New gaming PC...thoughts?

[atomic75]

hello all,

First post here.
I am getting ready to build a new Win 7 X64 gaming rig.
I am getting a copy of Windows 7 X64 for a great price so that will save me some money.

I plan on playing Skyrim and other games similar to that.

I built the following specs so far, but its been awhile since I built a PC so am not sure if I might be making some errors.

let me know what you all think.

System Build - PCPartPicker

I wanted to put the OS on the SSHD and mechanical drive for data

[Sourtop]

There is no reason for you to get the Hyper 212+ unless you're overclocking. This means you need one of the unlocked "k" CPUs. I would recommend going with the i5-2500k instead of the i7 as you won't notice the difference when gaming.

I would also recommend an Asus Z68 MOBO instead of the P67. The LX or LE would be good choices, but with a bit more you could get the -V or -V PRO.

You should get a more reliable SSD if you're using it as a primary drive. The intel 510 or 320 would be best.

Everything else is fine.

[glc]

1. Replace the i7-2600 with a i7-2500K.
2. Replace the P8P67 with a P8Z68-V LE.
3. With that aftermarket cooler, you need the low profile version of the Vengeance.
4. Office Depot does not have that hard drive at that price. Now is a very bad time to have to buy a hard drive.

To stay in budget, you will probably have to forego the SSD for now. However, the Z68 board has the SRT option, which is using a 64gb or smaller SSD to "cache" the hard drive instead of being a dedicated SSD.

[atomic75]

Great input everyone. Thanks.

I revised the build a little.
I kept the same CPU since I will not be overclocking. Is that correct?

I changed the MB to the suggested model.
I also grabbed another HD and will keep an out out for a cheap 64GB SSHD.
I would assume I can add that drive at any time without having to reload my machine correct?

[glc]

For gaming, the i7 is a waste of money. Get the i5, take the savings and get this SSD now:

Newegg.com - Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2CCA 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) with Transfer Kit

If you aren't overclocking, you shouldn't need the aftermarket cooler.

[wrecks135]

Where are you getting your great deal on Win 7 -64?

[atomic75]

Again, thanks for the help.
I will be doing some video editing and rendering as well, I thought perhaps the higher end CPU may help with that. I will go ahead and get the i5 then.

My friend works for a school and they have tons of Win7 copies that are not being used.

[atomic75]

So I made a quick trip to Frys and went ahead and bought a new SSD, 120GB. The price wasn't that great but staying within budget isnt the main concern (within reason).

I think I will be ordering everything else online. Thanks for the input everyone.