The Nearly Extreme (but affordable) PC build project..

[Come and See]

I'm rather impressed with AMD's new processor. It's like the best bang for your buck processor with something unique I haven't seen in a while from AMD. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103942

[Mitchpate]

Not really.  The Core i3 2100 outperforms it in most gaming benchmarks, is cheaper, and runs on significantly less power at load.

[Aidan]

What about this? Total is $665.84 USD and NewEgg will throw in a free DVD drive.

Here is a link to a TweakTown review of the mobo. http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/4105/asus_p8z68_v_pro_intel_z68_motherboard_review/index1.html

Good luck in whatever you choose.






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[Come and See]

You would get better value out of the i5 imho. You're saving $100 for not that much noticeable performance increase plus I see more i5 + mobo promotions around.

Ha ha, I'm still using the same Zalman CPU cooler from my 1st gen i7-920. All I did was just change the bracket and it keeps it nice and chilly.

[Werewolf486}12thVR{]

Biostar is a brand I try to avoid.  If you're on a budget but still want something decent, try ASRock.  They're a child company of Asus and are surprisingly good for the price.

I'm also not too fond of MSI video cards but I know some who swear by them so just make sure the reviews are good before you buy.

Btw, did you explain to your friend that Macs use the exact same parts and part manufacturers as PCs?  The look on a Mac zombie's face when you tell them that is priceless, most of them think Apple makes the whole thing

I agree here Biostar, MSI ugh....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLbJ8YPHwXM

[Come and See]

Biostar is a brand I try to avoid.  If you're on a budget but still want something decent, try ASRock.  They're a child company of Asus and are surprisingly good for the price.

I'm also not too fond of MSI video cards but I know some who swear by them so just make sure the reviews are good before you buy.

Btw, did you explain to your friend that Macs use the exact same parts and part manufacturers as PCs?  The look on a Mac zombie's face when you tell them that is priceless, most of them think Apple makes the whole thing

I agree here Biostar, MSI ugh....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLbJ8YPHwXM

I've been using MSI boards on my current and last two builds and they've worked beautifully.

[Mitchpate]

I've been using MSI boards on my current and last two builds and they've worked beautifully.

My opinion of them is a bit biased, I worked in a retail shop that used MSI motherboards and video cards exclusively and roughly half of the ones we bought had to be RMA'd

[Come and See]

I've been using MSI boards on my current and last two builds and they've worked beautifully.

My opinion of them is a bit biased, I worked in a retail shop that used MSI motherboards and video cards exclusively and roughly half of the ones we bought had to be RMA'd

MMV I guess, lol.

My first-gen i7 board did die suddenly after 2 1/2 years but I was already planning on upgrading.