i5 Gaming build

[EsPY]

Hi there,
This will be my first computer build. I am looking to make a gaming computer within a 1500 dollar (Canadian) budget. Some games that I am looking to play are SC2 at ultra settings, battlefield three at near top settings. Take a look at the components I have so far and comment and recommend other products.

Mobo GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 124.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128476

CPU Intel i5-2500k 219.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

GPU MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit 289.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127562

PSU CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W 124.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

RAM G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 90.49
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

Case Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel 159.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043

SSD Crucial RealSSD C300 64GB SATA III 139.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148357

HD Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 87.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Optical Drive ASUS DVD burner 21.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204


I am completely open to changing my build. I dont really have a preference between ATI and Nvidia but I thought i read somewhere that ATI gives you more bang for your buck. Also can you guys recommend a sleek case?


Thanks in advance

 

[Hitchtech]

If your building a gaming rig I would go with the i7. The i5 is great, but if you can swing it. Definitely go with an i7

 

[EsPY]

Does the Hyperthreading make much difference? I dont really understand how a physical core can have multiple logical cores. Is it worth the extra two hundred dollars?

 

[Mike44pl]

Does the Hyperthreading make much difference? I dont really understand how a physical core can have multiple logical cores. Is it worth the extra two hundred dollars?

In my opinion, no, it is not worth it, simply because the improvement over the i5 is unnoticable even to a hardcore gamer. Even to a proffesional video/photo editor the difference is marginal, and not worth the hefty price difference at all. I say go with the i5 2500k, that thing is a dream to work with, and it is EASILY overclocked to around 4.6 GHZ, which could last you for many years.

 

[Mike44pl]

As for the case, i would suggest either the Temptest Evo or Fractal design R3. Both cases are lovely, and from my own experience i can say you can't go wrong with neither of those.

 

[EsPY]

As for the case, i would suggest either the Temptest Evo or Fractal design R3. Both cases are lovely, and from my own experience i can say you can't go wrong with neither of those.

The Fractal design R3 does look very nice, but wouldnt the foam on the walls increase the temp in the case a lot?

 

[Mike44pl]

The Fractal design R3 does look very nice, but wouldnt the foam on the walls increase the temp in the case a lot?

I don't think that has anything to do with the foam, i had my fractal design r3 and it ran very cool and quiet.

 

[EsPY]

I don't think that has anything to do with the foam, i had my fractal design r3 and it ran very cool and quiet.

For my build how much ventilation will I need? I will for sure be adding an aftermarket CPU cooler, but will I need to get aftermarket 120mm(etc.) fans on top of the fans that come with a case?

 

[daisymtc]

case - Check out Antec Performance series/ Lian li/ silverstone

 

[daisymtc]

For my build how much ventilation will I need? I will for sure be adding an aftermarket CPU cooler, but will I need to get aftermarket 120mm(etc.) fans on top of the fans that come with a case?

I recommend at least two case fan. one at front and one at rear/ top