Updated 5-13-11
I have finally decided to take the plunge and build my own computer.
USES: Gaming (both on-line and off), and other normal stuff
Budget: Right now $1200 (does not include monitor, mouse, speakers, keyboard etc. basically just the tower)
Overall goal of the build:
1. I want this computer to be able to play games like Civ IV, Crisis, etc. However, I do want to be able to upgrade in the future so I don't have to buy everything new again (AKA the video card).
2. Dual monitor capable
3. Right now I am just looking at getting one video card, but later on this year, I plan on getting a second one in a crossfire or SLI configuration (depends on the card and I do not care the brand).
4. I do plan on overclocking eventually.
PARTS: Here is what I am looking at right now for this build. My major concerns are the motherboard (for future upgradability) and the video card (in terms of being able to handle two monitors).
PARTS: Here is what I am looking at right now for this build. My major concerns are the motherboard (for future upgradability) and the video card (in terms of being able to handle two monitors).
Processor/Ram Combo Intel Core i5-2500K G-skills Ripjaw 8GB (2 by 4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...m2305X575088Xd00ce0e1745ebbe19643c9cd8bcec617
MotherBoard: ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) NOTE: I don't know a lot about ASRock but this board received solid reviews.
Newegg.com - ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Video Card: One of these two. The difference is about 30 bucks but I get 2GB of memory. However, I would have to order from tigerdirect and I know nothing about their service.
1. SAPPHIRE 100312-1GSR Radeon HD 6950 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102921&cm_re=HD_6950-_-14-102-921-_-Product
2. Sapphire 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 Video Card - 2GB
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...3913&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=10&body=REVIEWS#
Power Supply/Hard Drive Combo
PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II PPCMK2S750 750W ATX12V v2.2
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...m2305X575088X79322369acc7d61ea8c4d3723f01f550
CD Drive: SONY Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m2305X575088Xfe1949d2cdf4e8602a072b9669edce6b
CASE: AZZA Solano 1000 Black
Newegg.com - AZZA Solano 1000 Black/Black Japanese SECC Steel/Metal mesh in front ATX Full Tower Computer Case
NOTE: The case I am open to change. I am still looking for the right one. I am wanting a full size case with plenty of room to expand with fans/liquid cooling.
Right now that build is about 1150. Any advise would be welcome. Anything that could save money without giving up anything would be nice .
Important Question: Does anyone know if I order combo deals on newegg, if I still can get the mail in rebates for the individual items? I have looked around for this and have not found an answer.
Also, this is the most important thing. I am nervous about ordering parts online. I know that newegg is good and I am looking at parts with high reviews, but I am nervous that I will order the parts and I will have trouble with any returns I may need. Any advise on buying parts would also be appreciated.
I have finally decided to take the plunge and build my own computer.
USES: Gaming (both on-line and off), and other normal stuff
Budget: Right now $1200 (does not include monitor, mouse, speakers, keyboard etc. basically just the tower)
Overall goal of the build:
1. I want this computer to be able to play games like Civ IV, Crisis, etc. However, I do want to be able to upgrade in the future so I don't have to buy everything new again (AKA the video card).
2. Dual monitor capable
3. Right now I am just looking at getting one video card, but later on this year, I plan on getting a second one in a crossfire or SLI configuration (depends on the card and I do not care the brand).
4. I do plan on overclocking eventually.
PARTS: Here is what I am looking at right now for this build. My major concerns are the motherboard (for future upgradability) and the video card (in terms of being able to handle two monitors).
PARTS: Here is what I am looking at right now for this build. My major concerns are the motherboard (for future upgradability) and the video card (in terms of being able to handle two monitors).
Processor/Ram Combo Intel Core i5-2500K G-skills Ripjaw 8GB (2 by 4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...m2305X575088Xd00ce0e1745ebbe19643c9cd8bcec617
MotherBoard: ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) NOTE: I don't know a lot about ASRock but this board received solid reviews.
Newegg.com - ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Video Card: One of these two. The difference is about 30 bucks but I get 2GB of memory. However, I would have to order from tigerdirect and I know nothing about their service.
1. SAPPHIRE 100312-1GSR Radeon HD 6950 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102921&cm_re=HD_6950-_-14-102-921-_-Product
2. Sapphire 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 Video Card - 2GB
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...3913&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=10&body=REVIEWS#
Power Supply/Hard Drive Combo
PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II PPCMK2S750 750W ATX12V v2.2
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Combo...m2305X575088X79322369acc7d61ea8c4d3723f01f550
CD Drive: SONY Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m2305X575088Xfe1949d2cdf4e8602a072b9669edce6b
CASE: AZZA Solano 1000 Black
Newegg.com - AZZA Solano 1000 Black/Black Japanese SECC Steel/Metal mesh in front ATX Full Tower Computer Case
NOTE: The case I am open to change. I am still looking for the right one. I am wanting a full size case with plenty of room to expand with fans/liquid cooling.
Right now that build is about 1150. Any advise would be welcome. Anything that could save money without giving up anything would be nice .
Important Question: Does anyone know if I order combo deals on newegg, if I still can get the mail in rebates for the individual items? I have looked around for this and have not found an answer.
Also, this is the most important thing. I am nervous about ordering parts online. I know that newegg is good and I am looking at parts with high reviews, but I am nervous that I will order the parts and I will have trouble with any returns I may need. Any advise on buying parts would also be appreciated.