BF3 high settings, ~$1100 limit

[andysfile]

Hi, I'm wondering if there is anything I could improve value-wise with my selection so far. I know Battlefield 3 is still in beta but I can probably assume this will run it on good settings at 1900x1200. I copied the template from the pinned topic and below that are parts I've already chosen. Also, please mention if I'm somehow missing a critical part (i.e. motherboard doesn't fit in case 😛) Also I'm wondering what your recommendations are for a CPU cooler.

Approximate Purchase Date: This month.

Budget Range: 1100AUD

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Playing BF3 and keeping PC for a few years before it goes significantly out of date.

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, RAM, DVD trays, SSD.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon.co.uk, any other sites I missed.

Country of Origin: Australia.

Parts Preferences: Intel, Nvidia preferred.

Overclocking: If cooler permits.

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200

Additional Comments: Quiet or potential to be upgraded later to be quiet (watercooling for example). Would prefer a window on the side of the case but open to other cases.


Parts so far ($990)
1.28GB GeForce GTX 570 Graphics Card PCI-E Nvidia

Cm Storm Mid Tower Scout Case

Intel i5 2500k

ASUS 1155 P8P67-M REV 3.0 S/L M-ATX

 

[9_breaker]

will you upgrade to a bulldozer after getting this

 

[andysfile]

I just checked when it comes out and I should wait for the benchmarks. But if Bulldozer only slightly outperforms the i5 or i7, I'd still rather go Intel as I'm more familiar with them. So no, I don't plan on getting BD.

 

[9_breaker]

cpu http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-19010218-Intel_Core_i5_2500K_3_30GHz_Quad_Core_Socket_LGA1155_95W_TDP_4x256KB_L2_6MB_L3_C 235
mobo http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-28023611-ASRock_Z68_EXTREME3_GEN3_Motherboard_Intel_Socket_LGA1155_Intel_Z68_Chipset_4x_D
hdd http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-22040437-Seagate_Barracuda_ST3500413AS_500GB_7200_RPM_16MB_Cache_SATA_6Gb_s_3_5%22_Int 40
gpu http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-42060761-HIS_Radeon_HD_6950_IceQ_X_Video_Card_GDDR5_1024MB_256Bit_VRAM_800_5000MHz_Clock_ x 2 480
psu http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-34040763-Antec_750W_EarthWatts_Green_Power_Supply_ATX_Active_PFC_Cooling_Fan_80_Plus_Bron
case http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-16011400-In_Win_Dragon_Slayer_Micro_ATX_Mini_Tower_Case_Multiple_Hard_Drive_Bays_5x_Expan 78 cool but no side window

 

[9_breaker]

bd benchmarks http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+FX-8150+Eight-Core

 

[andysfile]

Forgot about mwave! Thanks for the links, I especially like your gpu recommendations, I'll use them instead of a single 570 or even 580. I read you can change them to effectively 6970s - is this still possible?
Edit: Nvm, found out it's just luck if you can.
Here's the updated build
Cooler Master Storm Enforcer 100
MSI P67A 120
2 x 6950 in Crossfire 486
i5 2500k 235
$941
With 750W PSU from existing computer.

 

[9_breaker]

why not get a CPU cooler. i also heard from another thread that p67 isn't good. i also chose that mobo because its got pci e 3.0 encase you upgrade after a few years.

cpu cooler

http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-18030273-Antec_KUHLER_H2O_620_High_Performance_Liquid_CPU_Cooler_Intel_sockets_LGA_1366_1

 

[andysfile]

You're right, swapped the P67 for the Z68. Can it take DDR2 or just 3?
Also, is there a cheaper CPU cooler?

 

[9_breaker]

i dont know if it only takes 2 or 3. to be safe i would get ddr3.
if you want to go cheaper on the cooler you will have to get air cooling. they dont sell good budget coolers at mwave. best i could find below $50

http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-18020303-OCZ_Vendetta_2_CPU_Cooler_Support_AM2_LGA775_(OCZTVEND2)

 

[andysfile]

Thanks again for the help, I believe I'm ready for BF3 now ;D