Getting ready for a PC build, need some advice!

[Zen]

A long while back I set a goal for myself, and that was with any extra money I was to make, that it would be saved up for my own personal computer build. Today when balancing my check book on-line, I noticed in my secondary savings account, that my goal had been reached! I wanted to at least save up $2500.00 and today with my latest deposit, I noticed that it's amount was now $2633.89!

So it's now time to start planning for this build! I've taken the past 6-8 hours studying what I might need for a decent build. This will be the third computer I build for myself, the last one built was close to three years ago and for the times was considered to be a small monster. It was an AMD system, which for myself, AMD seems to be the only way I swing.

Here's what I've been able to come up with so far! Just be aware folks, this is a rough draft and is totally open to suggestions, advise and recommendations!

Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 990FX AM3+ Motherboard ($149.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6821096?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

AMD Phenom™ II 960 Black ($124.90)
http://www.frys.com/product/6901207

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600MHz ($99.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6952407?site=sa:Homepage:Spot1

(4) Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB SATA II Hard Drive Retail Kit'S ($79.99 Each)
http://www.frys.com/product/4812430?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 775W Continuous-Delivery Modular Power Supply ($99.90)
http://www.frys.com/product/6301331

LG Internal SATA 12x Super Mult Blu Ray Writer ($99.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6745005?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

(2) MSI ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB PCI-EXPRESS VIDEO CARD's ($129.99 Each)
http://www.frys.com/product/6139339?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Creative Lab PCI-E X-Fi Titanium FatalTy Champion Series Internal Sound Card ($179.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/5665331?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

PPA 5 PORT PCI/USB CARD ($14.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/3506204?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550 ($79.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6356401?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Logitech Z506 5.1 Speaker System ($99.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6306851?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower Case- VN300M1W2N ($149.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6639144?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

LD Dual 12" CCFL - Blue ($7.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/4636228

(3) LG E2442TC 24" Class Slim LED Backlit Monitor's - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 5000000:1, 5ms, VGA, DVI-D, Energy Star ($179.99 Each)
http://www.frys.com/product/7191132?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I know for years I've been sort of a die hard and loyal Microsoft Vista Ultimate (64-bit) fanboy! But with this computer I'm feeling that getting more in with the sign of the times may be in order. I'm willing to release my death grip I have on Vista Ultimate and jump to the following...

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Full Version ($299.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6023368

There, I think I'm done with this rough draft! In regards to any other various software I might need, I plan on throwing my copy of Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise onto the computer, also I plan on downloading and using Microsoft Security Essentials as my Anti-Virus program. Again everything here is open to debate, recommendation, substitution, advise, even constructive criticism. If you think something else might do me better, than please chime in and let me know about it! Or if you have a certain preference that differs from what you see here, and you think your preference will work better, please let me know. I plan on jumping in and starting most of this sometime in between August-12-2012 and August-15-2012.

"Thank you for your time here"!

 

[Dawn1113]

Nice.

But no SSD, Zen?

 

[Zen]

Nice.

But no SSD, Zen?

Got any good recommendations? Seriously, your saying SSD, got any good ones in mind? For I've never used a SSD drive, all my personal and client builds have been with the use of either I.D.E. or SATA I or SATA II drives!

 

[Dawn1113]

I have heard good things about Intel SSDs. My brother has one of these on his machine: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Series-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-Drive/dp/B004TFXBMG. I honestly can't tell the difference between SATA III and SATA II SSDs in terms of performance.

Not too expensive, as well. Perhaps you can swap out two of your HDDs for one. But of course, if disk space is a consideration, then that would be a no go.

PS: There are better, of course, but I'd say you've got a pretty sensible budget going there so far and it's always good to keep it that way, in my opinion.

 

[MrBlkfx1]

If you are thinking SSD's I recommend looking at the Samsung 830 series. I personally use one and it never fails.

 

[Zen]

Possibly a slight programming change here folks, I just got off the phone with a very geeky friend of mine and rolled down the list of options I documented earlier, he stopped me when I got to the processor I wanted, he recommended something different, the following is what he's telling me to run with...

