jdsimons2

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Aug 30, 2011
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Hi! So, I'm new to the PC Building business. I'm looking to build my first PC that will be used for a variety of tasks, mainly:

- Video Games (SC2, Diablo 3)
- Light Video Editting (we're talking 3-5 minute videos for family events, works parties, etc)
- A Hybrid HTPC (As in, plugged into my Home Entertainment Center, which right now consists of a HDTV haha) Soon to have Surround Sound, etc. Right now its' "42, will upgrade to "52 soon. Will play Bluray, but mainly 720p/1080p videos that are on the HDD.

The major thing I'm looking for is the ability to upgrade (I'm tired of buying a new computer every 2-3 years when I can simply purchase a new part) and budget. I want to be able to get an above average CPU that can do what I need it to do, reliably, and on a budget. I'm thinking between the $800-1000 range is right where I want to sit, and if I can get by cheaper... great!

I've looked into SLI graphics, and from what I've read the "bang" isn't worth the hassle. I've heard not many games benefit from it, and you really only notice a difference when you're rocking huge resolutions. Many tweaks are needed, etc. Any counter thoughts to this?

Here's the build:

MoBo ($160): GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD4-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128494

CPU ($220): Intel Core i5 2500k 3.3 GHZ
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

GPU ($200): nVidia GeForce GTX 560 (I've heard the 570 is a significant jump up with less power consumption... thoughts?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121446

Memory ($30): 4 GB Stick. (thoughts on a 2 x 2GB?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145346

PSU ($70): CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

SSD ($135): 80 GBs (for OS and Games). HDD ($40): 500 GBs (for other stuff)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233161 (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148701 (HDD)

The rest of the stuff is run of the mill stuff. Bluray burner, a case, a bluetooth adapter, possibly a wireless network card (but I run wired on my towers), and additional fans if needed. I'm also still torn between an SSD or not... They're just so overpriced, haha.

Total w/ SSD: $960
Total w/o SSD: $825

Your thoughts are VERY appreciated for this novice PC Builder. :)
 
You have a gtx 560 up there, not a gtx 560ti. Also that Gigabyte board that you posted is meant for dual vid cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371047 $58.99 FREE SHIPPING
Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-520 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157252 $114.99
ASRock Z68 PRO3-M LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.694806 $264.98 FREE SHIPPING
Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065 $27.99 FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106334 $19.99 FREE SHIPPING
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS-324-98B

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185 $59.99 FREE SHIPPING $10 off w/ promo code EMCKBGK32, ends 9/5
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127594 $239.99 - $219.99 after mail-in rebate card FREE SHIPPING
MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-560-amp-edition-gtx-560-directcu-ii-top,2944.html <----- gtx 560 vs gtx 560ti