First build: How does it look?

[ramse4]

Hey guys, so this is the first pc that I have ever tried to build. I'm trying to keep it as close to $1000 as possible, but with an SSD and monitor it gets a bit more expensive than I had wanted, but dont think its too bad of a price.

I will be overclocking my CPU and I MAY use SLI in the future but not positive so at the moment.

I wanted to know if you guys thought there were any items I picked that could be replaced with something cheaper (but not reduce the quality of component). Like is it worth just getting a Patriot memory just because it is cheaper or would I just be best to stick with a good known manufacturer?

Also wondering about a few specific components. MOBO: How is this mobo for the build I have? Like is there anything comparable around the same price. Also if I have USB 3.0 on the case front should I be investing in a mobo with internal USB 3.0 or is it ok if it only has USB 2.0 internally.

PSU: Is getting a modular psu worth the extra cost in getting? Should I get a lower voltage PSU with what I am using?

Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant
Type Item Price
CPU Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor $179.99 @ Microcenter
CPU Cooler Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler $22.99 @ NCIX US
Motherboard Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard $146.98 @ NCIX US
Memory G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory $46.99 @ Newegg
Hard Drive Crucial M4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk $83.30 @ B&H
Hard Drive Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive $97.99 @ NCIX US
Video Card EVGA GeForce GTX 560 Ti - 448 Cores 1.25GB Video Card $277.55 @ Newegg
Case Corsair 500R Black ATX Mid Tower Case $139.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply OCZ 850W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply $129.99 @ Microcenter
Optical Drive Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer $25.98 @ Newegg
Monitor Hannspree HF225DPB 21.5" Monitor $119.99 @ Newegg
Total
Prices include shipping and discounts when available. $1271.73
Generated 2012-03-02 18:15 EST-0500

 

[Outlander_04]

Your build would run on a 500 watt psu and would even SLI on a 650 watt unit . The Corsair TX 650 is a good unit . Modular is needed in small cases but other than that you dont need it .

Spend some of the money you save on a bigger monitor . 24 inch makes a big difference

 

[darkclownjoe]

Downgrade your PSU wattage a bit, and put some towards a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo. Other than that, looks good.

 

[steadywaters]

1. Currently, Microcenter is offering $50 off a Z68 motherboard with the purchase of an i5-2500K.

Some of the choices that will still end up being cheaper than the board you picked:
- ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3
- ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
- ASUS P8Z68-V GEN3

2. The Crucial M4 64GB is $80 at TigerDirect.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=365474&CatId=5300#

3. White version of the Corsair 500R + Corsair Low profile ram for $160 after $10 rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.838913

4. Corsair HX750W PSU 80 Plus Silver, Modular is on sale with rebate + 15% off ends up at $117.50:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010

5. Do you need Windows 7 OS? If so, that's another $100 or so.

- Yes, it would be better to have onboard USB 3.0 connectors on the mobo if your front case panel has the ports. Otherwise, you'd have to get an adapter/extension cord to route from rear panel.

Of the two boards I listed, the bottom two have onboard USB 3.0 (hence the higher price).

- EVGA 560 TI 448 Cores is supposedly a limited edition so if you are going to SLI, you should get another one ASAP, which would be moot because for $500 you could get a single HD 7950.

- Modularity is a preference that we pay for. I did and I believe it was worth it. Lower wattage? Yes. You could get a 650W PSU and still have plenty of room for overclocking.

 

[ramse4]

So would you suggest a this deal if 650W would be really I would need?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.838578

or would it be worth getting an OCZ/other brand PSU since it will probably be cheaper than a Corsair?

Also I know this is a little stupid of a question... but white or black 500r?

 

[ramse4]

Best answer selected by ramse4.