Well my current computer is 6 years old and while it is still doing surprisingly well (Plays Diablo 3 at 1920X1200 no problem but without the really high settings), I'd like all the latest mainstream stuff like USB 3.0, PCI-E 3.0, an SSD, etc. and just generally a noticeable step up in performance.
Current system:
Intel Core 2 DUO 2600 2.4 GHz
Geforce 8800 GTS
6GB Ram
I've done a bit of research on Tom's Hardware and similar sites, but I definitely need some help fine tuning things, please! I like to buy at the point of diminishing return for computer stuff, saving money where I can, but I also don't mind spending more if it'll get me a lot more.
My budget is around $2,000, but I'd love to meet my needs for less. The computer will be used exclusively for games (Diablo 3, COD, etc. nothing too crazy) and also a ton of photo editing (Photoshop with a lot of photos open at once).
Here's what I was thinking so far, so please feel free to completely change it haha (from Memex):
CPU: Intel I7 3770k 3.5 GHZ $349.99
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z77V Deluxe $289.99 (I know very little about motherboards - I could probably get away with a lot less here)
RAM: GSKILL Ripjaws X PC-10600 32GB quad channel Kit $209.99 special order only?? I just want tons of pretty good RAM.
SSD: Intel 520 Series 120 SATA III 120GB $189.99 (I want speed AND reliability)
Optical: Asus BW12B1ST Bluray read/write: $99.99
Video Card: EVGA Geforce 560 Ti 2GB GDDR5: $284.99 Is this still the best bang for the buck card? I'm open to anything here.
Case: Antec Performance 1 P280 $124.99??? I haven't a clue, but it has to be a mid tower and QUIET. I like brushed aluminium looking ones the best.
Power Supply: Corsair Gaming Series GS600 $99.99 Again I haven't a clue what I need here, but I want a quality PS.
TOTAL: $1639.92
Must have's:
- USB 3.0
- SATA ports for 5 hard drives PLUS the SSD
- Ivy Bridge CPU
- Lots of RAM
- SSD
- Quiet case
Everything else I'm flexible on.
Thoughts?
Thanks so much guys, I know some of you check on this stuff daily and I'm happy to do my own research but I just can't keep up with all the tiny details.