TheAdvocate
Platinum Member
September 2011
To avoid reposting this in a dozen threads, here is a September 2011 recommendation for a mid range gaming build - cost is going to be around $1k, give or take.
Core I5 2500k (spend money on a quality cooler that fits your case if you're going to OC)
Z68 mobo (e.g. ASRock Z68 Extreme 3 MoBo)
8 GB 1333 or 1600 RAM (CL9 e.g. GSkill Ripjaws)
500~650 Watt "80 Plus" PSU - (please spend money here)
1 TB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm, storage)
60-120GB SATA SSD (Boot drive)
AMD 6950 1GB/2GB or nVidia GTX 560 ti 1GB/2GB (MSI now makes a 560ti that has 2GB of VRAM and the TFIII cooler. Newegg carries it. Definitely get more VRAM if you're running res higher than 1920x1080)
any case of your choosing (I prefer Corsair 400R, 500R or 600T, or Coolermaster HAF series)
That's it folks. The 2500k is such a strong OC'er, that it doesnt make sense to get anything else until possibly Bulldozer. RAM is super cheap, get 8 GB. AMD or nVidia GPU based on personal preference (or maybe AMD if you want 3 monitors). You could almost call this a console, there are so few variables right now. You can, of course, spend more at your discretion, but this is intended to be the sweet spot value/performance build.
To avoid reposting this in a dozen threads, here is a September 2011 recommendation for a mid range gaming build - cost is going to be around $1k, give or take.
Core I5 2500k (spend money on a quality cooler that fits your case if you're going to OC)
Z68 mobo (e.g. ASRock Z68 Extreme 3 MoBo)
8 GB 1333 or 1600 RAM (CL9 e.g. GSkill Ripjaws)
500~650 Watt "80 Plus" PSU - (please spend money here)
1 TB SATA hard drive (7200 rpm, storage)
60-120GB SATA SSD (Boot drive)
AMD 6950 1GB/2GB or nVidia GTX 560 ti 1GB/2GB (MSI now makes a 560ti that has 2GB of VRAM and the TFIII cooler. Newegg carries it. Definitely get more VRAM if you're running res higher than 1920x1080)
any case of your choosing (I prefer Corsair 400R, 500R or 600T, or Coolermaster HAF series)
That's it folks. The 2500k is such a strong OC'er, that it doesnt make sense to get anything else until possibly Bulldozer. RAM is super cheap, get 8 GB. AMD or nVidia GPU based on personal preference (or maybe AMD if you want 3 monitors). You could almost call this a console, there are so few variables right now. You can, of course, spend more at your discretion, but this is intended to be the sweet spot value/performance build.
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