Gaming computer questions

[ModernMessiah]

I am having trouble finding the right setup for me. I had all these parts laid out that I was ready to buy, but it seems like AMD is just doing terrible. I really only need the tower. I have a case that is a full size. I have an OS. I just don't know where to turn for help, or if it is even possible to stay in my range (Around $1,000-$1,500) while building a quality computer that I will not have to upgrade for a while that will run the newer games. I am fine with upgrading something a little further down the road. Just need to put something I can use today together. I know how to build a computer. The knowledge I lack is in the motherboard and graphics card department, and whether I should go with AMD or Intel. If anyone has any suggestions, or a list made up that they could post I would really appreciate the help. Thanks in advance!

 

[Sean W.]

so all you need are the internals?

list to me exactly what components you need, IE, PSU, ram, mother board, etc.

and your budget for the components you need is about $1000 - $1500?

 

[ModernMessiah]

Everything in the tower.

The tower I have is a Thermaltake Chaser MK-I

I need:
RAM
PSU
GPU
CPU
Mobo
HDD
And any extra things likes fans or what not that may need to be added. Sorry, I am new to building a computer that has to do more than just surf the net.

 

[Roark]

CPU - $230 Intel i5 2500k
MB - $170 MSI Z68A-GD55 (G3)
RAM - $47 8GB Mushkin Blackline
HDD - $125 1TB Seagate Barracuda
PSU - $130 Silverstone Stider 750W

Thats $702, with $45 in rebates ($657).
Leaves $298-343 for a GPU if you want to stay close to $1K, I'd suggest a GTX 570 or HD 6970.

If you don't mind going closer to $1.5K I'd so go for an HD 7950 or 7970 and add an SSD.

 

[ModernMessiah]

And if I were planning to dual up on my GPU at some point would I have to up my PSU? Sorry for the questions. I really appreciate the quick answers.

 

[Sean W.]

we'll call that one a team effort Roark!

EDIT:

a 750W psu is enough to push two 7970s, but a 850W+ would push it a little bit more in the green zone... but for one graphics card, its plenty!

EDIT rev. 1.1:

dont forget a CPU cooler, the Corsair A70 is my favorite!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181011

 

[Roark]

we'll call that one a team effort Roark!

Was doing my best to ninja since I generally knew what you'd put

The PSU depends on what card you go for, 750W can handle dual AMD cards but dual Nvidias draw a little more.
If you want to go for SLi/Crossfire later yeah I'd go with an 850W
XFX C.E.P. 850W would work, cheaper than the Silverstone but not modular or as efficient.

 

[Sean W.]

Was doing my best to ninja since I generally knew what you'd put

you must not know me very well! i would have gone with a P67A-GD65, Gskill memory and a Corsair power supply!

 

[ModernMessiah]

Thank you guys for your quick responses. I really appreciate it. I am guessing it depends on the GPU how long this computer can keep up with the newer games. If this were you which card would you guys go with... Should I get two mid cards or one really good one?

 

[Sean W.]

its generally better to go with the best single card you can afford... cause then in a year when your system starts to get bogged down by the new games, that current bleeding edge card is only $200, throw another one in and you are good for another year plus. i try to skip a generation, my last card was a 5870, that lasted me all the way through the 6xxx series and now im going to either get a 7970 or two 7950s... or, i might go with a 6990... i am VERY torn right now! but thats my story, does no help for you!