First Time Builder, $2500 budget, Need EVERYTHING

it is james

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This forum has been a tremendous help to my research these past two months, and it's almost time for me to purchase parts.

This is my first time ever building a desktop, or even modifying or changing any parts in a computer. I don't have any parts already so I will need everything (except the parts in the parts not required section). If I don't have it included in my list of parts I'm purchasing, or list of parts I don't need, I will assume I don't need it.


Approximate Purchase Date: Late March/Early April

Budget Range: $2000-2500 after rebates - I have $2800 total but I'd like to be able to afford some games

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Home Theater, Music Production/Video Editing, Programming

Parts Not Required: Screwdriver, desk, chair. Don't think anyone includes these in builds but I don't need a microphone either. Need EVERYTHING else.

Preferred Website for Parts: Newegg.com

Country: United States

Parts Preferences: 16 GB of RAM (I have had 8 in past machines and will definitely need more, 12 would be ok, 16 is best), 27 inch monitor with HDMI support (for hooking up cable box or Xbox to monitor) (is 27 inches too big?), Keyboard with macro keys (at least 6 would be ideal), at least 1 TB hard drive, cheap case lighting. Will not give any of these up, must have.

Overclocking: Likely, for the CPU. Don't think I will overclock anything else.

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080 OR 1900 x 1200

Additional Comments: I'd prefer a case with at least a small window, but not a necessity. Speakers that have a good sound and some bass would be nice. Finally, if the case is going to have any lit up parts (such as fans) I prefer the color red. But yeah... I'm not going to be too picky.

Also if it makes any difference, I like playing all kinds of games. Although my personal favorite are RPGS. And if you think it's worth buying a controller for some games (such as FIFA 12) please let me know and I'll try to fit it in.

I'm also wondering if I should buy an air filter. I live on a dusty dirt road and my room has a lot of dust in it. I'm worried about it getting stuck in my computer. If need be, I have family who will buy this for me so it doesn't need to be included in the build price.

IMPORTANT: My biggest fear is DOA parts. Company reliability is extremely important in this build. I have a monthly income of only $200 from my websites, because I'm only 16. This build will leave me just about broke.

If you read all that, thanks. Here is my build so far.

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Advanced RC-932-KKN5-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - $144.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160


CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge - $224.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072


CPU Cooling: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 (includes thermal paste, so I won't need any, right? - $34.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099


GPU: PowerColor Radeon 7970 (should I switch to Sapphire if it comes back in stock? haven't seen it in stock for two weeks...) - $559.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131452


MOBO: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard (I don't know much about motherboards) - $129.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271


Hard Drive: SAMSUNG EcoGreen F4 HD204UI 2TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (Couldn't find a 1-2TB hard drive with great ratings... speed is not that important on this as long as it's not annoyingly slow, hard drive will mostly be used for stuff like small programs, pictures, movies etc.) - $149.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152245


SSD: Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2CCA 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC - $169.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148448


RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) - $89.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231315


PSU: RAIDMAX RX-850AE 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply (I know nearly nothing about PSUs, except that modular = good)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152043


Optical Drive 1: LG Black 12X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 12X DVD-RAM 10X BD-ROM 4MB Cache SATA 12X Super Multi Blue with 3D Playback & M-DISC Support WH12LS39 LightScribe Support - OEM (Anyone got a suggestion for Blu-Ray playing software?) - $79.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136241


Optical Drive 2: ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM (needed a DVD burner, two drives is convient also) - $20.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204


Monitor: Asus VK278Q Black 27" 1920x1080 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Webcam 300 cd/m2 10,000,000 :1 (ASCR) - $329.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236101


Keyboard: Logitech G510 Black 18 Function Keys USB Wired Gaming Keyboard - $99.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126100


Mouse: Logitech G500 10 Buttons Dual-mode Scroll Wheel USB Wired Laser 5700 dpi Gaming Mouse (very skeptical about this mouse, comfort is important when it comes to a good mouse though) - $58.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104318


Mouse Pad: RAZER Goliathus Gaming Mouse Mat - Fragged Speed Edition - Omega S - $14.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826999067


Speakers: Logitech Z506 75 watts RMS 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers - $90.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121044


Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM - $99.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986


Ethernet Cable: Link Depot C6M-50-WHB 50 ft. Cat 6 White Network Cable - $10.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812189038


Anti-Static Wrist Strap: Rosewill RTK-002 Anti-Static Wrist Strap - $4.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899261005


Surge Protector: CyberPower 850 6 Feet 8 Outlets 2400 Joules Home/Office Surge Protection - $20.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812120401


Cable Ties: Cables To Go 43221 50Pkg 6in Releasable/Reusable Cable Ties - $7.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16899996091

Extra SATA Cables: (I don't know how many my MOBO comes with): BYTECC Model SATA-118C 18" Serial ATA-150/300 Cable w/Locking Latch (x3) - $10.29

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812270093


Case LEDs: NZXT CB-LED20-RD Sleeved LED Kit - Red, 2 m (Just for fun, also I realize I can not line the whole inside of my case with just 2m) - $17.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812170031


Battlefield 3: (I can take this off if it's worth it... rest of my games will come from Steam or other digital downloads) $47.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832130293

Grand Total: $2,520.36 (including shipping, after rebates). Need to bring down $20 (see parts preference for things I will not give up)


That's it! Please let me know if I forgot anything I will need. Remember, if it's not included here in this post I'll assume I don't need it. I have no spare parts of anything. Thank you so much for reading all of this and thanks for helping me out. If you have any questions or comments please post. Thank you.
 
Solution
I'm also wondering if I should buy an air filter. I live on a dusty dirt road and my room has a lot of dust in it. I'm worried about it getting stuck in my computer. If need be, I have family who will buy this for me so it doesn't need to be included in the build price.

If you're really concerned about that - most good modern cases like the Corsair Carbide 500R include built in dust filters and a lot of case manufacturers have become really wise to users' concerns about dust and noise and are adjusting their cases accordingly. Check this out:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

PSU: RAIDMAX RX-850AE 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC...

g-unit1111

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I'm also wondering if I should buy an air filter. I live on a dusty dirt road and my room has a lot of dust in it. I'm worried about it getting stuck in my computer. If need be, I have family who will buy this for me so it doesn't need to be included in the build price.

If you're really concerned about that - most good modern cases like the Corsair Carbide 500R include built in dust filters and a lot of case manufacturers have become really wise to users' concerns about dust and noise and are adjusting their cases accordingly. Check this out:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

PSU: RAIDMAX RX-850AE 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply (I know nearly nothing about PSUs, except that modular = good)

That's not true - I've had a couple of modular PSUs and had nothing but problems with them. There's a myth that having less cables in your system = good, but it's all in how you ROUTE your cables that will make all the difference. If you get a case that allows you to route the cables behind the motherboard that will make a huge difference in how air flows through your system.

Things like static wrist straps, cable ties, LED lights, ethernet cables, mouse mats - those are all junk and you don't need them - you're just throwing money away. There's at least 5 things in your budget that you can cut - you do not need those, and that would save you $50 - $60 at minimum.

I've built tons of systems - never, not once used a static wrist strap, and I haven't used a mouse pad since the late 90's. :lol:

Don't include games in your budget either - get those last.

You don't need extra SATA cables either - most motherboards will include 4 at minimum, a few of the higher end boards include 6.

You also don't need an extra DVD burner - the LG you have will read and write to all DVD and BD-R formats.

That's a pretty excellent build to start with, these would be my suggestions:

1. Most of what Raidmax produces is absolute, flat-out junk. I have used their cases and they're cheaply made and fall apart easily. So with that, I wouldn't touch their PSUs with a 10 foot pole. Try this instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087

2. I'd cut down on the monitor - go with a 24" instead - and invest in a better motherboard. Try one of these instead:
- Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3P: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128506
- Asus P8Z68-V Pro / GEN 3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131790

3, I wouldn't spend $100 on a keyboard - you can cut that back and invest that money in getting a better PSU.
 
Solution

it is james

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After removing Battlefield 3, that DVD drive, the extra SATA cables, replacing my motherboard for the ASUS one you suggested (although seeing that half of the reviews on the first page of reviews being 1 egg for DOA motherboards scares me) replacing my PSU with the one you suggested, and lowering down to a 24 inch monitor (although I really wish I could keep 27", I guess it's not worth it) i'm at $2,473 including shipping.