AMD FX-6200 6 Core AM3+ Processor ($159.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/7018821?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I kind of like what I had already picked, but I guess I can research this new recommendation a bit and see how it compares. And in regards to others recommending SSD drives, I'll start looking into those soon, still don't know what better job they will do for me, other than what I had already picked, but I'll look into it.

 

[cliffordcooley]

From my view everything looks good Zen.

Although I'm an Intel fan, the FX-6200 should serve you well. I wish you luck on the new build.

 

[Zen]

From my view everything looks good Zen.

Although I'm an Intel fan, the FX-6200 should serve you well. I wish you luck on the new build.

I hope everything looks good, for not a whole lot of people are jumping in here and backing this up, with saying the same! This is just very important to me and I don't want to blow it! Yeah, I can build clients computers everyday of the week and be able to keep my cool. But this one's for me, this is going to be mine, I'm oddly enough a little nerved out by it, which isn't my normal a fair!

I just want all these parts to be totally compatible with each other, I know for the most part they will be, but I guess my nerviness side needs to hear this from others!

Damn, it's not like me to be this way, all second guess'y and such!..............I need a beer!

 

[cliffordcooley]

I hope everything looks good, for not a whole lot of people are jumping in here and backing this up, with saying the same!

In this instance, I believe silence is a good thing. That means they agree with you. I'm sure if there was an issue with your list, you would be hearing from everyone.

 

[Zen]

In this instance, I believe silence is a good thing. That means they agree with you. I'm sure if there was an issue with your list, you would be hearing from everyone.

Okay, I see where your going here, sounds pretty logical and sound, I guess I agree that if there were any "red flags" going up in regards to the list, someone might have chimed in about it. Sorry, just very excited and scared all at the same time, when it comes to building crap for myself I can get this way!

But I don't know, I've been going over the "Video" section of our forums, and I've noticed more people complaining about ATI Radeon cards more so than Nvidia ones, I'm still going to roll with my first pick, but just surprised that I'm sticking with a card company that gets more complaints, than any other company I've seen.

 

[Leeky]

Here's what I've been able to come up with so far! Just be aware folks, this is a rough draft and is totally open to suggestions, advise and recommendations!

Here is my thoughts:

1. Get Windows 7 Ultimate OEM, x64 -- Its considerably cheaper at $149.99 since your getting hardware.
2. Unless your a mega audiophile the audio card is unnecessary.
3. Don't go for a Phenom X4, or a FX-6120. Get a 8 core FX-8120 instead, its only slightly more expensive at $159.99.
4. Four new disks with such small capacity is a false economy and uses more space than necessary.
5. Same with the GPU, rather than two, just go for the single solution (you can only use one set of outputs anyway).

You've spent $1334.70 on hardware components (mobo, CPU, RAM, HDDs, PSU, BD-RW, GPUs, Audio). Here's what I'd get:

Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 990FX AM3+ Motherboard ($149.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6821096?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

AMD FX-8120 8 Core ($159.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6820696

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600MHz ($99.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6952407?site=sa:Homepage:Spot1

(1) Hitachi GST 0F12117 2TB CoolSpin SATA 3 ($99.99 Each) (Its $20 more than one 500GB disk and has the total of 4!)
http://www.frys.com/product/6718445

(1) Crucial RealSSD M4 series 128GB SATA 3 SSD $109.99
http://www.frys.com/product/7018641

Antec High Current Gamer HCG-620M($89.99) Modular and has outstanding Seasonic internals.
http://www.frys.com/product/6993177

LG Internal SATA 12x Super Mult Blu Ray Writer ($99.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6745005?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Creative Lab PCI-E X-Fi Titanium FatalTy Champion Series Internal Sound Card ($179.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/5665331?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Three options here: If its just casual gaming (and you're more interested in just using the three displays in 2D) then go for number one, if you want ultra detail at 1080p go for two, or three.

