Build v1 Alright, so I've got some extra cash and recently started planning on another computer build. I think it's a decent build, but it's been a while (almost 7 years actually) since I've made a custom PC from scratch so I just want other people's opinion on the build that I have atm. The thing I'm most concerned for is cost effectiveness; my goal is to keep it all under $1.3k. Do I want to spring for a better video card? Kind of on the fence with the cooler master heatsink.. I honestly don't think I'll need it but loud fans and overheating during cpu demanding tasks have always been a pet peeve of mine so I figure I might as well get it to minimize this. I'll be using the computer to do a little bit of everything, but gaming will be the most demanding task with games like BF3. I don't really care for maxing out quality, as long as it looks alright and plays smoothly I'm happy. Also note that I live in canada hence why i'm using newegg.ca and I've already got speakers.
Definitely go for the 560 Ti, instead. 6950 is good too unless you want to stick with Nvidia. I'm not as good with motherboards, but I think the various Gigabyte Z68X boards have more features and they're still under $200. As I'm sure you're aware, just be sure the size and compatibility is where you need it to be. There's a minimal difference between 1600 and 1333 for RAM, so I would save some cash and just grab 1333, but that's just me. I would also say that you won't need the cooler unless you're going to overclock a good amount. In the event that you do, though, I hear that fan is one of the best as long as you have room. I haven't done much research on monitors, though. As long as you choose something with a low input lag (around 2ms), you should be set. I wouldn't go over $200 for one, personally. The rest actually looks pretty good. Spinpoint is great, the case is pretty consistent, and the PSU looks like it should handle all of your stuff, though I'm not sure how much power the extra cooler would draw. You might want to account for future upgrades, too. Also, are you a student? You could get Windows for much cheaper, or have someone who is get it for you. Or just get it for free. Either way, you can definitely save there. Check for combos and discounts before you're done, by the way.
My pc is almost the same as what you have on your list. I have a micro ATX mobo, but the same Asus type. I have the 2500K, the exact same RAM, disc drive and hard drive, but i use the samsung as my secondary with a SSD for programs. I'd agree with the above for the RAM, i only bought it because it was on a deal and justified the benefit. Dell do a superior HDMI monitor, probably a little cheaper than yours. And it's WLED, which is far superior in that you get better whites and it uses only a fraction of the power output that an LED one does, and emits almost no heat. Make sure you account for a more intensive GPU with some lavish cooling system, because that will be your big heat output, as the 2500k is really stable. I have the GTX460 and it plays every game on the market in high settings.
@Chrono Alright, switched out the RAM module for the 1333 which did save a few bucks. I don't really plan on overclocking tbh but the case is supposed to be flippin massive and is supposed to have good air flow so I'm considering not getting the heatsink since the power draw might force me to bump up the psu to like a 750w. Video card shopping is really the only place I get lost. I know what specs to look for in a good card but because I don't keep up with them as much as I should and also because there's so flippin many of them nowadays I always have trouble making a decision. I searched up 560 Ti on newegg like you recommended expecting to see maybe 10 options to find like 2 pages worth of choices. fuuuuuuu. i don't really have a preference for video cards; past experience has mostly with been radeon with an intel chipset which worked fine. I only went with nvidia because of how commonly I see it being used, but if you have recommendations for some good cards I'd love to see links to 'em. Yes I am a student, where would I be able to check out said discounts? and yeah i'm checking out several sites every day (mostly newegg) for daily deals and discounts. @Matty I know what you mean with dell monitor, I've actually got one right now running my old setup and I love it. I'm considering since I'll be giving my old setup to my bro that I take the monitor and give him some mediocre one that ought to shave off a couple hundred bucks.
Microsoft Store Online - Windows 7 Professional Upgrade This is only an upgrade, though. Basically, you can download and/or install a full version from anywhere you want, and then you can use this to make it legal. The choices you're seeing for the card are mainly just different manufacturers of the same item. Some of them seem to have slightly different speeds, but you should really just check the reviews and warranty, then decide which is the best buy. I would also agree with a 750w; PSU operates better when it's working under 80% or so, so some headroom is always helpful. This is a handy benchmark guide which has both raw benchmark and price to performance numbers. As you'll notice, the 6950 and 560Ti are very similar, so it just depends on which will be the better deal for you. If you're more comfortable with Radeon, just go with a 6950, and 1GB is fine instead of the 2GB version.
Alright, here's the v2 build. Note that that will not be the monitor I'll be using. The PSU and video card I'm thinking of buying off of NCIX while they're on sale. PSU which interestingly enough is $35 cheaper regular priced here than on Newegg. Going with the 6950 for the video card. I'm still trying to figure out how I can bump the OS price down, but even with the shipping I've managed to shave off a bit of cash from the final cumulative price with the grand total being $1325.14 EDIT: also i get deus ex human revolution for free on ncix. not that i really care but free is nice i suppose
The 2GB model is usually a little more than that, and I haven't even heard of Powercolor, so I can't say what kind of quality you'll be getting with that card, but it's something to keep in mind. I'd still stick with a better reviewed 1GB unless you find a quality 2GB at a good price. Also, That PSU is not the same one as the version listed in your build. It's older and not even certified. If you look at related items, you'll notice the V2 that you want, but it's 5 bucks more on that site. The one in your build looks fine. As for Windows, I don't condone anything illegal, but if you google/bing something involving Windows and repository, you may find a helpful guide.
EDIT: blegh. nvm, i'm retarded. Went with another 6950 model, literally the exact same thing for the same price but made by saphire.