First time building a rig! Help.

[aRodr1guez]

This is my first attempt at building my own gaming rig I haven't ordered anything yet but I do have some components in mind. So my question is would everything come together smoothly or am I missing anything.

CPU
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1506371&csid=_21#

Mobo
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1415935&CatId=7212

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445

GPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-127-608&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

Optical drive
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1387814&Sku=O451-1030%20OEM

Mid ATX case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119216

PSU
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4668506&CatId=106

SSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233191&Tpk=20-233-191

Please let me know if I'm missing something or if anyone has better suggestions. I'd like to know if the Mobo has enough case fan, usb connectors or if there is some kind of splitter I can use to extend the ones on the mobo.

Also I plan to do some overclocking not to much but a noticeable amount. I have no experience in overclocking so can someone give me a link or something where I can learn from scratch all their is to know about overclocking. Thanks again.

 

[g-unit1111]

That looks like an excellent build. These would be my main suggestions:

1. Drop the 2600K to a 2500K and invest the difference in upgrading your GPU to a 570TI: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703028

2. Do not get a Force 3 for your primary drive. Instead get a Crucial M4 and get a 2TB secondary drive. Try this solution:
- Crucial M4: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441
- Samsung Ecogreen F4: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152245

3. If you're going to overclock add an aftermarket fan like the Hyper 212: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

As far as the question about air cooling goes - most motherboards have 4 x 3-pin power ports and 1 x CPU fan port and that's really all you need. You can hook the rest of your case fans through 3-to-4 pin power connectors on your PSU and most cases will come with an adapter or two to do so.

As far as overclocking goes - no one will give system specific advice. Why? Every system is different and will yield different results - they're like snowflakes. What's good for one system could kill the next. You can search for guides that will help you but there won't be anything really specific for your system that's out there.

 

[aRodr1guez]

Figured. I was originally going to go with the i5 2500k but then changed my mind goodthing I asked. The force 3 wasn't going to be my primary it was going to be my OS drive and maybe throw battlefield on it as well. Question is why the Crucial M4 over the force 3? I heard the Crucial is more reliable but the force 3 is faster.

Yea I've done some reading about that but what I meant was I want to understand how overclocking works in general not just my system build but how it works.

 

[aRodr1guez]

When I went to the link above it guided me to a PSU was that intended or an error?

 

[aRodr1guez]

I also noticed you mention GTX 570 Ti ... From what I know the only Ti versions are 550 and 560. I never heard of 570 Ti correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[azeem40]

He meant 570 fermi.

 

[AlderonnX]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 $44.99

Still blue and fast. but its low profile so your big after market cooler will fit and 30 bucks cheaper. (put the 30 bucks towards a 570 gpu)

 

[aRodr1guez]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546

G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 $44.99

Still blue and fast. but its low profile so your big after market cooler will fit and 30 bucks cheaper. (put the 30 bucks towards a 570 gpu)

I noticed the RAM you recommended has 3 timings compared to the RAM i had chosen that has 4 timings, what's the difference?

 

[vitornob]

I noticed the RAM you recommended has 3 timings compared to the RAM i had chosen that has 4 timings, what's the difference?

Just means that Newegg didn't put the fourth timing, as far the performance is your main concern, do not get crazy about timings and Ram speed, in real world usage (games) this do not makes difference. Including Sandybridge and it's limited 1333mhz memory controller.

 

[g-unit1111]

Figured. I was originally going to go with the i5 2500k but then changed my mind goodthing I asked. The force 3 wasn't going to be my primary it was going to be my OS drive and maybe throw battlefield on it as well. Question is why the Crucial M4 over the force 3? I heard the Crucial is more reliable but the force 3 is faster.

Yea I've done some reading about that but what I meant was I want to understand how overclocking works in general not just my system build but how it works.

The Corsair has a lot of driver and BSOD issues related to the version of Sandforce it uses, the Crucial M4 is pretty problem free - I've had one and had 0 issues with it.