Option 1: XFX HD 6870 1GB GPU ($149.99 Each) (Brings total component cost to $1049.91)
http://www.frys.com/product/6815106

Option 2: MSI R7870 Twin Frozr 2GB GPU ($339.99 Each) (Brings total component cost to $1239.91)
http://www.frys.com/product/7147342

Option 3: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB GPU ($389.99 Each) (Brings total component cost to $1289.91)
http://www.frys.com/product/7169052

So, you have one single 2TB hard disk made by Hitachi GST to replace the four you were going to purchase, at no loss of hard disk capacity. I've also added a Crucial M4 128GB SSD which is plenty for Windows 7 (games are fine on the 2TB disk). I've upgraded the CPU to bring it in-line with the build -- at a $2.5K budget on AMD you need to be getting one of the 8 core's, the hexacore's don't cut it at that price-point.

The Windows 7 OEM license is half the price of the retail, and is still the full edition. Can only be purchased alongside hardware (which you're of course doing!). I feel the Antec PSU is a much better option, especially with the rock solid and seriously high regarded Seasonic internals. I use one myself, although I have one of the original "non-modular" versions!

The GPU choice really depends on what you're doing gaming wise. I run with a HD 6870 and it plays pretty much every game at good settings in 1080p, even the latest titles if I'm realistic about the detail. If you're only grabbing one to run three displays and you're not running eyefinity for gaming, then go with the HD 6870. Likewise, I've included two other options for comparison. Even the fastest card, the seriously well respected GTX670 comes in under your component allowance of $1334.70, and you're still saving another $150 on the OEM license of W7 over retail, which isn't even accounted in that amount.

If you have any questions please ask away.

 

[slh28]

I agree with pretty much everything Leeky said, especially the OS - the retail version is a complete waste of money. And unless you're a total audiophile and have an expensive sound setup you won't notice the difference between a $180 sound card and a $50 one. The Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer is great for the price (it's $30 refurbished, couldn't find a new one on that site).

But I have to ask... why AMD? The 3570K is only $70 more and a Z77 mobo is around the same price.

If you're planning on gaming on those 3 monitors you'll need at least a GTX 680 or HD 7970.

 

[Zen]

Wow, Leeky, thank you so very much for your input here! It is very much appreciated and I have decided to roll with some of the items you've recommended. But be aware, this is still a work in progress, were still in the draft stage of the game here and items here after are still open to debate, suggestion or recommendation! But I do feel that we are indeed getting close to making this rough draft "final"!

So here's what I've got so far, also note and the end of every option I am putting an "ATP" as I add it up as we go! The "ATP" stands for "at this point"!

Here we go...

Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower Case- VN300M1W2N ($149.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6639144?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

LD Dual 12" CCFL - Blue ($7.99) (ATP = $157.98)
http://www.frys.com/product/4636228

Cooler Master Megaflow 200mm Blue LED Case Fan ($6.99) (ATP = $164.97)
http://www.frys.com/product/6233530?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 775W Continuous-Delivery Modular Power Supply($99.90) (ATP = $264.87)
http://www.frys.com/product/6301331

I know Leeky you pointed out another power supply, but I feel more comfortable with a 775 Watt unit!

Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 990FX AM3+ Motherboard ($149.99) (ATP = $414.96)
http://www.frys.com/product/6821096?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

AMD FX-8120 8 Core ($159.99) (ATP = $574.85)
http://www.frys.com/product/6820696

I decided on going with the CPU that you recommended Leeky, it makes more sense than my original pick!

[LEFT](2 Packs) CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600MHz - Total 32GB ($99.99 Each) (ATP = $774.84)[/LEFT]
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/6952407?site=sa:Homepage:Spot1[/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
Hitachi GST 0F12117 2TB CoolSpin SATA 3 ($99.99) (ATP = $874.82)
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/6718445[/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
Patriot 128GB TorqX SF4 Solid State Drive (SSD) ($59.99) (ATP = $934.81)
http://www.frys.com/product/6064158?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

The Hitachi will be used to host everything from my games to my music files, my video files and just misc. stuff! And the Patriot will be used to host Windows 7, Office 2007 and all O.S. specific software!

