New build, review setup

jackw428

Honorable
Jun 7, 2012
26
0
10,540
This is going to be my first build to advice and comments are completely appreciated. I'll also be buying a new monitor so suggestions there would be useful as I haven't settled on one yet. This is going to be used primarily for gaming. Please let me know what you think!

OK so here are the parts that I have picked out:

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130643

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

CPU Cooler: I'm not sure if I should use the stock fan or an aftermarket. I don't plan on overclocking so I thought the stock fan might work.

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130810

Hard Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533

Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021&Tpk=Corsair%20750

Total cost: $1066.92, just below my $1100 budget (not including OS or monitor)
 
Solution
I'm assuming your build is around $1000 if so, check out my $1100 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore#module147312351
It'll give you more GPU performance for less, an equivalent/better PSU for less and a motherboard that will give you similar performance for less. Plus! You'll get an SSD.

Proof?

The 680 may be great stock but after some slight tweaking, clock for clock it is worse than the 7970 for more money: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/toxic-hd-7970-eyefinity-6gb,3264-3.html

Another benchmark proof: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/05/14/geforce_680_670_vs_radeon_7970_7950_gaming_perf/3
The 7970 ties if not beats the 680 in all those benchmarks.

PSU review...
I'm assuming your build is around $1000 if so, check out my $1100 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore#module147312351
It'll give you more GPU performance for less, an equivalent/better PSU for less and a motherboard that will give you similar performance for less. Plus! You'll get an SSD.

Proof?

The 680 may be great stock but after some slight tweaking, clock for clock it is worse than the 7970 for more money: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/toxic-hd-7970-eyefinity-6gb,3264-3.html

Another benchmark proof: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/05/14/geforce_680_670_vs_radeon_7970_7950_gaming_perf/3
The 7970 ties if not beats the 680 in all those benchmarks.

PSU review: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Rosewill-HIVE-650-W-Power-Supply-Review/1460
 
Solution

jackw428

Honorable
Jun 7, 2012
26
0
10,540
So just go with the 7950 even if I don't plan on OCing? And if I were to OC it would probably be best to get an aftermarket heatsink, correct? Any recommendations on those?