Here is the monitor I chose, if you have a better one please let me know.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236153

Edit: Also, don't I need an ethernet cable to get internet? Don't I need a wrist strap to prevent breaking my parts when building? Don't I need cable ties to tie the cables in my computer? And don't I need a mouse pad to move my mouse effectively? (My table that I will be using is kind of junk)
 

g-unit1111

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After removing Battlefield 3, that DVD drive, the extra SATA cables, replacing my motherboard for the ASUS one you suggested (although seeing that half of the reviews on the first page of reviews being 1 egg for DOA motherboards scares me) replacing my PSU with the one you suggested, and lowering down to a 24 inch monitor (although I really wish I could keep 27", I guess it's not worth it) i'm at $2,473 including shipping.

The thing is there's no such thing as a perfect motherboard - you just have to go for it. The one thing I've found about Newegg reviews is that if people can find something to complain about - they'll complain about it. I had to get a new motherboard last year and I'm using the same board I linked to - the Gigabyte UD3P - I was worried about the reported boot-loop issue. But if you really take your time and do a clean installation you should be fine - Asus makes excellent boards, if you install it correctly you should be worry-free. I did and I've been really impressed with the end result of my system - it's probably my favorite computer I've ever owned if I had to pick one.

Here is the monitor I chose, if you have a better one please let me know.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236153

That's a good choice - Asus makes some great monitors.

Also, don't I need an ethernet cable to get internet?

When you sign up for an ISP (assuming you don't have cable or DSL already) your ISP will provide you with all the tools you need to get going - and that will include ethernet cables. You're essentially buying the same product twice already.

Don't I need a wrist strap to prevent breaking my parts when building?

I've been building and tweaking computers since the mid 90's and I've *NEVER* had the need for a static wrist strap - as long as you work on a clean surface you'll be fine.

Don't I need cable ties to tie the cables in my computer?

Not necessarily - if you take the precautions I listed and route your cables behind the motherboard you'll be fine. If you have to you can get a package of them at your local Home Depot for like $2 - no need to include that in your budget. Focus on getting the best hardware you can get for the money - get the little things later.

And don't I need a mouse pad to move my mouse effectively?

Mouse pads were required in the days of the trackball, when manufacturers switched to laser tracking they haven't been needed at all - most modern mice use laser tracking and should be able to work on any surface. Most of the good ones have really well done tracking and you shouldn't need it for the most part. The only time you'd need one is if your desk has a glass top but that really isn't a concern for most people.
 

it is james

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Extremely helpful. Thanks a lot. [:truegenius:8]

I will still need the ethernet cable (I don't have any extras, unfortunately) but I cut cable ties, a mouse pad (if I end up needing one, I guess I can just buy it later) and an antistatic wrist strap out of my budget.

But, do I really need to? I guess if they're useless I may as well. But right now, I'm still under my budget. I guess the more money saved, the better. [:truegenius:6]
 
most of your choices are great butyou have wasted a lot on peripherals mate.here's my $2.5k build includes every 'necessary' thing-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826158082
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226237
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136241
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835209013
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131790
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817114182
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233196
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104318
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161399
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236049
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152245
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129087

surge protectors are not required unless if you are in a thunderstorm prone area.
add your remaining things(extra cables and all).it should come under $2.5k.
the speakers i listed are enough for gaming.don't spend so much on speakers and headsets unless you are going to do some serious sound processing.
 

g-unit1111

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Extremely helpful. Thanks a lot. [:truegenius:8]

No problem.

I will still need the ethernet cable (I don't have any extras, unfortunately) but I cut cable ties, a mouse pad (if I end up needing one, I guess I can just buy it later) and an antistatic wrist strap out of my budget.

Your ISP will give you ethernet cables if you sign up for cable or DSL - if you don't have any extras there's no need to worry. If you have a wireless network setup you can hook a USB wifi adapter up to your computer and then route your computer through your router - that's what I usually do.

