I'm trying to build a mid-range gaming PC for around $1200 (not including software and peripherals). Here is my suggested build:
CPU/Processor:
Intel Core i7-930 2.8GHz - $295
Motherboard:
ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX - $230
Memory:
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) - $180
Hard Drive:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST31000528AS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s - $90
Video Card:
XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 - $160
DVD Burner:
LG DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model GH24NS50 - OEM - $25
Case:
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Mid Tower - $90
Power Supply: ???
Total Cost So Far: $1,070
I have many questions about my build.
1) I've seen many people on this forum recommend the ASUS P6X58D Premium LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard instead of the one I am listing. It's about $80 dollars more for USB 3.0 and some other stuff I guess. Is it really worth the extra money?
2) I've seen many people on this forum recommend 1600MHz memory instead of the 1333MHz. The ASUS P6T doesn't have the 1600HMz listed as a memory standard. Can i still use it on this motherboard without issues? Is it worth the bump in price?
3) The video card might seem cheap for a gaming PC, but I figure I will buy another one in a year or so (since I have crossfire support). Another alternative would be to buy a Radeon 5830 for about $240 and be able to put off buying a second video card for at least 2 years. Sugguestions?
4) Which manufacturer should I use for video cards? XFX? Sapphire? Powercolor? MSI? Which is the best?
5) I'm open to suggestions on cases. I need one large enough for ATX and two video cards, but I would like to keep it mid-tower. I also need something that will keep stuff cool as I would like to avoid buying an aftermarket cooling system. I'm not planning on overclocking, I'm trying to limit my opportunities to screw this up. Do I need to worry about heat with an i7-930 and two video cards if I'm not overclocking? Also, this isn't a requirement, but one without lights would be preferable.
6) Power supply recomendations have been all over the place. How much wattage will I need for one (two in another year or so) decent video card(s)? What are some suggestions for manufacturers?
7) I will also need a new monitor. I'd like to keep it cheap, but still decent quality, and a good refresh rate for gaming. Something 22"-24"
8) Lastly, did I miss anything? Are there comparability issues? Where can I save money? Or where can I spend a little more for a noticeable increase in performance?
I appreciate any advice you can give.