New Build Query

[egroeg555]

I've been following this forum for several weeks, gathering information to build a system for myself, and you guys have provided lots of great information. As you can, please provide some information specific to my build interests. This is my first time building a system, so any extra tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.


1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
- Web browsing, videos, gaming, editing reports and presentations. I figure gaming is the most intensive thing, so I should build it for that.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
- Around $1000. I don't have a strict budget, but I'd like to get quality parts, while minimizing the total.

3) Where do you live?
- Maryland

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.
- I'm building a new system so:
- CPU
- Mother Board
- Video Card
- RAM
- Power supply
- HDD
- Possibly a SSD (I'm not certain about this yet)
- case

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
- The only stuff I already have is a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. I'll need a case and what goes in it.

6) Will you be overclocking?
- As I've never done it be for, I'm unsure how much of a difference this makes, but I hear it's not very difficult with the i5-2500K. I'd probably need some sort of aftermarket cpu cooler for this?

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
- 24" 1920 x 1200, eventually I'll add a second screen, but probably will only ever game on a single screen.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
- 2 days to 2 weeks. Mainly, when I have the build list completed or if there is a deal that requires a certain time frame. I'm ready now, but I'm also not in a rush.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video? etc.
- I think I just need a decent motherboard that supports a single card, but I'm still a bit unsure about what motherboard would be right for me. I think it would be convenient if it supported some of the up and coming technologies, like USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, RAID, but it seems most support that standard.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
- I have a Win 7 64bit to use



Initial thoughts:

- i5-2500K seems to be the standard recommendation for a CPU
- Samsung F3 seems standard for an HDD
- I'm still debating whether or not to get a SSD because it seems to not be necessary and is a decent price jump. Though, many people indicate that it makes a big difference.

- I'm thinking that a 6950 1GB would be good, but I could probably be convinced up or down. I had my eye on the Gigabyte model on newegg, but it just went out of stock. I could call and see if it will be back in stock soon.

- Regarding a case, I've seen Danny Bui's list, but haven't decided yet. I'm not too concerned about having a flashy looking case, I just want one with good construction and enough space. The Cooler Master 912 looks decent, but maybe a bit small. It's hard to tell from the pictures. I'm leaning a bit more toward the Cooler Master 922 as it seems a bit nicer. Let me know if you have any thoughts here.

Any thoughts for suggestions would be great. I can buy at the Rockville, MD Microcenter or online (amazon, newegg, etc.) Thanks a lot.

 

[nickmv]

Hey man, check out my build thread. Specifically, look at the first list I posted of components I had chosen. I've made changes since later on in the thread and upped my budget, but I left my original list up there.

Edit: This'll get you started. That includes a 64gb SSD. It'll be worth it in the long run. You install the system and crucial apps/games on the SSD, everything else on the terabyte.


$320 - Intel Core i5-2500K CPU + MSI P67A-C43 Intel P67 ATX Motherboard
$85 - G.Skill Ripjaws F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$240 - XFX HD-695X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6950 1GB PCI-E Video Card
$140 - Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1CCA 2.5" 64GB SSD
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$90 - Corsair 650TX V2 650W PSU

Total: $940

Still need a case to pick...

 

[egroeg555]

is that MSI board the right one for me? I think I can get the i5-2500K at microcenter for $180, which is a better deal than the combo. Any suggestions for buying the motherboard separately?

Edit: Are the negative reviews of the XFX card on newegg anything to be concerned about? I wouldn't care, but there are a lot of them.

I also forgot to mention that I'll need an optical drive, but there seem to be a number of ~$20 options there.

 

[egroeg555]

Sorry to change my story here, but if I can decide on a build list tonight (next several hours) I'm going to order tonight.

Of course if it's not finalized I'll wait. I thought I was going to be out of town this weekend, but it got canceled and it ends up that this weekend would be optimal to spend some time to put it together.

Also thanks for that list nickmv. At this point, I think I need to finalize which motherboard and video card and case to get.

How much of a performance increase would I notice if I went with a 6950 2gb or a 6970?
I'm considering the xfx 2gb or the msi 2gb model

 

[nickmv]

Hey, I meant to actually go back and mention the XFX card. I read those same reviews, and revised my build to use a Sapphire card of equiv specs. I cant remember the model number, but it was a 6950 1gb. I wanna say it may have been a few bucks more, but not much. And if you can get the mobo and processor for less separately, by all means GO FOR IT.

Also, the 2gb models only really matter if you're gonna be gaming at resolutions higher than 1920x1080, such as with a 30 inch monitor (ie. 2550x1600)

 

[Dangman]

Right now there's not much of a huge difference between the 2GB and 1GB HD 6950 models at your current resolution with current games. However there's a chance later one that newer games will require more VRAM. Oh and the HD 6970 2GB is about 10% to 15% faster than the HD 6950 2GB depending on the game. Good AMD GPU brands are Asus, Gigabyte, MSI and XFX on account of their longer warranties and good customer support. Don't go for a Sapphire or HIS card unless your budget is super low. Outside of that reason, Sapphire and HIS aren't good choices on account of their short two year warranty and crappy customer support.

