i5 2500k vs i7 2600k and other cost cutting measures

[jiffylube1024]

Is that monitor really worth the extra $50? $900 is kind of pushing my parents budget, so I'll have to look into it. Yeah from what I have read the i5 2500k is great for gaming. My brother pretty much only plays Starcraft 2, so I don't think SLI Graphics card would help unless the GTX 460 can't handle the expansion packs or something on Ultra at 1080p.

The Dell's are worth the difference - it's a completely different technology. The Dell U2xxx monitors use IPS panels - better colours, you can see the monitor better from off-center angles, and consequently less eye fatigue when using them. Considering the monitor is the part you look at the whole time while using the PC, I'd give those Dells a strong consideration. They're worth the money.

As for the graphics card -- as others have said, if you can find the GTX 460 768MB for under $100, go for that. I had a GTX 460 768MB and it handled SC2 fine at 1920x1200 (higher res than any of the monitors you're looking at) on Ultra details.

 

[mosox]

Here's some combos:
Intel Core i5-2500K + Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.619073
CORSAIR Builder Series CMPSU-600CX + SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.616858
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 + ASUS DRW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.612998

And this monitor has a promo code
ASUS VH232H
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236079

All that is $621.93 (and you also have $30 mail-in rebates), you add a mobo and a video card.

 

[aldamon]

So I guess this thread was a hit and run?