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Ok, so for most of my life, I've been a console guy. But lately, as the number of games I want to play is decreasing, I have decided to move to gaming on a pc as I can use it for other things as well. First of all, I plan to make it my home entertainment system. I want to hook it up to my Sony Bravia as well as my living room sound system of course. But as I am a complete n00b when it comes to tech specs I have a few questions that I would love answers for if anyone can supply them.

1. I know video cards are important for the graphics and all, but what is impotant as far as making sure the HDMI connection is top notch? Or is it better to just plug it into the PC port? Is that the motherboard or videocard? Or both?

2. On the subject of video cards. At the moment I'm going with a single GeForce GTX 570, but Ive come across talk of having 2 or even 3 cards running at the same time. What's the deal with that?

3. Motherboards and CPU's. I'm going with the Intel I7, but I could use some advice about motherboards. What are some brands and the differences between them?

We'll start with those for now but I'll add a little bit more miscellaneous info. Ideally i don't want to spend more than about $2000 or so, but I can spend around $3500-4000. I want a decent gaming computer that can handle games for the next 2 years or so. Some realistic advice is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Thanks for the reply Scozzar. Just been looking at newegg. So another quick question about the dual video cards. Is it better in your opinion to go with one high end card or two mid range? for example, a Geforce 590 GTX is about the same as two GeForce 570 GTX.

Not sure yet about the power source. I'm just trying to research one thing at a time and the PSU as well as cooling still need to be looked at. Thanks for the advice about less heat using only one card though. I am currently living in a city where the temperature the other day was 37 and we still haven't really hit full summer yet.

To be honest, I haven't thought about the overclocking yet. I understand the theory, but like I said, I'm not much of a computer guy. The reason I need some help with this stuff is that I live in China. Even though I know people who speak good english, when it comes to speciality things, i.e. computers, unless they have studied computer class in english, it can be really hard to translate. So basically, lots of muddling through, looking at products, copying down brands and specs, home to look at things on google, back to shop for more fine tuning, and repeat.

It's ok, because I'm not really in a rush or anything, but trying to teach yourself computers from scratch and not being able to ask the shop guy what's the difference between products and which one would better suit your needs can be trying at times.

Anyway, thanks for the link. Off to do some more homework now

You don't need 2-4k with a ATI(AMD)+AMD Combo I have a 800 euro computer here and after 2 years I have yet to come across a game that can't be handled.
Hell, I think I can still play games on max in 2014 with some luck.