Gaming/General Build for ~1300

[pinoydude99]

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, usually mixed in with web browsing/schoolwork/music/some MATLAB as necessary for engineering purposes. Looking for smooth gameplay at 1920x1080, and higher graphics settings are a plus but not completely necessary.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Soft cap of ~$1300. Hard cap of $1500 with tax and shipping if really worth it. Mainly focused on getting value.
3) Where do you live?
Florida
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU, Motherboard, Memory, GPU, SSD (if worth it), HD, DVD/etc., PSU, Case, Monitor
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
None.
6) Will you be overclocking?
Whatever is doable on stock HSF. Stability and consistent framerate in gaming are the main focuses.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
Dual monitor setup. Currently have 25" Samsung, looking to buy a 23" ASUS. Both running at 1920x1080.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Between now and ~1.5 weeks from now.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc.
Crossfire (possible upgrade later). USB 3. SATA 6 Gb/s can't hurt.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Yes, Windows 7 Pro.


Preliminary parts:
$330 - i5-2500K + GIGABYTE GA-Z68A-D3H-B3
$80 - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
$280 - MSI R6950-2PM2D2GD5 Radeon HD 6950 2GB
$120 - Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
$65 - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s
$20 - Samsung SATA DVD Burner
$110 - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W
$80 - LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58W Black
$180 - ASUS VH238H Black 23" Full HD HDMI LED Backlight LCD Monitor w/Speakers

Total = $1295 before shipping

Some thoughts on parts:
SSD: Seems like there's value enough to fit it in the budget. Is 64 GB good enough just for apps and OS?
GPU: Going with a reference HD6950 2GB. Not sure if I'll flash the BIOS, but having the option seems like a decent idea.
PSU: I figure the extra $30 or so is worth getting the 750W in case I consider upgrading with a second video card.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[matteos]

You should overclock with SB, you can get some massive OC.

An air cooling solution like this one is only $30, well worth it considering the performance gains you will get

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233082

 

[Dangman]

That setup looks fine to me. Yes, the 64GB is enough for some apps and OS. You've really done your research!

Though do note that you can get that same RAM and PSU for $20 less if you go with this combo deal:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.669104

 

[pinoydude99]

Thanks for the ideas, guys. I just had one issue, as that model for the graphics card sold out, and there doesn't seem to be another reputable company with a reference model of the 6950 2 GB. Any suggestions on what I should get? Should I stick with the 6950 (either 1 GB or 2 GB?), which company should I get it from, or is the improvement in getting the 6970 2 GB actually worth the price? I assume also that an NVIDIA card hasn't cracked this price range for a good value at this point?

 

[tiraides]

IIRC, the only reference model 6950s that can be flashed to 6970s are HIS, but they're not reputable here.

If you really want a 6950, then grab a 6950. If you want a better gaming performance, the superior GTX 570 is now within the same price range as the 6970.