The thing about overclocking is that it's pretty simple math - set your CPU multiplier to one level, your RAM multiplier to another, and your voltage levels to another and you're set. It may take a few tries as it's mostly trial and error but you should get it after a while.

 

[aRodr1guez]

The Corsair has a lot of driver and BSOD issues related to the version of Sandforce it uses, the Crucial M4 is pretty problem free - I've had one and had 0 issues with it.

The thing about overclocking is that it's pretty simple math - set your CPU multiplier to one level, your RAM multiplier to another, and your voltage levels to another and you're set. It may take a few tries as it's mostly trial and error but you should get it after a while.

Thanks allot you've been a really big help. I have to ask again though, above in your first post did you mean to recommend a different PSU than the one I had picked?

 

[g-unit1111]

Thanks allot you've been a really big help. I have to ask again though, above in your first post did you mean to recommend a different PSU than the one I had picked?

Actually no - Corsair PSUs are pretty solid for the most part, I use two of them but I actually prefer non-modular PSUs to modular ones. Maybe try this one instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087

Your motherboard is absolute overkill. Here are two quality suggestions that will overclock just as well as the $205 ASUS in the OP.

$99 (After $10 MIR) - GIGABYTE GA-Z68AP-D3(R2.0) LGA 1155 Intel Z68 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128538

$115 (After $10 MIR) - ASUS P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z68 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131781

The motherboard is fine - do not change it. The aforementioned motherboards have limited expandability options compared to the P8Z68-V Pro.

Also, you can get a better PSU for the money
$135.99 (using 20% code "Kingwin20" through 3/11) - KINGWIN LZP-650 650W 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Modular Power Supply - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817121092

Please explain how this is a better choice - Platinum certified doesn't always mean it's better - Kingwin is not a recommended PSU manufacturer - it's best to stick with Seasonic, Corsair, Antec, or XFX.

 

[g-unit1111]

Also, with regard to the motherboard. If he doesn't plan on using multiple GPUs, which I can argue the pointlessness of multi-GPU setups all day long, then the $205 motherboard will gain him absolutely nothing other than bragging rights in a forum signature. If he just wants a solid motherboard with overclocking, USB 3.0, PCI-E 3.0, Gigabit ethernet, 8 channel digital audio, and at least 4 fan headers, either one of those boards will do the job without issue. The Gen3 has bluetooth, big deal.... You can get one of those tiny little USB bluetooth adapters for under $5 if you really need one.

I will definitely agree that Bluetooth on a motherboard is quite a useless feature. It won't work with cell phones and I've found Bluetooth-compatible peripherals (mice, keyboards, headsets, etc) to be quite useless.

The thing is I always try to build my builds around what future expansion needs will bring and lower-end boards and mATX never fit that criteria - I always try to get boards that have at minimum 8 USB 2.0 ports and 6 SATA II/III ports - that's why I would generally recommend a board with those things in mind - I usually like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128498

It's a good halfway point between the low end Gigabyte and the high end Asus.

Yeah I have a multiple GPU setup in my PC right now and I definitely regret the purchase - I'd rather have a single stronger card (like a 570TI) than two weaker ones (like the 550TI I'm using now). I'm heavily contemplating purchasing a Sapphire 7870 when it's available seeing as how the benchmarks are matching or in some cases beating GTX 570 numbers.

The Kingwin platinum units are based on Super Flower's latest platform. Arguably the best Platinum platform on the market (Yes, arguably better than Seasonic OEM units). Seasonic, Corsair, and XFX branded units will all be based on a Seasonic OEM platform of some sort. Antec I know uses Delta and a few others to source their PSUs. With power supplies, it is more about the who the OEM of the particular unit is than the name on the label. Not to mention that the 80plus Silver HX Corsair unit he chose is a somewhat dated Seasonic platform.

