233196

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231314

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL
Item #: N82E16820231428

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

PNY XLR8 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model MD8192KD3-1600-X9
Item #: N82E16820178382

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178382

Motherboard

ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
Item #: N82E16813131701

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131701

Processor

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 ...
Item #: N82E16819115072

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Processor Cooler - not sure if I need this - all ears if I do or if there is a better one out there

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103099

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099


i selceted these two because of combo price.
Case
COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119225

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.855424

PSU
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro RS850-AMBAJ3-US 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active ...
Item #: N82E16817171048

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.855424

Please let me know if I am missing something, or if more info is needed I think I covered everything but I kind of rushed getting this done.

Thank you ahead for suggestions and opinions.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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That looks pretty decent - I'd drop the case and PSU and go with a different set, invest that $110 difference in upgrading your GPU:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067 - NZXT Phantom
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021 - Corsair TX750

With that difference upgrade your GPU to a Radeon 7870 (due in +-2 weeks): http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148.html

Then for the RAM I wouldn't choose any of those, try this - it's low profile and one of the best brands on the market:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544
 
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dalauder

dalauder

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#1 - Do you have a Micro Center nearby?

#2 - Are you aware of the current/impending launches of the Radeon 7000 series and GeForce 600 series? If this build is for gaming, you should spend a MUCH larger portion of it on the graphics card. I think you should go for a $250 7850 when it becomes available in two weeks (already had a "paper launch").

#3 - If you don't know if you're overclocking, don't worry about the CPU cooler. You can always buy one down the line when you want to overclock. I'd recommend getting a Hyper 212+ when one goes on sale on Newegg.com for $15 AR or so.

#4 - Do you need a storage drive? If not, wait until HDD prices drop from their "Thailand Flood" prices in six months or so to $60/1TB or so and make due with a 120GB SSD.

I'm gonna put together a [concise] hypothetical build so that we can hone what you're looking for.

EDIT: I agree with g-unit about getting a cheaper case than the Haf X (I'd only spend $100 or less actually since it doesn't impact performance) and any 750W Antec, Corsair, Seasonic, or XFX PSU should do.
 
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dalauder

dalauder

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Start buying parts as sales come up. Since you're okay with waiting until the end of the month (and can pick up graphics then), wait on the GPU HDD (SSD). But if you see something like the $14.99 8GB 1600CL9 kit that was on Newegg yesterday, pick it up. If you see a great PSU or case on sale, pick it up.

CPU: $215 i5-2500K

Mobo: $150 Gigabyte Z68 ATX

RAM: $40 8GB (2x4GB) 1600CL9 DDR3

HDD/SSD: $130 128GB Crucial M4 or $120 120GB Sandforce Sata III SSD

PSU: $75 Any 750W Antec, Corsair, Seasonic, or XFX

Case: $55 Thermaltake V9 - It was on sale for this price before. Just keep your eyes peeled for any deals in the next 30 days. You want to make sure of the front panel USB 3.0 and bottom mounted PSU.

GPU: $250 Radeon 7850 http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7870-review-benchmark,3148.html

DVD: $18 Do you even need one of these? I haven't had a DVD drive in either my work or home desktop for at least 6 months. I just burn all Windows DVDs to USB. Everything else is digital.

TOTAL: $933

You can get it cheaper with sales on RAM. Micro Center will save you $50 on the Mobo.
 
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deadlockedworld

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deadlockedworld

deadlockedworld

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I actually picked it for the SILVER efficiency - modular is just a great side-perk. I didnt appreciate efficiency until I had a GOLD certified, now I love how my Seasonic runs so cool that the fan rarely turns on.
 
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twb1978

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Thank you for all the suggestions and information. I do appreciate it. Oh and no I dont have a micro center that I know of. Maybe in KC, Mo. I live a couple hours away. I just checked and KC does have one. I could make a road trip the thing is I was going to use the preferred account with new egg to cut down on costs...I can't pay for it outright.
 
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twb1978

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Is this the time of year when prices drop or is there initially a general time frame that cpu components drop in price....I may even be abl eto wait a little longer if it means I save a few bucks...but I do want to get this ordered and up and running soon at the same time. Know what I mean?
 
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dadof1hunter

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I would suggest, a Z68 motherboard. I like the Asrock Extreme3 Gen3. (I just built mine with the extreme7 Gen3)

g.skill 1600mhz ram is the sweet spot.

I think the Corsair 750w Modular PSU is an ideal PSU.

I like Corsair 650D Case over the HAF X. I just built 2 PC's in the last year. My friends in the HAF X, and Mine in the 650D. The HAF X isn't as well made, and it was much much harder to build in the the Corsair. The 800D is more along the line of size witht he HAF X, but when you go that big you run into problems routing cables.. Most are not long enough... Make sure you get PSU line extenders, as the Corsair PSU(and almost every other PSU) doesn't have cables long enought to route cables neatly.

