Few questions about this build

[benwaffle]

Parts I want to order:
CPU: Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-core (Ivy bridge)
Mobo: P8Z77-V
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8gb (2 x 4gb sticks) DDR3-1600MHz
HDD: Western digital caviar black 1tb 7200RPM 3.5"
GFX Card: XFX Radeon HD 7770 1gb
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 (ATX midtower)
Powersupply: antec earthwatts 650w
Total cost (w/ keyboard, mouse, monitor, OS, Disc drive): $1021.68
budget: around $1100

Uses:
light gaming, school work, development, I might get into serious gaming though (watchdogs looks like a good game )

Questions:
is the RAM compatible with Ivy Bridge (it says that it is compatible with 2nd gen intel core i processors)?
Do I need an aftermarket fan? (probably not going to be OC'ing)
Should I get an SSD?
Anything to change in this build?

Thanks!

 

[ddan49]

1) Yes, the RAM is compatible
2) No, not if you're not OCing (which you can't really with that processor)
3) Yes if you want a faster boot time. Just get like a 64GB SSD with an HDD.

For $1,100, here's the build I'd suggest (with OCing... I don't know why you wouldn't. It's really simple and gets more performance out of your computer for free!):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($35.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Chronos 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $985.76
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

Add in the OS. Now here's what I DON'T understand... you seem to have included the monitor in that? So here's what I'd change in the above build to save on cost:

1) If you really don't want to OC, then change the CPU to an i5-3450, the mobo to a Z68 Pro3 Gen3, and ditch the CPU cooler
2) Get a 650W PSU (keep in mind that the Antec Earthwatts DOESN'T come with a power cord. They're like $5, but just to keep that in mind)
3) Ditch the SSD... although last resort.

I'd keep the Corsair 400R... great case, really easy building. But switching to the HAF is a possibility. Z77 isn't NECESSARY for IB. The i5-2400 can be substituted for the IB equivalent.

If you need help getting it down lower, just tell me.

 

[benwaffle]

thanks for your reply
actually i heard that i should get at least 120gb ssd because windows updates get saved there?

1) Yes, the RAM is compatible
2) No, not if you're not OCing (which you can't really with that processor)
3) Yes if you want a faster boot time. Just get like a 64GB SSD with an HDD.

For $1,100, here's the build I'd suggest (with OCing... I don't know why you wouldn't. It's really simple and gets more performance out of your computer for free!):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($35.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($127.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Mushkin Chronos 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($259.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $985.76
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

Add in the OS. Now here's what I DON'T understand... you seem to have included the monitor in that? So here's what I'd change in the above build to save on cost:

1) If you really don't want to OC, then change the CPU to an i5-3450, the mobo to a Z68 Pro3 Gen3, and ditch the CPU cooler
2) Get a 650W PSU (keep in mind that the Antec Earthwatts DOESN'T come with a power cord. They're like $5, but just to keep that in mind)
3) Ditch the SSD... although last resort.

I'd keep the Corsair 400R... great case, really easy building. But switching to the HAF is a possibility. Z77 isn't NECESSARY for IB. The i5-2400 can be substituted for the IB equivalent.

If you need help getting it down lower, just tell me.

 

[ddan49]

120GB for OS alone is WAY too much. I'd say put all your stuff on each SSD and leave about 10% open on each one for "breathing room".