Advice on computer components

[sa-i]

I'm new to building my own computer from scratch and was wondering what parts i should get for Intel i5 750. The only game I play is sims and I watch a heck of a lot of HD files. I need guidance in the right direction...

For now I have...
Intel Core i5 Processor 2.66 GHz 8 MB LGA1156 (w/ graphics card built in right?)
Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 XMS3 4 GB PC3-12800 Core i5 Memory Kit
Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750-Watt TX Series 80 Plus (do I really need 750 or would 550 suffice???)
Hitachi 2 TB Deskstar SATA 7200 RPM 32 MB Cache Internal Hard Drive
Thermaltake VB1000SWS Soprano Mid Tower


I don't play WOW or convert video files except for occasional photoshop or painter use. I just really want a computer that can play HD quality files without lagging.

Any advice would be great!

 

[Wisecracker]

That is a lot of 'jam' for playing Sims and watching HD.

For the cost of the i5 750 you may purchase a CPU/Mobo combo from either Intel or AMD which will do yah proud.

 

[xtc28]

^ I would agree

 

[sa-i]

I kinda want a computer that can still be considered "good" few years later, not just good right now. Something that can last for a while without feeling like it has sub par performance. It's inevitable that "HD quality" will become low quality in the near future lol

 

[fusiondataservices]

Most of the time you can get an AMD with the same specs as the Intel for less money. More bang for your buck.

 

[ekoostik]

Intel Core i5 Processor 2.66 GHz 8 MB LGA1156 (w/ graphics card built in right?)

It looks like you're talking about the i5 750? NO - this does not have integrated graphics. If you're looking for the new Intel CPUs with integrated graphics you want to be looking at the i3's or i5 6xx's. Here's what's available on New Egg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010340343%2050001157%201051749233%201050953956&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE

Here's a good article on the new CPUs: http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3704

Corsair CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 XMS3 4 GB PC3-12800 Core i5 Memory Kit

I don't know if the new chips will be limited the same as the 'old' Lynnfield chips - i.e. the i5 750. But with the i5 750 if you are not going to manually tweak your BIOS then there is little need for RAM rated any higher than 1333. You can't run at 1600 unless you effectively OC your machine. Look for low voltage RAM with low CL/CAS ratings.

Corsair CMPSU-750TX 750-Watt TX Series 80 Plus (do I really need 750 or would 550 suffice???)

A 550 will be fine. You could even add a top end graphics card and be fine. Check out my signature, I'm running an i7 860 with an average GPU and use a 450 W PSU. The most important thing here is quality, and you've picked a good brand in Corsair.