First PC build ever, Under/ bit over $1000. Feedback please

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kurtly

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Jun 7, 2013
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So I'm new to the world of building a PC, but my goal is to build a Low-Middle of the range machine that can handle games like Skyrim, Civ 5, fallout 3 and generally most games on good/max settings. For under/ bit over 1000 NZ (new zealand dollars). So here is my initial build I had in mind:

Motherboard:Asus P8Z77-M Motherboard
CPU:AMD FX8320 Eight Core CPU
Video/graphics card:Gigabyte GV-N65TOC-1GI GTX 650
RAM:8GB Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C11 DDR3-1600
Case: Raidmax Cobra ATX Tower Case, No PSU, Black
SSD:64GB Corsair Neutron SATA 6Gb/s SSD
HDD:WESTERN DIGITAL SCORPIO BLUE WD3200LPVX 320GB 2.5" SATA
Power Supply: 450w Aywun Mega Power Pro 80+ Bronze ATX Power Supply
Do I need 650W of power?
 
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J
There are a number of problems with that system, most prominently the fact that you're using an AMD processor with an Intel motherboard. I would also advise cutting back on processor until you can fit at least a 650 Ti Boost, and ideally a GTX 660/HD 7870 or HD 7870 XT, all of which should be manageable at your budget (I think. I admit that I'm not as solid as I could be with Kiwi prices).

Edit: Just noticed that Someone already mentioned cutting back on CPU. Also, I would advise looking for CAS 9 or lower RAM.
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Jack Revenant

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There are a number of problems with that system, most prominently the fact that you're using an AMD processor with an Intel motherboard. I would also advise cutting back on processor until you can fit at least a 650 Ti Boost, and ideally a GTX 660/HD 7870 or HD 7870 XT, all of which should be manageable at your budget (I think. I admit that I'm not as solid as I could be with Kiwi prices).

Edit: Just noticed that Someone already mentioned cutting back on CPU. Also, I would advise looking for CAS 9 or lower RAM.
 
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kurtly

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Jun 7, 2013
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Haha yeah just starting out on my own PC. Took your advice, thanks by the way. Would this be a better build?:
Motherboard:Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 Motherboard (AM3+)
CPU:AMD FX6300 Six Core CPU (AM3+),
Video/graphics card:Gigabyte GV-N660OC-2GD GTX 660 PCIE Video Card, 2GB DDR5
RAM:8GB Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C11 DDR3-1600
Case: Raidmax Cobra ATX Tower Case, No PSU, Black
SSD:64GB Corsair Neutron SATA 6Gb/s SSD
HDD:WESTERN DIGITAL SCORPIO BLUE WD3200LPVX 320GB 2.5" SATA
Power Supply: Antec VP-550P 550W
To fit within my budget, I might have get a cheaper case or ditch the SSD, though I have heard two different things. Some say having an SSD is vital and really handy but some have said to ditch it and get a stronger graphics card. Thoughts? (Also about the ram, the corsair 8GB ram is pretty cheap compared to the 4GB one. one 8GB=$90, one 4GB=$70 so I thought it would be better for cost to just get one 8GB stick instead of a 4 GB now and a 4GB later)
Oh yeah sorry about all the questions and uncertainty, I don't want to get anything wrong.
 
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Jack Revenant

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Heck, cutting the case down would be step one, for me. How much would you save by dropping to, say, a Corsair 200R or an NZXT Source 210?

SSDs are a very nice thing to have in a build, but they are the opposite of vital. After you use one, you won't ever want to not use one. Until then, an HDD will do fine. Just avoid SSDs so that you don't notice that difference. That said, if you can fit one, they're a pretty big gain in quality of life. That said, if you do so, make sure to get a decent HDD. I recommend the Seagate Barracuda 1TB or the Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB.

Not sure what you mean about 4GB of RAM. I was talking about the CAS latency on the RAM you have there, not tampering with the amount of RAM you have.

Don't worry about the questions. I've had threads go on for two pages of somebody asking questions. In fact, more questions is good. Means that you're paying attention, and trying to become informed.

Edit: Wait, if you mean one 8GB stick vs. two 4GB, you really want to get 2x4, if at all possible.

Edit 2: Such as this: http://nz.pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cml8gx3m2a1600c9
 
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kurtly

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Jun 7, 2013
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I was actually just looking at the Corsair XMS3 Vengeance DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz CL9 2x4GB. After finding out what CAS latency was I think this will be a better choice and I have found it at a better price than the corsair 8GB. So now the build looks something like this and I think it is now cheaper than the initial one:
Motherboard:Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 Motherboard (AM3+)
CPU:AMD FX6300 Six Core CPU (AM3+),
Video/graphics card:Gigabyte GV-N660OC-2GD GTX 660 PCIE Video Card, 2GB DDR5
RAM: Corsair XMS3 Vengeance DDR3 PC12800/1600MHz CL9 2x4GB
HDD:1TB Western Digital WD10EZEX Caviar Blue SATA3 Hard Drive
Case:NZXT Beta ATX Tower Case, No PSU, Black
Power supply:Antec VP-550P 550W
 
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Jack Revenant

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Looks pretty good. In your shoes, I'd use the savings to upgrade the case a little (the aforementioned 200R or Source 210 are good options), or get a Radeon HD 7870 XT (in most countries about 25% more expensive than the 660 for 91% of the performance of the 7950).
 
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kurtly

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Jun 7, 2013
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In total, all those parts (excluding shipping costs) come to around $945.47. I could just upgrade the chassis by going back to the Raidmax Cobra ATX Tower Case becuase it looks real badass and is only 24 dollars more. Also it has good reviews on Newegg.com. I can use the rest for the cheap shipping costs and I should just scrape over 1000. Which is almost perfect. Thanks Jack and Someone Somewhere for your help
 
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Jack Revenant

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Heh. I can certainly understand choosing a case at least in part for looks. I'd be lying if I said that wasn't 50% of why I got my case.

I think I speak for both of us when I say that we were happy to help. :)

Good luck and happy gaming!
 
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