First time building computer

[tiraides]

Go with the "basic" P8P67. The Pro version has dual x8 PCI-E (x16) slots, which you don't really need.

$170 for the 1GB GTX 460 is about as good as you're going to get with the card.

Whatever parts you don't get from Micro Center, buy from Amazon.

 

[E4g1e]

Go with the "basic" P8P67. The Pro version has dual x8 PCI-E (x16) slots, which you don't really need.

Also, the Pro has a better onboard NIC. The basic has a cheapo Realtek NIC while the Pro has an Intel PHY. Plus, the basic supports only Crossfire (if you want to add a second GPU in the near future) while the Pro supports either SLI or Crossfire.

 

[Finisher]

I think my list is almost finalized

CPU: Sandy Bridge i5 2500k $180 @ MC

Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 $160 @ MC
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=Qx3PdnZI9Pq9BcIU&templete=2

ASUS P8P67 Pro
http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=HMMvTCuBcZLfu2YL&templete=2

Any reason why I should go for the Pro over the basic version?

Video Card: I’m hoping this vid card price drop further. Probably going to order from Amazon to avoid the tax, and it comes with a rebate too. Price listed before rebate.

$170 EVGA 01G-P3-1366-TR GeForce GTX 460 SE (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-...WLB4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1294188680&sr=8-5

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._GDDR5_PCI-Express_2.0-_-14-130-591-_-Product


Memory: $70 G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT Ordered
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3891137&SID=194r0

PSU: Going to downgrade to 650W to keep near my budget.
$90 Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021&Tpk=psu

$90 CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&cm_re=psu-_-17-139-005-_-Product

$88 XFX XXX Edition 650 Watt Power Supply P1650XCAG9
http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Watt-Powe...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294189288&sr=1-15


HD: Samsung 1 TB Spinpoint 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.5 inch Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive HD103SJ $60 Ordered & Received
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Spinp...?ie=UTF8&qid=1294185388&sr=8-1&tag=atmlinr-20

Case: $140
COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master...UQAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294186447&sr=8-1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

CD/DVD Drive: $20 Ordered & Received
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 1.5MB Cache SATA 24X Burner LightScribe Support – OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135221

Sound Card: Going to use mobo sound first.

OS: Windows 7 Home Full OEM $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...116754&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-754-_-Product

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=481918071&pf_rd_i=507846

AntiVirus: ESET Nod32 Antivirus V4 1PC Fr/En $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832752008&cm_re=nod32-_-32-752-008-_-Product


Estimated spending: $1064
Currently spent: $150
Budget: $1000

I'm think deciding between the corsair vs antec psu. What are the pros and cons to have 1 12VRail vs 4 12VRails, as this is the case with Corsair vs Antec psu? Having 1 12Vrail at 52A vs a 12VRail at 25A, does that mean the Corsair is more power with that rail?

 

[Dangman]

I'm think deciding between the corsair vs antec psu. What are the pros and cons to have 1 12VRail vs 4 12VRails, as this is the case with Corsair vs Antec psu? Having 1 12Vrail at 52A vs a 12VRail at 25A, does that mean the Corsair is more power with that rail?

No. Outside of very specific situations, none of which will ever apply to you, will single or multiple rails matter that much. In addition, you don't compare rails like that in the first place. Again, look at the total amperage on the +12V rail. Both PSUs have 52A on the +12V rail. Both are excellent PSUs. Both are from reputable PSU companies. Both have great warranties. So just go with the PSU from the company that you trust most. Or whatever is the cheapest.

Also do you really need Nod32? Have you tried the free and very effective Microsoft Security Essentials?

 

[Finisher]

No. Outside of very specific situations, none of which will ever apply to you, will single or multiple rails matter that much. In addition, you don't compare rails like that in the first place. Again, look at the total amperage on the +12V rail. Both PSUs have 52A on the +12V rail. Both are excellent PSUs. Both are from reputable PSU companies. Both have great warranties. So just go with the PSU from the company that you trust most. Or whatever is the cheapest.

Also do you really need Nod32? Have you tried the free and very effective Microsoft Security Essentials?

