TR Forums

I'm going to be putting together my first new build in 4.5 years. It'll lie somewhere between the Utility Player and the Sweeter Spot.

I've settled on:
Intel Core i5 2500
Asus P8Z68-V LE
8GB or 16GB DDR3 1600
128GB Crucial m4 SSD (reliability is key, but Intel is a tad over-priced)
WD Green 2TB (snagged last week for $130 just as prices started to take off)
DVD-RW
Asus Xonar DG
500W PSU: a good name-brand one, whatever's on sale

I'm pretty settled on the above choices. But the GPU and case are tough to pick, and I'd love to hear opinions.

GPU: either AMD 6950 1GB (probably Gigabyte GV-R695OC-1GD) or GeForce GTX 560 Ti (probably Gigabyte GV-N560OC-1GI).
AMD seems like a bit better bang/buck right now. But, as much as I sympathize with the underdog, AMD's future concerns me. Especially given the repeated layoffs, and given how important continued driver development is to game performance. And, given that VLIW4 is about to be replaced by GCN.
Nvidia may be the more stable long-term bet, especially if I want to use this GPU for 3 years or so.

On to the case. I currently have an Antec Sonata III, and like its reserved looks and its (attempt at) quiet operation. I'd like to spend close to $100, but am willing to go higher if it's worth it. I'm looking for a quiet case, that still keeps the internals reasonably cool.
Candidates: Corsair 600T, Corsair 650D, Fractal Design Define R3, NZXT H2, and even the good 'ole Antec P183 V3.
I thought I was leaning towards the Fractal Design Define R3, but then I got confused.

Thoughts?

why not reuse the case? it isn't a bad one, and the extra $$ could go towards something like a higher video card (or groceries, whichever)

If you can, wait until early next year for 28nm GPU's. The move from 40nm (currently) process will offer much better performance and lower power consumption (heat)

For a psu recommendation, newegg has the seasonic x650 on sale for $99 shipped free. Gold efficiency and from the reviews i read should be really quiet. I picked one up today.

I think the only reason youd really want a new case is for better cable management, or if you like to swap components more often. Personally I find the corsair line of cases are the best all-round for usability. I'm thinking my next case may be the carbide 400r

By no means am I trying to confuse you,lol, I have always been an Asus guy and kind of still am, but...........a buddy of mine talked me into getting an Asrock Extreme3 to save some money.

I could not be happier, to be honest, I have been as happy with the Asrock as I have been with any of my Asus boards, its just a thought and you will save some more dough to put toward your video card:)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157251

I'm fond of ASRock myself, dollar for dollar, it seems a little better than the others. I'm especially fond of their tendency to put lots of fan controls on the MoB.
On the graphics card, with that range, I think the GTX 560Ti might be better long run because more programs seem to be utilizing the 'compute' functions of your graphics card and NVidia is ahead on that right now. Next generation, who knows. Just remember, getting a card nearer the end of its generation rather than the beginning makes your 3 year lifespan effectively 4 years.
Can't tell you on the case. I thought about going quiet but ended up getting a Cooler Master HAF 912 because I'd rather keep it cool.

Why are you pairing your non-unlocked 2500 with a Z68 mobo? Especially when you're obviously not going to be using SSD caching. Perhaps you meant to say a 2500K? If you are indeed going with a non "K" model CPU you can drop down into the "H" series chipsets, still get quicksync, and save a few bucks.