[LEFT]LG Internal SATA 12x Super Mult Blu Ray Writer ($99.99) (ATP = $1034.80)[/LEFT]
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/6745005?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG [/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
[LEFT] EVGA GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB GPU ($389.99) (ATP = $1424.79)[/LEFT]
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/7169052[/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
[LEFT]As long as we think that one video card can cut it, I'm willing to roll with it, but if we need to step up and possibly get another one of the same, I'm okay with that as well. [/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
PPA 5 PORT PCI/USB CARD ($14.99) (ATP = $1439.78)
http://www.frys.com/product/3506204?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[LEFT](3, Yes 3) LG E2442TC 24" Class Slim LED Backlit Monitor's - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 5000000:1, 5ms, VGA, DVI-D, Energy Star ($179.99 Each) (ATP = $1979.75)[/LEFT]
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/7191132?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG [/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
[LEFT]Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550 ($79.99) (ATP = $2059.74)[/LEFT]
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/6356401?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG[/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
[LEFT]Logitech Z506 5.1 Speaker System ($99.99) (ATP = $2159.73)[/LEFT]
[LEFT]http://www.frys.com/product/6306851?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG[/LEFT]
[LEFT] [/LEFT]
Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit (Full) - System Builder (OEM) version - DVD ($149.99) (ATP = $2309.72)
http://www.frys.com/product/6028118

I decided on running with the Windows version you described, seeing that I'm defiantly getting the hardware, the OEM version makes more sense.

Creative Lab PCI-E X-Fi Titanium FatalTy Champion Series Internal Sound Card ($179.99) (OPTIONAL) (Possible ATP = $2489.71)

Personally, I'm on the fence in regards to the sound card! Seeing that the motherboard alone has a pretty decent 5.1 surround sound setup, I'm starting to think there might not be a need for an additional sound solution! What do you think?

Also, how do we feel about possibly running with a wireless network interface card? For I've installed those on several of my clients computers and they report back that they love the option to move the computer around their home, without the need of worrying about an RJ-45 cable. Just wondering if we should roll with that? If so, I think I'll go with the following option...

D-Link DWA-525 Wireless N 150 Desktop PCI Adapter ($34.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6310241

If not that NIC card, maybe something close to it!?! Because I wouldn't mind the luxury of being able to move my computer where ever I wanted, and not have to worry about gosh darn cables and cords.

Well I think this just about does it for this draft, again I think this draft is pretty close to being "final"! I'm feeling very good with everything that is so far on the list. But again, it's all open to suggestion right now!

Also I'm curious to know how you, or anyone else feels about stock cooling solutions? I know with the likes of that AMD processor, it will come with it's very own stock cooling fan and mounting socket, but is stock good enough here, should I think about possibly going exotic with some sort of CPU cooling solution, or is stock just fine? I know when I build client computers I just use the stock out of the box stuff, but that's for basic systems, not ones like we are building here................"just curious"!?!

 

[Zen]

Update:

Just got off the phone with my older "know it all" nerd'y Brother, he advised when it comes to my question in regards to CPU cooling, I shouldn't go with just a stock cooling solution, he said I should go with liquid cooling! I told him that Fry's Elctronics is going to be my total supplier for this build, so he quickly with me on the phone, e-mailed me the following option...

Corsair H80 Liqd Cooler ($99.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6756095?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

So I am in very much need of some input here! I've built 100's of computers, but not a one of them ever got built with using liquid cooling. So I am man enough to admit when I don't know something, and when it comes to liquid cooling, I know nothing. My Brother is all the rave about it, he was sure being the liquid cooling salesman on the phone and making very convincing pitches. He told me numbers like 20 degree's cooler with liquid than cooling fans, yada, yada, yada!

So any advise on this would sure be very much welcomed. Is this something that needs to be put on my prior post list?

 

[cliffordcooley]

You might as well go ahead and get the Corsair H100 for $10 more. The Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 supports a 24CM radiator which the H100 uses.

 

[Zen]

You might as well go ahead and get the Corsair H100 for $10 more. The Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 supports a 24CM radiator which the H100 uses.

Found it!

