Calling one and all to critique and review my proposed PC Build!

[lalaa]

Hi there everyone, My name is Nicole...
don't know if this is the correct thread- let me know if it isn't and i will move it.
i'm a noob computer builder.. This is my first gaming machine I have configured myself.
I would like to hear what peoples thoughts are on the components I have chosen and If I should choose different...

To be honest, i have been holding out to buy a new 27" iMac that i was expecting to be announced at the WWDC- however i have given up on this. Can't be bothered waiting for hardware that is obsolete anyway... I should also mention that i play MMO's including WoW and SWTOR (cancelled my sub lol).

WoW i pvp and do a far few 25er raids.. I chose the i5 2500k because I have read that SB is most stable for over-clocking I'll use the SSD for the OS installation and WoW i think... Hey- i may even install OSX as a mackintosh one day if it was compatible??

I chose the gtx 670 Because i've been recommended to get it by a friend along with Gigabyte Intel Z68 ATX because of its SLI capabilities if i want to pop another GPU later... I am willing to make small donations through paypal to those who are willing to offer me the best advice. So my questions are...

1. Is it worth purchasing 2 gtx 670's- will i see a big difference in FPS ?

2. Which PSU do i need for 1gtx 670, keeping in mind i have the intel 520 ssd and the 2500k oc'ed? - obviously if i have 2 gpu's i will need more headspace, but how much?

3.Is the mobo i have chosen a suitable choice or are there cheaper alternatives that will provide the same thing (i know i'm a noob and i'm still learning all the different things with mobo's but I am trying to stay on a budget.

4.Is the cooling i have enough or do i need more? if so can you recommend?

5.What case should i get to fit all this stuff in? again, I'm not looking for flashy, just something with ventilation and will fit my mobo.

6.I have never built a machine from the start and i'm not 100% how to progress once i receive all the components in terms of installing the OS out of the box and updating the firmware for SSD and BIOS- does anyone know how i can become more informed so i can put it together more confidently?
7. Any ideas where i can save some extra cash with this config? Is there something I don't need or can swap for something cheaper and just as good.

I'm going to buy everything using my boyfriends Amazon account because he has prime membership

The build is:
http://amzn.com/w/221UTP10SNNS4

I want this to be as cost effective as possible to any other advice or help would be totally appreciated...

Thanks peeps

me xx

 

[alyoshka]

OK.... now your present total is working out to something like 1300$....
I'd suggest going through the System Builder Marathon here at Toms. I'm sure for that price you will be able to select a better and more efficient and much more heavy duty rig.
Just search around for the System Builder Marathon.

 

[lalaa]

OK.... now your present total is working out to something like 1300$....
I'd suggest going through the System Builder Marathon here at Toms. I'm sure for that price you will be able to select a better and more efficient and much more heavy duty rig.
Just search around for the System Builder Marathon.

the final total of that list is $1254.77
Ill have a look for this system builder marathon...

 

[lalaa]

OK.... now your present total is working out to something like 1300$....
I'd suggest going through the System Builder Marathon here at Toms. I'm sure for that price you will be able to select a better and more efficient and much more heavy duty rig.
Just search around for the System Builder Marathon.

I dont understand how this helps??
Isn't my config better than this one?
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclock-radeon-hd-7970-core-i5,3210.html

theres that one or either the 2000$ or the $500...
The 2000$ rig is using a processor that i don't need - the i5 has been said to be more than enough for gaming especially with a stable over clock..
the gpu i have chosen isn't as good but it isn't as pricey either..
i chose the intel 520 ssd because i have been told that they are the most stable - is this true??

what should i be changing.

 

[Murissokah]

Your build looks good. You will need a PSU around 750W for 2 GTX 670, they are very power efficient. Chose a good brand, go a little over the requirement if you can, good PSUs will last you years. Here are some good manufacturers: Antec, Enermax, Rosewill, Corsair (Seasonic / CWT OEM), Thermaltake, Seasonic.

I do not recommend a second GTX 670 right now. A single card should be enough for pretty much anything, even more so if you play MMOs.

The i5-2500 is a panacea right now. No reason to consider anything above it. Your cooler should be enough. I have mine cooled with a Thermaltake SpinQ VT, which I can vouch for and also adds a high "coolness factor". If you want heavy duty air cooling, try a Noctua NH-D14. It's HUGE though.

