New gaming computer -- need feedback!

[Safetoblink]

First time on techspot forums but I was told this is the place to be!

I'm building a new computer and I need some feedback to make sure everything will work and work well. I'm also operating from a modest budget $800-1000. I really appreciate it!

CPU:
Intel Core i5-650 Clarkdale 3.2GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I5650

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-P55A-UD3 LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Heatsink:
Thermaltake TR2 W0388RU 600W ATX 12V v2.2 Power Supply

Video Card:
EVGA 01G-P3-1465-AR GeForce GTX 465 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI

Hard drive:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6402AAEX 640GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

DVD/CD Burner:
LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD±RW SuperMulti Drive - OEM

Memory:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

Case:
RAIDMAX Blackstorm ATX-615WW White Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Again, any feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[Leeky]

I'd consider the following if it was me with that budget:

CPU = Intel i5-760 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache, Quad core @ $209.99

Motherboard = Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 ATX $109.99
CPU cooler = Coolermaster V8 RR-UV8-XBU1 $59.99
Video option 1 = HIS HD6850 1GB GDDR5 $159.99
Video option 2 = HIS HD6870 1GB GDDR5 $199.99
Hard Disk = Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB (fastest mechanical 7200rpm hard disk available) $49.99
DVD Burner = Lets go Blueray + DVDRW Lite-On iHES208-08 $59.99
Memory = Corsair XMS3 8GB kit (4x 2GB) $89.99
PSU = OCZ ModExtreme Pro 600W PSU $54.99

Total $843 ish (for option 2 graphics, $40 less for option 1) plus shipping, and the cost of a case. Some prices are the price after a rebate.

I'd recommend this case = Coolermaster HAF912 $59.99 but its a personal option - Just remember to get something with good front, side (or top) and rear cooling. You might want to check out our Reviews section for ideas on good cases, and the reviews we did on the graphics cards as well.

The motherboard I chose is my preferred brand, and assumes you won't be considering multiple graphics cards. Also, you need a good branded PSU to power a recent graphics card - You didn't include one in your original post, but I've added a OCZ 600w one. 550W or above from the likes of OCZ, Antec, Coolermaster, Corsair (my preferred but use and like the OCZ I chose too) and others. If its cheap, it won't be reliable enough.

If you want to power 2 of those graphics cards (eventually) then you need a minimum of 650W, though 700W+ is preferred. You'll also need a different motherboard if thats your plans as well.

The Coolermaster V8 in a good case should provide good headroom to overclock the CPU as well.

With the reduced cost in RAM currently, it also makes sense to purchase 8GB kits, rather than the usual 4GB. Since you intend on gaming, I would recommend you purchase 8GB, as it provides for additional headroom with RAM.

Also, both the graphics options will play most games at full HD resolution, with high settings. The HD6870 is currently the best midrange GPU available, and highly recommended if you intend to play at full HD (1920x1080 pixel) resolutions and high settings.

 

[Safetoblink]

Thank you! I've scrubbed my order and made a new one for the desktop you suggested. A friend got in touch with me with some suggestions and I showed him yours and he gave it a big thumbs up.

Again, thank you! I appreciate your help/input

 

[Leeky]

I'd wait for more feedback before taking the plunge. I'm in the United Kingdom, so others from the USA will be possibly able to build something even better with there local knowledge.

The above is a very good system though, but it could be bettered by someone else.

 

[Ritwik7]

I would recommend a motherboard with an additional PCI-E 2.0 slot for the option of adding a second GPU in the near future.