Seeking help for a build

[vamousse]

Hey everyone,
I'm new here and am building a computer. After my last laptop pooped out, I decided to build a computer. Last computer I built was around an Athlon Slot A so it's been awhile. I'm looking for something that can last me 2-3 years with games but not break the bank. My budget is around $1000. I'm not a particular fan-boy, but I always appreciate reliability. I'm currently jumping onto the sandy bridge chips. Plan to have everything built within the next 2 months, and the video card and PSU were purchased today because of the deals . I appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
David


Case
CM 690 II 79.99

CPU
Intel i5 2500k 197.79
alternative: Intel i5 2400 165.99

M/B
Asus P8P67 Pro 184.99
alternative: MSI P67A GD65 182.98

HD
SSD Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 90 GB 179.99
WD Caviar Black 640 GB 69.99
alternative: SSD Crucial C300 64 GB 139.99

GPU
Sapphire Radeon 5870 200.00

Memory
Corsair Vengence 2x4 GB 114.99
alternative: G. skill F3-1066 2x4 GB 89.99

PSU
Corsair CMPSU-650TX 59.99

Total 1087.73
alternative: 988.92 (alternatives are to save money)

 

[BoomerD]

I like most of your first choices. I don't know anything about the SSD's..."new tech" to me, and I've never been impressed with Sapphire's overall quality, but it's still a major brand, so you're probably ok. (and since you're already bought it...)

If you're a gamer, get the i5-2500K and a GOOD CPU cooler. Doesn't have to be one of the BEST ones out there, but it should be GOOD. The stock coolers are supposed to be ok if you don't overclock...but why buy the current best overclocking CPU if you don't overclock at least a bit?

I know many folks here will tell you that the "Pro" version of the ASUS motherboard is over-the-top. <shrug> I almost always buy the top-of-the line boards and haven't ever had a problem with them...I can't say the same thing for budget boards.

This RAM is quite a bit cheaper than the Vengance...and IMO, very good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145262

 

[fffblackmage]

CPU
Intel i5 2500k 197.79
alternative: Intel i5 2400 165.99

Go for the i5-2500K. I've heard that the stock cooler is actually quite decent, so I'm not sure if it's worth paying $20 or so for something like the CM 212+. Maybe someone who knows more about it can weigh in.

M/B
Asus P8P67 Pro 184.99
alternative: MSI P67A GD65 182.98

Non-Pro would definitely be cheaper, but your choice.

HD
SSD Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 90 GB 179.99
WD Caviar Black 640 GB 69.99
alternative: SSD Crucial C300 64 GB 139.99

Swap the WD Black for a Samsung F3 1TB. Looks like it's also on sale, so it's $55 after promo.

The Vertex 2 120GB is $195 AR. Just a few more bucks for 30GB more.

GPU
Sapphire Radeon 5870 200.00

A 5870 for $200? Nice find.

Memory
Corsair Vengence 2x4 GB 114.99
alternative: G. skill F3-1066 2x4 GB 89.99

With the $10 promo code on newegg, the G.Skill 2x4GB DDR3-1333 ram is only $80. I wouldn't pay $35 more for the faster ram when its impact is minimal. I wouldn't go for 4x2GB ram either, especially if it costs more. I just don't think it's worth the trade-off.

PSU
Corsair CMPSU-650TX 59.99

Not sure where you're finding that, but it's an excellent price for a great PSU.

 

[vamousse]

I like most of your first choices. I don't know anything about the SSD's..."new tech" to me, and I've never been impressed with Sapphire's overall quality, but it's still a major brand, so you're probably ok. (and since you're already bought it...)

If you're a gamer, get the i5-2500K and a GOOD CPU cooler. Doesn't have to be one of the BEST ones out there, but it should be GOOD. The stock coolers are supposed to be ok if you don't overclock...but why buy the current best overclocking CPU if you don't overclock at least a bit?

I know many folks here will tell you that the "Pro" version of the ASUS motherboard is over-the-top. <shrug> I almost always buy the top-of-the line boards and haven't ever had a problem with them...I can't say the same thing for budget boards.

This RAM is quite a bit cheaper than the Vengance...and IMO, very good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145262

For the M/B, it might come down to cost. I've used ASUS before with good results. I don't know if I'll take full advantage of the PRO, but it's always nice to have the options. Have also used MSI and had read a good review on their SB board.

I appreciate the recommendations on RAM. What are the advantages of 4x2gb vs 2x4 gb?

 

[vamousse]

Go for the i5-2500K. I've heard that the stock cooler is actually quite decent, so I'm not sure if it's worth paying $20 or so for something like the CM 212+. Maybe someone who knows more about it can weigh in.


Non-Pro would definitely be cheaper, but your choice.


Swap the WD Black for a Samsung F3 1TB. Looks like it's also on sale, so it's $55 after promo.

The Vertex 2 120GB is $195 AR. Just a few more bucks for 30GB more.


A 5870 for $200? Nice find.


With the $10 promo code on newegg, the G.Skill 2x4GB DDR3-1333 ram is only $80. I wouldn't pay $35 more for the faster ram when its impact is minimal. I wouldn't go for 4x2GB ram either, especially if it costs more. I just don't think it's worth the trade-off.


Not sure where you're finding that, but it's an excellent price for a great PSU.

Got that price on the PSU through the newegg sale and then another $10 off with EMCKJJG23, which makes it 59.99!

I'll take that Vertex. Thanks for the recomendation.

 

[BoomerD]

For the M/B, it might come down to cost. I've used ASUS before with good results. I don't know if I'll take full advantage of the PRO, but it's always nice to have the options. Have also used MSI and had read a good review on their SB board.

I appreciate the recommendations on RAM. What are the advantages of 4x2gb vs 2x4 gb?

Performance-wise it won't matter, but fewer slots filled means less power draw...and fewer potential points of failure.

 

[mfenn]

I agree with blackmage overall.

For the M/B, it might come down to cost. I've used ASUS before with good results. I don't know if I'll take full advantage of the PRO, but it's always nice to have the options. Have also used MSI and had read a good review on their SB board.

Ignore any fearmongering about so-called "budget" boards. Each of the Big 3 have a single base design for most of their range (to lower design costs) and different add-on chips are put in place to add the extra features. If you don't know that you need a particular feature of the Pro, you probably don't. I'd get the i5 2500K + Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3 combo and save the extra money.

I appreciate the recommendations on RAM. What are the advantages of 4x2gb vs 2x4 gb?

You might as well get 2x4GB. Less DIMMs means less power draw and more room for expansion.