Quote Originally Posted by UofLCardfan08 View Post
GPU first and additional HDD second,you must try to define a budget. As you progress up the up ladder of GPU's your power supply becomes a factor and the size and cooling of your case become important.

GPU's consume power and this end up converted into heat inside your case, if you are forced into buying a new power supply to feed the additional parts your budget may take a turn for the worse leaving you wishing you simply started from scratch building a new pc.

OEM power supplies meet specs of the factory build and don't have a lot of overhead for high spec parts. Some GPU's require 2 power leads to feed them, adding another HDD and couple fans to keep the air flowing in a cramped case and you might get in over your initial cost effective upgrade.

So first look at your power supply and see what it is and if it has the the ability to keep pace with your plan.

GPU's are always on sale, the hard part is selecting what one to buy for your needs and budget. Check newegg and tigerdirect for email notifications of their daily sales. This is where you will find the best offers and values for GPU's and HDD's.

one of the best sites to read is Tomshardware.com to educate yourself on what the relative value and hierarchy of GPU's is at in the current market.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...ew,3107-7.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...view,3107.html

You don't need to reach way up the chart to surpass onboard graphics, onboard graphics basically suck beyond light gaming.

read read read, then come back and speak with maks before spending a dime

HDD's are typically on sale $70-80 for a western digital 1gb 7200rpm caviar black - stay away from the power saving green versions.

Tigerdirect offers a lot of DIY bundles which may convince you instead save your money a bit longer and build a new PC with aims and goals directed towards video editing.

You are fortunate that you have maks here and he is an assett you should not overlook or waste

tomshardware.com
maximumpc.com

sites that offer suggested build lists for different applications and budgets


it's not as simple as reading the sunday sales flyers from BestBuy to guide your wallet


.02
did you learn all that working at Arby's?