Corsair H100 Liquid CPU Hydro Series CPU Cooler ($109.99)
http://www.frys.com/product/6792655?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I did take notice when first reviewing the case I picked that it supported an actual 24cm liquid cooling radiator! But I guess what I'm getting at here, is liquid better than air? I don't mind taking a little money out of my business account and transferring it to my petty account to buy this sort of thing, but I just want to know if it's worth the cost?

 

[cliffordcooley]

But I guess what I'm getting at here, is liquid better than air?

I'm afraid my knowledge is as limited as yours on that topic.

 

[MrBlkfx1]

But I guess what I'm getting at here, is liquid better than air?

It all depends on how sophisticated the liquid cooling set up. If your running one of those single closed loop Corsair coolers. Then it can be argued that some AIR coolers will perform on par or even better then that of the liquid one. But if you running liquid to multiple components I have always known it to better then air. But it does come with cons such as maintenance and a pretty hefty premium in cost. In your case, either will probably do and provide satisfactory results. I personally would recommend the Corsair H100 or H80 over any traditional Fan HS. Fan HS tend to be really large,loud, and heavy. Something Id rather keep out of my case. Those liquid coolers not only will keep the components cool, but it keeps the case neat and relatively silent. In regards to the price. I think its pretty fair, especially considering how much a quality fan HS will run you. If you were to get something comparable to the H80 or H100 on the air side. Something like the Noctua NH-D14 will still run you about $85. I personally use a H80 and Its keep my I7-2600k OC'd at 4.6ghz 24/7 and Its rarely sees above 60c.
Ultimately, it just comes down to what you are comfortable with. Sorry for all the edits lol. I keep making ridiculous typos.

 

[Ranger12]

Water cooling will definitely keep your system cooler, however, it introduces a lot more variables to the build and with those extra variables come more potential for things to go wrong. If you setup your own watercooling loop then you have to make sure you get all the right waterblocks for each piece of hardware in the loop. Then youve got to make sure everything is sealed right otherwise you end up with water leaking in your system which is obviously very bad. Also I dont know how well watercooling works with dual videocards as one of them would be blocked by the second videocard. You may find this interesting though:
http://www.frys.com/product/6556993
I think I'm going to stop by Frys next weekend and pick one of those up and see how it goes. It's factory sealed so there shouldnt be any leakage problems and it seems to perform really well for how quiet it is.

 

[Ranger12]

Fry's also carries the H80 and H100 as blkfx1 mentioned. In the reviews I read the H60 was quieter than the H80 and H100. However the H80 and 100 both have adjustable fan speeds while the H60 has only one setting I believe.

 

[Zen]

Well in regards to liquid cooling, and after spending the past couple hours reading various web sites that offered decent honest reviews, I think it's something I'm going to run with. But this liquid cooling solution will be only for the CPU, that is the only thing that a stock Corsair H100 , non added onto system provides. So I am going to run with the Corsair H100 system! Also seeing that my computer case I'm getting is set up real nice for the Corsair H100 24cm radiator, it makes me want to do this even more.

Upon reading my final article tonight in regards to liquid cooling, and after making the choice to run with it, I then went to my on-line banking web site and transferred out of my business account $250.00 more towards this build. This now gives my budget a grand total of $2883.89! Now I can afford to throw this liquid cooling thing into the mix and more than likely that sound card I had originally wanted. I will make a final draft of my list within the next day or two as to get final thoughts, come Tuesday morning I'm off to Fry's to buy all of it, after that debating the parts list won't be possible.

 

[Zen]

Okay, as to try and make my build list complete, I am presenting what I deem to be the final list! Things on this list are still open to conversation, but I'm just wanting to make this as final as I can, as to button it up now, and give TechSpot members until Tuesday morning to try and convince me that something needs changing. Also be aware, that the budget has slightly gone up in regards to what I can now spend. I might be pinching penny's towards the end of this month, but I can still make all my bills and have a little food money to boot. Also this final list will be without hyperlinks, as was done with past lists, this is just going to the names of the parts I've had help picking. To get more info about each part, just Google them, search the Fry's Electronics web site or search for them in some of my prior lists for the links to the info.

