1500 US$ build critique

[nuke3ae]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Next two weeks

BUDGET RANGE: 1500 before rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Everything is required (monitor, keyboard, mouse, os)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: North East US

PARTS PREFERENCES: Full Tower, ATI/AMD for processor and graphics

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080 or 1920x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

I picked out parts already; I’m pretty set on the 5870 and a mobo with sata 6 gbs and usb 3.0 for future proofing.

I’m looking for a build critique and maybe someone knows of a better brand or deal (wouldn’t mind saving money too). Not sure if I picked out the right memory.


DVD

Card Reader

COOLER MASTER HAF 922

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB)

Windows 7

ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24"

Logitech S-220 17 Watts 2.1 Multimedia Speaker System

Saitek PZ30AU 104 Normal Keys

Logitech MX518

GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition

Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W

XFX HD-587A-ZNF9 Radeon HD 5870

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB

Let me know what you guys think....thanks

 

[MadAdmiral]

Switch the WD for a Samsung Spinpoint F3 1 TB.

Spend a few bucks more for 1600 mhz CL 7 Ripjaws. The 1333 mhz ones are the same price, so get the faster ones in case you decide to overclock later.

Other than those very minor changes, it looks good.

 

[nuke3ae]

I'll def take you advice on the ram, not sure about the hd though. I've always used WD, is Samsung as reliable?

 

[MadAdmiral]

Yes. And WD is losing the battle right now. Their HDDs are more expensive, slower, louder and run hotter. The Samsung (or Seagate 7200.12) is a much better choice.

 

[osu43130]

Nice build stick with Mads final changes and it is damn near perfect.

 

[nuke3ae]

Ok well that was easy thanks everyone.

 

[nuke3ae]

Best answer selected by nuke3ae.

 

[nuke3ae]

Hey guys any suggestions on an intel processor and mobo? Still looking to have the sata 6gbs and usb 3.0?

 

[coldsleep]

At a $1500 budget, you are going to want to go with the i5-750. I'm sure someone will come along and suggest a motherboard shortly.

 

[MadAdmiral]

Full build:

CPU: i5-750 $200
Mobo: Gigabtye GA-P55A-UD3 $135
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $115
HDD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1 TB $90
GPU: HD 5970 $700
PSU: Corsair 750W 80+ $90 after rebate
Case: HAF 922 $90
Optical: Cheap SATA DVD burner $25
HSF (only if overclocking): Coolermaster Hyper 212 Plus $35

Total: $1,479. Doesn't support Crossfire, but with a 5970, you won't need it to.

 

[nuke3ae]

Thanks again guys