[quote name='INCyr']Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at both the 5770 and the 5850, but given the price difference, I'm leaning towards the 5770. I'm just wondering if the extra $$ now won't save me a bit down the road. Also, looking around the newegg site, is there really any difference between the various 5770 cards? The other two I was looking at were the MSI (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490&cm_re=5770-_-14-127-490-_-Product) and the Sapphire (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102868). Also, looking at the "Customer Choice Awards", this card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339) seems to be pretty good for a decent price. Is it still worth looking at, or is it old enough it's not worth picking up? [/QUOTE]
Like SOSTrooper has already indicated, there aren't any real differences. It largely boils down to build quality and warranty. Some cards are also factory overclocked. Given that XFX gives you a double lifetime warranty, I would stick with that.
All things considered, I would stick with the HX650W. There are a few reasons for that: generally, the HX models are higher quality PSUs. Some people have had some problems with the TX line. The TX line also doesn't have as stringent voltage/power regulation. Finally, there's really nothing nicer than a modular PSU to keep your case neat and the air flow going. I was actually using the TX650W for my most recent build but I sent it back for the HX. I just couldn't get used to going back to a non-modular PSU
All that to say, if money is really an issue, the TX is certainly a damn good PSU; but, if you can spare the $30, I'd definitely go with the HX.
The major difference between those two boards is the addition of SATA-III (6Gbps) on the UD3. I would definitely stick with that board and grab the combo discount with the i5-750. Like SOS Trooper said, you can always overclock your 750 (which Turbo mode will take care of anyway), but you can't add 2 more cores to the 650. As an aside, if you wanted to spend the extra money, I would absolutely recommend the P7P55D-E Pro (my current board). Honestly, you can't go wrong with either board. It really just comes down to how much you want to spend and whether you need the extra options/features for overclocking. I think the UD3 should be more than enough for your build.
Not a problem. It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to talk about PC hardware. I always enjoy helping out people building a new rig. It's fun stuff
Like SOSTrooper has already indicated, there aren't any real differences. It largely boils down to build quality and warranty. Some cards are also factory overclocked. Given that XFX gives you a double lifetime warranty, I would stick with that.
Also, the Corsair Fan I had picked out (750TX) costs as much as the 650HX. The 650TX is another $30 cheaper at $90. Is the 650HX really that much better, or would I be fine with either of the TX models?
All things considered, I would stick with the HX650W. There are a few reasons for that: generally, the HX models are higher quality PSUs. Some people have had some problems with the TX line. The TX line also doesn't have as stringent voltage/power regulation. Finally, there's really nothing nicer than a modular PSU to keep your case neat and the air flow going. I was actually using the TX650W for my most recent build but I sent it back for the HX. I just couldn't get used to going back to a non-modular PSU
Regarding MoBo's, I'm not entirely sure what the difference between the following two are:
GA-P55-USB3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128425
GA-P55A-UD3: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128412
The reason I'm asking is that I can get the UD3 + i5-750 at Microcenter for $300 ($280 after MIR), where as the i5-750 + UD3 = $340 at Newegg. The USB3 + i5-750 would bring it down to $310, and that combo isn't available at Microcenter. (The i5-650 would knock an additional $20 off - is the downgrade worth $20?) And neither board actually says they support 1600 Memory, which seems kind of odd... Looking at them, they seem pretty equivelent, which seems to suggest I should take advantage of the Microcenter deal - I just want to make sure there's not something I'm missing.
The major difference between those two boards is the addition of SATA-III (6Gbps) on the UD3. I would definitely stick with that board and grab the combo discount with the i5-750. Like SOS Trooper said, you can always overclock your 750 (which Turbo mode will take care of anyway), but you can't add 2 more cores to the 650. As an aside, if you wanted to spend the extra money, I would absolutely recommend the P7P55D-E Pro (my current board). Honestly, you can't go wrong with either board. It really just comes down to how much you want to spend and whether you need the extra options/features for overclocking. I think the UD3 should be more than enough for your build.
Anyway, thanks again for the answers - I tried to read up on things before asking so as to not ask dumb questions that are better answered by "go google it and find out", so here's hoping that worked.
Oh, and thanks to all for the wishlist links - that's the first time I've used that feature on newegg, so I wasn't sure how to get that link correctly. (Still don't actually know, but I can copy and paste!)
Not a problem. It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to talk about PC hardware. I always enjoy helping out people building a new rig. It's fun stuff