New updated budget....$2883.89

(Case and components)

Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower Case- VN300M1W2N ($149.99)
LD Dual 12" CCFL - Blue ($7.99)
Cooler Master Megaflow 200mm Blue LED Case Fan ($6.99)
Corsair H100 Liquid CPU Hydro Series CPU Cooler ($109.99)

(Motherboard and components)

Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 990FX AM3+ Motherboard ($149.99)
AMD FX-8120 8 Core ($159.99)
(2 Packs) CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600MHz - Total 32GB ($99.99 Each)

(Internal Drives)

Hitachi GST 0F12117 2TB CoolSpin SATA 3 ($99.99)
Patriot 128GB TorqX SF4 Solid State Drive (SSD) ($59.99)
LG Internal SATA 12x Super Mult Blu Ray Writer ($99.99)

(Power Solution)

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 775W Continuous-Delivery Modular Power Supply ($99.90)

(Video Solution)

EVGA GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB GPU ($389.99 )

(Sound Solution)

Creative Lab PCI-E X-Fi Titanium FatalTy Champion Series Internal Sound Card ($179.99)

(Network Communications Solution)

ZONET ZEW1642D WIRELESS-N PCI ADAPTER ($19.99)

(External Computer Components)

Logitech Wireless Wave Combo Keyboard & Mouse MK550 ($79.99)
Logitech Z506 5.1 Speaker System ($99.99)

(External Video Solution)

(3, Yes 3) LG E2442TC 24" Class Slim LED Backlit Monitor's - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 5000000:1, 5ms, VGA, DVI-D, Energy Star ($179.99 Each)

(Operating System Solution)

Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit (Full) - System Builder (OEM) version - DVD ($149.99)

(Misc.)

CyberPower USB 2.0 4 Port Amplified Hub ($17.99)
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema HD Webcam ($69.95)

So there we go people, I now feel that this final list is good to go! And if we add everything up, we get a grand total of $2542.69! Earlier I had transferred more money via on-line banking towards an increased budget, I guess I'll use that transferred amount towards state tax now, seeing that I pretty much made my original budget. So now would be the time to chime in on anything you see here that either catches your attention or sends up the red flag for you. If I don't hear any challenges towards this final list, I will take it to Fry's via a print out and hunt down everything on the list and buy them. Most likely I will proceed to Fry's this Tuesday, with the possibility it could be as late as Wednesday. As I depart, I would like to say that even if everything looks good, sometimes hearing that from people makes a person feel good about what their doing!

 

[Ranger12]

32GBs seems like a lot of RAM. I might stick with 16 and put the extra money towards a FX-8150. It outperforms a stock i5-2500k and costs less. But everything looks good I would be interested in hearing how it all comes together.

 

[Leeky]

I agree that 32GB is too much really, but I'd just overclock the FX-8120 to FX-8150 clocks to give you the extra performance, the H100 will give you plenty of headroom there.

If you intend on running eyefinity for gaming (e.g. gaming across three displays) spend the extra $100 on a GTX 680. If you're not going to, then save the $100.

My preference would be the Crucial M4 SSD over pretty much everything around the same price range. It's very well spoken of, and highly recommended.

If you're going to add wireless, get something better, with an external antenna that can be relocated for best reception. Something like this: http://www.frys.com/product/4959531?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Doesn't have to be that specific card, but I recommend one with the antenna that can be moved, as reception at the back of the case isn't going to be the best in the world.

P.S. I've not actually checked the one you listed, so if it is the same thing, accept my apologies.

 

[Zen]

It appears some good suggestions came my way via Leeky and Ranger12!

Leeky: Great suggestion in regards to that wireless network card, I researched it a while and your probably right, reception in the back of the case isn't going to be all that great. So I'm going to pony up a little and purchase the one you've recommended. From what I can see it sits atop either your case or can be used atop ones desk with that multi-directional antenna plate. In regards to the question, am I going to use eyefinity for gaming, the answer, yes I am! So I guess with that being the case, a slight upgrade in my GPU pick has to take place. I did a side by side comparison of the 670 and the 680, in some slight areas they are pretty much the same, but in the areas that matter most, the 680 is the monster of the two. With purchasing a 680 and that wireless network adapter and upgrading my pick to the FX-8150, there's all the money, I'm tapped out, no more upgrades or revisions that would cost more money can be added to the list.