The 212 Evo cooler is a win.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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G.Skill is definitely one of the tier 1 RAM vendors but you should definitely look at Crucial and Kingston - they've been around forever and their fail rates are usually significantly lower than G.Skill and Corsair are, but that shocker deal won't mix well with Sandy Bridge due to it running speeds that most motherboards won't recognize.

Try these:

- Kingston Hyper X: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104255
- Crucial Ballistix: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544

I like Corsair 650D Case over the HAF X. I just built 2 PC's in the last year. My friends in the HAF X, and Mine in the 650D. The HAF X isn't as well made, and it was much much harder to build in the the Corsair.
Click to expand...

Really? I built my system in a Graphite 600T and it's one of the easiest builds I've ever done.
 
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CaedenV

CaedenV

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While the prices on their CPU and CPU/mobo combos are great, you would likely spend more on gas to get there than you would save if it is a multiple hour drive. If you 'happen to be in the area' that is one thing, but I would not drive that far to save $50-75.

As for the Ram; They are really all about the same. Running 2 sticks of ram it is highly unlikely to run into any issues with gSkill or Corsair, and they are pretty good about their return policy if you do run into issues. Running 4 sticks there is a decent chance that one of them could be bad or will go bad, but still not super likely.

You should probably get a better/newer GPU. As others have said here the midrange 7000 cards come out soon, and the GTX600 series cards come out before the end of the month. If you have time on your side then wait it out a little bit and see what would work best for you at the resolution/fps you play.

The SSD suggestion is a good one, but not at the expense of the CPU or GPU. I would be sure to get a card in the $250-300 range before worrying about SSD performance.

I agree about the case as well, the HAF series is not bad, and extremely popular, but at the same time it has a style that just screams "I am a high-schooler with too much money". I dunno, a lot of it is personal taste, but I would suggest getting something a little cheaper, a little less flashy, but still easy to work on and upgrade when you need to.
 
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twb1978

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Again thanks for the suggestions, as for the HAf x case - thats kind of the reason why i havent built one with it....i like the case but they are pretty proud of it. I was alost going off the ratings...these ideas are what i need to hear....keep them coming i do appreciate it, if and when i do end up purchasing I do believe that you all probably save me some headaches and some bucks....thanks again :D
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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No - Z68 won't be able to handle anything higher than 1600 - in fact Intel actually recommends running at 1333 due to the Sandy Bridge's core design having the memory controller on the chip as opposed to the motherboard. By default your motherboard will run your RAM at the lowest speeds it can handle, you do not want to go higher than stock speeds when you set your RAM multipliers - doing so can have dangerous consequences.

Try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104231

As for the Ram; They are really all about the same. Running 2 sticks of ram it is highly unlikely to run into any issues with gSkill or Corsair, and they are pretty good about their return policy if you do run into issues. Running 4 sticks there is a decent chance that one of them could be bad or will go bad, but still not super likely.
Click to expand...

Depends. I've never had any issues with RAM running 4 x 4GB - that doesn't mean it hasn't happened but I have to come across this issue - as long as you get a good set of RAM you should be fine.
 
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twb1978

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Ok i am willing to drop the case...per cost....and cable management issues(i realize i can get extensions)

between the few that I have seen suggested - looking for some votes if possible:

1 - Graphite 600T

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139007


2 - Corsair 650D - looks nice - but seems i need to cut down on price of case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139006


3 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Steel / Plastic Enthusiast ATX Full Tower Computer Case - i havent decided yet on white or black - the black looks pretty slick but the white is a little cheaper and still looks nice - not that I am big on the looks I would like to be happy with what i order - thats why i included both models.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067

Any other suggestions besides the ones listed above...i also seen cooler master storm enforcer that I liked too:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240


Not real sure on this aside from the main build and I didnt know if this was the proper place to be asking but I was going to get a decent combo build form my wife so she has a decent pc too...nothing like what im building but something in the $200-400 range preferably packaged like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.789240&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-789240-_-Combo

I also realized that I may be saving some money if I went to microcenter...I am trying to weigh out Taxes though to...because my original order my shipping and handling on everything was under $10. I will price the stuff I have and let you all know price difference - as of now the cpu was $180 and newegg it was $225.
 
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twb1978

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Why suggestion of a Z68 mobo?
 
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twb1978

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Hmmm likey prices but im not seeing those prices on the SSD. I see the SandForce G3 for $140....but ont he other one its $160 online in the microcenter....and nothign on new egg it appeared....can you send me links....thanks.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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The Phantom and 600T are great choices - you can't go wrong either way.

DVD: $18 Do you even need one of these? I haven't had a DVD drive in either my work or home desktop for at least 6 months. I just burn all Windows DVDs to USB. Everything else is digital.
Click to expand...

You'll need one for OS install or movie watching but that's about it.
 
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dalauder

dalauder

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Prices tend to drop when new architecture becomes available. So Ivy Bridge and Kepler in the Q2 2012 will help with prices A LOT. Radeon 7800 & 7900 series have already began to help with graphics prices.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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I can't wait to get my hands on a 7870 - it's producing 580TI numbers at like 1/2 the cost. *drool*
 
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