{ PC Pre-build questions }

djsim101

Well fellow tech heads, I would like to throw a few questions out there before I put a couple of components together for a build (which I will share before I purchase). Its been a while since I was near a PC build, but have been following posts here, with real interest. A couple of people here really seem to be in the know how

Case - I would like as much USB ports in the front as possible, 3 - 4 (at least two of these need to be USB 3.0. Any case I should be looking out for?

Sound Card - A big issue for me. I hear now must high end graphics cards have a HDMI for sound output, is that correct? Current setup is my Denon 5.1 receiver connected via digital out from the MB. Would I need to purchase a sound card or could I use the audio out from the graphics card?

Processor - Is it worth paying that bit more for an i7, or stick with the i5? My main use usage - 60%-playing games (including running emulators, some of which are CPU heavy, 25%-Watching movies, 15%- WMware.

Graphics Card - My PC is connected to my 47inch TV (HDMI) which doubles as a Monitor. Highest resolution is 1920 X 1080p. Would a HD 7850 / 7950 be an overkill?

Place of purchase - I know must people here buy from Hardwareversand. Any opinions from Aria?

Sorry for all the questions. Any opinions on the above would be really appreciated.

BloodBath

What's your budget? You should fill out the questions in the sticky. I'll answer your questions anyway.

There's a load of cases that fit the bill. It depends on how much you want to spend and what you expect from the case. Silence? Cooling? Room for radiators ect.

All motherboards come with onboard sound. It won't be as good as a dedicated sound card but hard to notice unless you have a good sound system.

For gaming no. A 3570k is all you need. The newer Haswell chips are out soon though.

It wouldn't be overkill no. A 7950 is a good card for that res. A 7850 is more than capable as well though. You could go for the middle ground and get a 7870xt either.

Arias ok. They do some good deals on graphics cards. Amazon can be decent too with free delivery. Just HWVS tends to be the easiest and cheapest option for large orders.

djsim101

Cheers Bloodbath, I will indeed fill out the sticky, just wanted to get some background info first. I have a good sound system, thats why I wanted to be sure regarding the sound from MB or graphics card.

Budget will be around the 1K. Do you reckon its better to wait until the Haswell chips are released at this stage?

Cheers.

BloodBath

They are only a week away so it's probably worth the wait.

djsim101

Okay, will hold of, If I can wait a few years, another week wont kill me. Thanks man.