New Build

Do not go with the LGA 775 platform as it is already obsolete. For better help follow the instructions in the link in my signature.

Thanks Mavenhel, here we go:

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This Friday (15th Jan 2010)

BUDGET RANGE: $1000 (CAD) (For GPU, CPU, MOBO & RAM)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, internet, downloading

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, OS.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Tigar Direct (store near by)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada

PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU, Nvidia GPU

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI: Maybe

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Will by using Sony 32" HD TV

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: 8GB RAM would be nice

Agreed...If building today, I'd stay clear of 775 - it was great when it was current, but 1156 and 1366 sockets have become the norm. There is not much reason to build that way, unless you were reusing parts.

If you're buying new, stick to the new sockets. Also, as stated, please use the form in the signature above - it makes it easier on us

Just so you know, you definitely don't need 8GB of RAM for what you're doing. To start I'd suggest getting 4GB of ram, and if you still want more you could always get another pair later. So here's a build:

CPU: Intel i5-750 - $214.99

Mobo: ASUS P7P55D-E Pro - $263.99 at Tigerdirect, $199.99 at newegg (definitely worth going with newegg here)

GPU: EVGA GTx 260 - $234.97 Link

PSU: OCZ ModXStream 700W - $64.97

HSF: Cooler Master Hyper 212 - $35.99

Case: HAF 922 - 145.99 at Tigerdirect $109.99 at newegg

OD: Cheapest SATA DVD Burner $30 max

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws (2x2GB) CL7 1333MHz $108.49 at newegg (RAM is way too expensive at Tigerdirect)

Total: 999.39 before tax/shipping/MIR

Edit1: Forgot the HDD. If you can find one, the Samsung F3 Spinpoint is your best bet. If not, the Seagate 7200.12 is also good.

Edit2: I just saw your budget and it says $1000 for CPU/MOBO/RAM/GPU. Does this mean that you already have everything else? If that really is the case you can definitely upgrade the GPU to a 275. In my opinion though it would be more beneficial to go with the new ATI 5xxx cards as they have DX11 support and are better money. If possible I would highly suggest the HD 5850.

That is correct, the rest of the hardware I can pick up back at home and is fairly generic.

Only reason I say Nividia is because of the unknown, as in I have never used ATi before.....if your sure it's better then I am open to change!

Well, if you go with Tigerdirect for the motherboard (I suggest you order it from newegg, same with the RAM), then you still have $400 left over for the GPU. This XFX HD 5870 is $469.97, which is out of your price range, unless you hit up newegg for the mobo, in which case it should be in reach. If you really don't want to order from newegg then you can still get the HD 5850, which is still a great card.

My budget is flexible, so if a couple of 100 bucks makes the difference then so be it. I am only in Canada until Sunday though, so if I can pick the stuff up it is more ideal than risking web shopping and delivery times.

So I take it that the 5870 will rock my world? I notice it has HDMI output, makes it easy for TV connection.

Short of the 5970 (a $700 GPU), the 5870 is the best graphics card out there. If I could afford it, I would grab it in a heart beat, but alas, the world of university has taken all of my money  .

Ok then, I'm sold! Will make my purchases this week hopefully and let you know the results. Out of interest what games will puch systems the most atm, Empire Total War? CoD MW2?

To the best of my knowledge, the best benchmark for games right now is Crysis. Many reviewers still seem to be using it, especially when enabling things like max setting and 16xAA. I've played it a bit, and seen others play it and it looks like a great game to me. Of course, all of those other new games will be great for pushing your system as well.

Just noticed that you have listed a HSF, is the one Intel supply you not very good?

It's alright, but for $30, you can't go wrong with the Hyper 212. You'll definitely be able to get better cooling, and thus, a better OC.