2012 gaming rig

[tomcg22]

Hello, I'm looking to make my own gaming computer and want to know what parts are the best for one. I am very new to this and this will be my first gaming rig I've ever made.

Budget Range: 2500$ (willing to go over)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: gaming, movies, surfing

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.ca

Country: Canada

Parts Preferences: Intel, Nvidia

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Yes, if its within budget

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 OR 1920x1200

Computer Case: Good looking case NZXT, Thermaltake something like that

Additional Comments: Again I am new at this and just I need some info on what you guys think is the best for a gaming rig. Thanks!

 

[JJ1217]

Hi, there.



AMD Build

i5 3570k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
Noctua NH-D14 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018
Asus Sabertooth Z77 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821
2x XFX 7970 GHZ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150632
Corsair AX 850 Fully Modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015&Tpk=AX%20850
NZXT Phantom Black Full Tower http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068
Corsair Vengeance Low Profile 8GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM 6GB/S http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697
Samsung 830 Series 128GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147134
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
BenQ XL2420T 120hz 2ms http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420T-Professional-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B006HIKIG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349849428&sr=8-1&keywords=xl2420t

Note: You cannot use the side fan on the NZXT Phantom with the DH-14

Total : $2499 excl shipping.

 

[JJ1217]

Nvidia Build

i5 3570k http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
Noctua NH-D14 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608018
Asus Sabertooth Z77 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821
2x Gigabyte GTX 680 OC version http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125422
Corsair AX 850 Fully Modular http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139015&Tpk=AX%20850
NZXT Phantom Black Full Tower http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146068
Corsair Vengeance Low Profile 8GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM 6GB/S http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148697
Samsung 830 Series 128GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147134
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
BenQ XL2420T 120hz 2ms http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420T-Professional-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B006HIKIG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349849428&sr=8-1&keywords=xl2420t

Note: You cannot use the side fan on the NZXT Phantom with the DH-14

Total: $2599

 

[JJ1217]

Out of the two builds, in gaming performance, generally the two 7970 GHZ will perform better, as well as having better overclocking abilities. I would recommend the 7970 GHZ Crossfire, as it is the cheapest, and has the better gaming performance overall in my opinion. I would also recommend getting another two XL2420T's LATER to have best overall experience in games, as currently two 7970's is SUPREME overkill on a single 1080p monitor. Enjoy

 

[JJ1217]

You can always drop down the motherboard $100 to an Asrock Z77, drop the CPU cooler to a Hyper 212, and then also drop the SSD to get one more monitor, which would be pointless imo. With this build, and a preference of 1080p, you need at least 120hz. Otherwise you can easily go for 3 1080p 60hz monitors.

 

[JJ1217]

I was going to pick a 2560x1440, no doubt, but if you see under monitor resolution, he says he wants 1920x1080 or 1920x1200. I would've picked it if he wanted it, however a single 7970 is not going to do that well at 2560x1440 in future games, especially the upcoming Crysis 3.