New Build Review

Approximate Purchase Date:ASAP

Budget Range: $1,500 flexible

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (Battlefield 3, MW3) Movies, Sound editing for my guitars

Parts Not Required: (e.g.: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS) I have sound card and video card, GeForce GTX560TI

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: i7 processor

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire:Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 24" LCD

Additional Comments: Just want a fast pc that will last for couple years.



I am looking at this bundle with the following added ram and SSD.

Looking for your advise and help!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.789290

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145345 16Gb total

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820167093 For the Operating System

That combo is pretty solid. Corsair PSU, ASUS MB, Seagate HD, 8GB memory...

SSD - The Intel 520 is fine and all, but I would go with a Crucial M4 for $65 cheaper.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820148442

MEM - This is the only thing I don't like in that combo simply because of the tall heat spreaders. They are not needed and can cause issues with some aftermarket CPU cooler as well as impeed good airflow through the case. Go ahead and use them, but I would skip the 16GB upgrade until you know you will need it. 8GB goes a long ways.

The 2600k would respond very well to overclocking. With a $35 aftermarket CPU cooler, and a slight bump in volgate, you can expect an easy 4.0GHz (4.5GHz is very common). Up to you, but you are set up for it...

Hyper 212 EVO $35 => http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103099

I recently built a machine with that same motherboard but with a 2500k CPU. With the Hyper 212 EVO I got an overclock of 4.5GHz @ 1.335 volts while maintaining temps around 50 degrees (49 actually, but the ambient temp was low). I added a second CPU fan for a push / pull config, but a single CPU fan would be fine as well. The 212 EVO comes with clips for the second fan and that ASUS motherboard has two "CPU fan" power connectors (no need for a PWM Y-cable) so you are good-to-go.. If you are interested in this setup...

2nd CPU Fan $12 => http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103069