Can you review my build before I purchase it?

[Roark]

Who needs to guess when you have AnandTech. Though its hard to put into words the awesome it will be once its built, so here are some charts:
HD 4870 vs GTX 560 Ti (they didn't have the 4850 in 2011 benches).
E8400 vs i5 2500k.
Not to mention, Win7 is so much sexier than XP. Faster RAM and you'll be flying. The SSD... oh the SSD. And lets not forget, you're going to have a sexy blue turbine staring you in the face.

 

[Unknown XV]

Actually a bit disappointed to be honest. In most cases the GTX 560 ti only yields twice the performance. I would of expected a bit more really...

 

[patonb]

You realize the 4870 wasnt a good card... The 560ti isnt only slightly good.. being 4th from top...

 

[Unknown XV]

I'm just saying, going from that chart, in most cases the 560 ti seems to perform only twice as good as the 4870. In some cases a bit more, and of course it's better, but eh.. just was thinking it would be more.

 

[Unknown XV]

Okay guys I got the first half of the hardware!!! It's awesome. The case is GARGANTUAN. You really don't think it's that big by looking at pictures. Jesus christ. The PSU is awesome too, very heavy.

I have one question though, I ordered windows 7 64 bit OEM, it says on the box I need some preinstallation opk kit from microsoft? What is this?

 

[Roark]

you don't *have* to use OPK to install [Win7].
You *may* use it however to streamline OS deployment phase of PC manufacture process, customize/brand Help and Support and create recovery media.

OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) - Microsoft Windows Vista Community Forums - Vistaheads
Looks like all Windows versions have an optional OPK just to help you optimize the installation, but it isn't required.

 

[Unknown XV]

Just making sure.

Thanks again for all the help. This is going to be a beast. I'll post again when everything is up and running!

 

[Unknown XV]

Okay so I've been thinking, I probably should go for a GTX 570. It just makes more sense since I can't sli a 560 and 570 together. More potential this way.

I came across this: Newegg.ca - Recertified: PNY RVCGGTX570XXB GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 SLI Support Video Card

It's recertified, but an incredibly good deal. I might save at least 100 bucks or so at that price.

Has anyone bought a recertified product before? Is it a bad idea?

 

[brinks]

recertified = 90 day warrenty
new = lifetime warrenty

The real question is, will the card break after day 90???

 

[Unknown XV]

Thanks again for all the help so far! I really appreciate it.

I have another quick question, I'm ordering the remainder of my hardware from newegg.ca but it says it's being sent internationally. So I have to pay more in shipping and wait longer, bit annoying but it's not a huge deal. However, since it's being sent from the states I'd imagine, will I have to pay customs and import tax too? If so that's ridiculous..