First Build, $750, Looking to Check Compatibility

awrhodes84

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Dec 14, 2009
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Hi all,

This is my first build, and I'm looking to make sure the parts I've selected will work together, and for any general advice about those that I've selected. While this will not be used for gaming, I am looking to make it fairly versatile and built for longevity.

Approximate Purchase Date: This week

Budget Range: $750 max

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Photo Editing, HD Media, Home Office Tasks, Internet Use

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, hard drive for data. Already purchased Win 7 Pro 64-bit as a student.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg, Amazon, MicroCenter

Country of Origin: United States, Washington D.C.

Overclocking: No, but want the Intel HD 3000 graphics that are only on the K chip

SLI or Crossfire: Rather not get a graphics card if HD 3000 is sufficient

Monitor Resolution: 1280x1024 -- ASUS 23" LED monitor

Parts List I've Come Up With:

Intel i5-2500k 4 x 3.3Ghz with HD Graphics 3000 - $191 after tax
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

ASUS H67 L1155 Micro ATX, USB 3.0, HDMI, 6Gb/s - $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-131-711

Crucial 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1333 - $82
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148347

Cooler Master Storm Scout - $86
http://amzn.com/B00243HHNY

OCZ 500W, 12v, 80Plus Power Supply - $39 after 10% off + rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

ASUS Black 24x SATA DVD Burner - $21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Crucial 64GB SSD - $135
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148357

Comments:
* I want to use the H67 board to take advantage of the Intel HD 3000 graphics on the i5-2500k, so I can avoid buying a graphics card. Will that be sufficient for my needs?
* Thoughts on the motherboard? Is it a good match for the memory?
* Is the power supply sufficient and a decent product? Will it fit in the case I chose?
* I want to put the OS and core programs on the SSD. Anything I need to know specifically? I'm unsure what the SATA III means on the SSD specs... the motherboard only mentions SATA 3Gb/s and 6Gb/s.
* Any small items I need to buy? I know I need a 2.5" to 3.5" mount kit for the SSD. What about SATA cables?

I'd appreciate any other thoughts and comments. Very excited about my first build.
 

striker410

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A few thoughts. If I where you, dont get the 2500k. You arent hardcore gaming, so you really dont need it. I would instead get an i3-2100. As for graphics, get a 5570 or 5670. Those will be MUCH better options, and if you get a p67 board, it will allow you to upgrade in the future. As for ssd, If you can wait a bit, wait for the z68 chipset. It allows SSD caching, which means it uses the SSD as a huge ram file basically, allowing you to get a much smaller SSD, while still allowing overclocking on the CPU.
Those are my thoughts, although you do as you see fit.
 

crewton

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SATA III = 6G/s SATA II = 3G/s

I'd recommend http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227550&cm_re=vertex_2-_-20-227-550-_-Product for your SSD. It's faster, cheaper and comes with a 2.5 to 3.5 adapter.

Power supply will be fine for it. i don't like OCZ for PSUs, I prefer Corsair or Antec for that like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035&cm_re=antec_power_supply-_-17-371-035-_-Product which is $50 until 5/9.

Motherboard and RAM is fine.

i5 2500k/HD3000 will handle whatever you need as well as have quick sync.
 

awrhodes84

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Thanks for the reply, crewton. I'll be switching the PSU and SSD to your suggestions. I see that you've got the same processor, with G.SKill memory. Is this what you have?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

I assume that would be better than the random memory choice I made?
 

nd_hunter

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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226095 <-- Mushkin Enhanced Silverline...$82.99. I'd choose Mushkin before Crucial, but that may just be personal preference. I have used those Mushkin sticks though and can attest to their quality.

I second crewton's suggestions and reasoning on the PSU and SSD (too bad Intel doesn't make a 60GB 320). Make sure to order that PSU before the 9th, that is a killer deal.

 

crewton

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I went with g skill since people seem to like them and they look sweet (matches the black and blue theme of my computer). I don't find ram to be all that different between brands. Just find the speed and timings you want and enjoy. I believe 1600Mhz with CAS 8 is ideal for sandy bridge atm. Mine are 1333Mhz 7-7-7-21.
 
^ Ew.... How can you recommend a slow SSD like that?
IF anything you recommend this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227704&cm_re=vertex_2_60gb-_-20-227-704-_-Product
The reason? This SSD uses 34nm NAND flash, the other that crewton recommended uses 25nm which is slow and compared to 34nm and just doesn't have that long-lasting-ness.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ocz-vertex-2-25nm-ssd,2867.html

You do not need CAS/CL8 for Sandy Bridge. You don't need 1600 either. What will mater more in editing is the amount of ram, the speed isn't a big deal at all so I honestly just suggest getting the premium 8GB ram price of 80$. You don't need 90-100$+ RAM. Waste when it can go towards other things. Plus you'll barely notice it, it's like a 1-2% difference,

The 2400 is sufficient, I know you can get the 2500K but why get that when your not even overclocking and gaming. Intel 3000 HD has barely anything HUGE over the 2000. It's not a big deal if your not gaming. Both are going to be able to use quick sync, and both will perform the same.