Advice on first time build please!

[Ally88]

Although I have assembled a desktop before I have never purchased everything to build a full system. I am looking for advice on what I should go for.

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: Looking to spend about £300, although I could go a bit higher.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Programming in Visual basic and Java and web browsing.

Parts Not Required: Operating System, Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor and Speakers.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Cheapest

Country of Origin: Scotland

Parts Preferences: Not really bothered as long as decent quality.

Overclocking: Maybe, although I have never done it before

SLI or Crossfire: No

This is what I have so far:

Thought I would add in links to each component.

HDD
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/160gb-samsung-hd161hj-spinpoint-t166-sata-ii-7200-rpm-8mb-cache-89-ms-ncq
Case
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-tm-261-silver-black-micro-atx-tower-no-psu
RAM
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-(2x2gb)-corsair-xms3-classic-ddr3-pc3-10666-(1333)-non-ecc-unbuffered-cas-9-9-9-24-150v
DVD Writer
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/liteon-ihas124-19-24x-dvdr-8x-dvddl-dvdplusrw-x8-rw-x6-dvd-ram-x12-sata-black-oem
MOBO
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-m4a78lt-m-amd-760g-am3-pci-e-20-(x16)-ddr3-1600-1800-sata-3gb-s-raid-micro-atx-vga
CPU
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-phenom-ii-x4-840-propus-core-s-am3-32ghz-2mb-cache-ht-2000mhz-95w-retail


I don't know how good the list of components is, as I say I have never bought the components for a full system build before.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ally

 

[Ally88]

Anyone got any feedback on the components I have picked.

As far as I can see everything is compatible.

The only 2 components I'm unsure about is the PSU and the case.

I don't really know what to look for for selecting a PSU, for the components listed above what wattage would I need?

I think this may be a better case:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/233665

 

[batuchka]

Hmm if u relying on integrated graphics a simple move from 760G to 880G would mean far superior integrated graphics with not much added cost so EA380 80+ Bronze was featured in Tom's Dec 2010 USD $500 gamer build but would also be an excellent choice for low cost/IGP rig as well ^^

Off EBuyer UK @ 262 quid

 

[Ally88]

Hmm if u relying on integrated graphics a simple move from 760G to 880G would mean far superior integrated graphics with not much added cost so EA380 80+ Bronze was featured in Tom's Dec 2010 USD $500 gamer build but would also be an excellent choice for low cost/IGP rig as well ^^

Off EBuyer UK @ 262 quid
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/Untitled-388.jpg

Thank you very much for that. Will the 640 CPU be much slower than the 840?

The reason I ask is there isn't much difference in the price.

I was looking at that PSU earlier, I presume for that set up 380W is more than adequate?

 

[batuchka]

Nah the latter is branded a PhenomII but in reality has no L3 cache just like that Propus 640 which is clocked 3 instead of 3.2 but if within budget....

 

[Ally88]

Would that set up allow for overclocking?

I may not go down that route but it would be nice to have the option there.

 

[batuchka]

Yes go with an after market cooler for best results but know that you can't hit enthusiast class clocks on entry level/budget boards ya hehe

 

[Ally88]

Yes go with an after market cooler for best results but know that you can't hit enthusiast class clocks on entry level/budget boards ya hehe

Ok cheers.

If I was to go down that route it would be anything extreme and I would order a cooler before doing so.

I need to head out now but will order everything when I get back.

Thanks for your help.

 

[batuchka]

Yep u are welcomed ^^

 

[Ally88]

I'm currently in the process of adding the items to my basket to order them. But the RAM batuchka suggested doesn't appear to be listed on the site anymore.

Can someone please recommend an alternative.

I have found the following four so far:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/247673

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/178943

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/192049

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/234976

Thank you.

 

[Ally88]

Because there there is only 2 memory slots on that mobo I'm going to go with 8gb.

There is very little difference in price but which brand is better?
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/247674

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/240498

I did have a search to see which was better but I think it may be down to personal preference.

 

[skygod12000]

Sorry,

Edit because you changed the requirements.

Kingston Value RAM vs Corsair Extreme Performance RAM

Got to go with Corsair IMO

 

[Ally88]

Sorry,

Edit because you changed the requirements.

Kingston Value RAM vs Corsair Extreme Performance RAM

Got to go with Corsair IMO

Sorry about that.

The two sets in that second post were Corsair or G.skill

Is G.Skill made by Kingston? I'm a bit confused now.

 

[Ally88]

When a motherboard doesn't state if it supports unbuffered or buffered RAM, which should you buy?

The RAM is the last item I need before buying.

This is the motherboard:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/255207

RAM:
unbuffered - http://www.ebuyer.com/product/247674
Doesn't say so I presume it's buffered - http://www.ebuyer.com/product/240498

 

[skygod12000]

I just went to the selections of DDR3 1333 & 2x4Gb Kit and 2 entries that display are Kingston & Corsair

Link Here


G-Skill Ripjaws v Corsair XMS3 would be a tough choose. Both top quality brands.


BTW, Is the only reason for the Biostar Mobo based on price as my personal experience using them has not always been that good.

Instead of spending extra on RAM, why not get this ASUS motherboard which comes with 4 memeory slots and stick to your original 4Gb using Corsair XMS3? You can always add an additional 4Gb at a later date.

What OS are you looking to use?

BTW G-Skill Ripjaws are unbuffered.

 

[Ally88]

Nice one thank you, I will go for the ASUS and the Corsair.

I will be using 64bit Window 7 and Ubuntu.

 

[skygod12000]

Hope it all goes well.

I have been using ASUS boards here in Thailand for several years and have not had any problems. My next project will be Intel based, but the motherboard will certainly be another ASUS.

 

[Ally88]

Hope it all goes well.

I have been using ASUS boards here in Thailand for several years and have not had any problems. My next project will be Intel based, but the motherboard will certainly be another ASUS.

Cool, thanks for all your help it is greatly appreciated.

How's this look?

 

[batuchka]

Looks good to go ^^