Now that GW2 has a launch date, here's my build...

[chalmers]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

Primarily gaming - GW2, Diablo 3, maybe BF3, and anything new that comes out after

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

$1500

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

Intel CPU/nVidia GPU

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

Nope, all from scratch

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

-- Default speeds
8. What resolution will you be using?

HD widescreen

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Mid-late July, depending on how prices will adjust

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

-- Windows 7 x64


Ok - First I'll list the parts I'm planning on (have read lots of these type of threads), and then I'll ask a couple questions. Please feel free to critique any and all Oh and I do live next to a Microcenter.

Case: Rosewill Thor V2: $120 shippedhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147053

CPU: 3570K $190 at Microcenter

Motherboard: ASUS P8H67-M $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131711
Not too sure about whether this is decent or not.

SSD : Corsair Force Series 3 240GB: $170 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233268

HDD : WD Caviar 2TB: $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136891

RAM: Corsair 8GB XMS3: $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233202

Monitor: Samsung B350: $250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824001550

PSU: Corsair 650W $70 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139020

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 670 $400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125423

Total: $1,477 ish

Ok question time.

1. Am I overdoing it on the monitor? I figure that something I'll be staring at for years I should get something decent...there are ASUS ones of the same size for $160 ish.

2. I am winging it a bit on the motherboard. I am not OC'ing and don't need anything fancy, so I chose a cheaper ASUS option. Any advice?

3. Based on a reasonable expectation, how much would I save if I built this today versus building this a month from now? I can do either - if I'd see a decent cost savings - or something newer coming out, I can wait...otherwise I'll buy now.

Thanks everyone!

 

[N4n45h1]

1. If you're going to spend that much, I feel like you might as well go IPS and/or 120Hz. For a bit more you could probably pick up a catleap, otherwise the Dell 2412 or HP ZR2440 are good options for IPS monitors.

2. Because you live near a microcenter, I think you should get one of the bundled motherboards. I believe there is a Asrock and the Gigabyte Z77 UD3H that are priced very well.

3. Can't really help you with this one... sorry

Also, you could take a look at the low voltage Samsung RAM, I've had a lot of success with it at 2133, and I noticed you didn't have a ODD not sure if you have one lying around.

 

[chalmers]

Oh yeah I forgot about that thanks. I'll just be grabbing a $15 cheapo DVD burner.

 

[lehtv]

1. $250 is a lot for a 24" 60hz tn panel. I'd either spend <$200 on a 24" 60hz monitor or >$300 on 24"
120hz or 27" 60hz.

2. Not compatible with Ivy Bridge before a BIOS update (which you need an existing CPU for to perform). I agree with N4n45h1, get a 3570K+Z77 bundle from Microcenter.

3. I wouldn't be surprised if you paid the same a month from now. Wait 6 months and it'll actually make a difference.

Case Overkill, you're probably not looking to SLI or OC to the max so you don't need super good cooling. Antec 302 $55 AR would really be good enough. For a bit more you could get an aluminium-built and windowed Lian Li K9WX $80 AP
CPU Good even though you don't plan to OC (non-K processors are not comboable on microcenter)
Mobo Asrock Z77 Pro3 $110 (should be eligible for a combo discount with 3570K)
RAM Good
Monitor E.g. Asus VH236H $150 AR, Asus VE278Q $320, Asus VG236H (120hz/3D) $330 AR
PSU $60 AR is a great price for that but you can get a similar quality modular 600W unit for $58 AR
GPU Good
ODD Asus DVDRW $17
OS Win 7 64 OEM $100

Got keyboard and mouse?

 

[sm625]

Why not get a 32" 1080p TV? They are the same price, hell maybe even cheaper.

 

[chalmers]

1. $250 is a lot for a 24" 60hz tn panel. I'd either spend <$200 on a 24" 60hz monitor or >$300 on 24"
120hz or 27" 60hz.

2. Not compatible with Ivy Bridge before a BIOS update (which you need an existing CPU for to perform). I agree with N4n45h1, get a 3570K+Z77 bundle from Microcenter.

3. I wouldn't be surprised if you paid the same a month from now. Wait 6 months and it'll actually make a difference.

Case Overkill, you're probably not looking to SLI or OC to the max so you don't need super good cooling. Antec 302 $55 AR would really be good enough. For a bit more you could get an aluminium-built and windowed Lian Li K9WX $80 AP
CPU Good even though you don't plan to OC (non-K processors are not comboable on microcenter)
Mobo Asrock Z77 Pro3 $110 (should be eligible for a combo discount with 3570K)
RAM Good
Monitor E.g. Asus VH236H $150 AR, Asus VE278Q $320, Asus VG236H (120hz/3D) $330 AR
PSU $60 AR is a great price for that but you can get a similar quality modular 600W unit for $58 AR
GPU Good
ODD Asus DVDRW $17
OS Win 7 64 OEM $100

Got keyboard and mouse?

Thanks for the reply! I just got back from Microcenter and got an Asrock Z77 Extreme 4, 3570 CPU and 8 GB of Corsair 1600/1.5V RAM for $345 out the door...not bad!

I think I'll go with the cheaper Asus monitor...as I don't know if there's that huge of a benefit in those more expensive monitors.

I'll also begrudgingly go with a nice mid tower case...full ATX towers are I guess a guilty pleasure of mine...I love the size and space...even though I don't need it

I do have a mouse...but need a keyboard and yeah I have a copy of Win7 sorry.

Buying the case/ssd/hdd/odd/psu/monitor/keyboard/headset tonight..I'm spontaneous lol..

Thanks again.

 

[mfenn]

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100 - Nuff said

Now for keyboard, if you want a nice mechanical one, check out the Corsair K60 for $110. If you are fine with the standard rubber dome setup, any of the standard $20 keyboards like this Logitech K120 will do.