AMD/nVidia Build

I said I would do it. Today, our build is going to be an Intel and nVidia build. I'm gonna say this up front. I suck with both of these companies. There are so many variables it's not even funny. AMD has done an amazing job at streamlining their components, especially their CPUs, to make it a lot easier. Intel has something like 8 different i5 processors for Ivy Bridge ALONE. That's a lot.

That being said, this build will blow the next-gen consoles out of the water. Like, clear out. So far out of the water, you'd think it was a shark breaching the surface.

But anyway, let's get started.

CPU: Intel i5-3470 Ivy Bridge
The i5 series is pretty much known as the gamers sweet spot for Intel. Most of their i5 processors can handle heavy loads, and their unlocked processors are usually the ones that go up against the AMD flagship FX-8350. I didn't want to go with an unlocked processor though because it would have added more to the cost, so the 3470 should do us just fine for gaming.

GPU: MSI Geforce GTX 660 2GB
Once again, we're gonna go a little cheap. The GTX 660 is also a sweet spot, and is the recommended requirement for Battlefield 4. I would have gone with the 660Ti, but that's about $100 more. You could go for a 760 if you have the money, but I think this is good for us.

OR

PowerColor Radeon 7870 2GB
I couldn't just not give you guys a Crossfire enabled board without an AMD GPU option. The 7870 is about equal to the GTX 660, but with the mobo we're using, you can crossfire it but not the nVidia cards, sadly. You could opt for a different board though, your choice.

Mobo: MSI Z77A-G41
I know, I know. It's a Z77 mobo without an unlocked processor. But this is more of a recommendation for someone who wants to get the 3570k. It's sturdy, has all the bells and whistles, and will be good for this build. It's Crossfire enabled but not SLI enabled, which is weird to me, but again, I know nothing about nVidia and Intel, so whatever.

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X series 8GB
G.SKILL RAM. Can't really go wrong, especially for the price Newegg has it for right now. $55 for 8 GB. That's awesome.

HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB
A 1TB HDD is needed at least for this build, cause you will probably be playing a lot of games on it. Seagate or Western Digital make awesome HDDs, so look into it.

PSU: Corsair CX430W
You guys know so much about this PSU already. It's $30 after a rebate, so if you are building a new computer at all that doesn't use dual GPUs or have a 79xx or GTX 770 or higher in it, get this PSU. It's the best PSU for the money.

Case: Rosewill Galaxy-02 or Fractal Design Core 3000
I like the Galaxy line from Rosewill, but you could also go with the Fractal Design Core 3000 if you have more money to spend. Again, it's all your choice.

Total price: $696 before tax (nVidia) or $681 before tax and after rebate (AMD)

If you go with AMD or nVidia with this build, you'll still be doing a lot better than the console enthusiasts. Also, Newegg.com is haivng a 12 Days of Techmas sale, so you should be able to find parts you want for cheap. Go wild, people.

Happy Gaming.

Game recommendation: Ghost Recon Future Soldier
This is a really fun game to play if you like tactical shooters. Set in the future (duh), you get to use amazingly cool gadgets, awesome weaponry, and smart tactics with your 4 man squad as you take on missions. You can then take the fight online, making the tactical combat last longer.