[Summer01]

Hi, so I'm planning to build a new gaming PC by next week and would like some feedback and suggestions.
I plan to play Diablo 3, Starcraft 2 and any future expansions. My budget is roughly $850-1000 but I prefer best bang for the buck. I plan to order most of the parts from Newegg since I don't get charged tax while Amazon does. Located in NYC.

THis is what I have narrowed it down to:

CPU: i5 3570k IB, which I believe drops next week,
(is the SB i5 2500k a more viable option even if its an "older" chip?)
Heatsink: CM Hyper 212+

MOBO: Not sure if there is a big difference between the two as I heard great things for both.
ASRock Z77 Extreme4
ASRock Z77 Pro3
RAM: G.SKILL Value Series 8GB
GPU: Wanted a 7850, but most of them are OoS on newegg
ASUS HD7850-DC2-2GD5 Radeon HD 7850
PSU: Not sure which one is good or what I need to look for.
HDD: Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2CCA 2.5" 128GB
I would also like at least a 1TB as storage.
Case: Need sugggestions for this, I prefer aluminum and something quiet. I don't need anything flashy. I was looking into the Corsaid 550D though.
DVD Drive: Lite On

I just have a few more questions:

1. Is installing an aftermarket heatsink difficult? In this case, the 212? Last time I built a machine was back in '05 and I don't want to end up breaking it

2. I plan to get a 120hz monitor and read it's only possible through Display port? Is that the mini display port on certain GPU's?

3. 4. The Z77 doesnt suport SLI/CF I believe, but I doubt I will need that since I'm not running any graphic intensive games?


Thanks again for the help!

[EarthDog]

Mobo - Either will be fine. Just pic the feature set you require, the looks, and price, then pull the trigger.

PSU - For that PC, just grab something in the 500W range from the list in my signature. Corsair is a solid brand.

Case: Up to you. 550D is a GREAT choice though.

1. Easy breezy to install an aftermarket heatsink.
2. I think DVId and HDMI to 120hz, not sure though.
3. The chipset supports SLI/CrossfireX. Chances are, you dont need a multi GPU setup, no. Anything at 1920x1200 or less can be handled with a single GPU.

[Metlcub]

if you wana save some cash, the HAF912 is a kick ass case for $60. I have the extreem4 and love it.

[Summer01]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I saw this combo deal on Newegg and was wondering if the PSU is reliable.

OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W Modular High Performance Power Supply

If not, I will go for the Corsair 550W from the list.

As for the case, I think I might go for either the Corsair 400R or the Fractal R3, though I wanted the 550D


How does this ram compare to the one I chose initially? Worth the extra $10?
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin