Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Firmly press this blend into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar and sour cream, blending well. Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and lightly beaten eggs, mixing gently until just combined, ensuring a smooth filling free of lumps.

Carefully pour the cheesecake filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. To prevent cracking, place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water, creating a water bath. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly. After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for an additional hour.

After resting, remove the cheesecake from the water bath and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.

While the cheesecake chills, prepare the strawberry topping. In a blender, puree whole strawberries with cornstarch until smooth. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the strawberry puree with granulated sugar until the mixture thickens, stirring continuously for about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, fold in chopped strawberries and set aside to cool completely.

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled and firm, gently remove it from the springform pan. Spoon the cooled strawberry topping evenly over the cheesecake, allowing it to cascade over the edges for a beautiful presentation. Return the assembled cheesecake to the refrigerator for an additional hour to set the topping before serving.

When ready to serve, slice the cheesecake delicately with a sharp knife. Garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.