Parts Compatibility and Appropriate Power Supply

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HaroldFinch

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May 10, 2013
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I am planning my first PC build. I have a number of parts in mind but I would like to know if they are compatible. I would also like to know what type of power supply is required for the system.


CASE: NZXT Phantom 410 Midi £84.85

SCREEN: Dell UltraSharp 23’’ U2312HM Widescreen IPS Monitor £159.00

CPU: Intel 3rd Generation i7-3770k CPU £248.54

MOB: Asus Sabertooth Z77 £178.83

RAM: Corsair 16GB 1600 MHz CL10 DDR3 Vengeance £101.67

HDD: 2TB Seagate Barracuda SATA-III ST2000DM001 £66.00

SSD: Samsung 250GB 840 Series SATA 6GB/s £129.00

GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 7950 Boost Edition £225.98

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit £69.99

COOLER: Be Quiet! Dark Rock Pro 2 Dual Fan CPU Cooler £60.46
 
Solution
coozie7
Splitting the HDD would mean getting 2x1Gb, or even 2x2Gb drives and putting them in a mirrored array (Google ;) ), that way if one fails, all your data is safe.
It is very unlikely that a drive will fail but having to recover gigabytes of downloaded content is going to take...A long time.
As with zdbc13 I think you would be better served with a i5 and 8Gb of memory.
For most uses the i5 is as fast as the i7, the more expensive CPU only makes sense if you are regularly using software that makes use of its Hyperthreading capabilities.
More memory just means the system can hold more programs and data, it will not make the system run faster.
Same with the SSD.
As zdbc points out, it will be the connection speed provided by your ISP that...
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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Nice build, but, as ever a few points:
The I 7 has no advantages over the I 5 for gaming, it's only helpful for multi threaded software that uses Hyperthreading.
While it's fairly cheap, 16Gb of memory is overkill for gaming, I'm running 8Gb and my rig multitasks perfectly.
Unless you plan on going Crossfire for this system, 600 Watts will be more than enough, look for a PSU with dual 8 pin or 1x6 and 1x6+2 PCI-E leads or 4 8 pin (2x 6 pin+ 2x6+2 pin) with 800Watts for Crossfire.
Stay with the better makers, your system will be more stable and better protected if you do.
Better makers are: Antec, Corsair, OCZ, XFX, Silverstone, Pc Power and Cooling and Seasonic.
A few places to hunt: Overclockers, Dabs, CCL, Novatech, Scan, Aria, Misco, Pixmania and Ebuyer.
I'd split the HDD into 2X1Gb in a mirrored array for security.
 
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HaroldFinch

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May 10, 2013
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Thank you. I am not as knowledgeable about these matters as you evidently are, can I ask what you mean by splitting the HDD? Also, if I am going to be using this computer for downloading heavy material as well as gaming would I get along better with the 16GB and the i7 or the 8GB and i5? I'm under the impression that more RAM helps your computer to run faster, if this isn't the case do you recommend that I get 8GB but spend the saved money on a bigger SSD? Will this help my computer run faster? Do you think that the graphics card is good enough?
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Splitting the HDD would mean getting 2x1Gb, or even 2x2Gb drives and putting them in a mirrored array (Google ;) ), that way if one fails, all your data is safe.
It is very unlikely that a drive will fail but having to recover gigabytes of downloaded content is going to take...A long time.
As with zdbc13 I think you would be better served with a i5 and 8Gb of memory.
For most uses the i5 is as fast as the i7, the more expensive CPU only makes sense if you are regularly using software that makes use of its Hyperthreading capabilities.
More memory just means the system can hold more programs and data, it will not make the system run faster.
Same with the SSD.
As zdbc points out, it will be the connection speed provided by your ISP that will limit download speeds, so hunt around and, if you have to, change to a faster provider.
I run a HD7950-So it's obviously good enough ;).
Joking aside, the only realistic step up for a single monitor system would be the HD7970.
One last point, Nvidia are going to release their next gen cards in a few weeks, you might want to hold off until the reviews are in and the dudt has settled before making any final decisions.
Suggestions in a nutshell: Go for a i5 and 8Gb of RAM. Go for a mirrored array for your HDD storage. Wait until Nvidia rolls out its new hardware and see how the market changes before making the graphics purchase.
 
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HaroldFinch

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May 10, 2013
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Thanks so much Coozie7 and Zbdc13 for your fantastic advice, so much detail is wonderful for a beginner such as me. I will definately go for the i5 and the 8GB now, which will free up more money for a good graphics card. I'm going to be buying my components on a monthly basis so I can most certainly wait to see what people have to say about the new Nvidia cards. I didn't know anything about a 'mirrored array' before posting here - which just goes to show how important it is for people like me to ask for advice from experienced builders/gamers - but it sounds really interesting! I'm going to read much more on the subject so I can understand it entirely (I've got a slow processor, lol). Thank you also Coozie7 for clearing up my misunderstanding regarding memory and the SSD, it's much appreciated.

Given that I am now going for the i5 and the 8GB RAM will the Asus Sabertooth Z77 Motherboard still be compatible?
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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^ You're just showing off, now are n't you? Just 'coz I have a old i5 750...sob ;)
Yes, they'll work together just fine :) .
The array idea is just that; an idea, I've had to rebuild several HDDs over the years and it takes ages, even with a tiny sub 500Gb drive and since you seem to be keen on downloading a lot of (legal I hope) content I think it might be worth the extra cash to keep that data more secure.
 
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HaroldFinch

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LOL, thanks Coozie7! I'm a strictly law abiding citizen :)
There is an excellent deal right now with the 7950 online, in which you receive four new games...well, new to me anyway with the package. I've been told that the Seagate HDDs are not terribly reliable and that I would be better off buying a 2TB Caviar Black - but I've also heard that the CB is quite noisy. What would be the best HDD in your opinion to go for? I know that there are blue and green Caviar HDDs but I'm not sure which is better. I would like a HDD which is reliable but also quiet.
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Truth be told I've never given a HDD that much thought and I've never had a single issue with one...Ever.
If you value quiet the Green is the way to go but I think the Blue would offer the best balance between speed, noise and capacity.
Most of my drives have been Samsung or Toshiba BTW and they've always been quiet.
 
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HaroldFinch

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May 10, 2013
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Thanks so much Coozie7, I've really appreciated your kind help. Best wishes!

 
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