Thoughts on my computer build

[Bluemouse]

Hi all,

I'm building a new computer, and I was wondering what people thought, if the components all work together, and if there are any better options. Any suggestions at all would be much appreciated.

I'm looking to keep this thing under $1000 if possible, and it will be used mainly for day-to-day stuff with moderate gaming (especially for D3 when it comes out as well as elder scrolls V)

Motherboard/Cpu Combo:

Right now I'm stuck between one of two choices for the mobo. I'm going to go with the i5 2500K.

MSI P67A-G43 SLI -- $310 -- http://www.ncix.com/products/index....67A-G43&manufacture=Bundle Deals&promoid=1317

This one appears to only be Crossfire from the specs, although it's listed as having SLI too. Not a big deal, but it'd be nice to know for sure.

MSI P67A-GD65 P67 -- $370 -- http://www.ncix.com/products/index....5-2500K&manufacture=Bundle Deals&promoid=1317

Do you think that it's worth geting the GD65? is there really any reason to go with it, or should the G43 suffice. Are they at least good quality?


Graphics

I'm really stuck here between getting the 6950 2GB or a 560 Ti 1GB. Reviews seem to be conflicting, what are your thoughts?

HIS 6950 2GB- $244 after rebate - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...rue&Keywords=(keywords)&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

Not sure here if I can unlock it to a 6970. The reviews seemed to think so, and there is a bios switch on it apparently.

MSI 560 Ti Twin Frozr OC - $220 after MIR - http://www.directcanada.com/product...n=N560GTX-TI Twin Frozr II/OC&manufacture=MSI


PSU

OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W ATX 20/24PIN -- $50 -- http://ncix.com/products/?sku=35456&vpn=OCZ700MXSP&manufacture=OCZ Technology&promoid=1317

Do my pins match up to my mobo? I forget what to look for with these things. I seem to remember something about there being an extender but it not being as good or whatnot. Do you think 700W is enough if I bump up the multiplier sllightly on the CPU and unlock the 6950 to a 6970?

RAM

G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL -- $49 -- http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=57952&vpn=F3-12800CL9D-4GBXL&manufacture=G.Skill&promoid=1317

Can this be overclocked? Is it reliable and does it work with P67 mobos?

Case

Antec Six Hundred -- $60 -- http://ncix.com/products/?sku=47260&vpn=SIX HUNDRED&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1317

I hope if I get the 6950 that it will fit in the case. Is it a good one, or should i go for something better?

Total: $849 after taxes, shipping and rebates. $900 after taxes before rebates.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

As long as you know that you're missing your harddrive and optical drive, then it looks good.

 

[Bluemouse]

Yup, have those already

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

I forgot to mention that I'd personally pick the 6950...you are right in saying that the reviews are conflicting, but that's not exactly a problem, that's just how it is. They're both very similar performance wise, but I personally think (for my own habits and ect.) that 2GB would be more beneficial. I also like AMD.
Also IMO the cheaper motherboard.

 

[Bluemouse]

Awesome, that's what I was thinking too.

Not sure about the case though. And apparently the PSU has short cables, so I don't know if it will reach properly. I assume that the PSU has the right # of pins for my mobo? And will the RAM work for my mobo(g43)? It's not specifically listed, although the GD65 is.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

Yes the power supply has the proper number of pins, and the RAM should work too.

 

[Bluemouse]

Great, thanks mate. Just wanted to confirm everything before I bought it

 

[Arris]

What resolution is your monitor/what resolution do you game at?
That is the most significant thing to consider when looking at the cards you listed. At higher resolutions the 2GB AMD card will offer more than the 1GB Nvidia card.

Other than that it looks like a good build. I almost went with an MSI board myself, can't remember why I opted for the Asus one over it now...

The UK supplier I buy from lists "Multi-GPU Support - Support for Nvidia SLI and ATI CrossfireX" so I think you are good for either with the G45 cheaper board.