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First build.

A

Amzee

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 28, 2012
Messages
162
I originally posted in the SFF forums thinking about trying out a SFF PC for my first build, but I have found the form factor to be kind of limiting, and might not be as well-suited to a first-time builder. So, I answered the questions and put together an ATX partlist to see what you guys think of it. Thanks for your help!



1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, web browsing, some minimal photoshopping from time to time, sometimes AutoCAD. The games I play specifically are TF2 and SWTOR, and I'd like to get good (60+) fps in those at max settings. I also may get Skyrim and BF3 soon, since I've heard they're great. I also understand they won't run nearly as easily as TF2 and SWTOR.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Preferably under 1500, probably including tax and shipping. We have a 7% sales tax in my state.
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
U.S., don't really want to disclose the state and city, but I do live close-enough to a Microcenter.
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU, RAM, Mobo, case, OS, HDD, SSD, GPU, etc. I only really have the peripherals for this (the mouse, keyboard, and monitor.)
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
None.
6) Will you be overclocking?
I'd like to try, with the UEFIs and LGA 1155, it seems to be pretty easy. Nothing too drastic, I'd love to get 4.5GHz out of my proc though.
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
22" at 1680x1050, but I may upgrade since they're cheap nowadays.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Within the next few weeks.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? etc.
USB 3.0, preferably with an onboard header, because I'm OCD like that, and SATA 6Gb/s is also important for the SSD.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Nope.


Here is my initial parts list with thoughts on each part:

Processor - Intel 2500k - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589 - 179.99
A 2500k is a great CPU, and a great deal at micro center, at also takes $50 off my motherboard there with a combo deal. A 2600k isn't really necessary.

Motherboard - Asus P8Z68-V/GEN3 - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378096 - (184.99-50) 134.99
Changed to this board. It is expensive, but for that is well-known, has good reviews, has an onboard USB3 header, PCIe 3.0, and has a UEFI BIOS.

Case - CM Storm Enforcer - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0357897 - 85.99
A good deal on a case with USB 3.0 on the front with a motherboard header. It has plenty of places for fans, has a window, is tool less, and comes with all the accessories I'd need, such as a 3.5 to 2.5 converter.

CPU Cooling - Antec Khuler 620 - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0361180 - 49.99
A great deal at Microcenter, and also a nice sealed water cooler which should last a while.

GPU - EVGA 560 Ti 448 Core FTW Edition - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130738 - 274.99
A nice GPU that seems like a good deal, it will be able to run what I need it to, at great settings and frame rates. 97% of a 570 for 85% of the price, as I've heard. I was considering crossfire'd 6850s, which would cost the same, however, both of the main games I play don't seem to utilize crossfire very well, and I'd probably get similar, or even less performance, with more of a driver and setup hassle.

PSU - Antec HCG-750 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049 - 99.99
Realized the 750w seems really nice, and it matches my case color scheme, so I'll use it to being ready for any upgrades.

SSD - Crucial M4 128GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442 - 174.99
While not the fastest around, it has a good price, and is supposedly more reliable than the SandForce-based SSDs.

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840 - 124.99
While I wasn't originally sure about getting a full 1TB drive, they still have the best price per byte, and this seems to be a pretty basic one for data storage, nothing really special here.

ODD - Lite-On OEM CD/DVD burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289 - 17.99
Found out that blu-ray software is easier expensive, or not that great, so I decided to drop the luxury for a CD/DVD burner, which will take care of all I need it to.

Memory - Corsair Vengence DDR3 1600 MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345 - 44.99
Nice cheap memory, and it's blue to match my motherboard. It's 1.5v to make sure it works with the 2500k and doesn't blow it up.

OS - Windows 7 Home Premium Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116716 - 189.99
I was considering OEM, but since this is my first build, I am not sure if I want it because I've heard of people having licensing problems if they have to reinstall it on their system. Not sure how much of a hassle it is with Microsoft to get a new key, but if its no big deal, why not save 90 bucks I suppose. Obviously I'd get the 64-bit version.

Wi-Fi Dongle - Rosewill PCI Wi-fi card. - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166038 - 19.99
I'm a loser and need to use wifi, and the people of Newegg seem to love this adapter, but I'm not really sure if its worth the price. I chose a PCI one so I don't have a white thing sticking out of the back, and it's the same price.



Total: 1511.07 with tax and shipping.
 
Last edited:
Amzee said:
I originally posted in the SFF forums thinking about trying out a SFF PC for my first build, but I have found the form factor to be kind of limiting, and might not be as well-suited to a first-time builder. So, I answered the questions and put together an ATX partlist to see what you guys think of it. Thanks for your help!



1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, web browsing, some minimal photoshopping from time to time, sometimes AutoCAD. The games I play specifically are TF2 and SWTOR, and I'd like to get good (60+) fps in those at max settings. I also may get Skyrim and BF3 soon, since I've heard they're great. I also understand they won't run nearly as easily as TF2 and SWTOR.
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Preferably under 1500, probably including tax and shipping. We have a 7% sales tax in my state.
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
U.S., don't really want to disclose the state and city, but I do live close-enough to a Microcenter.
4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU, RAM, Mobo, case, OS, HDD, SSD, GPU, etc. I only really have the peripherals for this (the mouse, keyboard, and monitor.)
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
None.
6) Will you be overclocking?
I'd like to try, with the UEFIs and LGA 1155, it seems to be pretty easy. Nothing too drastic, I'd love to get 4.5GHz out of my proc though.
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
22" at 1680x1050, but I may upgrade since they're cheap nowadays.
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Within the next few weeks.
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? etc.
USB 3.0, preferably with an onboard header, because I'm OCD like that, and SATA 6Gb/s is also important for the SSD.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Nope.


Here is my initial parts list with thoughts on each part:

Processor - Intel 2500k - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589 - 179.99
A 2500k is a great CPU, and a great deal at micro center, at also takes $50 off my motherboard there with a combo deal. A 2600k isn't really necessary.

Motherboard - MSI Z68A-G45 (G3) - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0374835 - (139.99-50) 89.99
A seemingly new board, not many reviews out, but it has an onboard USB 3.0 header, is made by a well-know company, who has a decent UEFI for over clocking, and this also has PCIe 3.0 if I ever upgrade graphics cards. Also supports CrossFireX and SLi in case I decide to take that route later.

Case - CM Storm Enforcer - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0357897 - 85.99
A good deal on a case with USB 3.0 on the front with a motherboard header. It has plenty of places for fans, has a window, is tool less, and comes with all the accessories I'd need, such as a 3.5 to 2.5 converter.

CPU Cooling - Antec Khuler 620 - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0361180 - 49.99
A great deal at Microcenter, and also a nice sealed water cooler which should last a while.

GPU - EVGA 560 Ti 448 Core FTW Edition - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130738 - 274.99
A nice GPU that seems like a good deal, it will be able to run what I need it to, at great settings and frame rates. 97% of a 570 for 85% of the price, as I've heard. I was considering crossfire'd 6850s, which would cost the same, however, both of the main games I play don't seem to utilize crossfire very well, and I'd probably get similar, or even less performance, with more of a driver and setup hassle.

PSU - Thermaltake TR2 RX 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153136 - 89.99
A semi-modular power output with more power then I'll currently need, but it will be nice to have the extra for future upgrades, and it is covered by a 5 year warranty, so I hope to keep it for at least a few years. The hardwired cables will all be connected: the 4+4 CPU power, the 20+4 Mobo power, the 6-pin, and the 6 part of the 6+2 pin will all be used, and they are all that are hardwired. The SATA power and other things will go from the modular connectors.

SSD - Crucial M4 128GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442 - 174.99
While not the fastest around, it has a good price, and is supposedly more reliable than the SandForce-based SSDs.

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840 - 124.99
While I wasn't originally sure about getting a full 1TB drive, they still have the best price per byte, and this seems to be a pretty basic one for data storage, nothing really special here.

ODD - ASUS Internal Blu-ray Drive OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135247 - 57.99
I don't really need a burner, because the media is so expensive anyway, but being able to watch blu-ray's will be nice. Again, nothing really special here.

Memory - Corsair Vengence DDR3 1600 MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345 - 44.99
Nice cheap memory, and it's blue to match my motherboard. It's 1.5v to make sure it works with the 2500k and doesn't blow it up.

OS - Windows 7 Home Premium Retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116716 - 189.99
I was considering OEM, but since this is my first build, I am not sure if I want it because I've heard of people having licensing problems if they have to reinstall it on their system. Not sure how much of a hassle it is with Microsoft to get a new key, but if its no big deal, why not save 90 bucks I suppose. Obviously I'd get the 64-bit version.

