I'm looking to build another performance desktop, and wanted suggestions (or an entire build).
The budget is about $900 CDN, and I have until January/February 2013 to bargain-hunt. It is okay to go over budget by up to ~$50. (This may be extended to September 2013 if necessary, parts updated of course.) The budget has been limited to make room for a monitor and potentially a speaker set. I expect to use this system for about four years.
Things to note:
> I can probably cheap out a bit on the HDD. Picked up a WD Essentials 3TB a while back, so I won't be having any storage problems for a while. Might even opt for an SSD (ADATA S510)
> Not sure whether or not to go for the i5-2500K or the i5-3570K. Looking at a $10 price differential, but considering the i5-3570K because of native 1600MHz memory support and reportedly "cooler" temperatures.
> Although I'm not entirely convinced that I'll need the memory to go up to 1600MHz, it does make it somewhat reassuring that the build will be somewhat future-proof. I'm looking at G.Skill Ripjaws, and the difference between 1333MHz and 1600MHz is 50 cents and the timings are the same, so I think I'll just go for it.
> Looking to buy high end GPU. Likely will be running dual-monitor setup while playing games (but only on one screen).
> I'm not certain on buying a set of speakers, but if I do, I'll probably have to get a sound card(?) The last time I had one of those was when Creative first came out with Sound Blaster.
> Case airflow is paramount. I'm seriously considering buying an aftermarket cooler for the GPU as well, because my HD5850 can idle as high as 70*C at 50% fan speed (95*C at load and 100% fan speed...)
> I'll be excluding rebates from the final price because tech companies don't like sending money back to Canadians.
As for the monitor, does anyone think it's worth getting a Yamakasi Catleap 27" IPS for ~$300? Pros and cons of IPS and large screens?
Thanks in advance for your time and help!
Post has been edited 1 time(s), last time on Jul 26 2012, 7:58 pm by Vi3t-X.
None.