Gaming System ~$1,000 using i5 750

[Freeon]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: next 3 months (purchsed in chunks)
BUDGET RANGE: ~ $1,000

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

OVERCLOCKING: Yes (as needed for future proofing)
SLI/CROSSFIRE: Yes (~2 years for the second card, as future proofing)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080 (DVI, HDMI ports)
ASUS VH226H 21.5" 2ms Widescreen HD 1080P LCD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Primary goal is a good game rig that will last 3+ years. Minor upgrades are acceptable to keep it current.

Sugestions are gratefully appreciated.
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CPU: Intel Core i5-750 Lynfield 4core, socket LGA 1156, 95W = $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

MOBO: ASUS P7P55D LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX = $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131404&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Motherboards+-+Intel-_-ASUS-_-13131404

Memory: OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1600 = $96
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227324

GPU: BFG GeForce GTX 260 896MB = $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143197

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower = $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066&Tpk=Antec%20300%20Illusion
[strike]Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower = $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042[/strike]

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W = $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139009

Disk: Western Digital 640GB 7,200 RPM = 2* $75 = $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Optical: Sony SATA DVD Burner w/ LightScribe = $34
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118032

OS: Win7 Home Premium 64-bit = $105

Total = $1,105

If I can shave a few hundred off that would be great.

Thanks,
Freeon

 

[EXT64]

The maximum Ram voltage for i7/i5 is 1.65V, so look for ram at that or under (almost all that are will advertise that they are i5/i7 compatible).

The Antec 300 Illusion comes with front fans.

 

[EXT64]

Also, take a look at the Samsung Spinpoint F3 drives. They are good quality and speed for a little less.

 

[belial2k]

I would change the video card to a 4870 and $30 - $60 there without losing performance. You could also go with a single 1tb drive and save $50. You really don't need a 850W Corsair, the $100 750W model would still be more than enough for future crossfire.

 

[Freeon]

Thanks for the quick replies.

@EXT64
The maximum Ram voltage for i7/i5 is 1.65V, so look for ram at that or under
- Good tip, I'll check it out.

Take a look at the Samsung Spinpoint F3 drives
- They appear to be very popular, I'll check them out.

@belial2k
You really don't need a 850W Corsair
- The 260GTX is a power hog and needs 4*6pin connectors for SLI. The 4870 is very similar in power in pinouts but I have my eye on the 5770.

The 5770 has lower power reqs, only 1*6pin and supports DirectX 11 for $175. I still have time to decide but I love the potential here.

You could also go with a single 1tb drive
- I'm still undecided on how I will setup things up, 2 in Raid 0 etc.

 

[EXT64]

Well, RAID 0 is less reliable (2x) just by the way it is done, but as long as you back up regularly (or just have unimportant stuff: games) then it shouldn't be a big issue. I'm doing that for my i5 rig.

You probably could get away with the 750 from Corsair, but as the prices on both of them are good and close right now, I don't see any reason not to get the 850.