Medium-High end gaming build - Need opions.

[larryflynt]

Looking to build a desktop, almost exclusively for hardware intensive gaming. Also for internet, video/music playback, light office apps and home theatre PC.

I'm not really too limited by cash, however I really do not want to spend over $3000, ideally trying to keep it around $2500. This includes every single part (currently using a laptop).

I'm looking for opinions on better combinations and general compatibility between parts. I would prefer to spend a little extra for quality parts.

CPU: i5 2500K (will overclock probably to < 4.5)
CPU cooler: NZXT Havik 140
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V-GEN3 (not interested in ASRock)
RAM/Memory: 16GB DDR3-1600 G Skill (I realize I probably do not need 16GB, but its cheap, also assuming 1600 MHZ won't bottleneck the system?)

Power Supply: Corsair HX-850 (to support SLI GTX570's in future)
Case: Coolermaster HAF932 (I like the size, plenty of internal space/good airflow capacity, also looks good without being too flashy)

Hard Drive #1: Crucial C400 64GB M4 series
Hard Drive #2: Western Digital 500GB Caviar Black
Graphics Card:ASUS or eVGA GTX570 (will get a second one in a few months)
Moniter: 23inch Samsung 23A750D (120 HZ)
Windows 7 Home premium 64 bit

Will be using an ethernet cable to connect to the internet, so I think that means I do not need a network card?
Any mouse and keyboard recommendations would be appreciated.
Other than the fast boot time, do SSD's actually provide any gaming advantages?
Will be building myself – Any other obscure components I need to complete the build, cables etc? (don't want to spend all day building and not be able to get it running!)

Can anyone recommend a decent TV tuner?

Also sound card? (although I thought the onboard sound on this mobo is OK anyway?)

Although theoretically there is enough slots on the P8Z68-V-GEN3 for two GTX570's, TV tuner and sound card, I was wondering if anyone can tell me if it's possible to actually fit them all on? (as the 2 x GTX570's are quite big, may obstruct the other slots?).

Any extra fans to purchase for the case? (can probably do this at a later date depending on temperatures)

Fan controller recommendation?

Hoping to get this built within the next month, will probably start tracking down best prices soon. Feedback is appreciated.

 

[striker410]

Hi there! Welcome to the forums.

You've done excellent work! I'm very impressed. A few notes, however.

Hard drives. The C300 is based on an old controller and is very slow. Look into getting a Crucial M4 or Samsung 830 (more expensive but way better performance), preferably the 128GB version so you won't have space issues.
I'd also change your secondary drive. WD blacks are nice but not worth the price performance. A WD blue or Samsung drive will do just as good.

I dunno about the GTX 570. I'd prefer to either go below or above. Below being the GTX 560 Ti 448 Core, above the ATI 6970. GTX 570 is fine, it just feels wonky.

-For fan controllers, I know many people here use the NZXT sentry: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811992007 I personally dig the touchscreen version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811992005

Onboard sound is fine, unless you have a really nice 7.1 stereo.

For extra fans, I suggest Scythe Slipstreams http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=scythe+slipstream&x=30&y=12 in the size you need. Gelid Wings are also an option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=gelid+wing&x=0&y=0

Hope I've said my bit. You've done really well, I'm very impressed.