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On Tight Budget - Need Some Help Deciding on Parts

L

latches

Member
Hey guys,

Im a gamer and Im trying to build myself a brand new rig so I can rock out on BF3 and such but dont know what to do in terms of parts right now.

I already have these parts:

RAM - 8GB DDR3 1600
PSU - 550W XFX
CPU Cooler - Corsair 120mm
HDD - 640 GB Western Digital

BUT I still have to buy a case, cpu, and motherboard. Ive narrowed it down to:

CoolerMaster Storm Sniper
GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3P
and
Intel Core i5 2500k

Now my problem is the prices for everything. I really like the Storm Sniper but Im not sure if I need to spend so much on a case OR if Im utilizing that amount of cash properly in terms of whether or not Im getting the best case for the price.

I also dont know if the motherboard is all that great - though reviews say its solid and I believe it is seeing as how it comes from Gigabyte who has been good to me thus far.

Lastly, that damn processor keeps getting price hikes on Newegg (where I plan to buy everything). I dont know what to do. Right now its at $230 whereas the plain i5 2500 locked processor can be had for $195. Now for me - Im trying REAL hard to get the price down and that damn processor isnt helping. Im considering buying the plain i5 2500 just to save the cash.

I know, however, that people say its very much worth the extra money but what can I do? I DO overclock and would like to somewhat but it might be a small compromise to get the price down.

Also the Gigabyte board is currently having a sale or sorts where you can enter a promo code and get 10% off which is something I like. What to do guys?! WHAT TO DO!?
 
Alright: Budget - well Id like to keep it below $500 for all remaining parts I need BUT Id really like to have it closer to $450.

As for the videocard - dont worry about that. That part is being handle through other means. I game using a Samsung LCD with a rez of 1680x1050.

As for a Microcenter - Ive been considering this a whole lot. I dont live near one though. Not really. I live a total of 50 miles away from one (one way). But Im still wondering if it might be worth it to go and get a combo.

Also - not get the Sniper (Im actually starting to feel the same way but I just wanted to get a reasoning for it to kind of tip me away from it completely.

Finally - AsRock? Are you sure? I had one once and it wasnt very good. One of them failed on me and Ive never considered it to be a brand thats "in the game". Does it have a good track record? Or a better one anyway?

Lemme know and thanks a lot of all the responses. I really appreciate it.

P.S: What do you guys think of the Cooler Master Storm Scout? Its only $79.99 and seems pretty solid.
 
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There is approx $100.- difference between newegg and microcenter on:
CoolerMaster Storm Sniper
GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3P
and
Intel Core i5 2500k

You will be well under budget if you go to microcenter; I priced your combo at $380 before rebates. There is about $35. worth of rebates on top of that. If your vehicle gets better than 10mpg it's probably worth the trip. Newegg is ripping people off lately. Plus, if you've never been in a microcenter you will be like "wow". Also, you can look closely at the cases before you buy. You might like something else but it's sometimes hard to tell just from pictures and forum feedback.

BTW I think your combo is fine. From what I've read ASRock has stepped up their game. Asus is also always a strong player. Gigabyte is probably the only other manufacturer I would even consider. Several other threads on what the best microcenter 2500k and Z68 combo is, you might want to browse.

If you do go make sure they apply the $50.- off the Z68 mobo you choose. When I did your combo online it automatically applied the discount. Maybe purchase the mobo/cpu combo online then go pick a case?
 
Dude. I love you. lol. Just saw how much the total cost comes out to and I can make a whole ton of adjustments. Now to go to Microcenter. lol.
 
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