First Build - Multimedia PC NEED ADVICE

upsguy1974

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Feb 16, 2012
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Hello All,

I recently convinced myself to try and build my first PC and could use some advice. I have read a ton in the forums and have really tried to entrench myself with info so I can make a smart and affordable purchase. I am not a huge gamer but I would like to make this system somewhat future proof. My goal is to come out with a blazing fast multimedia PC to be used mainly for a home entertainment system, internet surfing, some gaming and audio. So please, any advice will be greatly appreciated. Here's what I've come up with so far.



Budget: $600-800 before rebates

Usage: Home Entertainment system, internet, gaming

Do not need monitor, mouse or keyboard. Will be hooking it up to a 42" LED HDTV and a 27" LED monitor(1920x1080)

I will be getting most of my parts from Micro Center. Cant find better prices anywhere else.

CPU: Core i5 2500K LGA 1155 Boxed Processor
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

MOBO: Asus P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Z68 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0371775

Case: Thermaltake Commander Mid Tower ATX Computer Case
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0365239

Memory: Corsair Vengeance Series 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL9 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit (Two 4GB Memory Modules)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354611

SSD: Patriot 60GB 2.5" SATA III 6Gb/s Pyro Solid State Drives (SSD) with SandForce 2281 Controller
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0370701

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive WD5000AAKX - OEM
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0352164

PSU: OCZ Technology Fatal1ty Series Modular 550 Watt ATX Power Supply
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0303417

BLU-RAY/DVD: LG 12x M-DISC Internal SATA Blu-ray / HD DVD-ROM Combo Drive - OEM
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0383092

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit OEM (PC)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0361170

GPU: Gigabyte GV-R685OC-1GD ATi Radeon HD 6850 1024MB GDDR5 PCIe 2.1 x16 Video Card
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354216



Now I know this seems like overkill for a multimedia PC but like I said I want to make this future proof. I am over budget, of course, and could use some help anywhere you guys see fit.

I have no intention on overclocking or SLI/Crossfire as of right now but maybe in the future sometime. My time frame is this week maybe next so any feedback you have would be awesome. Also, Im not 100% committed to Micro Center so if you can recommend anywhere else I will gladly take a look.

Thanks for reading and I will answer all questions as soon as I can.
 

gilbertfh

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Jan 5, 2009
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The way you laid it all out it is a lot of work just to find out where you stand. Lay out a table of what you are getting and the prices.
 

drwho1

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I would suggest you to look on NEWEGG.
Just checked the motherboard (for example) and the same board is cheaper (after rebate)

On the same item, I found that said motherboard has 3 PCI slots, unless you absolutely
"must" have them, I would stay away from motherboards with PCI slots at this time given that they are already obsolete.

If you want to build your PC somewhat future proof.

Didn't check the rest of your list, but I would suggest you to go to NEWEGG.com and compare prices and please consider my observation about PCI slots.

EDIT: checked your chosen CPU, and you have the better price on that component between the 2 stores.
You might find better deals on some components on one store and others on another store, it happens.

Your chosen power supply might not be powerful enough, specially if you plan to add/upgrade your system in the future.
Bare minimum that I suggest is a 750watts power supply. Is OK to lower your budget on certain parts, but NOT on your power supply, after all it is the one part that gives "juice" o your whole system, and it needs to be stable "juice".


 

upsguy1974

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Feb 16, 2012
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Maybe I should have been a little clearer in what i am looking for advice with. My main question is do I need this much hardware for what I want to do and what I might do in the future? And if not what would you all recommend I get to 1: get me closer to budget without sacrificing too much performance and 2: Check for compatibility issues and other problems I might face with the current hardware choices.
 

upsguy1974

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Feb 16, 2012
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Wow. Didnt know that about PCI slots. Thank you. Thats the kind of feedback Im looking for. Any recommendations?
 

maxinexus

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What you have is a desctop not a multimedia pc. What makes multimedia pc is not the fact that you connect it to a TV in your living room but the fact that it is small format PC that usually fits on a top of your DVD player.

Try something like this:

case: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0357147 $50

mb: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364087 $110

cpu: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354590 $150 and that is overkill plus you get $40 off for combo

gpu:http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0364981 $70

So there you have it...you can also go for AMD APU. They have plenty power to run your movies and play games on med
 

upsguy1974

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Feb 16, 2012
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Got it. So I guess I do want a desktop not a multimedia. I didnt know thats what that meant. I do like the Gigabyte motherboard. Thanks.
 

drwho1

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I'm not suggesting this specific motherboard, (this is just an example withing your price range)
BIOSTAR TZ68K+ LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138344

read the specs and use them as reference only.

You will probably find that motherboards without ANY Legacy PCI slots are above $200-$300 range.

EDIT: If you want a motherboard with flexibility to upgrade in the future, then stay away from Micro-ATX boards.
They offer less slots and choices/options because of their small factor/size.
 

serialkiller

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if u want to cut down price with this mobo

microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0365088

and buy this processor
microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0359809

and swap with ive bridge when u want to upgrade
 

upsguy1974

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Feb 16, 2012
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So will these MB's be compatible with Ivy Bridge when it comes out? Since its due out in April maybe I should wait?


 

drwho1

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If is not an "emergency" I would wait until "Ivy Bridge" is out and there are at least some products to compare. (an in depth reviews)