Technical Guru Question- New Build Q- Greatly appreciated.

[Jman28101]

Hello! I am currently anticipating building my first computer. I have done what seems like months of research, but still need an experienced eye to check out my current build.

Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 - $49.99
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CX600 - $69.99
Motherboard: Asrock 970 Extreme 3 - $89.99
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 960 - $109.99
Cooler: Cooler Master hyper 212 - $29.99
RAM: PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) PC10666 1333MHz 1.6V - $34.99
HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7200RPM - $99.99
Optical: MSI DVD Burner - included with HD
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 - $149.99

The questions I have about this build-

1. I did some research on the PSU, and I believe it is a top mount PSU. Will it work in the case that has the mount on the bottom??
2. Should I go for the Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 instead for a little more?
3. Will the GPU fit into the case, on the MoBo?
4. If I downgrade the HD 500gb to something less, what should I go for? (119 for HD is a bit much for my blood)
5. Does everything fit, and is it compatible?
6. I assume the PSU will connect to the motherboard, but can you check the specs to make sure?

These questions are detremental to my interests. If you could answer them, I would GREATLY appreciate it, and you would help me beyond what you know. I've anticipated this for months. I am always regretful on my purchases, and this is not one I want to add to my list.

 

[inzone]

1. The psu can be mounted in either posistion. As long as there is nothing blocking the fan intake and the newer cases have an opening in the bottom of the case just for that.
2. Yes , it is always a good idea to get as much of a video card as possible. If you can afford a better one then go for that. (6950).
3. Yes
4. The flooding in Thialand has caused the HDD prices to spike so you can either bit the bullet or go lower , I would stay with the 500gb.
5. I would consider better ram , Corsair , GSkill , Mushkin.
6. Psu's are made to connect to all motherboards and they have an asortment of connectors for that.

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-8GBXL
$54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231493

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
$48.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

 

[Jman28101]

Thankyou so much man. I was considering the Ripjaw, they must have went up in price over the last few days.

 

[Jman28101]

Also, Instead of going with the Radeon 6850 1gb, for 30 bucks more should I invest in the 2gb? I heard there is a big difference for gaming. I am on a budget but if it is worth it in the long run, then its a good investment.

But on the otherhand, I'm not exactly going for the highest damanding game on ultra, so i don't think it would use all the 8gb ram, i've heard 4 is more than enough.

So having 8gb of ram would "Cancel out" the need for another GB on gpu?

 

[inzone]

The memory on the video card is used only by the video card and would be a benefit for multiple monitors and high resolutons and certian games would benefit from vram. The system memory is used by Windows and if you have Windows 64bit you want to have minimum 4gb so if you through in gaming then you want between 4gb and 8gb of system ram. Having 8gb would not cancel out the need for another gb on the video card , they are seperate.
If you can afford it I would go with the 2gb video card and the 8gb of ram. The way I build and upgrade is that if I see something that there is a possibility of being used then I get it , because I would rather have it and not use it then not have it and need it.
As far as prices go you can always shop around and catch a sale or rebate or someplace that has a part that they just marked down. If you have time then shop around.




Ps , don't forget to select a best answer.

 

[Jman28101]

Best answer selected by jman28101.