Mid-Range PC : (Last updated : February 3, 2012)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-2500K | $219.99 | check price |
| CPU Cooler | Scythe SCMG-3000 | $49.99 | check price |
| Motherboard | ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 | $121.99 | check price |
| Memory | G.SKILL Sniper 8GB DDR3 1600 |
$49.99 | check price |
| Video Card | SAPPHIRE 100312-3L Radeon HD 6950 | $259.99 | check price |
| SSD | OCZ Octane OCT1-25SAT3-256G 256GB | $319.99 | check price |
| Optical Drive | ASUS BC-12B1ST Internal Blu-ray Drive | $57.99 | check price |
| Case | Antec Three Hundred Two | $69.99 | check price |
| Power Supply | Rosewill CAPSTONE-550 550W | $79.99 | check price |
| Monitor | NEC EA232WMi Black 23" IPS Monitor | $279.99 | check price |
| Keyboard | Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard | $49.99 | check price |
| Mouse | RAZER ABYSSUS Gaming Mouse | $39.99 | check price |
Component Info and Reviews :
Intel Core i5-2500K
Intel’s most popular family member is more adaptable than ever and unlocked. The 2nd generation Intel Core i5-2500K processor delivers an even better automatic performance increase with Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and is overclocking-enabled for the flexibility to set your systems specs the way you like.
Scythe SCMG-3000 120mm Heat Pipe CPU Cooler
Version 3 of Mugen provides higher compatibility with a new more compactly designed fin and a thoroughly thought out backplate. The overall cooling performance has been increased by refining the M.A.P.S. (Multiple Airflow Pass-through Structure). Mugen 3 comes with the "Slip Stream" PWM Silent fan, which minimizes the noise level at low load while maximizing the cooling performance at heavy load.
Reviews: Xbit Labs
ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
- Premium Gold Caps (2.5 x longer life time), 100% Japan-made high-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
- Digi Power, Advanced V8 + 4 Power Phase Design
- 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX and NVIDIA Quad SLI
- Supports Intel HD Graphics Built-in Visuals
- Dr. Debug, Smart Switch Design: Power/Reset/Clear CMOS Switch with LED
- Support Intel Smart Response, Lucid Virtu Switchable Graphics
- Supports ASRock XFast USB, XFast LAN Technologies
- Supports ASRock On/Off Play, graphical UEFI, ASRock Extreme Tuning Utility (AXTU)
- Combo Cooler Option (C.C.O.)
- 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec), Supports THX TruStudio
- Free Bundle : 1 x 3.5mm Audio Cable, CyberLink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial, ASRock MAGIX Multimedia Suite
G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2
This G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB DDR3 1600 memory kit operates at 9-9-9-24 timings and 1.25V.
SAPPHIRE 100312-3L Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
The SAPPHIRE HD 6950 Dirt3 Special Edition is a new SAPPHIRE original model with a special cooler using a new dual fan configuration. Based on the latest high end AMD GPU architecture, it boasts true DX 11 capability and the powerful configuration of 1408 stream processors and 88 texture processing units. With its clock speed of 800MHz for the core and 2GB of the latest GDDR5 memory running at 1250Mhz (5 Gb/sec effective), this model speeds through even the most demanding applications for a smooth and detail packed experience.
A Dual BIOS feature allows enthusiasts to experiment with alternative BIOS settings and performance can be further enhanced with the SAPPHIRE overclocking tool, TriXX, available as a free download from http://www.sapphiretech.com/ssc/TriXX/.
OCZ Octane OCT1-25SAT3-256G 2.5" 256GB SATA III 2Xnm Synchronous Mode Multi-Level Cell (MLC) Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Combining high-speed data transfer rates with record-breaking access times, OCZ Octane SSDs are designed to provide a superior user experience and improved application performance. Octane leverages the cutting-edge Indilinx Everest platform and is optimized for the complete spectrum of file types and sizes, with proprietary page mapping algorithms mirroring real world conditions across a wide range of applications.
