1st Build (Compatibility)

[biglebowski]

I have read all the forums to make sure my build is going to be compatible. However since this is my first one I want to make sure it all works before I buy and put it together.

Plan to purchase: Summer 2011


Budget Range: $800 - $1000 Before Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: School, Music, Movies, Gaming, surfing the net

Case: Cooler Master HAF X http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119225
$189.99

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel ATX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128476
$134.99

CPU: Intel Sandy Bridge i5 2500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073
$209.99

GPU: Asus Radeon HD 6870 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121418
$219.99

PSU: CORSAIR 750TX 750W ATX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
$109.99

RAM:G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231426
$84.99

I already have an HDD, keyboard, mouse, screen, optical drive and speakers


Preferred Websites for Parts: newegg.com, tigerdirect.com, amazon.com, microcenter.com


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: Intel


Overclocking: No

I would just like to know if this is a compatible build. Also I would llove some recommendations. Preferably I would like to spend $800 dollars but $1000 is my max, because for graduation I'm being spotted $800 for the build and I don't want to spend more than $200 out of pocket. Ive been using maximum PC to do research as well as these forums.

Thanks

 

[EPbaseballer14]

Only thing I can comment on is the case. With your build, you really don't need a full tower. The HAF 912 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233&Tpk=HAF%20912 or even the 922 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197&cm_re=HAF_922-_-11-119-197-_-Product will be plenty big enough. They'll both save you around $100, but if the reason you're buying the HAF X is because of the design, I can't argue against personal preference. Personally, I have the HAF 912 and it is plenty big enough to hold my HD 6950 GFX card. (Which is about 11.5 inches)

 

[biglebowski]

Thanks, I really like the design of the HAF X. The real reason why I like it though is because it has the 2 USB 3.0 on the front. Also the HAF X looks like its a bit easier to install optical drives and HDD from some of the reviews that I have seen on it.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Looks great but you are way overpowered. You can get by with a 500-550w unit as long as you stay with the quality manufacturers. You can not run 2 x graphics cards with that board so I do not even need to ask if you are going to Crossfire in the future. Should save you a few $$.

 

[biglebowski]

Is it bad to be overpowered?

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Use the money saved on the PSU for a Coolermaster Hyper 212+( $30) or the better Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B ($40) for overclocking.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Is it bad to be overpowered?

Nah it will not hurt but there is no reason to spend the extra money on a bigger PSU.

 

[biglebowski]

I don't plan on overclocking, but i have considered getting a better heatsink if its necessary

 

[Deleted member 217926]

I did not notice you had a 2500 and not a 2500K. No reason for the extra cooling then. SB runs very cool as is.

 

[biglebowski]

Also can anyone explain how 2 HDD's work? I don't really understand the Master drive slave drive thing.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Master/slave is only for older PATA drives. Newer SATA drives do not have that issue.
On the older ribbon cables one connection was master and the second was slave. Jumpers on the drives themselves had to be set for where it was plugged in.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master/slave_(technology)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Technology_Attachment

 

[biglebowski]

Ok. So then my new question is, Say I have a 80 GB hard drive and and 1 TB hard drive. Say i put the OS on the 80. Does the 1 TB work like flash drive, this is where I am confused because I don't really know how it works. The whole RAID think confused me.???

 

[biglebowski]

Both drives would be internal and be hooked up to the mother board via SATA. (Just to Clarify what I want to do)

 

[Deleted member 217926]

1st thing is master/slave is not RAID. RAID needs 2 identical hard drives. 2nd you want the OS on the newer 1TB drive not an old slow 80GB drive.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID



RAID 0 and 1 are what you should pay attention too.

 

[biglebowski]

The 80 GB would be an SSD
Update: My uncle works in the computer industry and he has decided to help me build this thing so he is sending me a i7 2600k

 

[biglebowski]

Best answer selected by biglebowski.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

That is a beast of a CPU and you should be very happy with the new build.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey