My new build for BF3/Tribes:Ascend/SC2 (Under $1k)

[gogetta]

Just ordered my new gaming PC

Case: Rosewill BLACKHAWK - $99
Mobo: MSI P67A-G45 - $125 ($105 after rebate)
CPU: Intel i5 2500 - $185 (Didn't go with 2500k, not an overclocker and found great price on 2500)
Heatsink: CoolerMaster 212 - $27
SSD: OCZ Agility 3 60 GB - $95 ($70 after rebate)
HDD: Western Digital 640 GB 7200 RPM - $65
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600mhz - $57
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 560 Ti Superclocked - $250 ($230 after rebate)
DVD Drive: Asus - $20
Network adapter: generic USB network adapter - $25
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - $85

Grand Total after rebates: $970

How did I do?

BF3 Beta can't get here soon enough!

 

[008Rohit]

Seems like just fine to me.
This build should (probably) play BF3 at high details with no issues.

However, I'm curious to know the reason why you thought that you need a CM 212 as you can't overclock your processor!?

 

[sadams04]

Pretty good. My thoughts are below...

CPU - If you aren't going to overclock, the i5-2400 will game the same as the i5-2500. Not sure where you found the i5-2500 for $185, but if they have a similar deal on the i5-2400 you can shave a few $ off...

HDD - Scratch the WD 640GB. The Samsung F3 1TB is a fast and reliable drive. Since you have the SSD for a boot / OS drive the F3 is great as a storage / apps drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

MEM - I am assuming the Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600mhz memory you listed is CL9. For a few $ more you can get into CL8 memory (lower latency) which will perform better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233185

GPU - The GTX 560 Ti is a good card. On the same performance level is the HD 6950 which comes in at $210 after rebate. Something to consider...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150523

 

[sadams04]

However, I'm curious to know the reason why you thought that you need a CM 212 as you can't overclock your processor!?

Great point! The stock CPU cooler is fine if you aren't going to overclock...

 

[gogetta]

Seems like just fine to me.
This build should (probably) play BF3 at high details with no issues.

However, I'm curious to know the reason why you thought that you need a CM 212 as you can't overclock your processor!?

I do a lot of office PC builds at work and I hate dealing with the stock CPU fans and those finicky twist screws and the CM 212 was pretty cheap.

 

[gogetta]

Pretty good. My thoughts are below...

CPU - If you aren't going to overclock, the i5-2400 will game the same as the i5-2500. Not sure where you found the i5-2500 for $185, but if they have a similar deal on the i5-2400 you can shave a few $ off...

HDD - Scratch the WD 640GB. The Samsung F3 1TB is a fast and reliable drive. Since you have the SSD for a boot / OS drive the F3 is great as a storage / apps drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

MEM - I am assuming the Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600mhz memory you listed is CL9. For a few $ more you can get into CL8 memory (lower latency) which will perform better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233185

GPU - The GTX 560 Ti is a good card. On the same performance level is the HD 6950 which comes in at $210 after rebate. Something to consider...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150523

Thanks for the comments!

- I grabbed the i5 2500 off of a newegg e-mail promo and I think it ended up being almost identical to the i5 2400 price wise.

- I actually almost bought the Samsung, ended up just going with WD because I've used them before and I know they are solid.

- Didn't know that about the memory.. good to know!

- I definitely wanted to stick with NVIDIA as far as a GPU. They seemed to edge out most Radeon competitors in benchmarks.