HTPC/Moderate Gaming PC - I'd love your input!

[m2m2]

What I'm Looking For:
1.) HTPC: I'm looking to buy a 1080P projector and a new receiver that I'd like to connect to this new computer via HDMI. There's a chance I might go with a TV, but due to cabling and room layout I'm leaning towards the projector. It needs to handle pumping out 1080P Blu-Rays on a big screen first and foremost.
2.) Gaming: I don't game much, but when I do performance is first and then I like graphics as nice as I can get while keeping things smooth. Specifically, I'm really looking forward to the idea of playing Fallout: New Vegas, occasionally on said projector. I'm more an action/RPG guy than FPS, honestly. Game at highest res without lag (27" monitor supports 1920x1080).
3.) General Performance: I'm not a fanatic about sound, but I like it to be quiet-ish. I like things to be fast, but I've never been an overclocker in the past and unless highly encouraged to do some light CPU-overclocking here I probably wouldn't. I'm more careful about temperatures, in that I'm paranoid and always worry about reliability - my current computer hovers around ~35-40C.

My Experience:
As mentioned, I've never overclocked. I've built probably a dozen or so mid-level towers before, for a work environment and personal gaming machines. This is the first time I've ventured into a slightly-higher tier of computer.

What I Already Have:
Monitors: A 27" Samsung (the $350 from Costco) and 23" Samsung.
Hard Drives: Two 1.5TB HDs that I'll be taking over for movie/music/TV show storage purposes.
Misc: Windows 7 Ultimate (new, haven't opened and I'm still using XP), Mouse, Keyboard, speakers, sufficient DVD burner.

Misc:
I'm not a fanboy of any particular vendors, I've switched back and forth over the years. I haven't had stellar experiences with nVidia, so I'd prefer ATI. I'm in the Western US and will probably buy most off Newegg, unless Fry's Electronics has some steals. I've tried to research this some through Newegg reviews, various articles, friends and reading some threads here. I'm sure I'm missing some vital things and/or deals.

Potential Build:
CPU: i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHZ - $295
Mem: GSkill Ripjaws - 8gb DDR3 SDRAM 1333, 1.5v - $135
Mobo: ASUS P7P55D-E - $180
GPU: ATI Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 - $240
Case: Antec 900 - $100
PSU: Seasonic x650W - $140
Cooling: Noctua NH-U12P SE2 120mm SSO CPU (2 fans, heatsink & thermal) - $75
Blu-Ray Drive: ? ~$80-$100?
SSD : ? ~$150 for a 60gig.
Ballpark Total - ~1400

Other parts I've considered: ATI Sapphire 5870? Corsair 750V PSU? Corsair Cooling Hydro CWCH50-1?

I've never messed with liquid cooling, so I stuck closer to what I know with that. I'm not afraid of new territory if it's highly recommended. I feel the 6870 is more in line with my wants than the 5870, which seems like it may be overkill? However, will the 6870 be sufficient for displays in my size? Will the 650W be enough for this, or should I bump up to 750W?

I'm hoping to get this guy built sometime this month so I can play me some Fallout and get the home theater going. ~$1400 sounds reasonable, but if I can get a big boost going a bit higher that's fine, if I can save cash to put towards other AV equipment that's fine.

Any input is greatly appreciated! Sorry for length, I tried to keep it succinct but wanted clarity. Thanks, guys!

 

[Davidh373]

Get the 7xx i5 or the Phenom II X4 for a gaming build. If you want the processor to last a little longer on the AMD side, get the Phenom II X6.

The Antec 900 is great, but this build could really go in a 300 and be nearly as cooled based on the fact they do have the same fan configuration.

You don't really need 8GB for games now days. 4GB is pretty standard.

For the SSD I would get a Sandforce controlled drive like an OCZ agility, GSKILL Pro, or Corsair Force.

Everything else you have there looks great, but in reality if you go with an i5/ AMD processor you'll be much better off in cooling for one, and power second. With a 6xxx gpu with either build I'd recommend either of these PSUs.

Seasonic 430W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-074-_-Product

Antec 430W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-034-_-Product

 

[m2m2]

Thanks for the response, David!

The 4gigs of RAM seems like a prudent move, particularly since I'll be able to easily upgrade in the future if I find 4g isn't sufficient. The 300 vs 900 I was also curious about, and I'll probably go with the 300 if you're thinking that'll suffice.

I'm still worried about the 27" and particularly the projector displays - will the i5/6870 and lesser PSU still all be okay with powering the larger displays with high-end graphics/resolution?

 

[mfenn]

First off, the mobo/CPU combo that you've picked out won't work. That's OK though, because you really want the 760 as David said. The 760 is as fast or faster than the 950 in gaming due to its more aggressive turbo modes.

Since the 760 is faster, you don't have to worry about your second question, but I'll elaborate anyway. The screen size has absolutely no bearing on gaming performance, only the resolution. A game will play exactly the same on a 1080P projector as it will on a 1080P monitor.