Lets finish off my build...

[96Firebird]

So, I'm ready to get the rest of my parts for my build, but I want to make sure they are all compatible and whatnot. This is going to be used as a gaming machine, with slight CAD/photo/video editing. My current monitor resolution is 1680x1050, but I am keeping my GTX 460 1GB until the 28nm cards come out next year... So far, this is what I have ordered...

Intel i5-2500k CPU - $179.99 @ NCIX US
Crucial M4 64GB SSD - $84.99 @ Newegg
XFX Core Edition 750W PSU - $69.99AR @ NCIX US
GTX 460 1GB - Carried over from current build

Now onto the parts that I still need...

Case - I've been looking at the Corsair 400R, I think it is a great looking case and I want to make sure this build has decent air flow. Any objections? Right now it is $100 at Amazon, and I get free 2-day Prime shipping...

Motherboard - I've been hearing good things about the ASRock Extreme3 Gen3 Z68 board, so I think I'll go with that. $115 @ SuperBiiz still, seems like a good enough deal.

Memory - Seems like G.Skill is a good brand this time around, so I saw the Sniper Low Voltage Series at Newegg for $49.99 with free shipping. Here is the link. Is there any cons to going with low voltage RAM? I plan to overclock the CPU, so if there is better RAM out there for that I would appreciate some advice. I don't mind spending the extra for 1600 speed, in case I want to upgrade to Ivy Bridge when it releases next year. It isn't too much more anyways.

CPU cooler - No idea where to go here. I have the stock HSF on my E8400, and it keeps the temps pretty cool on the slight overclock I have now. I just don't want any clearance issues with the motherboard heatsinks or the memory heatsinks.

I think that is all. I can use the DVD drive in my current build, and I have some other HDDs for extra storage. Any other recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ken g6]

XFX Core Edition 750W PSU - $69.99AR @ NCIX US

That's kinda overkill unless you want to SLI your 460 or something. Next-gen GPUs should use less power, not more, just like [thread=2198781]next-gen CPUs reportedly will[/thread]. Here's a Corsair 500W for $34 AR AP!

Is there any cons to going with low voltage RAM?

Price. That's about it. The pros are less heat and less power use. Or you can get 1.5v RAM just as fast for $37 in a bundle with that PSU above.

CPU cooler - No idea where to go here.

Depends how much you want to overclock.

4GHz or less: stock cooler.
4.5GHz: Hyper 212+ or Hyper 212 Evo.
5GHz or more: I'm not really sure. But you don't seem inclined to go there.

 

[96Firebird]

Thanks for the reply.

I already ordered the PSU, and I am considering getting another GTX 460 if BF3 needs it. We'll have to see how many settings I need to turn down, and what kind of performance I can get...

The low voltage RAM is the same price as most other 1.5V+ sticks, since it is $10 off right now... Plus it comes with a free SDHC card, which I don't need but can give to someone who might need it.

Yeah, I don't plan on going as high as 5GHz. 4.5GHz would be nice, so I'll look into the coolers you suggested.

Thanks for the input.

 

[mfenn]

That's kinda overkill unless you want to SLI your 460 or something. Next-gen GPUs should use less power, not more, just like [thread=2198781]next-gen CPUs reportedly will[/thread]. Here's a Corsair 500W for $34 AR AP!

Price. That's about it. The pros are less heat and less power use. Or you can get 1.5v RAM just as fast for $37 in a bundle with that PSU above.

Depends how much you want to overclock.

4GHz or less: stock cooler.
4.5GHz: Hyper 212+ or Hyper 212 Evo.
5GHz or more: I'm not really sure. But you don't seem inclined to go there.

Agree.

I already ordered the PSU, and I am considering getting another GTX 460 if BF3 needs it. We'll have to see how many settings I need to turn down, and what kind of performance I can get...

I would definitely not recommend doing that. You'll have to deal with all the normal SLI nonsense and end up with a setup that is no faster than a single higher-end card today (or a midrange card 6 months from now).

The low voltage RAM is the same price as most other 1.5V+ sticks, since it is $10 off right now... Plus it comes with a free SDHC card, which I don't need but can give to someone who might need it.

I'm not so sure about that. $42 buys you 8GB of standard-voltage DDR3 1333.

 

[96Firebird]

I realize the downsides of SLI, but I plan on getting a new GPU when the 28nm cards come out next year. So instead of buying a new GPU now, then getting another new one in 6 months, I figure I will stick with my 460 and add another if it is needed. Then, when I get the new one next year, I can stick one 460 in my current setup (which is going to the living room for a crude HTPC) and keep the other as a backup. And finally retire my 8800GT that I've had for years now...

And this is the RAM I am looking at...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231461

$49.99 for 8GB of low voltage DDR3-1600 memory, with a free SDHC card. I guess I could use it as a backup in case my current micro SDHC card fills up on my camera. Seems like a good enough deal...

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Have you considered your input devices into your budget?

 

[96Firebird]

I'm using everything that is with my current build, I have extra keyboard/mouse for when my current build gets moved into the living room.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Gaming input devices are a great compliment to the core components for a gaming machine.

 

[96Firebird]

I agree, I use my current rig for gaming but it is showing its age...

I'm thinking I should get the Corsair A50 instead of the Hyper 212 Evo, as it is around $20 cheaper with the rebate. I don't mind rebates, so would that be a better option for me?

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Whichever is cheaper. Sandybridge chips are cool running chips as long as you don't live in Arizona or Texas, ha

 

[96Firebird]

Ok, thanks for the help. So these all look good?

Motherboard - ASRock Z69 Extreme3 Gen3 - $114.99 @ SuperBiiz

RAM - 2 x 4GB G.Skill Sniper Series Low Voltage DDR3-1600 - $49.99 @ Newegg

CPU Cooler - Corsair A50 - $10.99AR @ Newegg

Any objections?

 

[mfenn]

That all looks fine, but the RAM wouldn't be a good deal at all if it didn't come with the SD card (or if you didn't need an SD card).

 

[96Firebird]

Ordered all of it, I'm hoping it all comes in by the end of the week but I'm not holding my breath...

Got everything for $650 before $50 in rebates, of course that doesn't include the video card or any other accessories... Not bad.

 

[mfenn]

:thumbsup: Not bad at all.