First Build $1100

[niteshadow53]

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Approximate Purchase Date: Roughly a month

Budget Range: 1100 after rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Game designing, gaming, browsing

Parts Not Required: Speakers

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: None

Overclocking: A possibility in the future, don't really need it

SLI or Crossfire: I want the option to add another card later

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: I'm nervous about unreliable parts, especially the storage and motherboard.

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Hello fellow Tomshardware readers. I've been visiting this site for a while now, and I thought now would be a great time to try building a PC for myself. I'm starting from the ground up, so I need all the parts (monitor, mouse, keyboard etc). I want to make sure everything will fit together, and most importantly that the parts I select won't die after a few months. I've already collected a list, and I just want someone to look over them for me. Any suggestions at all are welcome. Thanks!

CPU: Intel core i5 2400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074
Seems to be the logical choice for the best price/performance

Graphics: PNY Geforce GTX 560
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133397
I've heard good things about this card and there doesn't seem to be a competing option from AMD (which I would prefer)

Case: Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
All I want is to make sure everything will fit with no problems, and with good airflow

Motherboard: AsRock z68 Extreme3 Gen3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
Same as above, but I want to know if I will need any extra cables or extenders

Optical Drive: Lite-on DVD burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Seems as if all the optical drives are the same.

Storage: Seagate 500gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767
Hard drive prices are way up, I really don't need more than 500gb but I want to make sure I get a stable, reliable drive.

Power Supply and Memory: Earthwatts 650w AND G.Skill 2 * 4gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.796634
I don't really know much about picking a PSU and memory, but this seemed like a good deal.

Fans: 2 rosewill fans
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200049
The antec 300 I believe comes with 2 120mm fans, and I'll be adding 2 and having a 2 front, 1 rear and 1 top setup.
Having a side fan seems a little overkill since I'm not overclocking

Keyboard: Logitech Black USB standard keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126096
I'm not sure what to look for in a keyboard, but it seems as if this is the best for the budget I'm looking at

Monitor Asus 23.6" 1080p Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236052
This product is really popular on Newegg, I don't know a ton about it though.

OS and Mouse: Windows 7 64 bit OEM with free mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
I don't actually need the mouse, so if this offer ends before I pull the trigger it doesn't really matter
If I manage to salvage an extra hard drive, I'll probably consider dual-booting Windows 7 and Fedora.

Shipping is about $20 with the UPS 3 day option, so my budget is really about $1080. I'm really excited for my first build, and I hope it goes well. Thanks for your help!

 

[AdrianPerry]

The build look good, however since your getting a non-K series CPU (in other words, non-over-clockable) you might be better looking at a H61 motherboard rather than a Z68. This could save you a fair bit and enable a better GPU - possibly GTX 560Ti?

Something worth considering at least. The rest of the build looks good though. 500w PSU would be enough, even with the 560Ti. Not sure if you could work out a better deal with a 500w PSU + 8GB RAM vs the 650w and RAM deal you have listed?

Also be aware the Antec Earthwatt's PSU's i don't think come with power lead (kettle lead). ~ Pretty sure I heard this mentioned on another thread before, again, worth checking out before you buy just in case you need to purchase one separately - they are very cheap

 

[niteshadow53]

Best answer selected by niteshadow53.

 

[niteshadow53]

Alright, thanks a bunch! I've lowered to an h61 motherboard and upgraded my graphics to a Gigabyte 560 ti, which has really good reviews.

Graphics card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131724

I'll be looking into that kettle lead you were talking about, but I'm set on the main parts. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[AdrianPerry]

Solid choices, and there's a nice little $20 rebate on that Gigabyte card too I see

Hope the build goes well!