But, do I really need to? I guess if they're useless I may as well. But right now, I'm still under my budget. I guess the more money saved, the better. [:truegenius:6]

No - I just really try not to purchase those things as you really are just throwing your money away. Even your PSU will include a few cable ties (check the photos on Newegg) so there really isn't a need to buy any. I know Corsair does, and I think Seasonic and XFX do as well.
 

it is james

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A lot of similar parts there! I guess that's a good thing, right? :lol:

I do live in an area with a lot of thunderstorms, and it's better to be safe then sorry I guess. Definitely looking into that keyboard, though I'm going to do a bit more reading up on it. I have a fast type speed (around 100 words per minute) so something with good response is vital or else I will be extremely annoyed with the keyboard.

That case also looks very nice too, but I have always been told Cooler Master is the way to go with cases... I'll have to do more research.

5.1 channel speakers are really important. I will be using this for a lot of movie and music playback (along with music composing and recording) so good speakers are kind of important.

Still, very helpful. Thanks a ton.
 

g-unit1111

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That case also looks very nice too, but I have always been told Cooler Master is the way to go with cases... I'll have to do more research.

These, IMO, are the best case manufacturers (and I've used a *LOT* of cases, believe me) :

- Cooler Master
- Corsair
- Fractal Design
- NZXT
- Rosewill
- Lian Li
- Silverstone

These case manufacturers are the ones to avoid:

- Apevia
- Raidmax
- Xion
- Xclio
- Ultra
- Compucase
- Apex

5.1 channel speakers are really important. I will be using this for a lot of movie and music playback (along with music composing and recording) so good speakers are kind of important.

I could point you to the ones I use. They're 2.1 channel but the sound quality blows away anything else I've used in the price range:
http://www.klipsch.com/promedia-2-1-computer-speakers

I do live in an area with a lot of thunderstorms, and it's better to be safe then sorry I guess. Definitely looking into that keyboard, though I'm going to do a bit more reading up on it. I have a fast type speed (around 100 words per minute) so something with good response is vital or else I will be extremely annoyed with the keyboard.

In that case I'd actually look at investing in a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101349
 

it is james

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Good to know. I will keep this information so I can reference it in future builds.

Of course, sound quality is more important then amount of channels, but paying extra for 2.1 channel... I just don't know if I would want to do that. Definitely something to consider, though. I'll have to read a lot of reviews on those speakers.

And azeem40, that's good to know. I feel more comfortable purchasing a 24 inch monitor if people believe it's too big. I've never had the experience, so I wouldn't know.

And hellfire24, thanks for your response. That keyboard is starting to look nice, although I'm not completely set on it.

Edit: I think I will replace my surge protector with that UPS. It's not too much more but it will definitely be helpful I believe. Even though I've never had any power surges in my house the power goes out constantly due to crazy weather... if I'm understanding this right, the UPS powers the computer off slowly and safely, correct?
 

g-unit1111

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Of course, sound quality is more important then amount of channels, but paying extra for 2.1 channel... I just don't know if I would want to do that. Definitely something to consider, though. I'll have to read a lot of reviews on those speakers.

Trust me - the sound quality is *MORE THAN* worth the cost difference - I've used speakers that cost twice that and these blow them away.
 

it is james

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Well, you have given me no reason to not trust you. You have been one of the most helpful people I have ever met.

For me to suggest a good monitor, I will need to know if you play fast-paced games a lot. Do you?

Games I will be playing include Battlefield 3, Elder Scrolls 3, 4, 5, Crysis, and Fifa 12. I guess some of these could be considered fast paced. My currently chosen monitor I believe should be able to handle fast paced games, but additional input is always welcome.
 
For those games, if colors don't matter, I suggest a 120Hz monitor. Also, don't listen to people who say it is not worth it below 60fps. It means the picture refreshes 120 times a second, which means that at any fps, you will see a smoother gameplay. You will be able to react much faster to enemies in tanks, etc.
 

it is james

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I may be doing something wrong, but when I type 120hz monitor or anything similar into Newegg only expensive 3D monitors seem to be coming up. Not only am I unable to afford such an expensive monitor, I'm not that interested in 3D monitors right now.

Also, noob question. The 120Hz is the refresh rate, right?
 
