First time build

[TechMafia]

I've been wanting to upgrade my system for awhile now, but kept running into time constraints which caused me to lose focus on what I want to build. However, I have a few parts laying around that I got for pretty good prices back in the day (aka last year). The main focus will be a media setup. However, I would like to handle whatever games I may end up throwing at it.

This is what I currently have:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.5 GHz 6M L2 Cache 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Quad-Core Processor
http://tinyurl.com/lv2q6l (Amazon)

or

Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Kentsfield 3.0GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail
http://tinyurl.com/mn87lq (Amazon)

Intel DP45SG Extreme Series P45 ATX DDR3 1333 2xPCIe 2.0x16 3xPCI 1333MHz FSB LGA775 Desktop Board - Retail
http://tinyurl.com/ncr66y (Amazon)

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBPK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231179

Insignia® - 42" Class / 1080p / 60Hz / LCD HDTV (I'm in college)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218038552349

I have a couple of old parts I'm going to use for the HDD/Optical Drives for right now.

However the three things I need the most help with are the Video Card, PSU, and Case.

I have always used Nvidia in the past, but I like the native hdmi support I have been seeing in a lot of the ATI cards - (4850-4890). Nvidia does not seem to have this support until the $200+ range. I don't need anything that high end. I rarely play games, but I would like to have that option if the need arises. I will also be using linux every now and then, so I would like a card that has decent support if possible (ATI seems to be problematic).

As far as the PSU and case goes, I don't need anything crazy, just something to match the hardware I have or will be using.

I plan on using Windows 7 as my primary operating system.
I plan on eventually upgrading my optical drive to either a blu-ray player, or a blu-ray burner.
I plan on having a lot of HDD space eventually --that will be a gradual change (640gb current)

If I left anything out I apologize...just ask what you need to know and I will supply the answer.

PS. I do currently have a case which I can use:
ATOP Gladiator AT878BK-C Black SGCC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811105001

However, I really do not need anything that flashy, and I do not like the door on the front. The front usb ports are currently broken as well. I would like to have some ports in the front if possible. I have seen a few coolermaster cases that have had USB ports on the top front of the case, which I liked.

[farmkid5]

corsair makes good PSUs here is a link to one that should do what you need.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

i am not a pro at this so if one of the more experienced guys posts listen to them.

[TechMafia]

Thanks a lot. That PSU looks pretty good and the corsair brand has never let me down in the past. I wasn't expecting to go that high in price, but I guess it might be worthwhile with the higher end equipment I currently have and may end up getting. Anyone else suggest anything?

[theyosh]

If this system is going to be used as a multimedia machine with some light gaming I would definitely save my money by staying away from the Intel extreme chips.

As far as motherboards go I would stick the the ASUS motherboards since Intel's motherboards have not been that great as of late.

theyosh

[TechMafia]

In terms of the mobo and extreme cpu...I was using them, because I already owned them (got an amazing deal at the time). Unfortunately due to the i7's the price has dropped dramatically since the time I bought them.

I still plan on selling the QX6850, but it looks like I'll only be able to get about $425 or so for it...in which case I will still make $125 from when I bought it. That all depends on the buyers though.

I am not a huge fan of the motherboard either, but at this point I doubt I'll be able to sell it for much...although it hasn't been opened and can be considered brand new.

If I were to sell everything and start from scratch, the process may take longer, but may be more beneficial in the end...I just don't know how much time I'll have to tinker with everything, the longer I wait.

Should I attempt to sell and start from scratch...or build with what I have and see where it takes me?