New Builder Building a New Build

[markii]

For starters I'm a software guy so I know diddly-squat about hardware parts. I'm fed up with the console BS and looking to make a triumphant return to PC gaming. Early this month I will be building a mid-range machine for such. I'd just like some opinions and suggestions from the hardware-literate people out there.

I plan to:
1. Game (RAGE, Diablo 3, Skyrim, etc.)
2. Capture, edit, transcode video
3. Typical stuff a quad core can handle no sweat

Other notes:
- I'd like my system to be OC-friendly
- I'll be using a 24-inch monitor at 1920 x 1080 resolution
- I don't want to be concerned about overheating (4+ hours of use)
- I plan to eventually upgrade using this system as a backbone
- Brands mean nothing to me except I do want Intel and have a liking to MSI
- Devices I'm more familiar with aren't included in the list or in the budget (input devices, NIC, additional storage, sound card, monitor) even though I need to buy them.

I need a board, CPU, GPU, PSU, SDD, RAM, and case to fall within the $1200-1300 range, and depending on your suggestions may also include third-party cooling. Be mindful I'm shopping for these parts on Newegg. :hmm: Anyone who can answer my questions or offer better suggestions would be appreciated. So onto the stuff. I hope the links work.

Case: I like the HAF 932 full-size tower. Seems roomy, noob-friendly, liquid cooling options, and will probably last a few upgrades down the road. + $150

PSU: Looking at CORSAIR HX750. This is another device I would like to survive a few upgrades so 750W seems reasonable to me. + $150

Mobo: I'm lost when it comes to these. I'm considering the GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3. Z68s and P67s are similarly priced for whatever reason. I don't want to be too stingy. CF option is nice. + $150

CPU: 2500k. I'll go as far as 2600k but I'm not sure I need the additional feature(s). I do plan on transcoding video. Would hyperthreading make it worth my while? +$220

GPU: Radeon HD 6950 2GB. Is this good for my monitor? A future upgrade may just involve me getting a second one of these puppies. Is the $90 jump to 6970 something to consider? I guess this comes with DIRT3, lol. +$270

Memory: Thinking CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB). Like I know anything about RAM. Not exactly difficult to change or upgrade though. + $58

SSD: <--lol Crucial M4 64GB. Boot drive and base of gaming operations. Seems like a good deal I think. Though I'm worried about the size of these new games coming out. + $90

Okay so factor in around $30 shipping and we're sitting at $1038 + tax. So there's legroom here for switching things up, correcting mistakes, adding aftermarket cooling, and whatever you guys think. I'm more concerned about performance than I am skimping out on something (decent) to save a few bucks.

Expecting to make the purchase this weekend / early next week. Thanks in advance. Hope I'm onto a decent rig.

 

[aphelion02]

You should check out this Galaxy GTX 570 for $270 after rebates.

 

[mfenn]

That build is OK, but you can do a lot better for the money.

- Case: The 932 is fine, but it is really pricy for what it is. You absolutely do not need a full tower for this midrange build or any reasonable upgrades. Check out the Antec Three Hundred Illusion.
- PSU: 750W is overkill for a single-GPU system. An XFX Core 650W is $70 AR will handle the power draw of this system any any reasonable upgrades just fine.
- Mobo: Statistically speaking, there is about a 3.532% chance that you will ever upgrade to SLI. Check out the ASRock Z68 Pro3.
- CPU: Good
- GPU: Good, but don't pay $270 for one.
- RAM: Too expensive for what it is. Check out this Mushkin DDR3 1333 8GB kit.
- SSD : The M4 is good, but personally I think that 64GB is too limiting for a boot drive. Grab the 128GB version instead.

 

[Ken g6]

2. Capture, edit, transcode video

Are you using Adobe software to work with video, or something else? Do you care more about transcode quality or transcode speed?

- If you care most about quality, but want it fast too, go for the i7.
- If you prefer speed, and are not using Adobe, but are willing to use any of the software discussed in [thread=2181959]this thread[/thread], go for the i5 and use Quick Sync.
- If you prefer speed, and are using Adobe Premiere, get the i5 and an nVIDIA graphics card (570 is supported; 560ti isn't supported but should be workable with some tweaking). I also notice this thread about a Quick Sync plugin for Premiere; not sure how well it works, though.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

For you. i would say the HAF 922 is more than enough.

Full tower is over kill

 

[markii]

Thanks for your responses guys.

I like both the HAF 922 and the Antec Illusion. Would either of these cases have any problem fitting the 6950/70 or 570? Keep in mind I'm a novice at building and don't wanna break anything. I initially chose the 932 because I thought some overkill would make it pain-free and allow for a significant upgrade in the future (and presumably great cooling).

@fenn, I downgraded the PSU and board as suggested. Thanks for saving me the money. I'm a little upset the 128 Gig M4 is out of stock but I'll find an alternative.

@ken, I may fall back on Quick Sync since I've been leaning toward the i5 anyway, plus it'll save money. I don't need coding to be terribly quick.

So my last concern is on which GPU to actually get. I obviously don't care too much for PhysX and I've stuck with ATI my entire life so I've got a bias there. What do you really think the most useful one might be for this rig? 570? 6950? 6970?

 

[T_Yamamoto]

6950 unlocked to 6970

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for your responses guys.

I like both the HAF 922 and the Antec Illusion. Would either of these cases have any problem fitting the 6950/70 or 570? Keep in mind I'm a novice at building and don't wanna break anything. I initially chose the 932 because I thought some overkill would make it pain-free and allow for a significant upgrade in the future (and presumably great cooling).

No problem.

A reference model 6950 or 6970 will be tight in the Three hundred, but they will fit. A shorter card like the 570 or a non-reference 6950 will be fine. The 922 is good for pretty much anything.

@fenn, I downgraded the PSU and board as suggested. Thanks for saving me the money. I'm a little upset the 128 Gig M4 is out of stock but I'll find an alternative.

Here's one in stock at Amazon.

So my last concern is on which GPU to actually get. I obviously don't care too much for PhysX and I've stuck with ATI my entire life so I've got a bias there. What do you really think the most useful one might be for this rig? 570? 6950? 6970?

Biggest one that you can fit into the budget. 6970 > GTX 570 > 6950 2GB It'll probably be the 6950 2GB though.

6950 unlocked to 6970

Unlockable 6950s have had their time in the sun, but those days are gone now. They're hard to find for a reasonable price these days.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

The HAF 922 has AMAZING airflow and a great amount of space for everything and extra fans!

go with the 6950 2GB then

 

[markii]

I'll be running with PowerColor 6950 2TB, no rebate but it comes with a Deus Ex HR free game coupon. So whatever, lol.

I've also chosen the HAF 922. Looks shmexy and was my 2nd choice behind the 932 anyhow.

Thanks everybody.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

The 922 with a fan controller is shmexy!