I still don't know - I generally like to play it safe on my builds, I know the Corsair is somewhat dated but I have two of them and have never had any issues with either of them except for maybe a couple of dead connectors. I'll have to read more about the Kingwin platforms before I will recommend them. I never really see them recommended around here - mainly the Antecs, Seasonic, XFX, Corsair, I occasionally see Cooler Master but I know their PSUs have a few liar labels and fake certifications which is why I generally don't recommend those - I'm pretty cautious and skeptical about PSUs since I've had more than a few bad ones and nothing sucks more than buying the same part twice.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Please save us old folks with borderline carpal tunnel the click-fest necessitated by having to click thru to a dozen web sites to see what your build list is.....names of components should be listed, links are a plus if there's something that needs checking.

CPU - Frankly there's no place in this world for the 2600k. If its a gaming both, the 2600k is not $100 better than the 2500k, so if you're gaming the 2500k will do just fine. If you need hyperthreading for certain apps that you run, if you have justified the $100 over the 2500k to buy the 2600k, you should have no problem with another $40 for the 2700k.

MoBo - Fine Choice

RAM - Skip the toothy heat sinks and get a low profile set which won't interfere with any 3rd party CPU coolers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006519%2050008476%2040000147&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=147|20-233-196^20-233-196-TS%2C20-233-186^20-233-186-TS%2C20-233-199^20-233-199-TS

GFX - I'd also skip on the Twin Frozr.....yes I recommend factory overclocked cards with bigger coolers. But unfortunately, the Frozr II doesn't have the beefy VRM on its circuit board that the competition from Asus, Gigabyte ..... The MSI Lightning, MSI Hawk, Asus Direct CU TOP are all clocked higher and have more phases in their VRM's than the Frozr has allowing it to attain higher OC's once ya start cranking it up w/ Afterburner.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125363
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121425
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127578

The Hawk is $30 cheaper, is factory OC'd 70 MHz higher and its beefed up VRM will let you take it well over 1000Mhz

 

[aRodr1guez]

GFX - I'd also skip on the Twin Frozr.....yes I recommend factory overclocked cards with bigger coolers. But unfortunately, the Frozr II doesn't have the beefy VRM on its circuit board that the competition from Asus, Gigabyte ..... The MSI Lightning, MSI Hawk, Asus Direct CU TOP are all clocked higher and have more phases in their VRM's than the Frozr has allowing it to attain higher OC's once ya start cranking it up w/ Afterburner.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125363
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121425
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127578

The Hawk is $30 cheaper, is factory OC'd 70 MHz higher and its beefed up VRM will let you take it well over 1000Mhz

I'll Keep what you said in mind for future post.

I think I might spend the extra cash and go with a GTX 580. Any recommendations?

 

[g-unit1111]

I'll Keep what you said in mind for future post.

I think I might spend the extra cash and go with a GTX 580. Any recommendations?

As good as the 580 is - I'd actually be more inclined to recommend a 7950 in that price range - in benchmarks it bests the 580 and in some cases beats it by a long shot, try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161400

 

[aRodr1guez]

As good as the 580 is - I'd actually be more inclined to recommend a 7950 in that price range - in benchmarks it bests the 580 and in some cases beats it by a long shot, try this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161400

I've read so many bad reviews on AMD that I don't know what to believe. However you aren't the only person to tell me that the 7950 tops any GTX out right now. Would the 7950 play nice with the rest of the hardware above?

 

[g-unit1111]

I've read so many bad reviews on AMD that I don't know what to believe. However you aren't the only person to tell me that the 7950 tops any GTX out right now. Would the 7950 play nice with the rest of the hardware above?

Are you sure the bad reviews you're reading about AMD aren't concerning their FX line of CPUs? I've read nothing but praise regarding their new GPUs - even the soon-to-be-released 7870 is 1/2 the cost of the 580 and in some benchmarks will match the 580 and some have it beating the 580.

Definitely stay away from AMD CPUs for right now - their GPUs are currently king over NVIDIA - that could definitely change though.

To answer your question though - you definitely want to get a board that has PCI Gen 3 - which the Asus board you originally linked to does have, the lower end boards won't.

 

[aRodr1guez]

How much better is the 7970 over the 7950, GTX 580? Is it worth the extra $100 or so?

 

[aRodr1guez]

Best answer selected by aRodr1guez.