Gaming build (1st timer!!)

[Bmaster]

Hi there,
it's my first time building a computer. I was originally going to build myself a computer for christmas but I was told to wait until the SB processors came out so here I am

1) What will you be doing with this PC?
Gaming, Web Browsing

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
$1500 AUD inc tax + shipping {I'm going to be buying locally though so shipping shouldn't be an issue}
Everything in Australia is marked up basically 20% so ~$1250 USD

3) Where do you live?
Australia

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU
Motherboard
GPU
RAM
PSU
HDD
Case

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Monitor, mouse, keyboard

6) Will you be overclocking?
In the future, yes.

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
24"

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Within 2 weeks time.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc.
Bluetooth
SLI support
6+ USB ports [at least 2x USB 3.0]
i don't really know what else i want..

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Windows 7, 64 bit.

A few questions:
My budget is around $1500 so I still have ~$50 spare {$40 USD}. Should I put this into getting 1600 RAM or higher?
Or would the $50 be better getting a better motherboard.
Is the PSU too much? Should I downgrade it to a 650W?

Any suggestions on how to improve my build will be greatly appreciated

 

[PinataUT]

Drop down in video card a little bit, take the $50 and add an SSD?

 

[Dangman]

See if the cheaper but equally fast Samsung F3 1TB is available:
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Are you sure you really want the GTX 570 card? As it costs a lot more than the HD 6970 or HD 6950 but is outperformed and on par with respectively:
http://hardocp.com/article/2010/12/14/amd_radeon_hd_6970_6950_video_card_review/1

Also HD 6950 Crossfire and HD 6970 Crossfire scales rather well:
http://hardocp.com/article/2010/12/14/amd_radeon_hd_6970_6950_video_card_review/1

Switching to those cards will free up enough cash for you to get the Crucial C300 64GB SSD. That'll make more of a difference than going with DDR3 1600 RAM or a better motherboard. Speaking of which, DDR3 1600 and/or better motherboard would not be worth the extra $50. Stick with the 750HX.

 

[PinataUT]

Sweet, I was on the right track.

 

[Bmaster]

See if the cheaper but equally fast Samsung F3 1TB is available:
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

Are you sure you really want the GTX 570 card? As it costs a lot more than the HD 6970 or HD 6950 but is outperformed and on par with respectively:
http://hardocp.com/article/2010/12/14/amd_radeon_hd_6970_6950_video_card_review/1

Also HD 6950 Crossfire and HD 6970 Crossfire scales rather well:
http://hardocp.com/article/2010/12/14/amd_radeon_hd_6970_6950_video_card_review/1

Switching to those cards will free up enough cash for you to get the Crucial C300 64GB SSD. That'll make more of a difference than going with DDR3 1600 RAM or a better motherboard. Speaking of which, DDR3 1600 and/or better motherboard would not be worth the extra $50. Stick with the 750HX.

Thank you, I'll consider switching to the Samsung Spinpoint it's $20 cheaper over here.

Also I've heard that the HAF cases have a major dust issue. Is there anything I can do to minimise this?

 

[Dangman]

Thank you, I'll consider switching to the Samsung Spinpoint it's $20 cheaper over here.

Also I've heard that the HAF cases have a major dust issue. Is there anything I can do to minimise this?

Sweep your room every day?

Seriously, the basic way to minimize dust to limit the airflow in a PC. Unfortunately that does lead to higher temperatures for the parts. However, supposedly having a positive pressure airflow layout and keeping the PC on all times to maintain that positive airflow does help minimize dust from staying inside the PC.

 

[Bmaster]

Can someone just give me one last check?
I'm going to buy everything tomorrow

 

[Ultima99]

As long as you are sure thats the video card you really want.

 

[tiraides]

With what Danny Bui said earlier, the only reasons to go with the GTX 570 over the HD6950/6970 are Linux (Nvidia has much better drivers than AMD/ATI), Adobe (which programs utilize Nvidia's CUDA technology), and 3D movies or gaming (AMD still hasn't develop good 3D playback drivers, though you also need a good 3D monitor). Absent those reasons, I agree with Danny -- but go with the HD6950, which can be softmodded to run as a 6970.

 

[misan-thrope]

Thanks for that link Danny, 55 bucks for a terabyte drive is a darn nice deal.