Wi-Fi Dongle - TP-LINK Wireless Adapter - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704045 - 19.99
I'm a loser and need to use wifi, and the people of Newegg seem to love this adapter, but I'm not really sure if its worth the price. Also considering this one so I don't have a white thing sticking out of the back, and it's the same price. Actually, the PCI card is probably ideal.



Total: 1383.88 before tax and shipping.


Thanks again!
Click to expand...

Going retail on the OS is currently the only way to go "legit" for a self-built PC for your own personal use even though you'd be paying twice as much. And all retail copies of Windows 7 include both 32-bit and 64-bit setup disks.

Second, as you stated, you don't need a Blu-ray burner because the media is still kind of pricey. However, all Blu-ray "read-only" combo drives are actually DVD burners that have the capability of reading Blu-ray disks. Unfortunately, in order to make the Blu-ray function work properly, you will need to spend an extra $100 or so on proper Blu-ray software because some of the freebie Blu-ray player software is incapable of outputting the full HD resolution to your monitor (the output gets downconverted to 480p widescreen). As such, you're better off keeping your Blu-ray system completely separate from your PC and going with a standalone Blu-ray player connected to your main TV set simply because it is much less troublesome than trying to play back Blu-ray discs on a PC.
 
E4g1e said:
Going retail on the OS is currently the only way to go "legit" for a self-built PC for your own personal use even though you'd be paying twice as much. And all retail copies of Windows 7 include both 32-bit and 64-bit setup disks.

Second, as you stated, you don't need a Blu-ray burner because the media is still kind of pricey. However, all Blu-ray "read-only" combo drives are actually DVD burners that have the capability of reading Blu-ray disks. Unfortunately, in order to make the Blu-ray function work properly, you will need to spend an extra $100 or so on proper Blu-ray software because some of the freebie Blu-ray player software is incapable of outputting the full HD resolution to your monitor (the output gets downconverted to 480p widescreen). As such, you're better off keeping your Blu-ray system completely separate from your PC and going with a standalone Blu-ray player connected to your main TV set simply because it is much less troublesome than trying to play back Blu-ray discs on a PC.
Click to expand...

Totally did not know that, I'd assume there'd be decent freeware. I'll wait for another few replies to see if they know of any, and I'll change in the build if they don't. Blu-ray on the PC is really just a luxury, I already have it on my TV via my PS3.
 
Amzee said:
Motherboard - MSI Z68A-G45 (G3) - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0374835 - (139.99-50) 89.99
A seemingly new board, not many reviews out, but it has an onboard USB 3.0 header, is made by a well-know company, who has a decent UEFI for over clocking, and this also has PCIe 3.0 if I ever upgrade graphics cards. Also supports CrossFireX and SLi in case I decide to take that route later.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately due to the limited reviews and the so-so results of those reviews, I can't recommend this mobo. There's no solid info showing that it's a solid mobo. Especially considering that Newegg no longer sells that mobo.

If you really do want UEFI AND a solid mobo, I'd recommend spending the extra cash for the Asus P8Z68-V GEN3:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378096

However, if you can live without UEFI, this cheaper Gigabyte mobo is fairly solid:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364085

If you want to gamble, go with the P8Z68-V LX:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0371775

What I mean by gamble is that up until a week ago, the reviews for the above Asus mobo was not that good. But recently there have been a few new reports of that mobo being good. So I don't know for sure if there was a bad batch, more than usual naysayers, or people not understanding what a motherboard is. Hence "gamble".
Amzee said:
GPU - EVGA 560 Ti 448 Core FTW Edition - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130738 - 274.99
A nice GPU that seems like a good deal, it will be able to run what I need it to, at great settings and frame rates. 97% of a 570 for 85% of the price, as I've heard. I was considering crossfire'd 6850s, which would cost the same, however, both of the main games I play don't seem to utilize crossfire very well, and I'd probably get similar, or even less performance, with more of a driver and setup hassle.
Click to expand...
Good deal. Buy it before the sale is over.

