Also, I've been looking back into the whole GPU GTX 480 vs HD 5870 debate, and it really seems as if the GTX 480 performs better. Of course, this is besides the issue that they are louder and produce more heat, but to me, this is a non-issue.

Soooo....

I have now narrowed my GPU choices to the following:

HD 5870- http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121382&cm_re=asus_5870_hd-_-14-121-382-_-Product

GTX 480- http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007708&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&SrchInDesc=gtx%20480&Page=1&PageSize=20

^

On the second link there are four in specific that I'm looking into, but since they are all pretty much the same, I didn't want to post four links.

Okay, you guys have been a great help so far. I've picked out most of the major components such as CPU and GPU, and now I'm down to the memory, hard drive, and DVD drive/burner. I know that these aren't as crucial as the other parts, which, in a way, makes them even more difficult to choose from. For example, does the type of memory or hard drive I get really matter? Also, when it comes to the DVD drives, I'm not even sure about what I'm supposed to be getting. Do I need a DVD burner and drive or will simply a drive be fine. There's also the case of Bluray or DVD, but considering the price of the Bluray drives/burners, I think I'll stick with their DVD counterparts.

Actually raven, your last post pretty much answers my question. Didn't see it before I posted. I think I'll stick with the Asus ATI HD 5780, the 1GB version. Seems the best choice, although it is a bit pricy.

Okay, so how's this for a GPU?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121382

There is also this one

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121374&cm_re=asus_5870-_-14-121-374-_-Product

which seems to be the same thing but 1GB insteag of 2GB. Not sure if that will make a difference.

Lastly, how does it compare to my original choice, which was

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133318

Also thank you to the above poster for the list.

^

What I don't understand is that when I look on Newegg, there are many GPUs that have GTX 480 or HD 5870 in their title, but none of them are specifically ATI or Nvidia. This is what is making it so difficult to choose. Also, the way I see it, ATI's HD 5870 is equivalent to Nvidia's GTX 295, and the HD 5970 is equivalent to the GTX 480. Again, any additional information which would help me in making this choice will be highly appreciated.

^

Intel seems to be the best way to go then. That does mean I need to get an Intel motherboard to go with it though, right? And, concerning GPUs, I am finding it near impossible to narrow down my options because of how large the selection is.

Okay so I've done some research on CPUs and am now torn between these two in making my final decision.

_

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115225

_

Both get very good reviews, although it seems that Intel's processor may be a bit better for gaming. On the other hand, AMD's processor is a six-core model as opposed to a quad-core, and it seems to offer more bang for my buck, considering both are at nearly exactly the same price.

^

Thanks for the amazing feedback Hitman, was very helpful and really got me thinking. However, it did raise a few questions, such as how it is possible to use two GPUs at once. Also, I'm not very clear on why a memory unit is needed when I already have a hard drive.

Well I spent a good two hours on Newegg and put together a build which is a bit over $1000 base price. None of this is final, however, as I'm just testing things out. This link may work if anyone wants to look at it:

http://secure.newegg.ca/Shopping/ShoppingCart.aspx?Submit=view

If not, then here's the links to all items:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136313

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371025

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133318

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135201

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103849

Feedback would be appreciated.

I don't think I'm going to be overclocking. I looked into it and it seems quite complicated. Correct me if I'm wrong, though, because this will influence my decision. Also, can anyone give me the pros and cons of Intel over AMD and vice versa?