You should be fine with this mobo:
$140 - MSI P67A-GD45 Intel P67 ATX Motherboard

Case wise, I recommend the following cases:
$70 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W ATX Case
$90 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K56 ATX Case
$90 - Cooler Master CM690 II Advance ATX Case
$100 - Cooler Master HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$90 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K7B ATX Case
$106 - Lian Li PC-7B Plus II ATX Case
$127 - Fractal Design Define R3 Black ATX Case
$110 - NZXT Whisper WHI - 001BK ATX Full Tower Case
$120 - Velocity Micro GX2-W Silver Classic Aluminum Case with Side Window
$140 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001WT White Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - NZXT Phantom PHAN-001BK Black Full Tower ATX Case
$140 - Cooler Master HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$165 - Corsair Graphite Series 600T ATX Case
$160 - Silverstone RV02B-W ATX case
$220 - Corsair Obsidian Series 650D ATX Case
$220 - Cooler Master ATCS 840 RC-840-KKN1-GP Full Tower ATX Case
$230 - Silverstone FT02B ATX Case
$220 - Lian Li PC-A71F Black ATX Case
$290 - Corsair Obsidian Series 800D CC800DW Full Tower ATX Case
$330 - Silverstone Temjin SST-TJ07B Full Tower ATX Case

 

[egroeg555]

Thanks for the quick responses.

This is what I'm thinking. Can anyone confirm that this build makes sense? compatibility, power supply is enough, prices choices are good, etc.

Also Danny, I noticed that this motherboard supports SLI. I'm not sure I need this feature, but if this mother board makes sense regardless, that's fine. Just double checking.

Regarding the video card, only 2 of the brands you listed are currently being sold on newegg for the 1gb 6950. The xfx has a disconcerting amount of bad reviews and the asus is a bit pricey for the card. So, I've listed an MSI 2gb 6950. Feel free to comment if this conclusion makes sense.


$180 - Intel Core i5-2500K CPU
$140 - MSI P67A-GD45 Intel P67 ATX Motherboard
$85 - G.Skill Ripjaws F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$290 - MSI R6950 Twin Frozr II OC Radeon HD 6950 2GB Video Card
$140 - Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1CCA 2.5" 64GB SSD
$70 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$90 - Corsair 650TX V2 650W PSU
$21 - ASUS DVD drive
$100 - COOLER MASTER HAF 922 case

Total: $1116 + shipping/tax
or $976 + shipping/tax if I leave out the SSD

 

[Dangman]

Setup makes sense to me. Despite what Newegg says, that mobo does not support SLI. That GPU conclusion makes sense.

 

[egroeg555]

Forgot to ask, Should I be getting some sort of cpu cooler also like this? Will this fit?

And again, thanks. This is much appreciated.


Edit: It looks like the mobo supports crossfire but not SLI


**One last thought, if I'm getting this shipped by the weekend, I think it would make sense for me to get the case at Microcenter due to shipping costs, but they apparently do not have the 922. From your list they just have the Cooler Master CM690 II Advance ATX Case, this should all still fit in it okay, right?

 

[Dangman]

Forgot to ask, Should I be getting some sort of cpu cooler also like this? Will this fit?

If you're overclocking or live in a warm area, then yeah go for that HSF. Yeah it'll fit.

**One last thought, if I'm getting this shipped by the weekend, I think it would make sense for me to get the case at Microcenter due to shipping costs, but they apparently do not have the 922. From your list they just have the Cooler Master CM690 II Advance ATX Case, this should all still fit in it okay, right?

The HAF 922 has free shipping unless you're going for 2-3 day delivery. If so, then go for the CM690 II locally then. Should still fit ok.

 

[diableri]

It's great to see you still helping folks Danny. You helped me out last year and that machine is still rocking and was just "traded" for a youngins Mac so she could do some more gaming. =)

I've been stalking yours and tiraides posts over the last few weeks in these help threads. Thanks again guys.

 

[egroeg555]

Yeah, the help was great. Much thanks to Danny, nick, and the other posters on this forum.

The order is now submitted. I'm getting the HSF, HDD, and processor from Microcenter, the HAF 922 case from best buy, and the rest from newegg. I would never have guessed I'd be getting something from bestbuy, but they had a decent express shipping price for the case.


Is there anything else I should know about putting this all together or is it pretty intuitive? I mean, I've swapped out drives, cards, and ram out of computers, but I've never messed with installing a mobo, CPU, or HSF.

 

[Dangman]

It's great to see you still helping folks Danny. You helped me out last year and that machine is still rocking and was just "traded" for a youngins Mac so she could do some more gaming. =)

I've been stalking yours and tiraides posts over the last few weeks in these help threads. Thanks again guys.

You're welcome! Gonna be here for the long haul .

Is there anything else I should know about putting this all together or is it pretty intuitive? I mean, I've swapped out drives, cards, and ram out of computers, but I've never messed with installing a mobo, CPU, or HSF.

Well read the manuals throughly. Also we have a bunch of Build Guides linked in the stickied FAQ that should help you rather well.

 

[egroeg555]

Okay thanks, do I need any special thermal paste/compound or does the CM Hyper 212 Plus HSF come with some?

 

[E4g1e]

Okay thanks, do I need any special thermal paste/compound or does the CM Hyper 212 Plus HSF come with some?

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus HSF comes with some thermal compound.

 

[egroeg555]

So, all my parts should arrive today, but upon reviewing the details of my order I saw that the SSD is a 2.5" form factor. From the product description, it doesn't look like the CM HAF 922 has mounting brackets for 2.5" drives. What's a good way to go about mounting the drive?

Edit: looks like I need to find an adapter somewhere. Wish I had noticed this sooner.

 

[Dangman]

The thing about SSDs is that due to their solid state nature, they can be mounted anywhere in a PC as long as the cables can reach it without affecting reliability or stability. So you can attach the SSD to the sides or to the floor or wherever.