Building $1750 gaming rig, can you beat this one?

[VGM10000]

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: About 2 months BUDGET RANGE: No less than $1600, less than $1800 (I am aiming for $1750)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Video/Photo Editing, Watching Movies, Browsing the Web, Multitasking.

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I need everything but the OS disc

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Preferably Newegg, but I have seen better deals on other sites, and I am willing to diversify.

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel, Samsung, Logitech.

OVERCLOCKING: Will OC CPU quite high (i7 920 to 3.8), and will probably OC GPU's and RAM as well.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: The monitor I chose has 2048x1152, which is dense enough for my video/photo editing needs

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I would prefer a good looking-tower over a bad one, even if it costs a bit more... other than that, anything is open to change.

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I have a basic setup already, but it is about $100 over. Mostly that is because the mobo, case and psu are a bit expensive, and everything is from Newegg. I want to lower the price to $1750 without making any big sacrifices, so that would probably involve finding better deals or swapping out parts that will cause minimum loss in performance. My build is below:

(COMBO 1) MOTHERBOARD: ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail, $279.99, Free Shipping.

(COMBO 1) CPU/PROCESSOR: Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail, $279.99, Free Shipping.

CPU FAN/HEATSINK + THERMAL COMPOUND: Scythe MUGEN-2 SCMG-2000 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler - Retail & Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail, $39.99, Free Shipping & $4.99.

GPU/GRAPHICS: SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail x2, $379.98 ($189.99 each), Free Shipping.

(COMBO 2) HARD DRIVE: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM, $99.99. Free Shipping.

(COMBO 2) RAM: OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail , $94.99, Free Shipping, $20.00 Mail-In Rebate.

CD/DVD DRIVE/BURNER: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - OEM, $23.99, Free Shipping.

(COMBO 3) CASE: Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail, $159.99.

(COMBO 3) PSU: Antec TruePower Quattro TPQ-1000 1000W Continuous Power ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail, $199.99, Free Shipping

DISPLAY: SAMSUNG 2343BWX High Glossy Black 23" 5ms 16:9 Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 20000:1 (DC) w/ HDCP Support - Retail, $219.99, Free Shipping.

KEYBOARD + MOUSE: Logitech G15 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Wired Standard Gaming Keyboard - Retail & Logitech MX518 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB or PS/2 Wired Optical 1800 dpi Gaming-Grade Mouse - Retail , $81.99, Free Shipping & $39.99.

SHIPPING: $27.68

PRE-TOTAL: $1933.54
MAILIN REBATE: -$20.00
COMBO 1: -$25.00
COMBO 2: -$5.00
COMBO 3: -$40.00

GRAND TOTAL: $1843.54

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I will update the build periodically to make it better. I am mainly focusing on bringing the cost down, but I am equally open to suggestions on graphics and the like.

Thanks - VGM10000

 

[Why_Me]

gtx 275 > 4870 ...btw you have a EIDE burner in your build. That last thing on earth you want is an EIDE component in a new build....or any build for that matter. 1000w PSU for that build is nothing short of major over kill. It's like using a jet engine to power a automobile. This GSkill RAM in this build is hitting 1800+ MHz according to some reviewers on newegg. Also unlike some reviewers in regards to the OCZ, people are having no problems getting their specified timings. This case down below is a steal at that price...check out the specs and reviews.

With the exception of the thermal compound, everything in this build is free shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194 $159.99 ($109.99 after $50.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10005611 $99.99 | $69.99 after MIR Free Shipping
PC Power and Cooling S75QB Silencer 750W Quad Power Supply (Black) Retail

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MB-EX58U4P $219.99 | $204.99 after rebate Free Ground Shipping
GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CorssFireX & 3-Way SLI/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=I7-920 $264.99 Free Ground Shipping
Intel Core i7 Processor i7-920 2.66GHz 8MB LGA1366 CPU, OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029 $41.99 Free Shipping*
XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003 $4.99
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143183 $234.99 Free Shipping*
BFG Tech BFGEGTX275896OCE GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Free Call of Duty: World at War w/ purchase, limited offer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143183 $234.99 Free Shipping*
BFG Tech BFGEGTX275896OCE GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Free Call of Duty: World at War w/ purchase, limited offer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247 $94.99 Free Shipping*
G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221362849 $99.99 Free Shipping*
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136152 $23.99 Free Shipping*
LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001317 $219.99 Free Shipping*
SAMSUNG 2343BWX High Glossy Black 23" 5ms 16:9 Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 20000:1 (DC) w/ HDCP Support - Retail
High density resolution

Total: $1,700.88 | $1,605.88 w/mail in rebates

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=mscomsc <---Save yourself some money on an o/s and dl the 64 bit version of Windows 7

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128374 <--- more pics, specs, and customer reviews of the mobo used in this build.

http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?category_id=1665&product_id=2882 <--- more pics, specs and reviews of the case used in this build.

https://www.antaresdigital.com/customer/product.php?productid=16135&cat=282&page=1&#034; <--- D0 stepping i7 920 cpu....runs cooler = better if you plan on over clocking.

