Comments for my Build Please

[t1n_2]

Hi fellas,

My main use for this build is gaming (starcraft 2, BF3, MW3)

I used the memoryexpress.com system configurator cause they seem to have the cheapest prices (prices below are from memory express) but i will most likely buy my items and build it with NCIX (hopefully they can price match Memory Express)

I did not put in a hard drive in there other than the SSD cause the HDD prices right now are over the roof. Please comment on this build especially on motherboard, ram, and PSU. as for the casing, im still open for suggestions but im hopin for a slightly quiet on.

Thanks for reading!

Intel Core™ i5-2500K Processor Bundle w/ Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 Motherboard
$364.99

Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Dual Channel Kit (2 x 4GB)
$54.99

Crucial M4 2.5in SATA III Solid State Drive, 128GB
$189.99

Asus DRW-24B1ST 24x DVD-RW Drive, SATA, Black, OEM
$17.99

Gigabyte Radeon HD 6970 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E w/ Dual DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
$349.99

Corsair Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750 Watt Power Supply
$79.99

Corsair Carbide Series 500R Case, Black
$89.99

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium x64 (64-bit) DVD - OEM
$119.99

Sub Total $1,267.92
Warranty $0.00
Shipping $0.00
GST 5% $63.40

$1,331.32

[keto]

Smoking system, you'll be happy with it.

*IF* you plan to overclock, be aware that Gigabyte's voltage handling options aren't as robust as ASUS and others for this specific chipset (67/68 series). I have no long term beef with Giga, have tons of experience with their boards and they are good. But I just changed out a Giga for an ASUS - the specific issue is that they don't have offset and LLC at the same time, it's one or the other. It would take a short novel to explain, and it may not be critical (I could definitely still overclock the Giga), but I just feel that they missed the boat this time around. ASUS have some quirks of their own - most mobos do, for some reason 67/68 chipset likes to 'double boot' which, unless you know about it in advance, can be disconcerting but in fact is harmless, and ASUS is particularly prone to this - but overall I'm happier with it. Probably a few bucks more to go ASUS, depending on what your expansion slot needs are. P8Z68-V and up (EVO, Pro, Deluxe) would be my recommendation.

[dandelioneater]

I'm sure you'll be very happy with that machine.

[ad5ter]

looks like a nice clean build, be sure to post pics!!

Note: Any plan on aftermarket CPU cooler?? I suppose stock is fine but if your gonna go all out, might as well go all out right?!

[JJThomp]

Go on shopbot.ca search all your parts and pricematch what you find to NCIX. for example you can save $20 on windows, $10 on your 6970, and $5 on the ram. Overall awesome build.

[dandelioneater]

Originally Posted by JJThomp

Go on shopbot.ca search all your parts and pricematch what you find to NCIX. for example you can save $20 on windows, $10 on your 6970, and $5 on the ram. Overall awesome build.

I do the exact same thing too, you'd be surprised at how much you can save, and NCIX is very good with accepting the PM'ed prices.

[t1n_2]

thanks for all the replies fellas. really appreciate them.

Unfortunately, the bundle Intel Core™ i5-2500K Processor Bundle w/ Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 Motherboard for $364.99 is no longer available so i may have to change it to the Asus P8Z68-V PRO for $399 or the ASUS P8P67 Pro REV3.1 ATX P67 LGA1155 DDR3 3PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 2PCI Sandy Bridge B3 Motherboard which is probably about 10-20 dollars cheaper. Is the upgrade from P67 to Z68 boards worth the extra dollars? cause i read somewhere that in some circumstances, the Asus P67 actually performs better than the Z68.

Before i go on any further, i should probably also note that i will not be doin any tweaking/overclocking unless its only with a push of a button which i understand some boards allow. As for the SSD caching, i dont think i'll be using it that much either.

I also will be using the Corsair A50 which i bought a few months ago for a build that never happened.

thanks for reading guys (and ladies if there happens to be any)

[JJThomp]

I'd say pick up z68 for re-sale value alone, not as many people want p67 because it isn't as flexible.