First of all, I will do alot more research than just matching compnents before I assemble my own system, but for now I'd like to make sure that these basics will work together:

Motherboard

My current MoBo is standard ATX, so this Asus should fit in my case.

CPU

Memory

I picked out a Creative Fatality PCIe card and some Artic Silver compound, but those aren't as crucial to the compatability question. I also plan to stick with my current GPU for now (GTX 470) and PSU (1,000 W about 1 year old).

My employer offers up to $1,000 interest-free loans for employee personal PC purchases on a 10 month-or-less repayment plan, so I'm trying to get the best bang for my bucks. Any additional advice concerning the quality of the components is welcome. Any advice to save my money for a rainy day is futile - I gots the fever again, mommy!

First class CPU and MB. Cheap slow memory -- Intel needs fast excellent memory (AMD gets by on less as CAS is important to AMD). The CPU and MB want 8GB of 1600 or faster memory (which is cheap -- $75).




One of Many Acceptable Memories -- 1.5V for i7

Intel Certified Memory $80

What Allen says about the memory. Get this instead. Cheap and super fast. Faster memory will give you much more leeway if you are going to OC. It's easy to run memory a little slower than it's spec and sometimes very hard to run it faster than spec, which is something you have to take into consideration if you are OC due to limited memory multipliers. Like my board only has 3, 4, 5 and auto for the memory multi. I have to run my memory at 3. 4 and 5 are too fast.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...1-468-_-Product

That CPU is more expensive because it has hyperthreading. You can get the other unlocked multi CPU K processor for around 210. I saw it the other day at Fry's for $179.

I would also think about an aftermarket CPU cooler since it's ten times easier to install the CPU, then the cooler, then put it in the case rather than try to put in a better cooler later. The factory cooler is a very good paperweight.

Allen and Speedbump,
Thanks for the memories . . . er, memory tips. That is definitely the one thing I will change in my lineup. As far as after-market CPU cooling, I've never had need of it because I don't overclock. But if you still recommend it for default running speeds, what are some good solutions?

I've never had a problem with the stock CPU cooler on any CPU, even ones I've OC'd over the years to a modest amount. Well, a couple of times I've had wires get themselves caught in the fan on one or another.
Oh, and I live in FL and it's not cool here, ever.



The Jedi Master

If you are not OC, then use the stock cooler. The stock cooler uses those cheesy spring loaded plastic clips. Most of the good aftermarket coolers are heavier and have a back plate that goes on the back of the mobo and the sink is held on with real bolts and nuts. That's why it's easier to put on an aftermarket cooler before setting the mobo into the case. My case has a cutout on the mobo tray though that lets you access the back of the mobo where the CPU is so it's fairly easy to add an aftermarket cooler later.

I tried two heavy duty air coolers and water cooling (cost me roughly $30, $70, and $280 stock). In my tests, the two air coolers worked the same within a couple degrees -- and in test reports were rated within a couple degrees of the best one could do with air. The Water cooler was 10C cooler BUT did not improve overclocking. So, I recommend air cooling.

Thing is that $30 delivered cooler (COOLER MASTER Hyper 212) is so incredibly popular (because it did so much for so little $$$) that its price has been raised to $50 delivered. Not such a bargain anymore. I added an extra fan for push-pull -- useful to get 5C lower temperatures -- the fan clips are in the box.

COOLER MASTER H212

If money is no object, I have this one and its slightly better (I added some money for an extra fan to go push-pull had to ask for the extra clips):

Thermalright Venomous RT

A lot of coolers SAY they are wonderful -- but they are not. So, buyer beware. A good source for cooler tests is:

Silent PC Review

Being "cost conscious (even though I spend a lot), I can't say the above are the best for the dollar. I can say you probably won't find anything significantly cooler -- for air cooling. Too bad too many of us liked the H212 and pushed its price up little-by-little over the last 6 months (it was $40 a couple weeks or so ago).

Sure looks like the H212 is a great deal; if I were to OC a little I'd definitely consider this model.

Do you use any programs that will explicitly benefit from hyperthreading? If not, I'll second going with the I5 2500K. With the I7 2600k, you're paying ~$100/50% more for hyperthreading, and 100mhz higher stock clock speed. Just my take, that's $100 to put towards a GPU, a lot of beer, etc, any of which will likely be more benefit to you than hyperthreading.

* And if you do decide to overclock, both chips on average hit the same ceiling.

Okay Speedbump, Dick Dastardly, and anyone else who says so - I must agree with switching to the Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz. My loan is applied for and all I have is time to wait while it goes through several bureaucratic steps and hopefully approved. In the meantime I'd love to hear more ideas like the above ones so I can fine tune my shopping list.

Question: Is G. Skill a reputable brand? This is the first I've heard of it.