UPDATED!
After extensive reading, comparing, and googling this is the build I've ended up with:
CPU - Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler - Cooler Master TPC 812 86.2 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard - ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
Memory - Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage - Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive, Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive, Samsung 840 Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Video Card - Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card
Case - Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply - Corsair Gaming 800W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply
(The reason I have the extra 3tb HD is because if I were to use a TV as a monitor the computer would be with the entertainment system out in the family room, so I would use it to replace our current 1tb external HD that we use to store tv shows and movies on)
http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/uFVd
My thinking behind selecting these parts was to attempt to get the best bang for my buck, while future proofing, as well as cheap effective air flow for overclocking. As mentioned in my original post my goal is to use a TV as my monitor, but I've beefed up the CPU cooler and Power supply (only cost an extra $40 or so) so that if it doesn't look as good as I hope I can by a 27" 2560 x 1440 resolution monitor. I also did that to leave room to possibly utilize crossfire by adding in a second Radeon 7970 if needed.
The budget I was aiming for was $1500 for just the computer, but I managed to get a bunch of extras that I needed and ended up just over that by a few bucks so I couldn't be more happy.
Now I need some advice.
Is prepping the rig for crossfire pointless? Should I save the money and down grade some items? If I change my mind, or the tv isn't up to snuff for me, will cross fire be mandatory for a 2560 x 1440 monitor? Should I lose the TV as a monitor idea and go with the XD monitor for a far better viewing experience? If I do go the traditional computer monitor route is XD worth it?
Any other advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
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Old Post
Goal:
I would like to do some casual gaming/internet browsing from the comfort of my couch while enjoying high graphic settings and smooth frame rate NOT on a laptop.
Note:
I don't have the computer or TV yet so it's a clean slate as far as a build/brand goes. I would estimate my budget at about $3000 CAD/USD max for both.
Disclaimer:
I'm a pretty big noob when it comes to tech so please, try and go easy on the acronyms, or at least define what they mean if they can be. Please and thanks.
Questions: I've done some research on this but I'm having trouble finding specific answers, especially regarding using a TV as a monitor.
- What type of TV would work best. LED, LCD, or plasma and why?
- What size of a TV would work best from approximately a 10-12 foot viewing distance and why?
- What kind of 'must haves' are there from a computer hardware standpoint if I wish to use a TV as a monitor, if any?
As much information/tips/need to knows as you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.