$650 Build Advice

[geek64bit]

Hey all,

After switching to a G51JX-X2 laptop for a while and then deciding I missed having a desktop I’ve decided to sell it and start a new build. It’s been a while since I built a machine, though, so I figured I would ask for some help. Here’s what I have so far:

CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K – $180
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 2 x 4GB (PC3 10666) – $85
Motherboard: ASRock P67 PRO3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 – $124
Case: Xigmatek ASGARD II B/O CPC-T45UE-U01 – $30
GPU: MSI GeForce GTX 460 TwinFrozr Super OverClocked Video Card (256 bit 768MB) – $150
PSU: DiabloTek PHD550 550-Watt Power Supply – $40

I already have a hard drive (1x 250GB Seagate + 1x 750GB WD), an optical drive (Asus DVD RW), and a monitor (Dell 2408WFP), so I won’t be needing those.

After shipping and taxes, the price comes to $647, $622 if I get the rebate on the video card. I don’t plan to do much gaming, mostly I will be using Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects… occasionally Blender. I might occasionally play MW2, but the next game I actually plan on buying is probably Portal 2; by then I’ll probably have money to buy a better video card.

Anyway, I’d rather not stray from my price point; I’m kind of on a budget. If anyone has better ideas for that price, though, I’d love to hear them.

One question I do have is: Will I be able to do at least some overclocking with the stock cooler? I plan to eventually buy a 3rd party cooler, but I’m hoping to maybe bump the speed up to like 4.2ghz in the mean-time.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mdd1963]

I'm sure the stock cooler will be able to handle a few hundred MHz of OC....

I think the GTX460 (might want to wait on the GTX560, due out within a few days according to rumors) is a solid choice for light/occasional gaming at 1920x1080

 

[geek64bit]

Thanks for the input. I’ll keep an eye out for the 560’s but what I’m reading seems to indicate it will be about $80 outside my price-range. Maybe it’ll come out and lower the prices on the old ones a little, though.

Thanks again. The stock cooler input is very reassuring.

 

[boiler1990]

If it can't handle the OC, the Cooler Master Hyper 212+ is a great air cooler; from what I hear, 4 GHz is easily achievable. It's only $27 + free shipping at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-RR-B10-212P-G1-Universal-Heat-Pipe/dp/B002G1YPH0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295893409&sr=8-1

I've done stress tests on my CPU, and it maxes out at 50C.

 

[simon12]

I wouldn't trust that power supply though it has got good reviews.
If you get this board
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157217
(its currently out of stock) you could add another 460 later instead of having to sell one to upgrade. Also its always worth getting the 1Gb version for a few $s more.
Also +1 to getting the 212+

 

[seller417]

where are you finding the i5 2500k for $180? is that usd? the cheapest i found it was on newegg for $225 usd.

 

[boiler1990]

where are you finding the i5 2500k for $180? is that usd? the cheapest i found it was on newegg for $225 usd.

His link is a microcenter link (wasn't working, but that was the address).

That is one of the best places to get CPUs if you live near one; got my i7-930 for $200 instead of $300.

 

[geek64bit]

I was a little nervous about the power supply. Does this Antec look better?

I’ll definitely look into getting that cooler when the time comes; thanks for the link.

I am willing to either upgrade to an SLI motherboard or upgrade to the 1GB 460, but I really can’t afford/justify doing both. Which one would you guys recommend most?

The Microcenter link is now fixed, sorry for the confusion.