Mainly an HTPC build, but also my main computer

[oldschul]

My setup is my computer connected to my 50" TV and a secondary 22" display so I can watch my shows and surf or work at the same time.

Computing activities: Surf, 1080p watching, Office tools, programming, light gaming.

I have come close to choosing a build and even though Ivy bridge will come Q1 2012, I think I will pull the trigger on a system now.

Here's what I'm thinking of getting, I know it's a little overkill, but I think it will be really fast and fun.

Components to re-use:

Storage: Two 1TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 (will do raid 0)
PSU: Corsair VX450

New components
Case: SilverStone GD05 Grandia
Processor: Intel I5 2500K
Cooler: Scythe Shuriken Rev. B (SCSK1100)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3
Memory: Kingston ValueRAM 8GB (2x4GB) 1333MHz DDR3 CL9 DIMMs (KVR1333D3N9K2/8G)
OS Drive: Adata S511 120GB 2.5" SATA3 SSD
Optical Drive: Prob some SATA DVD writer, but might not bother with one. With virtual drive mounts and online storage who needs to write to media anymore

Let me know what you think! Do you have any suggestions, improvements? Am I going way too overkill?

 

[rvilkman]

Just make sure the memory you do pick has 1.5V for voltage. Currently your best bang for buck models are 2x4GB 1.5V CAS9 1600Mhz.
So 8GB is fine, but no point in spending more for CAS7.

 

[oldschul]

Ahh, the ones I chose are 1.65v. From what I'm reading I might as well find 1.5v chips.

 

[boiler1990]

Ahh, the ones I chose are 1.65v. From what I'm reading I might as well find 1.5v chips.

Yeah, Kingston has a bad habit of making their sticks 1.65V. Kind of annoying because they actually make good kits.

G.Skill's kits are usually the cheapest, but they're also very good.

 

[oldschul]

I think I'll go with this RAM which is 1.5V. Kingston ValueRAM 8GB (2x4GB) 1333MHz DDR3 CL9 DIMMs (KVR1333D3N9K2/8G)

Anyone have any comments about any other part of the build?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

should be fine. you might consider a low-end GPU if you plan on light gaming at all (the HD3000 in the 2500K will do video, even HD, wonderfully, but its pathetic at 3d accelerated games.)

I'd suggest a HD6570 or 6670