Absolute First Build - $1000 Gaming Build - Canada

[Traum77]

Hi all,

Been lurking for a while, and finally have the funds to do my very first build, and I thought I'd consult with the friendly individuals here. I am not an IT individual at all, but I enjoy gaming, and think I more or less have my head around this whole building thing, but I'm hoping you can all point out any obvious flaws in the build (like Mobo isn't compatible with RAM or something similar), as well as any helpful pointers for when I actually get the parts - any problems I might run into, etc.

Also, if I'm missing anything (cables you think might not be included, cooling not adequate, etc.) AND, finally, if you think I should spend the extra money to get better parts in any area. I had to kind of go barebones to stay in budget, thanks to canadian pricing, taxes, and shipping. But if there's a part you would never install in a million years, let me know.

Anyways, info for the build:

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Immediately.

BUDGET RANGE: $900-1100 Canadian (including taxes, shipping, etc.)

SYSTEM USAGE: Gaming, word processing, website development, audio/video editing (very light, sparing)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Monitor

PREFERRED WEBSITE: Newegg.ca

PARTS PREFERENCE: None, except ATI for graphics, I suppose.

OVERCLOCKING: Later, to extend life. So preferably an overclockable CPU, that can keep up with any GPU/RAM upgrades that come later on.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1280x1024 (It's an old LCD, but it will do the trick)

And here's what I've picked out so far. A few decent combos:

Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit, OEM & Sapphire 5750 - 250.98
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.285933

i5 750 & BIOSTAR T5 XE ATX - 339.98
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.290342

Samsung SH-222A 22X DVD Burner - 34.99 (Free Shipping)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151175

Cooler Master Centurion 5 - 50.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119047

Seagate Barracuda 7200 500 GB - 59.99 (Free Shipping)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

Microsoft Comfort USB Keyboard and Mouse - 25.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

OCZ Gold 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM - 88.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227479

Rosewill Green Series 530W - 69.99
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182160

Shipping is then estimated at 43.49, and tax is 48.27, which brings the total to...

1013.66.

So yes, as per above, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly in advance!

 

[masterasia]

I wouldn't get that PSU. I would get something more reliable like a Corsair. I'm not sure what kind of quaility that Rosewill power supply is.

I have that exact Cooler Master case. It's a nice case, but the cable mangement kinda sucks and doesn't have dust filters.

 

[Traum77]

How much power do I really need with a rig like this? There was a decent Corsair one around the same price, but at only 400 W. Would that do the trick?

 

[masterasia]

You don't want to take a shortcut on the power supply. Cheap power supplies may damage your components in the long run. Your system may run fine on a 400W, but I always play it safe and get something a little over what I need. Also go for the at least a Bronze or Silver power efficiency rating. That'll save you money on your energy bill in the long run.

Good manufactures of PSU:
Corsair
Antec
PC & Power Cooling
OCZ
Silverstone
Seasonic
Enermax
Some Thermaltakes
Zalman

Power Supplies that I have died in the past in less than a year.
RaidMax
Logysis
MSI
CoolerMaster (Their old ones, I'm not sure how good their new ones are)
Startech
and any of those free PSU you get with cases that aren't made by the
ones I listed on top.

Cheap Brands I've been Lucky With so Far
XION
CoolMax

 

[dpaul8]

My personal perference is to use either Gigabyte or ASUS motherboards because many people here have them, and can offer specific help if problems arise. I have nothing against Biostar and know nothing about the specific motherboard you listed. I noticed the Newegg customer rating is 5 stars, but this is based on 2 reviews so it means very little. I would much rather go with a Gigabyte or ASUS motherboard that has a Newegg customer rating with 4 stars, and 50 reviews because I can read the bad reviews and decide if the motherboard has serious problems or not.

By the way, I agree wholeheatedly with Masterasia about getting a good power supply. Listen to his advice.

 

[Traum77]

Yeah that was my other main worry besides the power supply. I went with the BioStar because it offered a nice $30.00 discount with the i5, but I don't want to regret that purchase, so I'll find a Gigabyte replacement, even if it's a little bit more expensive. I'm still under-budget technically.

And thank you muchly Masterasia for the power supply pointers. I found a 500 W Corsair unit with 80 Plus certification for only five dollars more, so I'll go with that and should be more or less ready to go.

Thanks again for the help.