My first build, please give some comments

Thanks for your suggestions and comments logainofhades.

As for the motherboard, the ASUS can run ram at a higher speed (3466MHz) while the ASRock only run at 2133MHz, is that going to make a noticeable difference in real life?

Also for the PSU, is 650W too much for my system? I have been looking at some 80+ bronze with similar power output, but they are at a significant higher price point. So I am wondering whether I could cut cost by lowering the power output and use that ‘saving’ to put in the quality of the PSU.

Thanks logainofhades

Thanks Mike__jo3

I will defiantly look into the PSU. As for the motherboard, I am currently thinking to go with ASRock Fatal1ty H170 Performance Motherboard. I managed to find it selling at around $160, so it would save me quite a lot from my initial estimate.

I am back with my latest part list. Most of the thing have been finalised, except for PSU and Monitor that I hope you can give me some comment.

- CPU: Intel Core i5 6500 ($295)
- Mobo: ASRock Fatal1ty H170 Performance Motherboard ($159)
- RAM: Patriot 8G Single DDR4 2133 Desktop RAM (@$69, will get 2 of this, so $138)
- SSD: Samsung 850 EVO ($135)
- HDD: Seagate 3.5" Barracuda 3TB ST3000DM001 SATA3 ($133) (or Toshiba 3TB 7200RPM HDD (DT01ACA300) ($129))
- HDD: Seagate 3.5” Barracuda 2TB (My current HDD that I am using with a dock, I will probably put this in my new built. Included in this list here for power estimation purpose)
- GPU: Gigabyte N970WF3OC-4GD 4G GTX 970 WINDFORCE OC ($479)
- Case: In Win 503 Mid Tower Case Black ($99)
- Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0 24x SATA DVD-RW Drive OEM ($19)
- OS: Microsoft Windows 8.1 32/64-bit Retail DVD ($119)
- PSU: See below (approx. $100)
- Monitor: See below (approx. $180)
- Ebay wifi usb ($3) (only going to use this temporarily, will probably get a branded, bigger and better wifi usb later down the track. Perhaps closer in Christmas at Christmas sales )

Estimated total: $1860

Now for PSU, I have got this two options:
Antec HCG-520M 520W High Current Gamer Modular Power Supply ($104)

Antec High Current Gamer 620W Power Supply (Also $104)

The 520 is modular and 620 is non-modular. So basically I don’t know how much power I need. I have used this calculator: http://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator, and for everything above (including potential future upgrade, such as extra WLAN card, High end sound card and an extra HDD), it said a load wattage of 461w, recommended UPS rating: 900VA and recommended PSU wattage 511W.

However what worries me a bit is that the graphic card said the recommended wattage is 550w. So is 520W enough?? I heard that higher wattage is not always better as it just going to be a waste and PSU wouldn’t work at it best efficiency. On top of that, modular seems to be a nice feature to have and it provide a longer warranty, so I am leaning toward the 520w more if it can do the job and be future proof.


As for monitor, I have 4 choices (I am not sure whether it is ok to ask about this in this section of the forum, please forgive me if I am posting stuff that doesn’t exactly belong here):

AOC 23.6" E2450swh ($140)
Benq 23.8" GW2470H ($169)
LG 24M47VQ-P 23.8” ($179)
LG 24MP47HQ 23.8” ($189)

I would like to save a bit as my PC parts already cost me a fair bit. AOC got a fantastic price and spec. It said it got a 2ms response time, it doesn’t say what type of panel it uses, but I am guessing it is TN. Problem with this is, it is an AOC, I am not sure whether this thing is reliable or not. BenQ is rather nice, it laid between AOC and LG both in terms of quality and price. It uses a VA panel. Though I am a bit worry about its built quality and reliability (but much less worry than the AOC). The LG LG 24M47VQ-P got a TN panel, spec is not as good as BenQ I think, so the real advantage is the brand and reputation. The LG 24MP47HQ is nice, it is IPS panel. It is also reliable I think. However it is the most expensive, and it also only have 1xHDMI and 1xD-Sub and no VESA mount. I can’t find much reviews on these models. So I would really like to get some advice on this. I am very tempted by the AOC price, but on the back of my mind I am also worry that AOC will have lots of problem.