Evaluate my final build: i5 Gaming...

StarSolitude · 23 Oct 2009 at 04:08

I seem to have settled on a Core i5 rig. The money saved from choosing i5 over i7 has gone toward quality peripherals such as a nicer mouse and keyboard, which in my opinion are very important parts of a gaming PC and are often forgotten about.
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Software
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64bit
AV: BullGuard Internet Security Gamer Edition

Components
MOBO: MSI-P55-GD65
CPU: Core i5 750 (@ 4GHz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H50-1
PSU: Corsair TX750W
GPU: Asus ATI Radeon HD 5850 1024MB
HDD: Samsung SpinPoint F3 1TB
RAM: Geil Ultra Series 4GB PC3-17000 2133MHz
+Cooler: Antec SpotCool (I'll OC the Geil RAM to 2000MHz+, it gets very hot apparently so I'll cool the area with this fan.)
Soundcard: Asus Xonar D1 7.1 PCI
Case: Antec 902

Peripherals
Keyboard: Saitek Eclipse III
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder
Gamepad: Belkin N52te (I have the original N52 and I absolutely love it)
Mousemat: Razer Goliathus Alpha Control
Headset: SpeedLink Medusa NX 5.1 Surround Sound
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This is the final build I've come up with, after spending weeks looking around and considering all options... But if you see anything that I should change, tell me and I'll consider some more. ^^;

Total cost is around £1200~

StarSolitude · 23 Oct 2009 at 11:19

Sindri said:
I wouldn't get the medusas, get the plantronics 777s instead. Also if you are spending that much why not get an i7?

I've read lots of reviews (also on the 777's) and I concluded the Medusa's are better. And if i get an i7... well, thats another £100. For what benefit? I don't plan to go Crossfire as I don't need it at my gaming resolution of 1600 x 1200 (I'm actually at 1440 x 900 atm but will get a new monitor next year). So, I don't need xfire, and I don't plan on spending £300 on a Core i9- only benchmark enthusiats will want to upgrade from their i7's so soon.

i5 gives the same performance when gaming, thats all I care about. I've survived the last few years on a crap single core CPU that was midrange when I bought it, so I'm sure an i5 will satisfy me.

StarSolitude · 23 Oct 2009 at 13:50

Sindri said:
I read reviews on both aswell and happened to own both and its the 777's im using now, and as you claim you want them for gaming i presumed you will want the better positional sound.

Which has the better mic?

StarSolitude · 23 Oct 2009 at 14:08

So Sindri, what would you change on my build apart from the CPU and headset? ^^

StarSolitude · 23 Oct 2009 at 14:14

Sindri said:
That's it really, the gpu is spot on and so is your hard drive. The case is perfect if you plan on overclocking too.

The only reason i suggested the i7 920 was that if you intend on keeping the rig for a couple of years you might benefit from having 2x16 lanes as opposed to the x8s.

Well I don't plan on gaming past 1600 x 1200 so crossfire won't really benefit me *that* much...

I shall place my order now.

StarSolitude · 23 Oct 2009 at 14:18

Oh, I'm going to change PSU from 750 to 650W. 650 will power it all just fine.