Never heard of Microsoft Security Essentials. I have been using NOD32 for the past 4 years. Very good and reliable. I'll take a look at Microsoft, though I'm wondering how much effective is Microsoft because the Security Center for XP which consist of Firewall and Virus Protection sucks.

 

[Dangman]

Never heard of Microsoft Security Essentials. I have been using NOD32 for the past 4 years. Very good and reliable. I'll take a look at Microsoft, though I'm wondering how much effective is Microsoft because the Security Center for XP which consist of Firewall and Virus Protection sucks.

Microsoft Security Essentials is pretty much now one of the best free Anti-Viruses out there now. It's very effective.

I use to use Nod32 as well. But once my subscription ended and the fact that MSE came out around that time, I haven't used Nod32 since.

 

[Finisher]

So I ended up ordering the Asus p8p67 on Tiger Direct for $168 after shipping cost, no tax. I tried to reserve the SB 2500k on MC, but when I woke up I got an email from MC canceling my reservation. I don't understand why they had the reservation option but don't honor it. Tried calling the store (Santa Clara, CA), but can't get through. They might have disabled the phone line so people can't call to complain. So I'm going to see if the store get more shipment in so I can get the cpu at $180 + tax. Anyone know if the $180 for the SB i5 2500k promotional price is just for a short period of time or its longer than that?

Anyway, I have some questions about OCing the gpu. I'm planning to get the EVGA GTX 460 SE version which has slower core speed than the full gtx 460 version. http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-...WLB4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1294188680&sr=8-5

1) I haven't OC anything before, so I want to know is it simple to OC the vid card, and how would the process be with the new SB cpu?

2) If don't dont want to have 2 gpu (crossfire?), then would OCing the vid card a better option?

 

[tiraides]

There are plenty of guides available online for overclocking processors and video cards in general.

Here at the [H], your best areas to go for overclocking guides are the Intel Processors and Overclocking & Cooling forums.

 

[Finisher]

There are plenty of guides available online for overclocking processors and video cards in general.

Here at the [H], your best areas to go for overclocking guides are the Intel Processors and Overclocking & Cooling forums.

Ok thanks ill check that section out.

Edit: I checked that section out, but no FAQ. So should I just create a thread then?

 

[tiraides]

At this time, no. Keep in mind that Sandy Bridge just came out this week, so there may not be many "guides" available for it here. (Oh, when I mean "guides," I really mean threads. Many people create project threads whenever they undertake an overclocking campaign with a relatively new item.)

Use this time now to research the rest of your parts. You also have Google or Bing to work with.

 

[engiNURD]

... Anyone know if the $180 for the SB i5 2500k promotional price is just for a short period of time or its longer than that? ...

MC usually has the lowest prices for CPUs. With that said, I don't know how long this promo will last, sorry. As for history, the i7 920 was $200 for nearly all of 2008 and 2009; it only dropped lower when the 930 showed up (took the $200 price and the 920 was liquidated at $180 or less). The i5 750 was $150 for a month or so, then went back to its still damn cheap price of $180. So, as you can see, hard to predict which models get the doorbuster special year-round.

btw, the instant rebate or instant discount or whatever is as described: instant. IIRC, you pay tax on the full price without the discount, if needed.

 

[Finisher]

Here is an update on my build

CPU: Sandy Bridge i5 2500k $225 @ Amazon Ordered & Received
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-2500...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1295258383&sr=8-1

Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 $168 @ TD Ordered & Received
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...mc=Email-_-WebletMain-_-WEBLET03ORDER-_-Deals

Video Card: $160 (-20Rebate = $140) EVGA 01G-P3-1366-TR GeForce GTX 460 SE (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card Ordered & Received

http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-...WLB4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1294188680&sr=8-5

Memory: $70 G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT Ordered& Received
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3891137&SID=194r0

PSU: $90 Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply Ordered & Received

http://www.amazon.com/Antec-Truepow...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1294623336&sr=1-1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371021&Tpk=psu

HD: Samsung 1 TB Spinpoint 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.5 inch Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive HD103SJ $60 Ordered & Received
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Spinp...?ie=UTF8&qid=1294185388&sr=8-1&tag=atmlinr-20

Case: $140 COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case Ordered & Received
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master...UQAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294186447&sr=8-1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

CD/DVD Drive: $20 Ordered & Received
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 1.5MB Cache SATA 24X Burner LightScribe Support – OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135221

Sound Card: Debating should I use the sound on the mobo or get a cheap separate one. Might just reuse my current sound card to save some money.

