System Builder Marathon, June 2011: $2000 Performance PC

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CPU And Graphics

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K

Intel’s Sandy Bridge microarchitecture already proved its per-clock superiority in a few of our articles, and it has the additional benefit of overclocking to higher clocks than any of its predecessors. The only question for us would be which model to choose.

Read Customer Reviews of Intel's Core i7-2600K

Of course that’s not a real question, since only the K-series processors are unlocked, and we’ve seen a few reputable overclockers get dud -2500Ks. We wanted the extra security of a top-binned part and the potential (if marginal) multitasking improvement of Intel Hyper-Threading, so our only real option was the Core i7-2600K.

Graphics: 2x MSI R6970-2PM2D2GD5 in CrossFire

Continuing our cost-savings effort without scaling back performance, we picked the cheapest pair of Radeon HD 6970s we could get our hands on. MSI was equaled only by HIS in price on the day we purchased our cards and, even though we don’t count temporary rebates in our cost analysis, we couldn’t help but notice that MSI’s rebate was bigger.

Read Customer Reviews of MSI's R6970-2PM2D2GD5

A pair of Radeon HD 6950s beats a pair of GeForce GTX 570s at our 2560x1600 target resolution, and the HD 6970 is even faster. Without enough money to even try a pair of GeForce GTX 580s, these are the best cards for our budget.

Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.
115 Comments Comment from the forums
  • regenon
    I gess u wanted to say:
    A pair of Radeon HD 6950s beats a pair of GeForce GTX 570s at our 2560x1600 target resolution, and the HD 6970 is even faster.
    Reply
  • Tamz_msc
    Finally you made a decent choice regarding the case. I could not believe you went with the Antec 300s on previous builds of this category.
    Reply
  • buzznut
    I agree, though some may care less for what's on the outside I can't see putting together a $2000 PC with a 50 dolla case.
    Reply
  • Yes, I am pleased to see a classy looking Lian Li case being used and not one of those gargoyle-inspired transformer-looking abominations that appeal only to google-eyed children and pimply-faced teenagers. That an adult might actually purchase that sort of monstrosity damped my hope for the future of the supposedly mature population of this world!
    Reply
  • amk09
    I would do anything to get a rig like this, sucks growing up in a poor family :(
    Reply
  • hmp_goose
    So it's now considered "safe" to RAID 0 SSDs? I thought Tom's once had a big "here be dragons" label for that practice …
    Reply
  • compton
    I too like the upgrade to a Lian Li. I didn't have a problem with the SBM method of fitting into a tightly constrained budget - but it's still good to see an attractive system as well as impressive performance. If someone is building a $2000 system, they can pony up a couple extra bucks for a better case. The System Builder Marathon is one of the best things going.
    Reply
  • dragonsqrrl
    Again, another great high-end build (very similar to previous build), and my only real complaint (albeit a small one) from the last $2000 system was also addressed, the case.

    Are you guys satisfied with your decision to go with a higher-end case? Have you noticed any tangible benefits? For example, lower system temps, better build quality, better cable management, more interior room to work, additional features, etc...?
    Reply
  • JohnnyLucky
    Great looking case. Looks better than my own Lian Li/Lancool Dragon Lord case.
    Reply
  • whysobluepandabear
    Todd SauveYes, I am pleased to see a classy looking Lian Li case being used and not one of those gargoyle-inspired transformer-looking abominations that appeal only to google-eyed children and pimply-faced teenagers. That an adult might actually purchase that sort of monstrosity damped my hope for the future of the supposedly mature population of this world!

    You give vivid details describing children and teenagers, but might I add something for the adults? Something like: "That a wrinkly, weaker and deteriorating adult might actually purchase". Something along those lines - we must make those adults look like old fuddy-duddies, whom are at the brink of a midlife crisis any moment now!
    Reply