Looking to build a new PC

[DWOB]

So it's been about 5 years since I got a new computer and am recently came into so money so I decided it's time to upgrade.
I have a budget of about $1500~2000 and am going to be using it for mostly work (audio stuff with Pro Tools and other fun little programs) and gaming.
While I have done some minor upgrading (like video cards and RAM) I've never built a computer from scratch, so forgive me if I don't know all the terms that you guys use. I do have a good idea of how to put a PC together and shouldn't have any trouble there. I really like what the guys at Tested.com did in this video: [link].

I am mostly open to suggestions but here's a general list of what I'm looking for:
Case: A case that allows easy access when putting everything together (preferably one that I can remove both sides of). It should also have a headphone jack and a few USB jacks on the front.

Memory: The more the better, right? I may be doing some very demanding things on this computer, so I'm thinking 4 GBs at least.

Video Card: While I'm not a big graphic freaks, I do want to be able to play games on some of the better settings, so I don't mind getting a more higher end one.

Speakers: Since I'll be doing a lot of audio work, I'm looking for some decent ones.

I wouldn't mind a built in wireless adapter.

When it comes to everything else, I'm looking for recommendations.

EDIT: Oh and I'm pretty sure I'll need a firewire jack.

[orbrit]

you should easily be able to put something together for that budget.

If you don't care what a case looks like (sideviewing panel etc.) then the NZXT Gamma has audio, 2 USB and 1 eSATA on the front. Cheap and functional - left and right panels remove.
For a great looking case with nice features like variable speed fans, the Antec Nine Hundred has USB, Firewire and Audio on the front, and the Nine Hundred Two has USB, Audio and eSATA on the front.

Optical Drive - ASUS or Lite-on make good bulk burners.

Motherboard: I'd go for the P55 LGA1156 chipset - probably an ASUS P7P55D-E motherboard for stability over the LGA 1366 chipset.
CPU: Intel Core i7 860 or Core i5 750.
Video: HD5770 graphics seems to fit the bill for good gaming performance (As opposed to the HD5870 for dedicated high end gaming machine).

Memory: If your programs can use it, go for 2 sets of 2x2Gb dual channel 1600 MHz DDR3 memory - avoid G.Skill right now - stick with Corsair, Kingston and Crucial.

PSU - a Corsair 550VX should be sufficient.

Hard drive - WD Caviar Black of whatever capacity you require. If you need a ton of storage, get a small (500GB) Caviar Black and a big (up to 2TB) Caviar Green.

Buy a wireless adapter that matches your wireless access point/router e.g. Linksys to Linksys etc.
You can get regular PCI wireless adapters.

Headphones/speakers - personal preference.

[Doom]

Here here to everything Orbit said. Other thoughts:

- A really good gaming/work build can very easily be done within your budget.
- They're expensive...but a few years ago I invested in a set of Bose Companion III speakers. I absolutely love them and recommend them for high end audio.
- The ASUS P7 series of motherboards is probably the best place to start. I've used EVGA in the past and like them, but ASUS is a much better value. EVGA seems to be too into themselves and charges a lot more than others.
- I highly recommend Corsair for both your PSU and RAM. A 550w power supply should do, but always be sure to check the requirements for your graphics card and ensure the PSU has the proper connectors. There are adaptors...but I've always felt those are a pain.
- Cooler Master and Antec are good choices for cases. The Antec 900 and it's newer 900 Two are fantastic. The Cooler Master 690 is also a good case. Both will fit just about any graphics card you'd buy.
- Built in wireless is nice...but a PCI wireless card is usually extremely cheap and clean. If you can get the same brand as your wireless router it helps, but it's not a make or break rule. I have a Linksys router w/ a Belkin card (card was sitting around from three years ago...and I was being cheap), and they work together just fine.

[DWOB]

Thanks for the help!
What I picked out when a bit over budget, but that should be fine.

Now I could use some help with making sure everything I choose will work together (enough and correct ports, etc.).

