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.
- 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.