I'm looking into building a computer, mostly for gaming. My price range is about 1,000 - 1,700. I've never built a computer before so I don't really know what I'm doing. This is what I've been looking at so far.
Like i said, I'm completely new to all this and I'm really not sure about the motherboard/fan/ or power supply. does all this look good? is there anything i can improve on? any tips?
My total price now is about 1.5k and I'm pretty happy with that.
is there anything else i need? (besides a monitor, keyboard, mouse)
The graphics card is ok but way overpriced for what it does, these are a much better buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102748 The board I have outlined also allows the later possibility of adding a second HD4870 in crossfire.
Basically keep the CPU, HDD, DVD Rom, and Windows XP.
You have a big budget. Sam made a good choice on the graphics card. You have a good range, and I would suggest getting two 4850. BUT the board I am going to have to differ on. Get something like a GA-X48-DS4 for two 4850s.
Get 4GB of RAM(Stick with OCZ Reapers or Corsair). Get a Corsair 620HX or 650TX for your PSU. The 620 is more expensive but it's modular(meaning you only use the cables you need, and you can unplug the rest).
Sam's choice on the cooler are good. If you want something cheaper and almost as good get the Xigmatek S1283, but do buy the Retention Bracket(search on newegg, it's separate).
Ah, I didn't spot the budget. My mistake on that one, yes go with the X48-DS4 over the Asus board, and certainly go with a pair of graphics cards, the 4850s first spring to mind.
Here's a revised full list of components:
