[mjw21a]

Looks like a very nice build. You should be happy with it. The Antec 300 Illusion should be a good solid choice for those components too for $45 after rebate. Coems with a few extra fans over the standard 300.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129066

[Knufire]

Personally, I disagree with the above build. Yes, its the most power he can get for the money, but it's overkill for his needs. A less powerful system with an SSD would feel faster and accomplish his tasks quicker.
I'll put a build together sometime tomorrow, having internet issues.

[mjw21a]

One thing to remember is that an SSD can be easily added down the track, likewise he should be able to get a student copy of Win 7 on the cheap.

[mxer657]

Originally Posted by Knufire

Personally, I disagree with the above build. Yes, its the most power he can get for the money, but it's overkill for his needs. A less powerful system with an SSD would feel faster and accomplish his tasks quicker.
I'll put a build together sometime tomorrow, having internet issues.

I will most definitely add a small SSD (60 or 120 gb) within 2 months of finishing this build.


If you have other recommendations, I'm all ears though

[mjw21a]

I'd definitely suggest going with a 120GB SSD rather than the 60GB, it's just too easy to load too much onto a 60 and they really slow down when there's too much data on them. I now use my old 60GB SSD in in my HTPC and have a 120GB in my main rig.

[Knufire]

I've put these two together. Personally, I prefer the second option, but the first is still a good choice.

The $15 promo code for the 2500K offsets the shipping costs, the $50 in MIRs offset the price of Windows.
Advantages: Better for gaming/more powerful


The MIRs offset the shipping costs.
Advantages: SSD now instead of later, miniITX (extremely small)

[mjw21a]

I do prefer your choice of components there however I'd have to say that for gaming the 1st configuration is the better choice, and more future proof. Mind you, thats just my personal preference. I can see the advantages of a smaller system though too and to be perfectly honest he likely wouldn't see a difference while gaming. I'm assuming that the card you included there is good for Hybrid Crossfire?

In general use it would seem much faster too due to the SSD. Both configurations are preferable of the the one initially priced.... Better/more reliable brands.

[Knufire]

The impression I got from the OP was that he was going to do little to no gaming on the machine, mostly just LoL which I've heard APUs can max out even without Hybrid Crossfire.

And yeah, the 6670 is the most powerful card that can Hybrid Crossfire with the APUs.

[mjw21a]

He did mention that he'd like to play MW3 though. I've no idea what the prereqs are for that, but being 1st person online I'm assuming something like BF3..... To that purpose I prefer your first system config.

[Knufire]

The MW series on the PC are simply badly coded console ports, my 4890 can almost max it out. ME3 is a more intensive game, AFAIK.

[mjw21a]

Ah, ok. Nothing like BF3 then.

[trekky]

EDIT did not see 2nd page

[mxer657]

Just sold my HP Pavilion a6757c for $250 on CL. Pretty pleased.

$250 should be enough to buy the following:

$125
[URL="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226236"]Mushkin Enhanced Chronos 2.5" 120GB SSD
$20
Asus DVD Burner

Leaves me like $100 for a HDD

[Knufire]

You can probably get a cheaper DVD burner, they go on sale quite often.

I'd grab this right now, a 1TB for under $100 is a great deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148697

Which route are you going? Depending on which one you choose (both excellent choices), you could pick up a few combo deals before they disappear.

SSD's can be finicky things, I'm of the belief that the extra money for a more reliable SSD is well worth it.

[mxer657]

Update!

Ordered: Everything red is "upgraded"
NZXT H2 Case White $100
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XIB8RY/
XFX Double D 6870 $150 (w/MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150521
ASRock Z68 Extreme4 LGA 1155 $135 (Open box)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157250
2x G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) $65 (w/coupon)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231424
Basic DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136236

Total spent: $450

Need:
-i5 2500k but want to wait until ivy bridge
-Power Supply Open to recommendations (other one is no longer on sale)
-HDD Open to recommendations
-SSD Open to recommendations

[Knufire]

There's a 1TB Seagate on sale. for $90,an excellent deal if you want to splurge.

[mxer657]

Is this legitimate? http://www.ebay.com/itm/280858606645...t_10732wt_1378

[Knufire]

Even if it is legit, it's a binned i7-920 for $220 that can hit 4.4GHz...you can get a brand-new stock 2500K that has a faster architecture and outputs less heat at 4.4-4.5GHz.

[mxer657]

Originally Posted by Knufire

Even if it is legit, it's a binned i7-920 for $220 that can hit 4.4GHz...you can get a brand-new stock 2500K that has a faster architecture and outputs less heat at 4.4-4.5GHz.

Thanks for the help. I'm kinda on the edge of waiting for the IB. Since it's going to be just a "tick" it probably won't be much faster for me.

I could either wait till they release it (who knows how much $ or if they'll be sold out) or I could order a SB and wait for the bigger update after IB.


Thoughts?

[mxer657]

Originally Posted by mxer657

Thanks for the help. I'm kinda on the edge of waiting for the IB. Since it's going to be just a "tick" it probably won't be much faster for me.

I could either wait till they release it (who knows how much $ or if they'll be sold out) or I could order a SB and wait for the bigger update after IB.


Thoughts?

Bump. Also need a good PSU. I'm already over my budget with the 120gig ssd, 4x4gb of ram, and the upgraded board.