Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)

Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.86 @ Newegg)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)

Case: NZXT M59 - 001BK ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Apevia 680W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($65.98 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $881.76

(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

(Generated 2012-02-01 14:38 EST-0500)

 

Build Ordered as above.

For a cheap but very good case, you can get the CoolerMaster HAF 912, which is around $50 in Canada and has most of the features of the $200 version, just the case is smaller and has less fans.

For the PSU I'd make sure to go with company that's known to make good ones, it's the one part you don't want to go with the cheapest.

 

Also tigerdirect is usually more expensive, so I'd give a look at Newegg and NCIX as well.

 

 

I'll buy a cheap 30 dollar case aswell through tiger or amazon.. I'll also try to find a cd drive with giftcards.

 

However, what i'm worried about is the OS and cooling. I can buy a Win 7 upgrade through my college for 20.00 but i need to find a cheap base OS. Any suggestions on that?

 

Another worry i have is the cooling system, i'm really not sure at all what I need to buy fan wise for this build.

 

If you guys can suggest better stuff for cheaper and let me know if i'm missing anything i'd be much appreciative.

 

i5-2300 2.8ghz lga1155 quadcore 6mb cache 179.99 tigerdirect freeshipping - If you can squeeze it into your budget, get a 2500k for overclocking. If you can't fit it or don't want to overclock, then get the i5-2400

Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 lga1155 sata6.0 crossfirex hdmi mobo 99.99 tigerdirect - Fine

Ultra lsp650 650W PSU atx sata sli 135mm 64.99 tigerdirect freeshipping - Don't get this, get one from a good brand like Corsair, Seasonic or Antec

Evga GeForce gtx 560 ti superclocked 1gb 229.99 tigerdirect freeshipping - Fine

HDD through bestbuy for 89.99 500gb and itll be with giftcards i have. - Mind being more specific? Which model/make

PNY XLR8 Ram ddr3 1600mhz 8gb 44.99 tigerdirect - Fine

 

Like Sbrideau said, the CM HAF series is an amazing bet. The storm scout is also good if it's cheaper, or the M59 from NZXT.

 

I think there's some way you can install windows fully from the upgrade, not sure how though (linky).

 

I'd get a custom cooler, I don't have amazing experiences with the stock intel one, and you'll definitely want one for overclocking.

I updated the OP with the ordered build, I ended up getting a better psu and mobo. Let me know if this looks good guys.

Why not get a decent psu when you are going for a decent setup in all other areas?

I agree with OldJoe. The PSU is the one part you never want to go with the cheapest.

Its not a top brand but from what i've read the company has been around for over a decade and they have a 1 year warranty. I understand being scared of offbrands and power supplies could cause damage but i'm willing to take the gamble to be able to do this build without breaking my bank account.

Get the Antec Earthwatts 750W. It is a much better brand and only $20 more.

Everything has been ordered so no turning back at this point.

Just saying, but the first power supply I bought was an off brand with 3 years warranty, and it only lasted 3 months before it stopped working. Never went with an off brand after that.

I would totally advise against that PSU, but oh well. No offence, but if you're going to ask for advice from people who keep up with the industry and have done tens if not hundreds (even if theoretical) builds, and not take it, what's the point? We don't work for Antec or Corsair or whatever, we just want what's best for you. The fact of the matter is that a PSU can fry your ENTIRE build, and it's no use saying 'now how am I going to get another computer' when your $800 one is dead. Dramatic? Yes. Possible? Definitely.

Return the PSU, and buy a RELIABLE PSU from brands like Corsair, Antec, XFX, Seasonic, and PC Power and Cooling.

Got it built last night and stayed up till 6am getting everything installed.

 

I fired up Swtor and got 110 fps.

Minecraft gets 190 fps.

 

I'm happy with it.

You have been warned. It is not hard to return it.

You only get 190fps on minecraft? I get more than that with my GTX 550ti. Have you made sure your drivers have been installed, and that you got them from the respective manufacturer's website?

You only get 190fps on minecraft? I get more than that with my GTX 550ti. Have you made sure your drivers have been installed, and that you got them from the respective manufacturer's website?

I'll check, I just bought Civ 5, Witcher 2, and Metro 2033 with my remaining gift card and the rest of my ram came in so im at 12gb now. I've got the rig hooked up to my 32" lcd and i feel like my xbox will start collecting dust at this point.

 

Edit: I reinstalled the latest EVGA drivers and fired up minecraft and its at 250-290 fps now. I'm interested if it raised swtor's fps i'll have to check that tonight.