$1,000 - $1,500 Computer build. Requesting advice and comments

[Dazrath]

It's been at least 10 years since I built my last computer. I decided to build my own again as I much prefer systems I put together over my last pre-built purchase.

Approximate Purchase Date: After October 5th

Budget Range: $1,000 - $1,500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Computer is primarily for gaming

Are you buying a monitor: Probably, but not for certain. Budget for monitor will be separate from computer budget.

Parts to Upgrade: Building entire system so I need everything, although I have already made a few purchases as some parts went on sale.

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon is preferred, but newegg or other reputable vendors are acceptable.

Location: Southeast Pennsylvania

Parts Preferences: I prefer Intel CPU's and Nvidia for GPU, but willing to consider other options for GPU

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Mostly MMO gaming. WoW, SWTOR, Guild Wars 2 etc. I'm looking for a build with longevity. I would like it to easily last another 4-5 years.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My computer is over 5 years old and not getting the performance I want in games any longer.


The parts I have in mind are below. I'm pretty set on the CPU and GPU but will happily listen to other options. I'm not as certain about the motherboard:

MB: ASUS P8Z77-V LGA 1155 Intel Z77 - $185
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-P8Z77-V-1155-Intel-Motherboard/dp/B007G51UWY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2JFKVY0YA4BIB&coliid=IV432128UIHNF

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz - $230
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-i5-3570K-Quad-Core-Processor/dp/B007SZ0E1K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2JFKVY0YA4BIB&coliid=I2G882N4X99V24

RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz - $45
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-240-Pin-Platforms-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=7F00A2EEF5ZN&coliid=I3MJSO2IB0RSD6


GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX670 2048MB GDDR5 256bit - $400
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Dual-Link-Graphics-02G-P4-2670-KR/dp/B007Z3HZIA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=7F00A2EEF5ZN&coliid=I2OBNAF2SSAAR9

PS: Corsair CX Series CX600 600W - $69
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CX600-CrossFire-Certified-CP-9020048-US/dp/B0092ML0OC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=J6RQS04IOSBN&coliid=I3BJUAN6SAJP9E


Already own:
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 Mid Tower USB 3.0 Gaming Case - Black - (Cost me - $80)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006I2H084/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i00

SSD: Crucial 256 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT256M4SSD2 (Cost me - $160)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2JL2A/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

CPU FAN: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler (Cost me - $28)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O65JXI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

DVD Burner: Had extra from other computer. Nothing special

I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions on this build. I prefer to stay lower cost, but will go up to the full $1,500 if the extra cost is worth it.

 

[malbluff]

Mostly fine, with couple of observations. You want to get low profile RAM, to ensure there's no clash with cooler. Crucial Ballistic Sport, or GSKill Ares are suitable. Corsair also do low profile versions. You don't actually NEED 600w, for PSU, and whist Corsair PSU's are always decent, the CX600 isn't necessarily their very best. Something like XFX 550w would be an alternative.

 

[dingo07]

there's more than 10 threads that are using the same parts that you have listed... had you bothered to read the umpteen threads before you posted, I think you'd see that

 

[J_E_D_70]

I'd recommend the ASRock Extreme4 mobo - couldn't be happier with mine and it's a reasonable amount cheaper (*much* cheaper if you could get to a Microcenter).

 

[Dazrath]

there's more than 10 threads that are using the same parts that you have listed... had you bothered to read the umpteen threads before you posted, I think you'd see that

I did go through and read many of them however I did not see any that were the exact same configuration. I was unsure about the motherboard so I decided to post and see if there was anything I did not know about this exact setup. I was just hoping for some quick confirmation before I spent over $1,000. I understand your frustration at reading similar posts often and hesitated to even make my original post because of the similarities. In the end I posted just to be certain I had not missed anything glaring. If you have anything constructive to add about this set up by all means I'm willing to listen.

 

[Dazrath]

Mostly fine, with couple of observations. You want to get low profile RAM, to ensure there's no clash with cooler. Crucial Ballistic Sport, or GSKill Ares are suitable. Corsair also do low profile versions. You don't actually NEED 600w, for PSU, and whist Corsair PSU's are always decent, the CX600 isn't necessarily their very best. Something like XFX 550w would be an alternative.

Thanks for the advice Mal. I completely overlooked the low profile RAM. I'll look for that instead.

 

[Dazrath]

Best answer selected by Dazrath.