GPU/CPU/Mobo help

[Dudder]

I'm in the market for a new GPU, CPU, and Mobo. Completely overwhelmed with all the options that are available and I'm not really computer savy. I don't need super high performance stuff, just something that plays most games at high/ultra settings. What do you guys think would be the better combos out there?

[Nellah]

What's your budget?

[Sephiracle]

I don't need super high performance stuff

just something that plays most games at high/ultra settings.

wut..?

We'd need a lot more specifics on budget and games in order to help...

[TanAxys]

yeah, budget will determine a lot. also how future proof do you want this to be? the more you spend the longer it will last in terms of becoming obsolete.

also what size monitor... like are you going to re-use an older 19" or do you want a movie screen on your desk

In general tho...

If you want to spend $150 or less on a CPU, then AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition for $140ish
If you want to spend any more than that, then it's foolish not to do the i5 2500k for $220ish
The i5 2400 could be a middle ground if you absolutely had to at around $190ish but it'd be better to find a way to get the 2500k--recycle cans or something

don't do AMD stuff for more money than that, the 6 processor stuff is way too expensive for the relative performance from the intel stuff.

that will determine your MB selection, which becomes purely a matter of budget. You can save a decent chunk of change by doing a mATX form factor board. They are smaller which means you can't plug as many things into them. But for most people that isn't an issue unless they want to use dual GPUs in CrossFire or SLI.

In GPUs monitor size is everything. If you're doing a 19" inch monitor, then you could go as far down the line as a 5670 card and be where you want to be for less than $100. If you're using anything bigger, then you'll need to step up your GPU. I think the price point order is 5770, 460, 6870, 560.

Also when you're thinking about stuff like this you have to think about your power supply. To get a bigger GPU you'll need to get a power supply that can handle it.

[Dudder]

wut..?

We'd need a lot more specifics on budget and games in order to help...

I've heard you could get mid-range quality and still be able to perform well on games like WoW and Starcraft. Maybe my view of high perfomance and mid-range is distorted

I want it to last for atleast 4-5 years.

My budget is about $600-700. I have a 22'' monitor that I'm using now.

I was looking at what was suggested so far. I could get the i5 2500k pretty easily. Comparing between the 6870 and the 560...is it just a difference in the brand? I've only owned EVGA in the past and it seems to work well.

Thanks for the info so far!

[Sephiracle]

I'm going to put together a 2500k system in under 700, save for video card which I'll grab later down the road, but pretty much go with a 2500k, a solid p67 mobo, probably just the standard board, I would definitely look into the power supply, and probably cooling/case at this point too though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...5072&Tpk=2500k

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131708

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130596

[TanAxys]

that's a pretty big budget for just the 3 components

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131711 ASUS mATX MB (4x240) $130 (sold out atm)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072 i5 2500k $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127560 MSI Hawk 6870 $230
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130604 your EVGA brand 560 for $250

that allows a lot of wiggle room for a PSU if you need it

as far as the 560 vs 6870 they are both right on par for price per performance... the 560 is slightly better but does cost slightly more. I'm an MSI guy myself, and that's just my bias. I'm sure other name brands are good, but MSI has never let me down. I've never had a part issue, but even if I did they seem to have the best customer service on the planet.

[Alan1187]

i5 2500k, P8P67 Pro, Then pick one of the following... GTX 560 Ti (MSI or ASUS for after market cooling), GTX 580, or pick an AMD equivalent (could get a GTX 570 as well, but I honestly haven't seen a huge performance difference between the 560 and 570, but I do see a giant price jump).

[Cantii]

that's a pretty big budget for just the 3 components

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131711 ASUS mATX MB (4x240) $130 (sold out atm)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072 i5 2500k $220
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127560 MSI Hawk 6870 $230
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130604 your EVGA brand 560 for $250

that allows a lot of wiggle room for a PSU if you need it

as far as the 560 vs 6870 they are both right on par for price per performance... the 560 is slightly better but does cost slightly more. I'm an MSI guy myself, and that's just my bias. I'm sure other name brands are good, but MSI has never let me down. I've never had a part issue, but even if I did they seem to have the best customer service on the planet.

I agree with this, either the GTX 560 or the 6870 both are about equal, one will beat out the other in certain games and applications, goes back and forth a lot. Regards to brand, I second the MSI - they're video cards are very good and their Twin Frozr II heatsink is the bee's knees, one of the coolest (literally) "stock" heatsinks, and quiet to boot. Can get some serious overclocking with it.

Edit: That 6870 linked by TanAxys is actually the Twin Frozr III, it actually IS superior to the Twin Frozr II, highly recommend it.