New gaming build - $1k max budget: final thoughts

[melakim]

I will be using this system primarily for gaming (skyrim, diablo3, wow, etc). I do not plan to OC or do any type of video editing, etc. I'm located in US, Tennessee. I want to stick under $1k (including OS). I've come up with the following build. I'm really torn on the video card. I have, tentatively, selected the http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvn66toc2gd (GTX 660ti 2GB)over http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-video-card-fx787acdbc (XFX Radeon 7870 2GB). If anyone has any thoughts or improvement suggestions, please feel free to make suggestions. I'm looking to buy the parts in the next couple of days. Thanks in advance!
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wVfy
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wVfy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wVfy/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wVfy/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($88.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Mouse: Logitech M510 Wireless Laser Mouse ($35.98 @ NCIX US)
Total: $987.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-10 19:25 EST-0500)

 

[caltiger123]

For an extra $15 you can upgrade your cpu to a 3570k. It will be able to do some good overclocking if you want. Also, I support your decision of the 660ti over the 7870. It is the better card.

 

[djangoringo]

The 660 ti is better than the 7870, so your build is fine, although you can save a bit of $, by switching for a xfx 550w psu if you don't need a modular psu, it's a seasonic oem psu : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

And switch the cpu for a i5-3570k, with that mobo and cooler you'll want the unlocked cpu : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i53570k

 

[melakim]

will redo build with those suggestions. thank you kindly!

edit: if i do switch to 3570k, will the 550 PSU be sufficient should I decide to OC?

 

[djangoringo]

yes, 550w is plenty.

 

[melakim]

Best answer selected by melakim.

 

[melakim]

thanks for your help!

 

[strider_18]

The 660 ti is better than the 7870, so your build is fine, although you can save a bit of $, by switching for a xfx 550w psu if you don't need a modular psu, it's a seasonic oem psu : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

And switch the cpu for a i5-3570k, with that mobo and cooler you'll want the unlocked cpu : http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i53570k

Obvious fanboy, if only I had a dollar for every time you have posted "660Ti is better than 7870". Seriously.

EDIT: On topic, I agree with getting the 3570k, much more value for money.

 

[djangoringo]

Obvious fanboy, if only I had a dollar for every time you have posted "660Ti is better than 7870". Seriously.

EDIT: On topic, I agree with getting the 3570k, much more value for money.

Well he had already the 660 ti on the list, and it's not just me, everyone who isn't biased says the same thing, the 660 ti is better than the 7870 in terms of performance, check the benchmarks around the web...

@op Good luck with your build.