My First Build Opinions

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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I finally got the first draft so to speak of my very first build and am very happy. I feel it could use some work, but alas I must take it one step at a time. I seek an opinion from this community and possible advice on how to make this build even cheaper and better if it is needed. I consider $710 to still be a budget pc, but keeping it in the $600 range would be ideal. Some of the rebates and discounts will be gone by tomorrow unfortunately, and I can't afford to take advantage of them now. The Gpu, Cpu, and HDD are staying I'll just say that right now. The mobo is very nice and has usb 3.0 which I need for my flash drive, but perhaps there are cheaper alternatives? I just really like it as it leaves me extra room for upgrading my cpu etc. Overall I am pleased. The only concern I have is the psu. I know you are not to skimp on that component and make sure you get a quality psu, modular being the best, but if there are alternatives then by all means I'll look into them.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2p0VT
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2p0VT/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2p0VT/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($124.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z12 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($77.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $710.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-23 23:08 EST-0500)
 
I would probably buy an M5A97 R2.0 and save around $30. The 99FX's only advantage is that it can crossfire or SLI and at this point its not worth spending money on

The Antec ONE gamer case is cheap right now
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-case-one

Those two9 changes save you $50 or make $50 available to upgrade the graphics card .

Change the psu to Corsair CX 500
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx500
and you save another $37

Now you can afford a GTX 760
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx760dc2oc2gd5

Games MUCH better
 

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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Well. I already purchased the 660 so saving up just for the 760 would be silly. I do like the idea of saving money though ;). I appreciate the input. One reason I didn't go for that psu was because I couldn't find any modular. I wanted my cable management to be up to snuff. That might have to be sacrificed.
 

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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I think I know where you're getting at haha. I was thinking about it, but I actually might wait on it until I am more savvy.
 

RazerZ

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Ambassador
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ TigerDirect)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($99.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman ZM-Z9 U3 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80+ Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $662.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-24 11:59 EST-0500)

Saved you some money and put in a better case.
 
Solution

Abscent

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Dec 23, 2013
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Since CPU, GPU and HDD can't be changed I switched out a few things, kept the black and blue theme and changed the PSU to a better quality one thats full modular. Changed the Motherboard to something that is cheaper but still a good board if you wish to OC later on.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.07 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($164.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z9 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 660W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $672.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-24 12:00 EST-0500)

Or use RazerZ semi Modular PSU for more savings, that is another good PSU
 

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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Thank you for the input as well as all you guys. It really does mean a lot. I do have one question though. There is also a M5A97 LE R2.0 if I'm not mistaken. What makes the "LE" different? I'm actually going to research it right now, so I might find out the answer before I get one here, but I thought I might as well ask it here while I'm at it.

EDIT: I found out. I don't think I'll go for LE. It isn't bad imo by any means, I just like to have more options is all. I'm not even sure if I will ever overclock, but knowing that I can whenever I learn how to do it is nice. It will be some time though. I hear you don't get that much extra frames anyways but whatever. My one big concern with parts is that I hear a lot of horror stories (especially from newegg) of people getting their parts doa... I really hope that is only due to something like the consumer not being careful with static electricity, and not the fault of the actual product.. Speaking of newegg.... I'm waiting on you to reply back to me on that gtx660 rebate. That's right. I'm talking to you! >.>. Says it's already claimed. How annoying.
 

RazerZ

Judicious
Ambassador


Wait if you aren't going to overclock why do you have a CPU cooler? The CPU cooler is specifically meant for overclocking. If you're worried about having a fan for your CPU, the CPU comes with a stock fan. Also about the parts coming dead out of the box it happens, but it is rare. However you do hear those stories at anyplace you buy from so I wouldn't be worried about that.
 

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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Well, I never said I wasn't going to, but it might be some time. I like to have options is all as does everybody. One reason I want a separate cpu cooler is the fact that I have read the stock fan for the processor is very loud.

 

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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Just out of curiosity, what were those things you switched out? I am still staying with my cpu, gpu, and hdd (already have the gpu anyways so no turning back), but I am asking simply to know what your main choice was. I like to get to know many different styles and tastes in people's design choices so that it may hopefully better my experience in the future.
 

Abscent

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Dec 23, 2013
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Only things I changed from your build were the motherboard which this one will work and is good to OC with in case you want to later on. A better quality PSU in my opinion and just the case to a Zalman 9 instead of the Z12 that you picked.

If you went with my mock up here is a shortened list of what you need to order since you have the CPU, GPU and HDD already.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($75.07 @ Amazon)
Case: Zalman Z9 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 660W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $338.00
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-24 18:57 EST-0500)
 

Qu9ke

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Dec 21, 2013
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Ah ok. I think I misunderstood. I already knew which parts you changed so you didn't need to repeat yourself. It was my fault for not clarifying what I meant. It doesn't matter though.