Calling all knowledgable computer geeks!

[Antibane]

A couple of things I might note here, regarding the suggestions already made (and there are some good ones).

The Sandy Bridge architecture processors are enormous power hogs, and run ridiculously hot. I would be concerned about trying to run them under full load (multiple instances of EverQuest, for example) with the heatsink that typically comes with a pre-fab computer. They all but demand a liquid cooling system, and I don't think Intel has included that as part of their package just yet. That said, they're great processors, and they have a pretty good capacity for dealing with high temperatures.

Check the airflow through the case. Look for fans on the front and back - like I said, case temperature is going to be a problem in a box with a Sandy Bridge CPU and a Fermi GPU. They're hot, and hot damages components.

Calebe is right about power supplies. If you're wanting to run a Sandy Bridge processor, a mid- to high-end video card (ie, anything nVidia with a Fermi core processor), and a reasonably swift hard drive, you're going to want at least a 600W power supply. And it's doubtful that any pre-fab computer will come with one so large.

If you plan to upgrade the RAM specifically, check to see how the RAM that comes in the box is configured. If it comes 2x4GB (for a total of 8GB), then you're golden to add another 2x4GB (for a total of 16GB). If it comes 4x2GB (which I think is more likely, in a pre-fab machine), then you'll either have to replace all four sticks, or you'll be stuck with a pair of 2x4GB channels and a pair of 2x2GB channels, for a total of 12 GB of RAM. That's not specifically a problem, but make sure you get RAM that is the same speed as what's in the computer. Otherwise, it won't run as efficiently as possible.

Also, @Luthair, /barf AMD.

Best Regards,
Bane

[Fidobeggins]

I guess after I post a question like this I should come back and check the answers sooner. Lots of good stuff, thanks everybody, some brought up some of the directions I was looking, others brought up things to look out for (while I was aware of most things I feel better equipped now).

[Calebe]

Anti I hate to disagree but the Sandy Bridge processors run cool and are energy efficient. I would agree with the 650 Watt minimum power supply (or more) but not less. I would also if building your own use a modular power supply. The option to not install power cables not needed makes for a cleaner build and keeping the case clutter free for better air flow. If you overclock Anandtech did:

Core i5-2500K and Core i7-2600K hit ~4.4GHz, fully stable, using the stock low-profile cooler.

Link:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4083/the-sandy-bridge-review-intel-core-i7-2600k-i5-2500k-core-i3-2100-tested/3

So even on the stock cooler they over clock really well and they praise it on the lower power consumption. (other sites say the same). (From same article page 21)

Intel Core i7 2600K @ 4.4GHz 5W (idle) 111W (running cinebench for benchmarking)
Intel Core i7 2600K (3.4GHz) 5W (idle) 86W (running cinebench for benchmarking)

So as you see very power efficient. The 2500K even more so. If building a new machine and want an Intel chip the 2500k and 2600k are the ones to get today. Tomorrow who knows Ivy Bridge (delayed till next year) maybe a lot faster, and AMD will have their new CPU out later this year code name Bulldozer which maybe better or equal, no one knows yet. Still a Sandy Bridge build will last a long time and easily over clocks if your into that type of thing with a simple multiplier change. Build one today go SB chip if you want Intel, if you go AMD the good thing to note the newest boards will support the Bulldozer chips when out. So you can get one, use it and when you need more speed swap out the processor for a new one, and your investment lasts a lot longer. It is always good to have options.

Calebe