* Same build as above, but with two factory over clocked gtx 260's in SLI.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127430 $174.99 ($154.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
MSI N260GTX-T2D896-OCv4 GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127430 $174.99 ($154.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate) Free Shipping*
MSI N260GTX-T2D896-OCv4 GeForce GTX 260 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

Total: $1,580.88 | $1,455.88 w/mail in rebates

 

[computernewbie]

get the HAF 932 computer case, high tower, better cooling than an antec 1200, it may look less attractive than the antec 1200, but it can cool your pc by a couple of degrees

 

[VGM10000]

gtx 275 > 4870 ...btw you have a EIDE burner in your build. That last thing on earth you want is an EIDE component in a new build....or any build for that matter.

I diddn't even realize it wasn't SATA... thanks for pointing that out.

1000w PSU for that build is nothing short of major over kill. It's like using a jet engine to power a automobile.

True. I was initally intending on getting one that would last few several builds without having to worry about power limitations, but if I can axe off enough from the price, I will obviously reconsider.

This GSkill RAM in this build is hitting 1800+ MHz according to some reviewers on newegg. Also unlike some reviewers in regards to the OCZ, people are having no problems getting their specified timings.

I chose the OCZ RAM because I have previous, positive experience with them before. However, I have yet to build a gaming-grade rig, so I will look at your suggestion, which just by browsing the page seems good.

This case down below is a steal at that price...check out the specs and reviews.

Ironically, I saw this case and breezed right by it, probably because it is pretty ugly, at least IMO. I do care about the athstetics enough that it would be a bit bothersome, but it is obviously a better deal. I am looking though various cases right now... I am going to update my rig soon.

 

[VGM10000]

It is late, but I have edited the rig, and now it is only about $13 over-budget now. Check it out:

MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD4P Core i7/ Intel X58/ DDR3/ CorssFireX & 3-Way SLI/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard, $219.99, Free Shipping, $15.00 Mail-In Rebate.

CPU/PROCESSOR: Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz LGA 1366 Socket 8MB Cache CPU, 4.8GT/Sec, Soket LGA 1366, Retail Box. Part#: BX80601920, D0 Step, $280.00.

CPU FAN/HEATSINK + THERMAL COMPOUND: XIGMATEK Dark Knight-S1283V 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail & Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail, $41.99, Free Shipping & $4.99.

GPU/GRAPHICS: EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail , $479.98 ($239.99 each), Free Shipping.

HARD DRIVE: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives - OEM, $99.99. Free Shipping.

RAM: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail, $94.99, Free Shipping.

CD/DVD DRIVE/BURNER: LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X (CAV) DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner - OEM , $23.99, Free Shipping.

CASE: COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail , $159.99, Free Shipping, $50.00 Mail-In Rebate.

PSU: PC Power and Cooling S75QB Silencer 750W Quad Power Supply (Black) Retail, $99.99, Free Shipping, $30.00 Mail-In Rebate.

DISPLAY: SAMSUNG 2343BWX High Glossy Black 23" 5ms 16:9 Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 20000:1 (DC) w/ HDCP Support - Retail, $219.99, Free Shipping.

KEYBOARD + MOUSE: Logitech G15 104 Normal Keys 29 Function Keys USB Wired Standard Gaming Keyboard - Retail & Logitech MX518 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB or PS/2 Wired Optical 1800 dpi Gaming-Grade Mouse - Retail , $81.99, Free Shipping & $39.99.

SHIPPING: $11.49

PRE-TOTAL: $1859.36
MAILIN REBATE: -$95.00

GRAND TOTAL: $1764.36

Although on paper it is magnificent ($500 in graphics with an ultra-high density, 2048x1152 Samsung = WIN), I still have a bone to pick with the not-so pretty case... Perhaps I am picky?

Anyhow, I would still love suggestions for anything as long as they don't push me over $1800 (although $1750 is better). Thanks to Why_Me and computernewb so far for helping me adjust a few things.

 

[Why_Me]

Nice build ! About that case....it comes with two sets of "feet". Unscrew those "duck feet" that are in the pic and it looks a lot better. Also it has an outside LED light and fan controller so if you want you can turn down or turn off those LED lights. But ya, the first thing I would do is take those feet off that case.

 

[VGM10000]

Nice build ! About that case....it comes with two sets of "feet". Unscrew those "duck feet" that are in the pic and it looks a lot better. Also it has an outside LED light and fan controller so if you want you can turn down or turn off those LED lights. But ya, the first thing I would do is take those feet off that case.

I diddn't know the feet could be removed, and that helps A LOT in terms of it's appearance. I don't mind the LED fans and whatnot too much (I really like how this one looks), but it fits in my budget for sure.

I will probably tweak this setup around, esp. since there is quite a bit of time before I am going to buy the parts. It looks pretty good though.