My first computer build

[Hippo Machine]

All I know is don't buy nVidia 310 GPU. Its in my computer with 8GB RAM with quad core processor, and its a piece of ****. I can barely play current games on lowest settings.

[TLSheff]

All I know is don't buy nVidia 310 GPU. Its in my computer with 8GB RAM with quad core processor, and its a piece of ****. I can barely play current games on lowest settings.

Your likely having a power supply issue or something with your mobo or something.

I have a 3.4 AMD 565 xII, 4gb ddr3 1600s, and a GTS250 nVidia card on a 500 watt PS and I play SCII on Ultimate, Skyrim on High (distance on Ultimate), WoW on Ultimate, and various others on highest settings with 50+ fps depending on the game.

A friend has a older AM2+ quad with 10gb of ddr2 1066s and a 5870 and can't match me on frame on matching settings because of either a Mobo issue or his PS is lacking.

A quad is nice when you need it, but a solid dual and fast ram will get you by just as well at the current moment. Like Dave said, were just now getting to use programs that take full use of a quad and even those are few and far between, by the time you really need to get a quad you will want to upgrade so a good dual works now and will save you money. Most of what you see is graphics anyways so thats where the bulk of your money needs to go, is a great single card or SLI/Crossfire decent/great cards.
That is my next upgrade for my comp is another GTS 250 and SLI bridge, and a couple more Tb HDs for more movies.