I have never built a computer before, but I have been planning a new computer for about 4-5 months. Below is the result of my planning.
I beseech the distinguished Tom’s community for any comments or criticism that could improve upon my build.
Approximate Purchase Date: If the feed back isn’t staggering, this weekend (3/25/11)
Budget Range: $2000 (my wife didn’t set a limit told me not to be stingy and regret it later)
System Usage from Most to Least Important: This will be a gaming PC, Movies (will require Blu-ray), Net Surfing (Should be able to handle these three tasks at once)
Parts Not Required: I need it all! (I do intend on using my old monitor for multi-monitor setup)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg
Country of Origin: United States
Parts Preferences: I themed my parts selected below with blue, black and metallic in mind. (This is not a requirement)
Overclocking: Yes
SLI or Crossfire: If it offers far greater rewards to do so then, yes.
Monitor Resolution: I need a new main monitor
CPU – Intel Core i5-2500k
Motherboard – MSI P67A-GD55
GPU – EVGA GTX 580
RAM – G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB, DDR3 1600, CAS 8)
HDD – Caviar Black (640GB, SATA 6.0Gb/s)
CASE – Antec 900 Two V3 (USB 3.0 Might require additional hardware to use the motherboard header)
PSU – Antec TruePower New 750W
Media Drive – LG Black 10X Blu-ray Burner
OS – Miscrosoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
CPU Cooler - Zalman CNPS9900MAX (135mm Fan)
Monitor - SAMSUNG P2770FH (27”)
My concerns:
I wanted the single best GPU other than the GTX 590 or 6990. That way when I get more money I can buy a second one. Is this strategy flawed? Is the GTX 580 what I want for future SLI or crossfire?
The motherboard meets my needs. If there is a better choice for a similar price tag by all means recommend it. I am unaware of any real bugs with this board other than the “Green power consumption feature” which I intend to turn off.
As noted above the case has a USB 3.0 in the front panel, but I think its attached to one of those through mount cords which come out the back of the case and plug into and existing USB 3.0 port. If this is true please recommend hardware to use the header on the board.
Let me know what you think!