That's another misconception. You don't need 3D to use 120Hz to its full potential. They come with 3D because they are ABLE to utilize it. That doesn't means you don't need to USE it. Also, newegg is not the right place for a 120Hz monitor. Most of the good ones are deactivated. Yes, 120Hz is refresh rate. All 120Hz monitors are 3D capable, but you don't have to use that feature if you don't want to.
 

it is james

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Oh ok. The monitors are much more expensive though for 120hz... is the difference really that noticeable?
 

EchoFahrenheit

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While 120hz is not necessary for those games it will definitely look a lot nicer but you would be fine with a lower refresh rate monitor, but for the best it is worth the slight investment especially considering if you do feel like 3D in the future you don't have to fork out extra for a new monitor as well
 

it is james

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Oh ok.... it'd be very nice but I just don't know if I could fit it into my budget right now, unfortunately :/. Hopefully when I purchase my next monitor the cost of them will be lower and I will be able to afford one.
 

g-unit1111

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You can always add or remove monitors - the 7970 makes it really easy to setup multiple displays with Eyefinity.
 

hcotech

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Couple of things and this is just my opinion:

I recently built a ~$2100 gaming PC (no monitor) and did much the same as you; this was my first big gaming build, although I am A+ certified and have built many computers, this one was special, not only b/c it was my own but b/c of the cost and the advanced hardware I used, and I understand exactly how you feel, as in nervous that you will waste your money or screw something up. 2k- 2.5k is nothing to throw away.

So, first off I would recommend getting a core i7-2700k versus the core i5, reason being that they just came down a bunch in price; core i7-2700k is now only $10 more than the 2600k, ~$340 total.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115095

Second, I would recommend that you beef up your MoBo to leave some room for future proofing. Also, I know that you stated that you don't want SLI/Crossfire right now, but what about in the future? When the GPU that you choose comes down in price, you might be able to get significant performance gains by adding a second one on. Also you should take into consideration that in the very near future, PCIE 3.0 will be out and new video cards will take advantage of this. Many newer motherboards support PCIE 3.0 with a bios update, so this may be worth looking into. You may also want to consider whether or not your board will support the new Ivy Bridge CPUs when they come out.

This is what I ended up going with: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157269

I understand that its more than 2x what your current one is, but just something to consider.

Your SSD - I have one, have not had any problems, good choice.

PSU - Is 850W enough? If you want to add a vid card in the future it may not be, just something to consider.

Here is what I went with on my build just last month:

1 x ($339.99) EVGA 012-P3-1570-AR GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card $339.99
1 x ($339.99) Intel Core i7-2700K Sandy Bridge 3.5GHz (3.9GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623i72700K $339.99
1 x ($269.99) ASRock Z68 Extreme7 Gen3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard $269.99
1 x ($239.99) COOLER MASTER Silent Pro Gold Series RSC00-80GAD3-US 1200W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.92 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply $239.99
1 x ($179.99) COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case $179.99
1 x ($174.99) Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) $174.99
1 x ($139.99) Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - OEM $139.99
1 x ($99.99) Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM $99.99
1 x ($89.99) G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBRL $89.99
1 x ($79.99) RAZER Naga Molten RZ01-00280500-R3M1 Black 17 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB Wired Laser 5600 dpi Special Edition Gaming Mouse $79.99
1 x ($49.99) Gift Game - Rage $49.99
1 x ($46.99) Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard $46.99
1 x ($34.99) COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+ $34.99
1 x ($17.99) LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM $17.99
1 x ($14.99) RAZER Goliathus Gaming Mouse Mat - Fragged Speed Edition - Omega S $14.99
1 x ($4.99) NVIDIA NVIDIA GTX GEAR UP, GAME ON FOR LIFE sweepstakes coupon $4.99
1 x ($-4.99) DISCOUNT FOR AUTOADD #45332$-4.99
1 x ($-32.00) DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #855426$-32.00
1 x ($-49.99) DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #835113 GIFT$-49.99
Subtotal: $2037.86
Tax: $0.00
Shipping and Handling: $13.10
Rush Order: $2.99
Total Amount: $2053.95

You could still add a nice ~$300 monitor to this, plus your more expensive keyboard, plus a higher end GFX card (did you mention you wanted a 7970 @ $599?) and not go over the 2500 mark. Just my 2 cents.