Comments/Suggestions on my Build.

[Garetek]

This is what I am thinking of putting together. I welcome all suggestions or input that you can provide. I mostly will be using this computer for school and gaming(Wow, SWTor,Maybe some others)

Case: Antec 200 v2
Additional Case Fans:Cougar CF V12
PSU:Antec BP550
MOBO:GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3
GPU:SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870
CPU:I5-2500k
CPUC:Antec Kuhler H20 620
Ram:Corsair Vengeance 8gb 1600mhz
HDD:Seagate Barracuda ST250DM000 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive (2)
DVD:Sony Optiarc

I am also curious to know what some of the PSU companies are talking about with 'compatible with Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3 i5 i7.' Do I need a specific PSU to take full advantage of my i5?

Thanks in advance I appreciate it!

 

[vollman1]

Its worth mentioning if you live close to a Micro Center.

Your build looks pretty good. Some items are subject to taste/budget, so you may get other opinions. But it looks good.

Here is an alternative to the PSU that you chose:

It is only semi modular but is $39.99 after promos and you don't have to even think about compatibility (not that you would have a problem with your choice, but still )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

 

[g-unit1111]

I am also curious to know what some of the PSU companies are talking about with 'compatible with Intel Sandy Bridge Core i3 i5 i7.' Do I need a specific PSU to take full advantage of my i5?

That doesn't mean anything. As long as your PSU has a +-8 pin voltage connector and a +-24 pin power connector you'll be able to run any motherboard.

It is only semi modular but is $39.99 after promos and you don't have to even think about compatibility (not that you would have a problem with your choice, but still )
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103065

That link goes to the Hyper 212. :lol:

Your build is a good start but could use a bit of tweaking, these would be my suggestions:

1. Drop the Antec Kuhler - not a good choice, they didn't fare well when put up against the Corsair H70 and H80, but I'd stay away from liquid cooling altogether. A good strong air cooler will give you the same results and there's things that are less likely to go wrong. Try something like this instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835288001 -*OR* - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

2. Drop the extra case fan - you don't need it to start with. Instead go with this as your case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

3. Get this for your HD instead it's only a $4 difference and you'll get twice the space: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767

Otherwise everything else looks good. I have the Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3P and it's been an excellent board so far.

 

[Garetek]

I had seen the CM Hyper 212 Eve and liked it, but also liked the Antec Kuhler.


I was using this as a guide when selecting.

Tweaktown Antec Kuhler Testing

 

[g-unit1111]

I had seen the CM Hyper 212 Eve and liked it, but also liked the Antec Kuhler.


I was using this as a guide when selecting.

Tweaktown Antec Kuhler Testing

I'd suggest reading this - they didn't like the Antec Kuhler when compared to the H70, and I'd just stay away from liquid cooling altogether. If a fan breaks, you just go and buy a new fan. If a water pipe breaks, there goes your system. And the manufacturers won't honor replacements either: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/h2o-h80-h100-benchmark-overclocking,3084.html

 

[black2000x]

I would try to get a plat or atleast gold PSU. they will pay for them self in 2-3 years.

 

[g-unit1111]

I would try to get a plat or atleast gold PSU. they will pay for them self in 2-3 years.

I'll agree - at least a silver or gold PSU. Platinum PSUs are rare and expensive and not really worth it, IMO.

 

[Garetek]

At what wattage would you recommend? And I already have that case so until I can save up some more I'm stuck with it,

 

[g-unit1111]

At what wattage would you recommend? And I already have that case so until I can save up some more I'm stuck with it,

You can calculate your minimum needed wattage here: http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx

Whatever your minimum wattage is, add 50W if you plan to overclock and another 100W if you plan to SLI or Crossfire your video setup. On a build where the minimum is 500W, for example, get a 650W just to be on the safe side.