Yep another one... New PC build, need help...

[Anakha56]

Morning All,

So with the recent release of the dismal performing Bulldozer (I am a very sad panda with AMD right now... ) I am now going to go with Intel for my new PC. And after some quick Googling I have a build of parts that I am okay with but want some critique on because I have been out of the system build arena since 2006 so I have no idea whats good and whats not. My budget is +- R8000 and this will be my gaming PC above all else, multimedia will be streamed to the PS3 in the lounge if need be. So lets get to the parts from most sure to least sure:

Processor: Intel i5-2500k from what I have read it is a good performer on par with the lower i7 in some areas so I am comfortable with this one.
http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/intel ... -6163.html

It will be paired with the following cooler:
http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/therm ... -4922.html

SSD HDD: Intel 320 Series MLC 80GB, my goodness these things are expensive. It will mainly be for the OS with me looking at abusing some monies later for a bigger one for the games. I am considering getting another 80GB for the games as well...
http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/intel ... -6680.html

RAM: This is something I am struggling with because I have not kept up with the latest and greatest so I am purely going with a name that I know has been very good. Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB
http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/corsa ... -7193.html

Motherboard: This is where I really need some help . I want the board to be of the Z68 chipset and I want it to have good onboard audio at the end of the day I only want the GPU to be the only part sitting in a expansion slot. Also I want to be OC at times so good OC support would be needed. So my options range from obscenly expensive (ASUS) to middle priced (MSI) each with their own pros and cons. ASUS is either to expensive or very small. While MSI is good on price but seems to be lacking in the Audio department. So far I am sitting with these choices:
http://www.landmarkpc.co.za/store/asus- ... -6966.html
http://www.prophecy.co.za/intel-p67agd5 ... 91121.html

I am aware that both boards are either out of stock or need to be called to check for availability but those are what I am leaning toward.

Now you will have noticed GPU, case and PSU are not in that list but I think I am covered with what I have already namely a Nvidia Gtx460 1GB, Coolermaster HAF 932 and a Antec 850W with a yellow racing stripe cant remeber its full name. Also the monitor will be staying because I dont see a need to go bigger than a res of 1680*1050.

So what do you guys think? I know I could consider a Gigabyte motherboard but I do have a personal hangup over Gigabyte, seen way to many failures verse any other brand although I am sure thats changed so recommend away .

/Going with the ASUS mobo and all other parts: R7712.97
/Going with the MSI mobo and all other parts: R7174.71
*Both with one Intel SSD

*edit*

This motherboard gets a good write up...
/only downside is the "Winki 3" software, sounds ... obscene...

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/ ... -G3/1.html

Will have do some asking around...

[StarPhoenix]

Do a search on Jump and Pricecheck. I'm sure that you can get a 2500K for less than that. [So you're going to let your CPU exceed the speed limit, are you?]

I was considering an MSI board for my uild, but was told that they have a high RMA rate.

8Gb is probably overkill for gaming. The articles I have read suggest that there is not a significant increase in performance between 1333MHz RAM and the pricier DDR3 1600 variety. Why not just get yourself 4Gb of Kingston or Corsair Value RAM?
If you must have 1600Mhz RAM for overclocking, why don't you look at this?

[Slimshaedy]

I'd get the Asus anytime because of their quality over every other brand, and you get what you pay for. So the P8Z68 mobo would be good. 4GB ram is more than enough for gaming, however if you have any other plans for the computer then rather consider 8GB. G Skill ram is really good and its reasonably priced, G Skill Ripjaws X or maybe G Skill Pi Series are your best bet. But the Corsair Vengeance is also really good ram, as you said. The speed difference between 1333 and 1600Mhz isn't noticeable in game so for strict gaming I'd go with the 1333Mhz