Review of Parts For First PC Build

[ebowling13]

I am new to pc's and would like a review of the parts that I have selected based on personal discretion and help from other forum members. Any advice on compatibility would be greatly appreciated; as I wouldn't want to order anything without knowing it would fit together. I am only missing a DVD-Drive.

$100.00 - AOC e2051Sn 20" Class Widescreen LED Backlit Monitor
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1717285&CatId=1410

$40.00 - Microsoft 69R-00001 Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3312438&Sku=M17-1792

$40.00 - Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1515763&CatId=142

$75.00 - Xion AXP970-001BK Predator Gaming Mid-Tower Case
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6624627&Sku=A406-2040

$110.00 - Intel DP67BAB3 Socket LGA1155 Desktop Board
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=40971&CatId=6978

$200.00 - Intel Core i5-2400 BX80623I52400 Processor
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073164&CatId=6988

$100.00 - Gigabyte GV-R685OC-1GD Radeon HD 6850 Video Card
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7229007

$90.00 - Western Digital WD5000AAKX Caviar Blue Hard Drive
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7281716&Sku=TSP-500AAKX

$55.00 - Corsair CMX8GX3M2A1600C9 XMS3 8GB DDR3 RAM Kit
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6688614&CatId=4527

$40.00 - Corsair CMPSU-500CXV2 Builder Series™ CX500 Power Supply
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=422168&Sku=C13-2812

 

[kajabla]

It would help if you answered this, mostly to get a clear budget: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice

I strongly recommend getting a decent motherboard (maybe a Gigabyte Z68A-D3H-B3) and a 2500K. That processor overclocks beautifully, so when it starts to feel balky in a few years you can get a whole bunch of new performance out of it for free. Also, it's $180 if you can get to a physical Microcenter store.

 

[ebowling13]

Is the gigabyte hardrive compatible with my processor: what do you mean by a 2500k?

 

[kajabla]

Google is your friend. The 2500K is Intel's second-best LGA 1155 processor, and effectively tied for best in gaming. It's overclockable, unlike the 2400 (your original choice), so you can get a bunch of extra performance out of it for free.
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7073161&CatId=6988
It's also $180 if you can get to a physical Microcenter store.
Any reason you've linked to Circuit City for all your parts? Newegg is reliable and has great customer service.

The Gigabyte motherboard is not a hard drive. It is a motherboard.
Motherboard:

Hard drive:

Yes, it's compatible with the 2500K.

 

[ebowling13]

Well I just decided on a store that I knew existed. I wasn't aware of any online, tech stores to purchase from that had good customer service; I have never bought anything online so didn't know who to trust. Is overclocking reasonable with my lack of knowledge and experience or is it possible?

 

[kajabla]

It should be no problem at all with a 2500K. You can just change the multiplier to a number that you know will work, like 43 (for 4.3ghz), without messing with voltage and other settings.
Use Newegg.

 

[ebowling13]

I found all the things on newegg and just have to wait for the money to come in. Is overclocking done on the computer (software) or actually changing some weird switch or dial?

 

[kajabla]

It happens in the BIOS, which is the odd screen that comes up after you hit the power but before you get to Windows. You'll have to hit some key, which will be indicated on the screen, to access its menus. This is often Del, but will sometimes be F10 or some other key. The CPU multiplier should be an easily-accessible setting.