Building new computer and looking for advise

[Bigv32]

I have finally decided to take the plunge and build my own computer.

USES: Gaming (both on-line and off), and other normal stuff

Budget: Right now $1200 (does not include monitor, mouse, speakers, keyboard etc. basically just the tower)

Overall goal of the build:

1. I want this computer to be able to play games like Civ IV/V, Crisis, etc. (obvious I am asking about CIV V primarily here). However, I do want to be able to upgrade in the future so I don't have to buy everything new again (AKA the video card).

2. Dual monitor capable

3. Right now I am just looking at getting one video card, but later on this year, I plan on getting a second one in a crossfire or SLI configuration (depends on the card and I do not care the brand).

4. I do plan on overclocking eventually.

PARTS: Here is what I am looking at right now for this build. My major concerns are the motherboard (for future upgradability) and the video card (in terms of being able to handle two monitors).

Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K

MotherBoard: ASRock P67 EXTREME4 (B3) NOTE: I don't know a lot about ASRock but this board received solid reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157229&Tpk=ASRock P67 EXTREME4

Video Card: XFX HD-685X-ZDFC Radeon HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150515&Tpk=XFX HD-685X-ZDFC Radeon HD 6850

RAM: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...(2_x_4gb)_240-pin_ddr3-_-20-220-558-_-Product

Power Supply: KINGWIN Lazer LZ-1000 1000W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817121068&Tpk=KINGWIN Lazer LZ-1000 1000W

Hard Drive: Seagate SV35 Series ST31000526SV
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148727&Tpk=Seagate SV35 Series ST31000526SV

CD Drive: SONY Black 18X DVD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118031&Tpk=SONY Black 18X DVD-ROM

CASE: AZZA Solano 1000 Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811517004&Tpk=AZZA Solano 1000 Black

NOTE: The case I am open to change. I am still looking for the right one. I am wanting a full size case with plenty of room to expand with fans/liquid cooling.


Right now that build is about 1200. Any advise would be welcome. Anything that could save money without giving up anything would be nice .

Also, this is the most important thing. I am nervous about ordering parts online. I know that newegg is good and I am looking at parts with high reviews, but I am nervous that I will order the parts and I will have trouble with any returns I may need. Any advise on buying parts would also be appreciated.

 

[civ_king]

Get a Sapphire Radeon 5850 Xtreme for the GPU

 

[tokala]

CPU is okay, but you better look for a decent heatsink if you plan on overclocking. For example the Scythe SCMG-2100.

Asrock has become a solid choice in recent years, and their support is just amazing.

Sure you don't want an SSD as system drive? it's really really worth it e.g that one.

The 5850 Xtreme seems to be out of stock.
Any modern video card supports at least 2 monitors. SLI/Crossfire is usually a bad idea unless you go for for absolute high-end. Better to buy a good single card in the first place. E.g. instead of 2 6850's better get a single 6950, those apparently have a very good chance of unlocking to a 6970. On the nVidia side the 460,470 and 560 ti are all good choices.

For RAM I would always go for solid first-tier stuff like that one. Avoid those bling-bling, non-standard modules. As your CPU has an open multiplier, there is no need for that.

The PSU looks like what we call "china (fire-)crackers" over here . If you stay away from dual-video-cards, a solid brand-name model in the 600W range is all you will ever need even for heavy overclocking.

Sure you don't want blu-ray capability for your optical drive?


On the other hand, if that's your first self-build computer and you only plan to "eventually" get into overclocking, and "just want to play games" decently, some of that stuff might be overkill.

Potential for savings:
mainboard in the $80-100 range instead (might be easier said than done, thanks to Intels chipset policy )
keep the stock heatsink
that $100 768MB GTX 460 will play anything decently for the moment (especially Civ5), unless you game on a 27"+ display with AA cranked up all the way
Unless you plan on serious overclocking, a good 500W PSU will do as well.
Use a non-fancy case like that one
The vast majority of games will not benefit from more than 4GB of RAM, so go for 2x2GB instead of 2x4GB.

 

[Bigv32]

I have already reconsidered by psu so when I get home I will replace my choice above.

The video card also I am looking at a 6950 and will update that when I get home. The plan is to buy a high end card now and get a second later when the price goes down.

Thanks