APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Between now and Xmas at the latest
BUDGET RANGE: ~$1000, rebates ok
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, OS
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg
PARTS PREFERENCES: N/A
OVERCLOCKING: Yes, mild though
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Yes, in about 6-12 months
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The computer might spend time in my bedroom in a cramped space so noise, airflow, and no LEDs are important. This makes the case I choose expensive, not sure if there is anything that fits the bill that is cheaper. With the current case I've picked the HSF can only be 140mm high. I haven't been able to find much in the way of 1156 HSFs meeting that. For the video card I was thinking about a 5850 and then getting another one in 6-12 months. Not sure if this is overkill for my resolution and the i5.
All of it looks pretty good, here's a really nice HSF:
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long life sleeve
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065
Yes, in my opinion 2 x 5850s would be overkill at your res.
Also, that case is pretty expensive, I would recommend this one instead with this PSU:
if its just for gaming the i5 is perfect i'll stick with a 5850 wich will give you better screen upgrade options maybe instead of getting a second 5850 in 6 months get a nice 24" monitor
Message edited by obsidian86 on 10-18-2009 at 09:33:29 PM