First computer build questions!

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aredwingsnut

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Nov 8, 2013
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10,510
If i posted in the wrong section, i apologize in advance! this is my first post on the toms hardware forums.

This is my first computer build, with a budget of $750 - $950, and i have some questions, and feel free to offer TASTEFUL and constructive opinions when and where necessary. ok here we go....

First off, id like to list my selected components. im starting with a middle tier build i assume, with room for upgrades down the road.

i5 3570 quad core LGA1155

ASROCK Z77 Extreme4 ATX

Corsair Vengeance 8G RAM (4 x 2G) when finances allow, will go up to 32G

WD Caviar Blue 3.5 7200RPM 1TB subject to change as i may get 2 HD for 2 OS

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler

MSI GeForce GT640 video card

ASUS Xonar DSX 24 bit sound card

Pioneer BDC 207DBK BR reader will also have external dual layer disc reader/burner

Xion 700W ATX power supply

Undecided on case, but aware it'll need to acomodate ATX mother board.

Some input on tower fans would be helpful as well, as im not sure how many i'll need. I know some cases come with fans, but not sure if i'll need to buy additional fans.

TOTAL COST DEPENDING UPON SELLER, NOT INCLUDING OS, IS AROUND $800

Im not a huge gamer, but do alot of video watching/streaming, so assistance with video and audio card options would be helpful.

the reviews of the motherboard ive read worry me a bit, so assistance with choosing a mother board would be helpful as well. I definitley need HDMI.

Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions i may recieve. also, with this being my first ever build, compliments are welcome as well!! :)
 
Solution
C12Friedman
For a GT640, 450W is plenty. But I'm taking your ~$60 for the sound card and putting to graphics perhaps an AMD Radeon HD7770 or an NVidia GeForce GTX 650ti (better would be good)
For a PSU, the Corsair CX500M would seem to be a perfect fit (it's a nice semi-modular unit)

Looking to cases, there are a variety of cases (you want to look at Mid-Tower ATX and Full Tower ATX to accommodate your motherboard) and since design and aesthetics is a personal thing, I'll suggest narrowing a few choices down and then submitting them (in a new thread) for critique. That way you can get (hopefully) some feedback from people that have built in those cases.

One other thing I feel I should comment about is your intent to go to 32GB of RAM - WHY? I've...
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

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Jan 25, 2012
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I'm not liking one aspect of the build, the PSU you've selected. I'll suggest getting a unit by Corsair, Antec, SeaSonic instead.
Other observations: The GT640 is anemic by current gaming standards but it will work well for many older games. The addition of a sound card isn't necessary unless you are an audiophile. For most, the on-board sound gives acceptable performance.
 
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aredwingsnut

Honorable
Nov 8, 2013
4
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10,510


Hello C12, thanks for chiming in! dually noted about the PSU, but have i chosen the proper wattage? Also, should i go fully modulr with the PSU or is that just a matter of preference? sounds like i can axe the audio card. What would you recomend for a video card, as a new game might catch my eye down the road?

 
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

Glorious
Jan 25, 2012
8,966
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For a GT640, 450W is plenty. But I'm taking your ~$60 for the sound card and putting to graphics perhaps an AMD Radeon HD7770 or an NVidia GeForce GTX 650ti (better would be good)
For a PSU, the Corsair CX500M would seem to be a perfect fit (it's a nice semi-modular unit)

Looking to cases, there are a variety of cases (you want to look at Mid-Tower ATX and Full Tower ATX to accommodate your motherboard) and since design and aesthetics is a personal thing, I'll suggest narrowing a few choices down and then submitting them (in a new thread) for critique. That way you can get (hopefully) some feedback from people that have built in those cases.

One other thing I feel I should comment about is your intent to go to 32GB of RAM - WHY? I've yet to use 50% of my 16GB at any given time and outside of a production environment, I can't fathom the need. Also, Win7 Home has a limit of 16GB usable - I don't believe Win 8 has that limit though
 
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Solution
A

aredwingsnut

Honorable
Nov 8, 2013
4
0
10,510
i apologize for my ram comment (typing and thinking at the same time, blonde moment haha)
i meant to say the motherboard was capable of 32g, and would go as high as 16g as finances allowed. i would be running win7 and most likely ubuntu on the secondary HD.
the NVidia i just checked out, and i'll go with that one.
thanks for the advice on the PSU as well.
the case i was looking at was a xion xon-985-bk atx mid.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208057
theres the link if you're curious. but i will take the case inquiries to another thread as youve directed.

C12, youve been of great assistance! thankyou!
one more question....the mother board ive chosen. mixed reviews about them arriving broken, or having to be replaced in a matter of weeks? any thoughts on the motherboard?
 
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C12Friedman

C12Friedman

Glorious
Jan 25, 2012
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I think the amount of negative reviews you've seen is indicative of the popularity of that board. As with anything mass produced, there's always some that make it through QC that shouldn't have. I think that's really all you're looking at there (I would hope)
Sorry I took so long to respond here
 
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