OK, just a quick background. I have NEVER built a computer by myself, but i have had a couple customs built FOR me. This will be MY first build and i am doing it so i have a new project to accomplish while upgrading my computer. I would like to spend NO MORE than $1500. However, i will be putting it together over time, so i am not too worried about price...as i will make purchases weekly. I am ONLY going to be playing Starcraft 2 (like everyone else on these boards it seems), but i would like a computer that i dont have to worry cant handle the graphics, or will be slow. I am going to pick up an i7 930 tomorrow(well, later today) from Microcenter because its on sale for $200, and today is the last day its on sale. Other than that i will be using it just for internet, youtube, basic stuff, but i would like to be able to run to my TV and stream netflix, or movies if its possible. I have a few ideas based off what people are saying, and the different forums i have been scanning. Here goes...
i7 930
GPU -
Newegg.com - XFX HD-587X-ZNDC Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) XXX Edition 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity That seems to be what most people are saying to go with, and the general answers to "what GPU to get" is that one.
Ram - EITHER
Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BL3KIT25664BN1608 - Desktop Memory
OR
Newegg.com - OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3X1600R2LV6GK
Cooling -
Newegg.com - Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler
I see that a couple members went with this, but i am VERY much open to suggestions....
Monitor -
Right now i have a Samsung Syncmaster 914V. It works quite well and does its job, but i will end up upgrading the monitor later.
Case - This is the MOST frustrating part. I would like something that looks nice, as i will see it everyday. However, i dont need some CRAZY case that will open up and tell me "hey, your computer is hot, let me take care of that for you".
Power supply -
I have read to go with Corsair, and a 650 should be good enough. Atleast thats what im being told. If i need to upgrade, not a big deal.
I know i left a lot out, but thats pretty much what i got so far. ALL SUGGESTIONS AND OPINIONS ARE WELCOME! I ALSO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR HELP AND INPUT!
i7 930
GPU -
Newegg.com - XFX HD-587X-ZNDC Radeon HD 5870 (Cypress XT) XXX Edition 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/ Eyefinity That seems to be what most people are saying to go with, and the general answers to "what GPU to get" is that one.
Ram - EITHER
Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BL3KIT25664BN1608 - Desktop Memory
OR
Newegg.com - OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3X1600R2LV6GK
Cooling -
Newegg.com - Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler
I see that a couple members went with this, but i am VERY much open to suggestions....
Monitor -
Right now i have a Samsung Syncmaster 914V. It works quite well and does its job, but i will end up upgrading the monitor later.
Case - This is the MOST frustrating part. I would like something that looks nice, as i will see it everyday. However, i dont need some CRAZY case that will open up and tell me "hey, your computer is hot, let me take care of that for you".
Power supply -
I have read to go with Corsair, and a 650 should be good enough. Atleast thats what im being told. If i need to upgrade, not a big deal.
I know i left a lot out, but thats pretty much what i got so far. ALL SUGGESTIONS AND OPINIONS ARE WELCOME! I ALSO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR HELP AND INPUT!