Computer build

[mersennetwister]

Hi, I'm hoping this is the right place for my question. Anyway, I thought I'd try to build a computer for the first time to save some money and learn about the innerworks of a computer. I'm not a hardcore gamer, I just want a solid versatile system with good components. Here's what I've come up with so far. Can you guys let me know if that's a good combo and if you suggest something different. Any input would be appreciated. Also, please let me know if I'm missing anything. Thanks in advance!! (I'm hoping there would be some good Black Friday deals ).

CPU:
Intel Core i7 2600K or Intel Core i5-2500K

Motherboard:
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO

video card:
SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Memory:
Corsair Memory Vengeance 16 Quad Channel Kit DDR3 1600 MHz 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9

Hard Drive:
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB SATA III 7200 RPM 16 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive - WD5000AAKX

Power Supply:
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V v2.2 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

computer case (I didn't give this too much thought, just picked a popular one based on reviews, hope it fits the rest of the components I selected...):
Antec Three Hundred Gaming Case External 3 X 5.25; Internal 6 X 3.5 2*Usb2.0

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

Get the i5 2500k, it's $100 cheaper and works just as well as the i7. The i7's only "useful" function is Hyperthreading, but if you're gaming, you won't even being using all the cores.

Also, do you have a DVD/Blu-ray reader? If no, you might want one for the build. Also, if you are wanting to overclock, you might want an aftermarket heatsink and fan

 

[ARchamps]

I agree with getting the i5 2500K. Take a look at the Corsair 400R case. Has some really nice cable management features and USB 3.0! Also comes with LED fans.

Good choice on the MB I would use the savings (from switching to the i5) and get the 6950.

 

[mersennetwister]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll take a look at the Corsair 400R case, it's good that it's got cable management features since one of my concerns is that this project will become a wiring nightmare I guess I forgot about the DVD reader, well, I think I would want a DVD RW drive...anything suggestions for that?

 

[mersennetwister]

by the way, you guys think this is a good deal for the i5 2500k?
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589
$180, $50 cheaper than amazon, I wonder if I'm missing something or looking at the wrong thing....

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

by the way, you guys think this is a good deal for the i5 2500k?
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589
$180, $50 cheaper than amazon, I wonder if I'm missing something or looking at the wrong thing....

You can buy this DVD Read/write:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136228

As for the microcenter:
The price is $180 but you must visit a microcenter store to pick it up, they won't ship to your house. You can find a close store here:
http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/index.html

 

[mersennetwister]

oops sorry I didn't get your DVD RW suggestion in time, I went with this instead
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364538
hope that one's okay, I'm going to go pick up that and the i5 2500k CPU from microcenter tomorrow.
Now I'm wondering about the power supply, I had originally picked out a 750W from Corsair but now I think I probably don't need a 750W one, a 650W one will probably be more than good enough, I was looking at this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
looks pretty efficient
I'm wondering about the heatsink and fan...do you think I really need one right now? I'm not planning on doing any overclocking.
Thanks

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

I recommend you get 700-750W PSU if you are going to crossfire, otherwise a 650W is more than enough for your needs. Infact, a 650W is probably more than enough for crossfire. Also, if you are not wishing to overclock right now, you can go with the stock HSF. You can probably overclock the CPU to around 3.6GHz with the stock cooler too

 

[mersennetwister]

Thanks man, sorry for another question. So I was thinking maybe I should get a cooler/heatsink even if I don't plan to overclock right away so when I do decide to overclock, I don't have to take apart the computer again and add in the cooler. Do you think that's a good idea? Or would I need to take apart the computer when I decide to overclock anyway?

I was looking at this cooler:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1y1q3s1ok62zo

and thermal paste (I assume I need thermal paste based on what I've read on other forums?):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1ceq0hec7q3xb

seems a bit pricey though...I saw a cooler for only $5.99 at microcenter (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0310672) but I wasn't sure about it.

I think if I do decide to overclock, I wouldn't do anything crazy, probably just to 4.0GHz
Thanks again!

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

You don't need to take apart your computer to overclock, you can easily overclock by going into the BIOS, but you do need to take apart your computer to add a new HSF. Also the Hyper EVO is a great HSF.

 

[mersennetwister]

Best answer selected by mersennetwister.

 

[mersennetwister]

Okay, so here's what I have ordered (got a few good deals on newegg with the google offer):

CPU: intel i5 2500k (I missed out on the $150 + $60 off mobo deal from microcenter argg!)
Motherboard: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Video card: Sapphire HD6870 (I didn't want to pay the extra ~$80 for the 6950)
HDD: Hitachi 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
Case: Corsair Carbide 500R (this was on sale for cheaper than the 400R)
RAM: 16GB (4x4) Corsair vengence blue low profile
PSU: Corsair 650W bronze rating
Cooler: Hyper 212 EVO

I'm just waiting for everything to arrive so I can start assembling, I really hope everything fits and works well! I guess I'll read up on assembling while I wait.