Ranger12: Your suggestion of possibly upgrading to the AMD FX-8150 8 Core processor is a good one. I've just completed a little bit of reading about it and it appears that it would be a better fit as to what I'm doing. Seeing I've got some extra money for this build laying inside the revised budget, I think I'm going to roll with the FX-8150.

And to both Leeky and Ranger12:

I know both of you are pretty much singing the same song as far as my pick with the RAM! You both feel that 32GB is way to much RAM and I should just settle with one pack giving my a total of 16GB. If it was any different period of time I would be inclined to agree, but personally for me, it's not that time. I'll open up a little to both of you, years ago when I built my mini monster of a computer I was ridiculed and be-little'd by some whom at the time thought all I was good for was building stripped down business machines, simple GPU's, small amounts of RAM, simple sound solutions, no thrill or no frills things. I know the path I've chosen years ago to walk down frowns upon one acting out of ego or vanity! But I need this, this is pre-path unfinished business, once and for all I need to build this mega powerhouse as so it can't even in the slightest be scoffed at, teased, be-little'd, or picked apart. Mainly I need to hand my nerdy Brother a nice warm cup of shut the "F" up! So the 32GB stays, if anything it will go a long ways as towards silencing some critics.

So this is it! The following is the final list and unless it's absolutely dire, it isn't open to change!

(Case and components)

Thermaltake Chaser MK-1 Full Tower Case- VN300M1W2N ($149.99)
LD Dual 12" CCFL - Blue ($7.99)
Cooler Master Megaflow 200mm Blue LED Case Fan ($6.99)
Corsair H100 Liquid CPU Hydro Series CPU Cooler ($109.99)

(Motherboard and components)

Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 990FX AM3+ Motherboard ($149.99)
AMD FX-8150 8 Core ($199.99) *Revised*
(2 Packs) CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600MHz - Total 32GB ($99.99 Each)

(Internal Drives)

Hitachi GST 0F12117 2TB CoolSpin SATA 3 ($99.99)
Patriot 128GB TorqX SF4 Solid State Drive (SSD) ($59.99)
LG Internal SATA 12x Super Mult Blu Ray Writer ($99.99)

(Power Solution)

Thermaltake Toughpower XT 775W Continuous-Delivery Modular Power Supply ($99.90)

(Video Solution)

EVGA SuperClocked GeForce GTX 680 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card ($509.99) *Revised*

(Sound Solution)

Creative Lab PCI-E X-Fi Titanium FatalTy Champion Series Internal Sound Card ($179.99)

(Network Communications Solution)

NETGEAR WN311B Wireless-N PCI Adapter ($49.99) *Revised*

(External Computer Components)

Logitech Wireless Wave Combo Keyboard & Mouse MK550 ($79.99)
Logitech Z506 5.1 Speaker System ($99.99)

(External Video Solution)

(3, Yes 3) LG E2442TC 24" Class Slim LED Backlit Monitor's - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 5000000:1, 5ms, VGA, DVI-D, Energy Star ($179.99 Each)

(Operating System Solution)

Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit (Full) - System Builder (OEM) version - DVD ($149.99)

(Misc.)

CyberPower USB 2.0 4 Port Amplified Hub ($17.99)
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema HD Webcam ($69.95)

(Misc. Additions Already Owned)

Hewlett Packard Deskjet F4480 All In One (Owned)

Alrighty, I think this list can now be etched in stone! Again, if anyone out there see's something that might be dire for this build, you can still bring it to my attention. But I'm pretty much going lock down the list and come either Tuesday or Wednesday print it out and take it with me and have myself a kick in the pants of a good time! I'm just gitty with excitement! I can't wait until this mega monster is complete, but all the while having fun with each step of it's build. I've already picked out a decent and appropriate nick name for the thing, it's name is going to be named Titan!