OS: Windows 7 Home Full OEM $100 Ordered & Received
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...116754&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-116-754-_-Product

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=481918071&pf_rd_i=507846

AntiVirus: ESET Nod32 Antivirus V4 1PC Fr/En $40 Ordered&Received
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832752008&cm_re=nod32-_-32-752-008-_-Product


Estimated spending: $1064
Currently spent: $1077
Budget: $1000

Edit: erased

 

[Dangman]

Take all the pics you want if you're that worried.

 

[tiraides]

Start with the onboard sound and then use your existing sound card if you're otherwise not satisfied.

 

[Finisher]

Hey guys just finish putting everything together for my system, and everything is running great. Just want to say thank you again for all your time and help. Your advice and tips really helped me to choose compatible and quality parts.

One question, my motherboard still on first BIOS, but I know that there are new BIOS such as 1003, 1053, and 1253. Should I update or stay with what I have even though everything is working fine now? Usually the newer BIOS have bug fixes, better stability and enhancement?

 

[tiraides]

For now, don't worry about upgrading the BIOS/UEFI. Though newer versions fix bugs and add greater CPU compatibility, many "experts" recommend upgrading only when you run into problems with your current version. That's mainly due to the ever-present (though somewhat minimal) risk of damaging or bricking your motherboard with the installation of a bad version.

Since you've done, how about some pictures of the finished build?

 

[bastage]

Yea if it aint broke dont fix it.

My Recommendation for updating bios or drivers is simple.. Only 2 reasons to update. 1) to resolve an issue 2) for a noticeable performance gain..

 

[tiraides]

Don't forget reason 3: When you plan on buying a new processor.

 

[Finisher]

Yeh I'll post up some pictures soon. I have to use an external picture site to upload since this forum doesn't allow attachments right?

 

[tiraides]

Right. Photobucket's a good choice.

 

[Finisher]

Here are my pictures I took. I didn't take a lot of pictures during installation since I was concentrating putting the parts in the correct places. First sets of internal shots are before I did more cables & wires management and hiding. Second sets of internal shots are after I secure more cables and wires behind the case.





Before cables & wires management



After cables & wires managements. Slightly less clutter around the PSU area and the side of mobo




Case comparisons: old vs new. Plus, solo shots








Also, I decided to reuse my audio card from my old system because I can hear static/white noise when I plug my head phone in when using the on board sound.

Edit: Man I'm glad I put on the wheels for the case because that thing is heavy. You can use it as a battering ram to bust through a door. I love the 4 fans in the case; great air flow and very quiet too. Anyone with the HAF932 know how to adjust the fan speed? Do i have to go through the BIOs? I'm want to fans to go faster when I start playing games.

Edit 2: You guys recommend me to run cpu-z, memtest86, or prime 95 to see how my system running? Most likely not memtest86 since my system recognize all 8 gb

 

[Finisher]

My Windows Experience Index scores on 01/22/11

Processor: 7.5 out of 7.9
Memory (RAM): 7.6/7.9
Graphics: 7.4/7.9
Gaming graphics: 7.4/7.9
Primary HD: 5.9/7.9

 

[Dangman]

Edit: Man I'm glad I put on the wheels for the case because that thing is heavy. You can use it as a battering ram to bust through a door. I love the 4 fans in the case; great air flow and very quiet too. Anyone with the HAF932 know how to adjust the fan speed? Do i have to go through the BIOs? I'm want to fans to go faster when I start playing games.

That case does not come with fan controller.

Edit 2: You guys recommend me to run cpu-z, memtest86, or prime 95 to see how my system running? Most likely not memtest86 since my system recognize all 8 gb

In addition to those tests, run Furmark as well to stress test the GPU.