Case:
COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper

Mother Board:
ASUS P7P55D-E LGA 1156

Processor:
Intel Core i5-750

Memory:
CORSAIR XMS3

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE 100297L Radeon HD 5830

Hard Drives:
Kingston SSDNow V Series For the OS and applications.
HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.C I'll be getting two of these. 1 for general stuff and another for work.

Power Supply:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V

Optical Drive:
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R

Monitors:
Acer X213HBbd I'm planning on getting two of these.

Keyboard:
Logitech G110 The idea of having a few extra buttons to bind hot keys intrigues me. Not for gaming, but for work. I could easily picture having all my tools or modes set up on those 12 programmable keys for super easy access. Also, it has an a

Mouse:
RAZER Naga I can't resist trying something that has so many buttons! While I'm very disappointed that they're not fully programmable, being able to set them to number pad sounds like it will make Sibelius a bit more easier to use. Currently I'm using a MX518, and really love it but I think I'll give the Naga a try. If I don't like it then I can always go back to the old reliable one.

I found some decent speakers.


So what do you think? Should everything be able to go together?

[quartet-man]

I prefer Western Digital black hard drives. I will leave the other parts up to other people, but I have had good luck with Lite On drives, but Asus rates high on other parts, so I suspect their opticals would be good.

I have used Finale for around 6-7 years. Before that Quickscore Elite Level II and before that Copyist / Copyist DTP and KCS on the Amiga 500 platform. Never used Sibelius, but know that it and Finale are the front runners.

[Doom]

I also prefer Western Digital...but as long as you backup your data and check the warranties (I believe WD and Seagate are the best...though could be wrong) you're good.

That's the mobo I'd be using if building a new gaming rig for myself today.

Solid state drives are cool...but I wonder if performance would be better overall by moving your OS to a standard hard drive and investing the money saved into a graphics card a notch or two up the ladder. That's assuming that you want to have excellent gaming performance. However, I'm not an expert on solid state drives at all...so if others (particularly somebody like GLC) have thoughts or advice I'd follow theirs.

One final thing, the PSU you've selected is what I have in my gaming rig and it's been flawless for over two years now. If I had it all to do over again though, I'd get the modular power supply so that you're only using the cables and cords you need. There's a lot of cables for a 750w system, and modular PSU makes things a little easier for cable management and overall space management.

[DWOB]

Oooo Do you have a suggestion for a Modular PSU that would work well with this rig?

How's this one?

[orbrit]

I'd stick with Corsair

650HX or the 750HX

the 650 is enough for your needs and it has s $20 MIR offer right now.

[DWOB]

Thanks guys. This has been a big help. I'll be getting everything by next week or later. I'll be back if I have any problems.

[Doom]

Even if you don't have problems...let us know how the build turns out or if you have any lessons learned. Good luck.

[DWOB]

So I ordered everything yesterday morning and I already got my case, speakers, and monitor! I decided to go with a single monitor after realizing that I do not have the space for two 21.5 inch screens on my desk. Got one 24 inch instead... ITS HUGE! haha. The case is also to large to fit well under the desk, but this something I realized once I built the desk on sunday. It's ok as the actual placement of everything will be finalized once all the parts show up. SOOOO EXCITED!
The Speakers sound great on my old rig. Especially running through this little Crate mixer I've had since high school. (Yay for more mostly unnecessary blinking lights!)

[DWOB]

OK... got all together, but a bit of an issue. It doesn't turn on.

After looking some stuff up and talking to my father I have determined that that power supply was DOA. I'll have to return it sadly. Hopefully none of the other parts are busted.

[glc]

Did you follow this procedure?

PROBLEMS with a NEW BUILD? Try This!!

If you have a DOA Corsair PSU, that's the first one I've ever heard of!

[DWOB]

Alright, I tried that and nothing happens. Though I did do another "paper clip" test on my PSU and it does seem to work.

There is another issue however. I can't seem to push the 24 pin connector all the way onto the motherboard. As in it isn't flush with the jack on the motherboard. Could that be what's causing the issue?


EDIT: .... I had it backwards this whole time. *sigh* Could have sworn it wouldn't go the other way when I tried it yesterday. What a silly mistake.

Now everything works.
Thanks again though!