PSU:
You must look at both Wattage and Amps. All graphics cards list the Amp requirement (specifically on the +12V rail). For example, I've seen 500W PSU's with only 20Amps and ones with almost 50Amps.
A GTX570 requires roughly 38Amps so I usually recommend 48Amps such as the Antec 620W High Power. The next-gen of graphics cards will use roughly HALF the power so that means you can get more processing power but keep the same PSU.
Other:
- Intel CPU's (was an AMD fan for years) unless the charts show better value on an AMD versus Intel for the price, go with Intel. Look. At. The. Price. Vs. Performance.
- the graphics card is usually the bottleneck in a gaming system. I still recommend spending roughly $200 on a CPU for future upgradability of graphics if needed or other tasks like backing up your system and converting video.
- I've found my HD5870 can handle most games at, or near 100% quality at 1920x1080. I discovered, however, that going much below this card can quickly drop the frame rate or quality. You can spend $1000 on your system, but there's a HUGE difference between a $150 and $200 graphics card of same quality.
- PhysX is still a non-issue for me at the GTX560Ti level except for a few games like Batman AA that can play fully quality at 60FPS 1920x1080 and also keep PhysX on full. If it's a choice between PhysX and Quality/FPS I'll choose Quality. I don't want PhysX to drop my system to 40FPS and also get screen tearing when I can lock to 60FPS fully quality.
Summary:
- GTX560Ti or HD6950 is what I recommend
- AMP requirement for graphics cards. Understand this.
- bottlenecks determine best value.
- recommend Intel i5-760 or similar
- Tomshardware has great articles on building
- NCIX, Newegg etc.
- non-stock HSF for CPU. $30 to $50 (quieter even in idle and great for overclocking)
- overclocking won't benefit games usually (graphics bottleneck)
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