Gaming build for around $800

[Achillius]

Howdy. I've been mulling over building a system for a while now, but I've never done it before. I'm currently using a modified Dell Inspiron 530 (new PSU and Graphics Card), but it's starting to slow down. The HDD is only about 300 gb and I'm tired of always being within 50 gb of the limit. (I have a 2TB external, but that's not the point.) I'm thinking that my Intel Q6600 (2.40GHz) is also a little behind the times.

So I figure if I'm going to replace the HDD and processor, I might as well go all-in and build a completely new system.

My computer sits on a carpet floor, so I'm not sure if I need to elevate it or get a case that mounts the PSU at the top.

Approximate Purchase Date: Open-ended

Budget Range: $800ish?

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Starcraft 2 (and I figure when the expansion comes out there will be spec creep), Netflix. I'm just generally interested in a reasonably future-proofed system in case something new and shiny comes along.

Parts Not Required: I already have--
Two monitors (19"and 22", both widescreen)
Keyboard
Logitech G500 mouse

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Probably newegg, but both Mirco Center and Fry's are options

Country: USA

Parts Preferences:
I have a bunch of rewards points saved up that I can use for a specific set of Corsair-brand power supplies:
Gaming Series 600W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021
Gaming Series 700W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139022
Enthusiast Series 850W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010
Enthusiast Series 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139035
Professional Series 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139024
Professional Series 650W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

Overclocking: Probably not

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe. Not gonna lie; I know very little about either.

Monitor Resolution: 1440x900 and 1680x1050

Additional Comments:
I have a nVidia GTS 450 and a Corsair Enthusiast 550W PSU that I just upgraded in December of '10, but I don't know how long those will continue to be useful, so I have no qualms about replacing them.

 

[g-unit1111]

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Probably newegg, but both Mirco Center and Fry's are options

Ugh - don't get me started about Fry's - they are IMO one of the most dishonest computer resellers on the planet. They will resell ANYTHING that is returned to them and put it back on the shelf without telling you what it's been returned for, and they do this a lot with motherboards and laptops.

Parts Preferences:
I have a bunch of rewards points saved up that I can use for a specific set of Corsair-brand power supplies:
Gaming Series 600W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139021
Gaming Series 700W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139022
Enthusiast Series 850W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139010
Enthusiast Series 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139035
Professional Series 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139024
Professional Series 650W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139028

I wouldn't pick the gaming series - the Enthusiast series are great PSUs and the Professional PSUs are good but that depends if you like modular or not. I'm not a fan of modular PSUs myself.

For an $800 build try this:

Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 - $59.99
PSU: Corsair Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 - $104.99 ($15.00 MIR)
Motherboard: Asrock Z68 Extreme 3 Gen 3 - $129.99
CPU: 3.30GHz Intel Core i5-2500K - $229.99
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo - $34.99
RAM: Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 - $39.99
HD: Seagate Barracuda ST500GB - $84.99
Optical: Samsung DVD Burner - $15.99
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 - $149.99 ($15.00 MIR)

Total: $844.91 - $30.00 MIR = $814.91