Help with choosing graphics card on new build

[sheffroid]

I'm looking at getting this combo:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.675226

I know the Sandy Bridge has the on board graphics, but I'm thinking about getting a separate video card.

I'm looking to play games, I have a 1920x1080 res monitor I'd like to use, but can lower the rez if needed for cost measures.

What do you guys recommend? Thanks for the help!!

 

[Timop]

If you're not editing video, get a 2500K. Heres a combo if you don't too intensive gaming: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.667376

Though for something more, heres one with a GTX560Ti, should max out 1080p for the most part.

2500K +Z68 $320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.676009

4GB RAM $33.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134792

GTX 560 Ti $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133384

Samsung F3 1TB $60
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Spinpoint-3-5-Inch-Internal-HD103SJ/dp/accessories/B002MQC0P8

Antec 620W $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

V3 case $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133094

Total: $750 before rebates.
You can get a nice 6950 with a nice cooler for ~$30 more.

 

[sheffroid]

*edit* Thanks for the reply, btw .

How much do you think I would notice the 6950 vs what you have on there?
Would it be worth it? I mean, it's only $30...

I'm assuming you'd recommend your custom build over the pre-built combo from NewEgg?

 

[Timop]

the 6950 would only be a 5% better in average, but more if you crossfire. It is an Asus model with a nice cooler, so noise and temps should be better.

What games do you play though?

 

[sheffroid]

WoW, Starcraft, primarily.

I'm looking to play some decent games, not like Crysis.

Do I need any cooling units?

Sorry for all the questions, this will just be my first custom built unit.

 

[Timop]

For your needs, the combo with the 6850 would be sufficient actually.

Or substitute the GTX560Ti in the build above with this 6870 and get a $715 system that should be slightly better than the combo (except the HDD).

 

[sheffroid]

Any extra cooling units needed?

 

[Timop]

Unless you don't have air conditioning, not really.

 

[Onus]

Blizzard games seem to show a preference for nVidia cards. If you have the budget for it, a GTX560Ti would be great.