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I will be building a new computer in the near future. I am looking for a flexible system that allows much room for future additions and improvements (OCing included). On top of that, due to my newbiness, I don't want a system that is crazy enough that, if I mess it up during my first build, I will be losing out on a decent chunk of change. However, at the same time, I would much appreciate a system with high performance while getting great value for price. Also, system with as little bottlenecking as possible would be nice, whether that requires tweaks after the components are bought or not. My total budget would max at $3000 (hopefully).
Details:
For a case, I have no idea. Please throw in ideas. I will start researching these right now because so far I have been looking into internal components rather than case or keyboard or speakers.
For a motherboard, it seems to me that I want a dual graphics card setup to enable me to play current and future games (Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Crysis, Spore, etc.) at high settings. I would also appreciate strong bus speed and bus width. Specifically, I was looking towards the XFX 790i, but there was some talk about Skt 1367 on Intel Mobo/CPU? I didn't catch all of it as I was skimming the forums.
For a CPU, I would like a relatively cheap quad-core with overclocking capabilities. From what I read, people are recommending the Q6600? But again, people are mentioning the Skt 1367 or whatever it was. So I wasn't sure if now was even a good time to buy.
For Graphics, I was looking into the HD4870, possibly two of them. I have also read that the 8800GTX or 9800GTX are solid, just a bit more costly. As for monitor, I think 24" will be fairly satisfactory. Possibly two after a while, but one for now.
For RAM, I have been told the DDR2 1066 RAMs are still solid, but the DDR3 @ 2000Mhz look so lovely that I just can't resist. Any strong arguments against the DDR3 2000?
For PSU, looks like the Corsair 1000w is the way to go, especially for people looking to stay open to relatively serious upgrades.
For cooling, man there are so many good arguments going this way and that. I really would like to try out a watercooler just for kicks and for the ability to perform exceptional overclocks, but some people are saying watercooling is difficult and tedious to accomplish for a first-timer. I am completely open to discussion for further arguments on cooling.
For HD, I have been following flash drive technologies and they are beginning to sell them for internal drive usage (check Alienware for a $1700 128GB Internal Flash Drive). Seems intruiging and full of potential. However, the most I want to wait for a new computer is probably one year. What do you guys think? Otherwise I will grab a high memory transfer, high RPM, high memory cache HD.
For Mouse, I bought the Ratpadz XT today and I was wondering what people were referring to when they were talking about mouse feet? Is there a specific mouse I should get that doesn't wear down their mouse feet on the Ratpadz XT as easily? Or is that unavoidable?
Add. Info:
I am new to building computers. I am (somewhat) new to technical detail. I am new to overclocking. I am new to watercooling. Above all, I am eager to learn.
If there is any more detail required for more tailored responses/recommendations, please let me know.
Details:
For a case, I have no idea. Please throw in ideas. I will start researching these right now because so far I have been looking into internal components rather than case or keyboard or speakers.
For a motherboard, it seems to me that I want a dual graphics card setup to enable me to play current and future games (Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Crysis, Spore, etc.) at high settings. I would also appreciate strong bus speed and bus width. Specifically, I was looking towards the XFX 790i, but there was some talk about Skt 1367 on Intel Mobo/CPU? I didn't catch all of it as I was skimming the forums.
For a CPU, I would like a relatively cheap quad-core with overclocking capabilities. From what I read, people are recommending the Q6600? But again, people are mentioning the Skt 1367 or whatever it was. So I wasn't sure if now was even a good time to buy.
For Graphics, I was looking into the HD4870, possibly two of them. I have also read that the 8800GTX or 9800GTX are solid, just a bit more costly. As for monitor, I think 24" will be fairly satisfactory. Possibly two after a while, but one for now.
For RAM, I have been told the DDR2 1066 RAMs are still solid, but the DDR3 @ 2000Mhz look so lovely that I just can't resist. Any strong arguments against the DDR3 2000?
For PSU, looks like the Corsair 1000w is the way to go, especially for people looking to stay open to relatively serious upgrades.
For cooling, man there are so many good arguments going this way and that. I really would like to try out a watercooler just for kicks and for the ability to perform exceptional overclocks, but some people are saying watercooling is difficult and tedious to accomplish for a first-timer. I am completely open to discussion for further arguments on cooling.
For HD, I have been following flash drive technologies and they are beginning to sell them for internal drive usage (check Alienware for a $1700 128GB Internal Flash Drive). Seems intruiging and full of potential. However, the most I want to wait for a new computer is probably one year. What do you guys think? Otherwise I will grab a high memory transfer, high RPM, high memory cache HD.
For Mouse, I bought the Ratpadz XT today and I was wondering what people were referring to when they were talking about mouse feet? Is there a specific mouse I should get that doesn't wear down their mouse feet on the Ratpadz XT as easily? Or is that unavoidable?
Add. Info:
I am new to building computers. I am (somewhat) new to technical detail. I am new to overclocking. I am new to watercooling. Above all, I am eager to learn.
If there is any more detail required for more tailored responses/recommendations, please let me know.