Well my laptop is just not enough for what I am wanting to do gaming, graphics, 3d and video rendering wise. So I am looking to drop about 1.5k on a desktop build come xmas. I have built several desktops in the past, and was full into overclocking for some time, so I'd like to leave that door open, at least as a possibility if I ever feel like doing it again.
So I've spent the last week or two tweaking and finding the best bang for the buck build I can squeeze out of 1.5k. Here's what I have planned thus far.
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z68M-D2H
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K (K version leaves open that overclocking window)
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 922
Monitor: BenQ G2420HD 24 Inch Widescreen LCD
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD6950 2GB [11188-05-41G] (may unlock to 5970 shaders in future if needed)
Cooling: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO
PSU: OCZ Fatal1ty Series 750W Modular
RAM: Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB ST31000524AS
Optical: Samsung SH-222AB SATA DVDRW Drive
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Total cost: 1380$ if pickup or a bit over 1400$ for shipping+mail
I don't care about a mouse and keyboard, I have a gaming mouse from my last build (G9, use it every day and it's still perfect) and keyboard I will eventually buy when I feel the need. As for SSD, not going to bother. Not sure if its worth dishing out another 100-200$ to get slightly quicker loading screens and copying times.
I figured this is a fairly future proof build, however, I will consider dropping another card in there for crossfire in the distant future. Not planning to run 3d, not planning to run more than 1(2?) monitors.
Thoughts/opinions on the build would be nice
So I've spent the last week or two tweaking and finding the best bang for the buck build I can squeeze out of 1.5k. Here's what I have planned thus far.
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z68M-D2H
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K (K version leaves open that overclocking window)
Case: CoolerMaster HAF 922
Monitor: BenQ G2420HD 24 Inch Widescreen LCD
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD6950 2GB [11188-05-41G] (may unlock to 5970 shaders in future if needed)
Cooling: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO
PSU: OCZ Fatal1ty Series 750W Modular
RAM: Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB ST31000524AS
Optical: Samsung SH-222AB SATA DVDRW Drive
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Total cost: 1380$ if pickup or a bit over 1400$ for shipping+mail
I don't care about a mouse and keyboard, I have a gaming mouse from my last build (G9, use it every day and it's still perfect) and keyboard I will eventually buy when I feel the need. As for SSD, not going to bother. Not sure if its worth dishing out another 100-200$ to get slightly quicker loading screens and copying times.
I figured this is a fairly future proof build, however, I will consider dropping another card in there for crossfire in the distant future. Not planning to run 3d, not planning to run more than 1(2?) monitors.
Thoughts/opinions on the build would be nice










