Hello all,
In a few weeks I will be attempting my first build. I am seeking some objective advice, suggestions for better parts (value, future-proofing, compatibility), and any general info that will curb my ignorance. Here's what I picked so far, using a pre-built from computerlx.com as a baseline. Below that the suggested format for "how to ask for a new build" per the sticky on the forum page.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 74.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($76.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Netgear WNA3100M-100ENS 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Antec 75024 79.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $904.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-16 10:46 EDT-0400)
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: within the month
Budget Range: $1000 after rebates - flexible
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (I only play skyrim on low atm, I would like to be able to play new titles), video streaming/playback, everyday use
Are you buying a monitor: no
Do you need to buy OS: Yes - I would prefer a copy with a disc so I can build with it again
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: reputable sites with decent customer service
Location: City, State/Region, Country - midwest, USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type AMD, seems to be a better value and have better drivers from what I have read
Overclocking: Yes - a first for me as well
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe if it is a better performance to price ratio
Your Monitor Resolution: single 20" LCD max 1920x1080
Additional Comments: This fits my needs atm, I will eventually upgrade to a larger monitor but I don't anticipate using multiple displays.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:
My current PC is crap.
I want to learn about building computers.
In a few weeks I will be attempting my first build. I am seeking some objective advice, suggestions for better parts (value, future-proofing, compatibility), and any general info that will curb my ignorance. Here's what I picked so far, using a pre-built from computerlx.com as a baseline. Below that the suggested format for "how to ask for a new build" per the sticky on the forum page.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($174.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 74.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($76.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Mushkin Callisto Deluxe 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Netgear WNA3100M-100ENS 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: Antec 75024 79.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($12.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Thermaltake TR2 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $904.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-16 10:46 EDT-0400)
Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: within the month
Budget Range: $1000 after rebates - flexible
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming (I only play skyrim on low atm, I would like to be able to play new titles), video streaming/playback, everyday use
Are you buying a monitor: no
Do you need to buy OS: Yes - I would prefer a copy with a disc so I can build with it again
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: reputable sites with decent customer service
Location: City, State/Region, Country - midwest, USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type AMD, seems to be a better value and have better drivers from what I have read
Overclocking: Yes - a first for me as well
SLI or Crossfire: Maybe if it is a better performance to price ratio
Your Monitor Resolution: single 20" LCD max 1920x1080
Additional Comments: This fits my needs atm, I will eventually upgrade to a larger monitor but I don't anticipate using multiple displays.
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:
My current PC is crap.
I want to learn about building computers.