The Octane series also includes advanced features unique to Indilinx, including latency reduction technology to enhance system responsiveness and enable instant-on boot-ups, and proprietary NDurance™ technology to increase the lifespan of the NAND flash memory and minimize performance degradation. In addition, Octane drives support AES and automatic encryption to secure critical data, bringing unique enterprise features within the reach of enthusiasts. Octane SSDs also deliver the energy efficiency, durability, and reliability that traditional hard drives cannot provide. Octane Series come backed by a 3-Year warranty.
ASUS BC-12B1ST Internal Blu-ray Drive
ASUS BC-12B1ST is a powerful and energy-saving Blu-ray Disc drive capable of reading from 12X BD format and writing to 16X DVD±R format. With OTS strategy, it assures the best burning quality. The BC-12B1ST supports Blu-ray 3D entertainment, creating a fantastic 3D world for users. Furthermore, the BC-12B1ST is designed with E-Green engine which auto-closes drive applications when not in use, saving power to decrease ultimate CO2 emissions.
Reviews: Hi Tech Legion
Antec Three Hundred Two
Antec Three Hundred Two is built for maximum cooling thanks to its perforated front bezel, included dual TwoCool™ fans, four optional fans with one being located behind the motherboard as a CPU exhaust fan to ensure gamers can play beyond the long hours of the night.
The Three Hundred Two utilizes eight expansion slots for up to three graphics cards with maximum lengths of 12.5” (318 mm) each.
The enclosure has removable, washable PSU and front intake air filters, along with a cable management system that features four strategically placed holes and 3 cm of space behind the motherboard tray. It’s even easier for builders to start using their new PC right away thanks to Three Hundred Two’s three 5.25” and five 3.5” tool-less drive bays.
Reviews : Anandtech, Hi Tech Legion, 3dGameMan
Rosewill CAPSTONE-550 550W 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Power Supply
- 80 PLUS GOLD Certified
- Continuous 550W @ 50°C
- Single strong 12V rail
- SLI & CrossFire Ready – 2 x 6+2pin Connector
- 1 x Silent 140mm Fan with Auto Fan Speed Control for silent operation
- Active-PFC with auto AC-input voltage adjustment (100-240V)
- Mesh sleeving on all cables for easier cable routing and better ventilation
- Over Temperature / Current / Voltage / Power Protection, Under Voltage Protection, and Short Circuit Protection provide maximum safety to your critical system components
- Safety & EMI Approval: cTUVus, FCC, CE, ROHS
NEC Display Solutions EA232WMi Black 23" 14ms Full HD IPS Panel LED Backlight LCD Monitor
The MultiSync EA Series is loaded with features that promote environmental consciousness. The EA192M, EA222WMe and EA232WMi set the bar for "green" technology by using LED backlighting, which is more energy-efficient. Compared to previous generation NEC LCDs, these models consume up to 52% less power overall, radiate up to 61% less heat, use up to 15% less packaging, weigh up to 25% less, utilize recycled plastics in their production and are free of hazardous materials such as mercury, halogen and arsenic. Other eco-friendly benefits include ECO ModeTM, auto brightness, Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) and an off timer for further energy savings, a resettable carbon footprint meter for tracking the conservation of green gas emissions, and a significant reduction in packaging materials.
Reviews : TFT Central
Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
A virtual command center at your fingertips, this new keyboard gives you powerful programming and versatility to enhance your work or game play.
Reviews: bit-tech.net
RAZER ABYSSUS Black 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Optical 3500 dpi High Precision Gaming Mouse
The Razer Abyssus is created for gamers looking for quality, reliability and performance in a no-nonsense, straightforward gaming-grade mouse. Designed to focus on the fundamentals of competitive gaming, the Razer Abyssus is armed with ultra-responsive buttons tuned for maximum tactile feedback. With an uncompromising 3500dpi Razer Precision 3.5G infrared sensor at its core, take full control of your every aim with perfect tracking so you outgun your competition.
Reviews: Bjorn3D, Hardware Heaven, techPowerUp