Amzee said:
PSU - Thermaltake TR2 RX 750W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153136 - 89.99
A semi-modular power output with more power then I'll currently need, but it will be nice to have the extra for future upgrades, and it is covered by a 5 year warranty, so I hope to keep it for at least a few years. The hardwired cables will all be connected: the 4+4 CPU power, the 20+4 Mobo power, the 6-pin, and the 6 part of the 6+2 pin will all be used, and they are all that are hardwired. The SATA power and other things will go from the modular connectors.
Click to expand...
Not a good choice: Thermaltake's TR2 PSU line are basically crap. They rarely are capable of their rated wattage. Sometimes they're barely capable of half their wattage. So definitely don't get this unless you hate computers. If you don't need modular cables, I recommend this PSU:
$100 - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W PSU

However if you need modular cables, this is the cheapest modular PSU that I can recommend:
$90 - SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W Modular PSU

Amzee said:
Memory - Corsair Vengence DDR3 1600 MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345 - 44.99
Nice cheap memory, and it's blue to match my motherboard. It's 1.5v to make sure it works with the 2500k and doesn't blow it up.
Click to expand...
Not a fan of this particular RAM due to the tall heatsinks which interfere with air coolers. But you should be ok since you're using the Antec Kuhler.

EDIT: Regarding the blu-ray playback: the drive you chose does not come with blu-ray capable playback software. There is supposedly a free blu-ray playback software out there but I'm not too familiar with it:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1614489

However from the little I've read about it, it does an ok job but nowhere near as good as the paid software or the actual standalone players.
 
Last edited:
Danny Bui said:
Unfortunately due to the limited reviews and the so-so results of those reviews, I can't recommend this mobo. There's no solid info showing that it's a solid mobo. Especially considering that Newegg no longer sells that mobo.

If you really do want UEFI AND a solid mobo, I'd recommend spending the extra cash for the Asus P8Z68-V GEN3:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378096

However, if you can live without UEFI, this cheaper Gigabyte mobo is fairly solid:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364085

If you want to gamble, go with the P8Z68-V LX:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0371775

What I mean by gamble is that up until a week ago, the reviews for the above Asus mobo was not that good. But recently there have been a few new reports of that mobo being good. So I don't know for sure if there was a bad batch, more than usual naysayers, or people not understanding what a motherboard is. Hence "gamble".
Click to expand...
I think I'd do the Asus. UEFI seems more user-friendly, and for twenty bucks, it's definitely worth it for UEFI, PCIe 3.0, and an Onboard USB3 Header (I know, its not a huge deal, but I don't want cables coming out the back and then back into my case, lol)

Danny Bui said:
Not a good choice: Thermaltake's TR2 PSU line are basically crap. They rarely are capable of their rated wattage. Sometimes they're barely capable of half their wattage. So definitely don't get this unless you hate computers. If you don't need modular cables, I recommend this PSU:
$100 - Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-750 750W PSU

However if you need modular cables, this is the cheapest modular PSU that I can recommend:
$90 - SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W Modular PSU
Click to expand...
I can probably deal with a non-modular, considering the price, but that modular could definitely support everything I have now, and I'm not sure if I'd realistically be doing SLi or anything else power-intensive any time soon.
Danny Bui said:
EDIT: Regarding the blu-ray playback: the drive you chose does not come with blu-ray capable playback software. There is supposedly a free blu-ray playback software out there but I'm not too familiar with it:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1614489

However from the little I've read about it, it does an ok job but nowhere near as good as the paid software or the actual standalone players.
Click to expand...
I'll just drop down to a DVD burner, blu-ray seems to be quite a hassle.

Going to edit the OP to reflect my changes. I've also decided to use the PCI Wi-fi card, simply for the clean look.


EDIT: Changed the OP, not really sure about that power supply, if I want the 620 modular, or the 750 non-modular.
 
Last edited:
All right looks better now.

BTW: You still have the TR2 linked instead of the Seasonic PSU link.
 
The total, then, with shipping included, is 1501.37 (Not sure if shipping is taxed, but its still no big deal. Thanks, this fits the budget perfectly!
 
Ok, I changed to the 750w after reading some reviews, it seems really capable with what it'd be able to handle if I decided to upgrade later on. That brings my total to 1511.07 after tax and shipping, and with that I think all thats left is to buy it. :D
 
Yep for what I plan to do the 2600k isn't worth it. Also, is a 620 worth it over a Hyper 212+?
 
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