Can I do better for ~ $900?

[Pkeg]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
I don't play FPS, but do love SC2, WOW, and anticipate a lot of Diablo III action whenever it comes out.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
this is a $900 build but am a little flexible
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
Not a fanboy
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
19" widescree, and a pair of 1TB WD black drives. I also have a copy of W7-64bit
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
yes, and other sites. This is the best I could come up with.
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I've never done it, but I would be ok doing some if it isn't terribly hard, is safe, and worth it.
8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
I think a 19" WS is 1680x1050 or somewhere around there
9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Within the month, unless there is a compelling reason to hold off
10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.
Bash away constructively :-D

The above information IS NEEDED, in order that WE can help YOU make wise judgments on YOUR purchases :laugh:

I've put a decent amount of time doing the legwork and reading but I am a bit out of date as you will see.

My current computer (don't laught too hard) is an Athlon 64 3800+, 2gigs, and an "upgraded" 9700 GT (used to be a 7900).


Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-G
ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
OCZ Vertex Series OCZSSD2-1VTX30GXXX 2.5" 30GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
GIGABYTE GV-N460OC-1GI GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-650HX 650W ATX12V v2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power ...
Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case


With rebates and combo discounts, that comes out to $875


I already have a 19" monitor (eventually, I get a single 24", but that might be several months down the road).
I also have two 1TB WD Black SATA drives for everything else (the SSD is just for the boot drive)

I don't mind bumping it up to $1000 if there is a good reason to.

Appreciate your time and advice!!!

 

[mosox]

Here's a combo
Intel Core i5-750 + ASUS P7P55D-E Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.519523
I would get this video card
SAPPHIRE 100314SR Radeon HD 6870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102909

case/PSU combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.514542
case/ram combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.514361
ram/psu combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.514386

see what fits your needs. Also postpone the SSD and get a monitor first.

 

[mtnd3vil]

looks decent, although you might be able to reallocate a few bucks from the power supply. I think you'd get along just fine with a 500W corsair.

As said above, let the combos work for you.

 

[mosox]

If you get a crossfire/SLI mobo and a GTX460 or a HD 6850/6870 get a 650W PSU and add a second video card later. If you don't plan to SLI/CF, you can get a 500W PSU but then there's no need for an expensive mobo.

 

[mfenn]

Looks decent, and that is really a killer combo on the GPU/PSU!

I would suggest that you get a cheaper motherboard like the GA-P55-USB3 and put the savings towards a bigger SSD. SSD's don't really perform that well when they're filled close to max.

 

[Ketchup]

Your rig looks great. If it were me the only thing I would really change is skipping the SSD until you can afford a larger one and getting a larger display. I upgraded from a 19" to a 22" screen a couple years ago and I wish I had done it sooner. I have a WD Black edition in my windows 7 rig and I am extremely pleased with it.

 

[Steve Rimar]

I just built a computer with that motherboard and it works great. (GA P55 USB3)