So many components... How does one begin to choose?

That's a very bad idea. Don't worry, this forum will help you with your problems.

Just fill this form up so that we know what you need.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advic...

Hey there,

thanks very much for your response.

I filled out a thread in the format you requested a little while back, and didn't receive much of a response. Here's the link:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tom...

so, I decided today to start doing some research... and there are just TONS of choices. I don't have have a good understanding of all the different technologies, etc.

Approximate Purchase Date: Between now and the end of the year - probably right after Thanksgiving.


Budget Range: 2,000 - 2,500 each, 4-5k total (building two, one for me, one for my wife)


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, and I do video editing. Else it's internet surfing and netflix.

Parts Not Required: Keyboards, mice, monitors (we each have 2x 1080p monitors), speakers/headsets, I have Windows 7 x64, but I'll need to buy my wife a copy - she's on Windows Vista x32 (blech).


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: none, really. I tend to use newegg, amazon, pricewatch, tiger direct, and local shops... pretty much anything.


Country of Origin: Minnesota, United States


Parts Preferences: I've only ever used ASUS motherboards, but I wouldn't say I am committed to them. Otherwise I tend towards companies that make quality products. I don't like stuff breaking & wearing out.


Overclocking: "Maybe" to "No" I'm an Electrical Engineer and self-proclaimed geek, but I sort of missed the overclocking boat... I've never done it, but wouldn't be against it. I just have no real interest in "tinkering" with settings. I build PC's for the extra bang for the buck and avoiding all the crap software. I am not a tinkerer.


SLI or Crossfire: No problem with it. Using it now, but certainly don't need to if 1 card will do better than 2!


Monitor Resolution: We are both using 2x 1080p monitors (four monitors total in our office atm), but I am toying with the idea of going up another step or two in resolution.


Additional Comments:
Powerful, nondescript, quiet, small (in that order) are the words I would probably use. Obviously several of those work against one another, which makes this interesting.

This was inspired by the mATX article recently featured, but there are 6+ pages of comments on that article, so I wondered if maybe there were some additional optimizations that could be made. Obviously no crazy LED lights or other bells & whistles.

I'm open to discussion around liquid cooling, but would want minimal maintenance & risk of frying my system - which leads me towards the pre-manufactured solutions.

I'm looking for something I can build, and then not screw around with for a long time (no constantly changing settings, ripping my case apart, etc).

We have pets, anti-cat/dog hair tidbits are nice.

What else... thank you guys in advance for any thoughts!!!

Sweet. Thanks... she and i basically want the same computer. I use the Adobe Production Premium Suite CS5.5. We'll be looking to max out most current games like Skyrim, GW2, D3, etc. Hopefully while recording (FRAPS) video at the same time.

That's pretty much it. =( I thought it was going to be hard. Anyway, when the 560ti is getting weak for your taste just buy another one and SLI it.

You might want to get 16gb ram though  . Although 8gb is fine.

If you plan on going tri-monitor set up. An ATI card would be better  .

hahaha, sorry to disappoint, but no - nothing special. I'm just a typical american adult with a little disposable income to throw at a hobby I enjoy.  

I'm going to dig into this more tomorrow during the day, so I might have some follow-up questions then.

Hi my friend. Get a 6950 than a 560ti. The 560ti have a dual monitor problem that it increases the cards temp by 20C...   Sorry. I didn't know until I checked.

Get this XFX 6950 2gb. If you ever plan to upgrade your monitor to 2500 x something which I don't recommend for now. The extra Vram will help.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

It'll up the cost by $50 but it's worth it to avoid that glitch.

i7-2600k
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

6950 2gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Best answer selected by solitas.