1st time build

Everything looks compatible!

But a few suggestions.

Motherboard: I used that same board in my first build, and let me tell you, it's a pretty huge let down. The 4 + 1 phase design will not allow for much overclocking down the line, and the over-all experience with the board was pretty meh. I recently upgraded to a Gigabyte UD3 990fx. Almost twice the price, but perhaps twice the performance capability. More so ,definitely, when it comes to overclocking; something you'll be very capable of doing with that Hyper 212.

PSU: You're cutting things real close with a 500w. Upgrade before trying to overclock.

Even overclocking, this system would probably pull under 500w, but it will be pretty close.

As for motherboard, it'll support basic functionality and maybe a small overclocking margin if you're going to try that in the future. The overall system would do just fine.

Tell you what, why don't you hold that thought. Why don't you post the budget you have available to build with, what exactly you want to be able to do with it and myself and probably several others around here can post a recommended component list for you?

That's about 536.00 in US currency right? Just want to know I don't give you any bad information and be sure what you have to work with. Also, I know you're probably getting all worked up to go ahead and order your parts but I'll tell you from experience, it's better to wait a little bit longer and make sure you have the RIGHT components than to order in a hurry and then kick yourself later. I've got some meetings to go to and I'll work on this tonight for you. BTW, it's about 3:43 pm where I am right now so you have an idea.

I remember something about voltages are different at the outlet in the UK, how's that work? Just wondering about that and if it affects PC components. Do they need to use some kind of power conditioner or is it not a big difference. Seems like it might be controlled via the PSU but I'm not sure about that.

Well, here's the thing. I don't know what the availability of components and vendors is in the UK or if the common one's like Newegg, TigerDirect and Microcenter have distributors in your area or what it costs if you have to have stuff shipped so you'll have to figure that part out. I came in under your stated budget by about 20 dollars US and I believe it includes shipping prices, but in the US. You will have to maybe look around and find those components where they are available to you for the cheapest.

You could probably shave some dollars off going with a 650w PSU but I included a 750 in case you decided to add another graphics card later for a crossfire setup. The card I picked is substantially better than the one you had picked as it will play pretty much any current game except maybe a few of the most recent and most demanding games at max resolution without having to lower the detail quality. You could go with the card you had picked out and shave a few more dollars off there but since you intend this mostly for gaming I don't think this is the component I would skimp on. You don't have to go with the brand I chose if you can find another brand cheaper but I would I think go with the R9 280 chipset.

I went with the higher frequency 8 core processor so you don't bottleneck later if you add another card and that board and psu should support the 125w processor with no problem even if you downgrade the PSU to the Seasonic M12II 650 or 620w model. If you don't care about the cable management so much you could even downgrade to the non-modular version which is going to be the S12II versions at whatever wattage you decide on and save a few more bucks. Myself, I don't care so much about it being show quality in the case and went with the S12II. I was still able to manage the cables so they were out of the way but my case has space between the board mounting and the panel to do this. I don't know if your case does or not so you'll need to decide on that part.

I went with 1866 higher frequency memory, because the board and processor support it and it was actually cheaper than the 1600mhz version. You could go either way on that and it wouldn't make a huge difference so if you can get the 1600mhz cheaper it won't be a major dent in performance.

The 212 EVO will allow you to do some overclocking and still keep your temps within reason but don't plan to go overboard with the OC unless you get a better cooler setup. You can do that at a later time if you decide you need to, or now and not have to absorb the cost of the EVO later.

So that's my list for what it's worth and I think you would be much happier with the end result for realistically not that much more money than what you had outlined to start with. Either way, good luck with your build and let us know how it goes.



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($80.75 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 280 3GB Dual-X Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Power supply: Seasonic M12II 750w modular PSU(94.99@ Newegg)
Total: $651.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-29 23:50 EDT-0400

PC part picker has a UK region select to let you check prices, availability and what not.

Nice. Thanks for that info Calnin. I'm sure he probably knew but I didn't. I'll check that out. I appreciate the info.

Ok, here's the UK version. I had to back track and downgrade a few things which kinda put us back where we were at the beginning because it IS obviously more expensive for components where you are. I couldn't get it all within your budget considering the addition of the PSU. If there is any way to go to the better graphics card on your part, I'd recommend it, but it isn't a go no go decision. BTW, you DO need the PSU. Yours is very borderline, plus, it's got some miles on it. I wouldn't risk it. But it's your build so you decide where you need to go with it and good luck.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor (£97.00 @ Scan.co.uk)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler (£25.13 @ CCL Computers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard (£62.96 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (£65.51 @ CCL Computers)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270X 2GB Dual-X Video Card (£119.00 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£83.75 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £453.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-30 06:10 BST+0100

If you're planning on overclocking, I'd suggest getting a different PSU. If you have to sacrifice anywhere, sacrifice on the RAM.

Go with this PSU, it's a seasonic unit and will support that system even if you overclock. The parts inside the psu is of higher quality compared to the CX and has a slimmer chance of failing on you.
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9

I never like to go against what another member has to say, however in this case I think I have to, and please don't be offended as it's only MY opionion and I'm clearly not trying to indicate yours is in any way intentionally wrong or false. I don't think a 550w PSU is going to cut it with an FX series processor, two DDR3 modules, at least two 120mm fans (I certainly hope there will be more than just the CPU and exhaust fan running if and when you do any OC'ing.), a mechanical hard drive, a high power consumption graphics card plus other components like external drives, printers, and the like, most especially if he does add a second card for a crossfire later, regardless of what the calculators say. It's a pretty damn good brand you picked although personally I'll take the Seasonic over anybody, any day. I for sure wouldn't use that Corsair PSU though. It's midway down the tiers on the Tom's PSU tier list and clearly states it's not recommended for OC'ing and probably it's not the best choice especially since for the money you're talking about on the XFX you could get this Seasonic 620w.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096&cm_re=seasonic_S12II-_-17-151-096-_-Product

or the UK version

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-ss620gm2

And yes, I do realize the XFX is made for them by Seasonic but it's its 70w less than the other one which is almost as much power as the CPU uses. So it would probably work but as I said earlier, don't kick yourself later for skimping now. If you have to wait an extra week or month to get suitable components, then do it. You might even find some of the prices have dropped by then.