My first gaming PC (help)!

[confuzedsushi]

Heyo people! So, as you can tell I am building my gaming PC. I've got a couple questions, and some stuff I'd like suggestions on.

Outlining information: My projected build consists of an i5 2500k, GTX 560 Ti, 8GB Corsair Vengance @ 1600 Mhz, Asus P8P67, and a Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black. (and a few other parts like case, keyboard, power) Those are the main parts. My parts total to around $1400.

Now, is it worth my time to save up $2100 for after Christmas? As in how much of a difference will it make on games like CoD4, CoD2, CSS, TF2, and Quakelive (LOL anyone can run quake...)? I plan on running movie configs will playing so I can enjoy it's full beauty. I may also be playing games like Rift or BF3 which are graphics heavy.
Also I plan on making some videos (running Fraps while playing) so how much of a difference will more money spent make?
Also how much of a difference will it make in frame rate (noticable frame rate while playing)?
And finally, how much of a difference will I get out of a SSD for my OS and a few games (80GB)? Will I load super fast (internet speeds are super fast) when switching maps?

Feel free to correct any original components if you feel they're wrong, that is if you think I should build my PC now @ 1400. I would really like to build it now, as I have experienced PC finally, and realized how much more fun it is in comparison to console!

Thanks for all the help!

[glc]

Build it now and upgrade the video card when you can afford to and see the need. If you think you may want to add another 560 for SLI later, get the P8P67 Pro or Sabertooth board and a 750 watt high quality PSU. Worry about a SSD later.

A housekeeping note - you have several threads going, all related to one build. We ask that you don't do that - keeping all posts about a build in one thread makes it a LOT easier to follow. I'm not going to merge them all, but please keep this in mind. Thank you.

[confuzedsushi]

Sorry, but since I can get a 6950 and unlock it to a 6970 level really easily, I'm going to do that, and eventually crossfire them (since they're pretty darn cheap). So do I need to upgrade my motherboard still? Also, since I'm going to unlock them, do I need a 6970 level PSU? Because in that case I need 950Watt PSU. So I'm thinking the TX950. If no, it will be around 800, so I'm thinking the TX950 still.

So do I still need to have the upgraded motherboard? Or can I have the starter or do I need a better one?

Also what does the $20 extra get me if I buy an asus sabertooth versus a P8P67 Pro? If I need either of them that is.

And, do I need any cooling upgrades or anything to suit these better GPUs? I'm currently going to have an Antec 900 with basic case fans, and a Coolermaster 212+

Also, how should I get a response on an older thread thats pages back? (I'm thinking that I should just wait)

[David M]

If you want Crossfire in the future then you want a board where the second PCIe slot is capable of 8x (graphics lanes) or even 16x. Newegg lists those specs in their site for each board.

AMD has a page that lists what PSU's are certified for running which cards in Crossfire. Get their minimum recommendation or a slightly more powerful PSU.
http://sites.amd.com/us/game/product...omponents.aspx

Newegg and Asus also list other differences between motherboards in their websites. A side by side comparison works well.

[glc]

The cheapest Asus P67 board that will support Crossfire with both cards at x8 is the P8P67 Pro. The cheaper 2 slot boards support the first slot at 16x but the second slot only at 4x.

The Corsair TX750 V2 is certified for two 6970's.

[confuzedsushi]

Will that PSU support an i5 2500k w/ crossfired 6970s, some case fans, A 7200 RPM 3.5" HD, and a 80 GB SSD (will eventually have one)? Just making sure.

Should I get a 6950 'certified case'? I want to get a Thermaltake V9 or the NZXT Tempest or something cheaper, but if not Ill get the Thermaltake Element-V.

Also, what is a cheaper optical drive that's still good? I'm trying to keep my price down.

Also, does this whole build add up?
Case: Thermaltake V9 or the NZXT Tempest
PSU: Corsair TX750 V2
Motherboard: Asus P8P67 Pro
CPU: i5 2500k
HDD: Western Digital 1TB @ 7200 RPM
RAM: 8GB Corsair Vengeance @ 1600 MHz
Primary Optical: Sony Optiarc
Sec Optical: N/A (none)
Sound Card: N/A (onboard)
Video Card: ATI Radeon 6950 (to be crossfired)
FDD: N/A (none/I don't need one right)
Keyboard: Logitech G110
Mouse: Razer Deathadder
Modem: N/A (none/I don't need one right?)
Lan: N/A (I don't need one right?)
Monitor: N/A (Already own 2)
Speakers: N/A (Already own some)
OS: Windows 7 64-Bit
Thermal Paste: Arctic Silver 5
Aftermarket Heatsink: Coolermaster 212+

Thanks (I tried to keep this post brief)

[Deathdiesel]

Just an FYI, but from what ive seen when the 6950s are flashed like that, it wears them down and can easily cause permanant damage. Starts with image artifacts and etc, and most likely voids your warranty. Personally wouldnt do it, but its your choice.

[confuzedsushi]

I'm thinking about it and looking into it more. One will be PLENTY for what I'm playing until BF3 comes out... By which time I'll have two 6950's, which easily run that game on max settings locked at around 60 (I think?). So I'll be good as it is.
Also, do you have any suggestions for an optical drive?
Also I'm thinking the NZXT Tempest too, as its had great reviews and the same temperatures of the V9 and I like the looks more

[glc]

That PSU is CERTIFIED by AMD for a pair of 6950's or a pair of 6970's. That's all you need to be concerned about, it has plenty of power.

This is the featured free shipping DVD burner this week:

Newegg.com - LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD±RW SuperMulti Drive - CD / DVD Burners

ANY decent sized midtower will fit those cards.

[birddog_61]

My thermaltake blacx has 12.5" of room for a graphics card. It will fit any card on the market except the old voodoo 3 that was like 14" long.

[confuzedsushi]

Ok, I'm thinking I'll go with the Thermaltake V9 BlacX, unless you have something to say about it glc/others. One question birddog, have you run into the problem of the fan making a clicking noise after a while (the large one)? I read about it and apparently it's really fragile.
Others, whats your recommendation for a classy but flashy looking case with great cooling. I like smooth surfaces and semi sharp edges (like the tempest, 900, v9).

[birddog_61]

No problems with my fans at all, the large fan has run pretty much constantly since mid December and it is extremely quiet.

[confuzedsushi]

Ok well I know what I'm getting then Thanks again for the help!