Consider buying a BD-ROM drive too.

 

[lalaa]

Your build looks good. You will need a PSU around 750W for 2 GTX 670, they are very power efficient. Chose a good brand, go a little over the requirement if you can, good PSUs will last you years. Here are some good manufacturers: Antec, Enermax, Rosewill, Corsair (Seasonic / CWT OEM), Thermaltake, Seasonic.

I do not recommend a second GTX 670 right now. A single card should be enough for pretty much anything, even more so if you play MMOs.

The i5-2500 is a panacea right now. No reason to consider anything above it. Your cooler should be enough. I have mine cooled with a Thermaltake SpinQ VT, which I can vouch for and also adds a high "coolness factor". If you want heavy duty air cooling, try a Noctua NH-D14. It's HUGE though.

Consider buying a BD-ROM drive too.

Hmm interesting stuff... okay cool so, should i get the 750w regardless of whether i will get two cards?
Any suggestions on the BD-ROM ?
Will i need any other cooling at all?

 

[bigcyco1]

Specs from nvidia say 500W minimum,for a single GTX 670 anyway, running GTX 670 in SLI a decent 750W would be more than enough and give you plenty breathing room and i am keeping in mind you have the intel 520 ssd and the 2500k oc'ed any of these PSU would be more than adequate. psu:SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088#top

PSU: PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W High Performance 80PLUS Silver SLI CrossFire ready Power Supply $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

PSU:CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139021

 

[bigcyco1]

If you prefer a cheap decent case i recommend either of these Case:COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233#top

Case:COOLER MASTER Storm Enforcer SGC-1000-KWN1 Black SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (optional ) Power Supply $79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240#top

 

[bigcyco1]

Hi Nicole so i realized i posted newegg links instead of amazon.com lol my bad one thing i didn't find was ram so that is still newegg link so i apologize about that now first let me say you did a very good job especially considering this is your first gaming machine you have configured yourself i have a few suggestions for you Feel free to ask the questions until your 100% ready to buy your parts. Case:$129.99 FREE SHIPPING
COOLER MASTER HAF XM RC-922XM-KKN1 Black Mesh, Plastic, Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-RC-922XM-KKN1-External-X-Dock/dp/B007Q7EG7I/ref=sr_1_55?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1339530385&sr=1-55

Ram: Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996995 $48.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226191#top will do just fine and not get in the way of the COOLER

PSU: PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W High Performance 80PLUS Silver SLI CrossFire ready Power Supply $109.99
http://www.amazon.com/PC-Power-Cooling-Performance-compatible/dp/B003U29C3Q/ref=sr_1_36?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1339516953&sr=1-36



BD-ROM drive:Crucial 128 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT128M4SSD2 by Crucial$113.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2JKZI/ref=s9_hps_bw_g147_ir02?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=065CQB0WAG35P86ZACSY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1353701242&pf_rd_i=193870011
The PSU seems to be a common trend that most try and skimp on i noticed on this forum and many others which is a big no...no... it is a very important part of your PC, as it can bring your PC to life or take it out ( just keep that in mind ) With the RAM, though you want some low profile 1.5v ram. to fit under the heat sink.As for your choice of heat sink it is a good heat sink for mild overclocking if you plan on overclocking your CPU past 4.5GHZ and it's actually able to hit higher it is not a good choice.

 

[Murissokah]

BD-ROM drive:Crucial 128 GB m4 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SATA 6Gb/s CT128M4SSD2 by Crucial$113.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2JKZI/ref=s9_hps_bw_g147_ir02?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-8&pf_rd_r=065CQB0WAG35P86ZACSY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1353701242&pf_rd_i=193870011

You do realize a BD-ROM is a Blu-Ray optical drive, right?

Here are two options:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136241

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118049

I have one from LG and its good.

 

[bigcyco1]

You do realize a BD-ROM is a Blu-Ray optical drive, right?

Here are two options:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136241

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118049

I have one from LG and its good.

:lol: yeah i did was a typo and for some reason when i try to edit it said your now allowed to edit it or something of that nature

 

[bigcyco1]

Anyways Nichole the BD-ROM i decided at last minute to switch for SSD ffor you to put your OS on and forgot to change BD-ROM to Boot when i try to correct my typo the site wouldn't let me edit my message