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Need advice on a $1500 Gaming build, all new equipment

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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within a week or two.

BUDGET RANGE: For core computer: $750-$1000
For I/O: $300-$600

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, Schoolwork, Internet, Music, Movies

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I require all new parts except for the OS. I currently have nothing except for a netbook.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: Whatever gives me the most bang for my buck.

OVERCLOCKING: No overclocking. I'm on the safe side, plus this is my first build.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Maybe with later upgrades or now, perhaps. But my currently chosen motherboard only has one PCIe 16x slot.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Here's what I have so far. I really just need advice on how to improve it and if I've made any glaring mistakes.

Processor: Intel Core i5 750, 2.66GHz $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD2, 1 PCI-e 2.0 x16, µATX $105
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws, 4GB, 2 x 2GB, DDR3 1333 $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Graphics: SAPPHIRE 100283-2L Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Or should I wait for the release of the 5830?

Drives:
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" 640GB $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
AND
Sony Optiarc Black 24X 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PSU:
Corsair TX650W $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

QUESTION: Do I want/need that Silver 5 thermal compound stuff?

Case: POSSIBLY NZXT Nemesis Elite Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower $109
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Mid or Full Tower? Any other cases I should look at?

Heatsink: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 120mm $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Is this necessary? Also, I've read of problems with large coolers and the foldout mobo tray in the Smilodon case.

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium – I already have 32bit and 64bit. Which one should I use?

Keyboard: SteelSeries MERC Stealth $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
OR
Saitek Cyborg $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Which one?

Mouse: CM Storm Sentinel Advance 5600 DPI Twin Laser Engine Pro Gaming Mouse $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
DPI is adjustable, don't worry.

Monitor: ASUS VW246H Glossy Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 (1000:1) Built-in Speakers $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Sound Output: For now, SteelSeries 5H V2 USB $120.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
Later, I'm going to add on the Logitech X-540 70 watts 5.1 Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
for $90, as the monitor comes with imbedded speakers.

Surge Protector: BELKIN BE112230-08 $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Subtotals:
For core computer: ~$980
For I/O: ~$470

Total Price: ~$1450

So what do you guys think?

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Some very easy changes:

HDD: Ditch the WD. Their drives are really far behind right now. I suggest the Samsung Spinpoint F3 (500 GB for $55 or 1 TB for $85). It's faster and cheaper.

Case: In my experience, NZXT makes really good looking cases. Not so much good quality. I highly recommend the HAF 922. It's dirt cheap at $80 after rebate right now, and is easily one of the best.

Optical: Shop around on Newegg. Get the cheapest SATA burner you can find. You'll probably save yourself $5-10.

PSU: Corsairs are excellent, but there's a great quality OCZ StealthXStream 700W for $60 after rebate. It's also in a combo with the HAF for a total of $110 after rebates.

Cooling: If you're not overclocking, you don't need an aftermarket cooler. Or thermal compound.

GPU: I believe I've saved enough there for the HD 5850 ($305)

Total: $1,005. Ok, so a tad over budget, but worth it for the 5850. Check for additional combos.

On the OS, you should definitely us the 64-bit version.

fedorafreak said:
I see all of these different companies selling the HD5850 (Gigabyte, XFX, HIS, etc.) - which one do I buy from? Is there even a difference, except for looks?


No, there is no difference between each brand. XFX does, however, offer a XXX and black edition version of the 5850, which are essentially cards that are factory overclocked. Stick to the regular ones for the must bang-for-your-buck. Mirzai_m's catch is quite nice!
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