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~$750 gaming rig

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Hi all,
I'm selling my current desktop and looking to build a new one hopefully this week.

Approximate Purchase Date: Early this week
Budget Range: about $750 (USD)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, internet, programming. the usual.
Parts to Upgrade: everything but monitor, keyboard, mouse.
Do you need to buy OS: Already have OS.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: everyone loves newegg, but im open to other reputable sites as well.
Overclocking: I wouldn't mind having the option but it isn't too important to me. I wouldn't do anything crazy anyway.
SLI or Crossfire: Yes (in the future tho)
Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080
Additional Comments: I'd like to make this build pretty future proof. I may be a broke college student, but I'd like to slap in a beefier CPU and dual GPU's at some point with this build. Also, if an ok pair of speakers could be fit into this budget that would be cool, but this again isn't that important right now.

I haven't been paying much attention to the hardware scene lately, but here's what I came up with over a couple of hours today.

Intel Core i5-3450 Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.5GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637I53450
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card (100314-3L )
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM
OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W Modular High Performance Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandybridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

With shipping this comes out to be just under $750.

Any thoughts or concerns with this build? I do have a 500 gig hdd sitting around, and I could drop out the 1tb drive included here ($90) if someone makes a convincing argument for a better way to spend that money.
Thanks.

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If you want the option to overclock your CPU you need to switch to the i5-3570K the i5-3570 is not for overclocking you need low profile ram the ram you currently have chose will most likely conflict with your aftermarket cpu cooler here take your pick - Ram:Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:G.SKIL Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996995
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:SAMSUNG 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model MV-3V4G3D/US
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
PSU you chose is not bad but it's not very good either i would recommend you change it here take your pick - SPARKLE R-SPI650ACAG 650W ATX12V 2.3 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


PSU:CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


PSU:SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU:Rosewill HIVE Series HIVE-650 650W Continuous @40°C, 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified, Modular Design, Single +12V Rail, ATX12V v2.31/EPS12V v2.92, SLI Ready, CrossFire Ready, Active-PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Other than that it's great build and i hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

Ok, thanks guys, I've tweaked the build a bit with your suggestions. I have two more questions, as well.
First off, a friend of mine is trying to sell a GTX 470 for $150. Apparently its a pretty standard setup with an aftermarket cooler. How would that compare performance-wise with the 6870 I picked out? If the performance is about the same and I can save a few bucks I am all for it.
Second, I'd like opinions on the case (Antec 300 Illusion). It has outrageously good reviews on newegg, but it is lacking in some features (cable management, tool-less assembly, ssd mounting options, etc). Would it be worth it to invest in a slightly more expensive case? I was looking at these two:
COOLER MASTER Storm Enforcer SGC-1000-KWN1 Black SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer
Corsair Carbide Series 400R Graphite grey and black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Gaming Case
Thoughts?
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It looks like just a minor difference. These are for stock/reference cards. There are several custom versions with higher clock speeds. If the one your friend is trying to sell you is a Gigabyte GTX 470 SOC that would be a way better choice with a high factory overclock, a very quiet cooler, and performance closer to a GTX 480.
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-r...
http://www.guru3d.com/article/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-470-... http://tpucdn.com/reviews/HIS/Radeon_HD_6870/images/per... GTX 470 basically is better by 4% percent increase. As for the case yes both those you listed are far better than the Antec 300 Illusion i would go with one of those over the Antec 300 Illusion reason why is they provide better cooler and have much better cable management options and ssd mounting options.Personally though i would go with this case for that price range http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...(Computer%20Cases%20-%20ATX%20Form)-_-Antec-_-11129021&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=#top though either of the two you mentioned would be great choices as well.

Personally, I would go with the i5 2500K if you plan on overclocking. I had one and it was an amazing chip (everybody gives it great reviews). The 3570K isn't too much of an improvement over the 2500k (if any). If you don't want to OC, don't spend the extra money on a 'K' series chip. Instead use the extra money for something else like a new mouse or something.

Ok, so this is what I'm looking at for parts now:

Intel Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i53570
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-60G 2.5" 60GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
Corsair Carbide Series 500R Black Steel structure with molded ABS plastic accent pieces ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

For the graphics card, I am gonna go with the 470 my friend is selling ($150). In total, this works out to about $750 after rebates and such.
How does this look? I would like to order stuff tonight if possible so advice appreciated!
Thanks.

w2ksp2 said:
Ok, so this is what I'm looking at for parts now:

Intel Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i53570
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-60G 2.5" 60GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
Corsair Carbide Series 500R Black Steel structure with molded ABS plastic accent pieces ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

For the graphics card, I am gonna go with the 470 my friend is selling ($150). In total, this works out to about $750 after rebates and such.
How does this look? I would like to order stuff tonight if possible so advice appreciated!
Thanks.

Everything looks great only one problem the ram you picked will conflict with your aftermarket CPU Cooler so switch that to one of these and your good to go. ;)  Ram:Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:G.SKIL Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996995
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

RAM:SAMSUNG 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model MV-3V4G3D/US
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Oof. good catch. Updated:

Intel Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i53570
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-60G 2.5" 60GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
Corsair Carbide Series 500R Black Steel structure with molded ABS plastic accent pieces ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

w2ksp2 said:
Oof. good catch. Updated:

Intel Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i53570
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-60G 2.5" 60GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
Corsair Carbide Series 500R Black Steel structure with molded ABS plastic accent pieces ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Looks like a solid build to me your good to go. :) 
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