Help With a Mid-High End Gaming System.

[Strange Famous]

In the past I've put in new GPUs, RAM, and hard drives into rigs, but I've never built my own from scratch before.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Games, games, games, and essays.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

1400-1600$

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

U.S.

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.

I'm a big fan of Intel and Nvidia, but if the difference in performance and value is anything bigger than minute, I really have no problems jumping ship.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

I currently have bought a 1900x1200 ASUS monitor, an Intel 2500K, and a Cooler Master HAF X, a case which Ive really loved ever since I started looking into computers, and reading Anandtech. (I also have RAM and the OS)

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

I've seen similar threads

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

I bought the K version of the CPU, and my case has cooling potential I feel like I'd be remiss not to clock the 2500K to a stable, albeit higher level.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
1900x1200

I have RAM (1333 DDR3 8G (4Gx2) Microcenter Brand), and I already have a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. I'm not really worrying about fussing over an optical drive, but suggestions are welcome.

I have about 1100$ left over, so right now what I need help with is picking a:

*Motherboard compatible with a 2500K, SLI certified would be a big plus.

*A PSU capable of supporting a SLI configuration.

*A spacious HDD, and perhaps a SSD.

*A nice and frosty CPU fan.

*A great GPU.

I want to be able to SLI in the future, not immediately, so I want my system to be compatable for the future. Similarly, I plan on adding things like a sound card, and fleshing out my HAF X by filling its fan bays. What I do want right now is a system that can tear through games at close to max with decent frame rates, though I still have trouble finding a right balance between price and performance with the myriad of GPUs out there.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this, you are all super attractive people.:biggrin:

 

[Ken g6]

Mobo: ASRock Extreme3 Gen3, $115AR
CPU cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo, $35. (Or you can go bigger.)
HDD : Hitachi Deskstar 750GB, $70 - get 'em before they're gone!
SSD : Crucial M4 - pick your size based on your budget.

GPU and PSU depend on when you want to SLI and with what. I'd suggest a 560ti now ($200AR) and 2 670's (or whatever) when Kepler comes out. Otherwise, I tend towards a rear-exhaust 570 ($340) or two.

For 2 570s you'll need an 850W PSU or better. For 2 Keplers, who knows? Maybe more, likely less.

 

[mfenn]

I agree with Ken on the mobo, HSF, HDD, and SSD.

For the GPU, I don't think that Nvidia can touch the 6950 2GB right now in terms of price/performance, especially if you factor in the unlock potential. At 1920x1200, you don't really need to go CFX right now, but you certainly have the budget for it if you want to.

6950 2GB $245 (or two)
XFX Core 650W $60 (or Core 750W $85 for CFX)