EDIT: Forgot to include my updated build.
Here it is.
EDIT 2: It just occurred to me to wonder whether I need any extra fans. The case comes with one 120mm in the back and one 200 mm up top. Is that enough?
Wow, thanks for all the responses! Everyone has been really helpful, and I feel like I'm now much closer to getting the maximum bang for my buck. I did not expect to get so much quality advice, and especially not this fast.
Greatatlantic said:
When it comes to evaluating graphics cards, one pretty much needs to benchmark them and just see how it performs on multiple games. Things like V-RAM, clock speed, etc. in theory help the video card perform better, but in the end there are just to many variables happening. Toms hardware does a lot of benchmarks, check them out. Do a search for CARD A versus CARD B and usually something will turn up, especially if the cards were released close together and at about the same price point. Just be aware that different games will favor different cards.
Alright, will do. I'll definitely look into benchmarks more before making a final decision.
Greatatlantic said:
Beyond that, Windows 8 versus 7 is pretty much an individual's choice that no one can help you with. In theory Windows 8 is a little faster on boot up, and is identical for gaming. However, it comes with Metro which people like me hate. What I will say is "professional" is not needed for gaming. The "home" version of Windows is all you need and can put money in your pocket.
Yeah, Metro doesn't appeal to me, so I'll probably just stick with Win 7. I've also downgraded to Home Premium. I got XP Pro with the laptop I'm using now, so for some reason I decided that I should get Pro on this computer too. However, looking at the actual features I don't really have much need for any of them. Thanks for pointing that out - it freed up a good chunk of change.
geofelt said:
1. If you love the antec 1100, buy it. But, a $50 case can save you a bit.
I actually looked at
this case comparison, and then followed up by watching videos of people going over the cases quite thoroughly. The 1100 looked like a good case, and seemed easier than the others for an inexperienced PC builder to put together a computer in. I know there are cheaper ones out there, but I'm willing to pay a bit more for a case I think I'll be comfortable with.
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2. The motherboard is fine, but look at a M-ATX Z77 motherboard which will be closer to $100
Would that be a downgrade? Would it have any downsides performance-wise?
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3. A 7870 needs only a 500w psu. But Seasonic is top quality and a bit of overprovisioning is a good idea.
Yeah, I think I'll stick with this PSU.
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4. Consider buying a 120gb ssd up front. It is much easier to install one now, compared to reinstalling windows and your games later. Perhaps defer on the hard drive. 120gb will hold the os and a handful of games. You can more easily add a hard drive later for storage and overflow.
Thanks a ton for this suggestion. I've now swapped out the HD for a 120gb SSD, and will probably grab an HD at a later date. Not to mention I have a 1tb USB external HD I can plug in as needed, so really storage space shouldn't be a big concern.
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5. Is there some feature of windows 7 pro that you need? For a home user, home premium should be all you need.
Yeah, I'm downgrading that. Definitely a good idea.
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6. If you live near a microcenter, they will sell you a 3570K for $190, and have some deals on motherboards.
Nearest one is a bit too far for it to be worth the trip, sadly. Ah well.
I have now switched out the 7950 for the GTX 660. Thank you very much for pointing this out.
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10. Take the time now to download and read the motherboard and case manuals.
-----------good luck---------------
Will do.
Thanks for all your advice.
JackNaylorPE said:
RAM - Go "low profile" w/ the RAM....in other words, lose the tall, toothy heat sinks whose only function is to "look cool".
Well, I certainly wasn't seeking fancy heat sinks. Is there an actual disadvantage to them, though? Do they cost more?
Between you and geofelt, you have definitely convinced me. I've switched to the 670. Thanks for linking to that article.
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Consider the Seagate Momentus 750 GB hybrid SSD / HD. I have several of them and, w/o benchmarks, they are indistinguishable in performance from the hi end SSD and HD combos side by side ... for example Momentus boots in 17 secs to SSD's 16 secs...check the review on benchmarkreviews.com to verify.
Huh. Those seem pretty cool, but I think my new plan for storage is pretty good. SSD now, already-owned external USB HD to supplement, and maybe get an internal HD later.
Hmm. Well, honestly the case I'm planning to get now appeals to me. I watched a video where the guy went over the 1100 quite thoroughly, and it seems good for a first-time PC builder. That's definitely a good deal, but unfortunately I'm too comfortable with the idea of the 1100 to want to change.
Heh, well unfortunately the 7970 is a pretty significant jump up in price. The cheapest one is about $100 more than what I'd be paying for the 670. Wish I could make that switch, though!
Gammyduck said:
You should try and put a SSD in that build. Also, you probably won't need a DVD drive ever.
Yup, the SSD is coming out, and the HD is going in.
As for the DVD drive... well, I still have DVDs. Hell, I still have some CDs. Paying $15 to be able to watch them on my new computer seems worth it to me, even if those technologies are rapidly becoming antiquated.