Ok. So this is what i have decided upon after intensive research.





I chose to go with the I5 2500k instead of the I7 2600k because the I5 is perfect for gaming. Games dont use more than 4 threads so i dont need the hyperthreading of the I7 because its only useful for video editing etc. NN that shit. want pure gaming.

I was originally going to go with the Radeon HD 6970 but realised i can go with the 6950 for 80 less and flash it to a 6970 working at virtually the same settings.

2 hard drives for Raid 0 config to just increase transfer rates for movies etc.

80 Gig SSD for gaming/OS

any other inputs would be appreciated

go 510 intel ssd or someone else
no psu?
w7 professional not needed
that mobo is not needed
not all 6950 unlock most dont

this basically lol

Agreed.

The motherboard is overkill. You could spend $100 less on something that is still going to be just as good for your needs, and get yourself an i7 2600k instead (just an example). I doubt you need an i7 2600k, so you should stick with an i5 2500k and a $100 cheaper motherboard.

Also, you haven't chosen any aftermarket cooling: That's fine if you're not overclocking. But if you are overclocking, get an aftermarket cooler (and only spend $40-$50... don't overspend).

Don't buy a 6950 to flash to 6970. It's just not smart.

People have said on other forums that just about every reference 2GB card can be unlocked. all 1Gb and custom ones are harder.

yea forgot to add a PSU in as well. if anything it would be this: http://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CMPSU-750TXV2-Enthusiast-750-Watt-Certified/dp/B004MYFODI/ref=sr%5F1%5F1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314425040&sr=8-1

was thinking about getting a 510 SSD but i want to keep this rig under 2k. 510s are expensive.

as for the Mobo. what would you suggest? the Z68s are only better for SSD caching which i dont need.. and video encoding.

as for CPU cooling. i was prolly gonna go with a H70 or something. id get the NHd14 but i think its overkill and far too big.

This post was edited by Paintball91 on Aug 27 2011 12:06am

no its brand new technology that makes up people notice they did not buy a psu with their build so they end up getting over their budget because of psu.

most 6950s now are laser cut aka no 6970 parts
you can spend 100bux less on mobo that will do crossfire
922 be enough room
and get 1600mhz ram save like 30-40bux lose nothing

This post was edited by urbanshaft on Aug 27 2011 12:07am

how does the cooling compare to the 922 and 932?

922 is perfect for 6950s
its just a lil big smaller

ehhh.. the 6950s and 6970s are a little bigger than the Nvidia cards. i want enough room to get my hands in there but ill have to take a look at them at tiger direct tomorrow or something.

also as for the Mobo im thinking i could downgrade to this http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128506.

and if the tigerdirect store has all the shit i want to buy im gonna try to jew them out like last time and get a nice deal on all the parts. they knocked off like 400 bucks almost last time i spent 2k on a comp.