$1300 Computer Build *Need Advice*

HomemadeChair

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Dec 18, 2011
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This is my first build ever and I need some tips and advice on what to do and what to get.
Looking through the many builds in these forums many of them are very similar, they include a i5 3570k and a GTX 670 and so on from there, or if it's not that then it includes a i5 2500k and a 560ti. These builds seem very popular so I decided to go for one myself, the problem is I'm not sure which one. The 2500k build is much cheaper and should be more reliable on account of how long it has been running and how many people have used it, but the 3570k should be faster and the parts in it are newer, the problem is that it's more expensive and possibly less reliable. After some thinking I decided to go with the 3570k build because I thought it would be better in the long run and would last be longer. My choice is still susceptible to change.

TL;DR: 2 major builds, i5 2500k and a 560ti and i5 3570k and a GTX 670. Chose the i5 3750k but not sure, might change need advice.

Now that you've heard that story, here's my build using the i5 3750k. I still need help and advice on the parts and the minor things to get like case fans, wireless cards, CPU cooler, and so on.

Approximate Purchase Date: Sometime this or next week, the sooner the better.

Budget Range: $1000 - $1400 the cheaper the better

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Schoolwork, Surfing the Internet, etc.

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS (I will still be getting these they are just not included in the build)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg

Country: USA - NYC

Parts Preferences: No preference

Overclocking: Maybe later

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe SLI. What is Crossfire?

Monitor Resolution: No idea yet

Additional Comments: Still need minor things like case fans, aftermmarket cpu cooler, wireless card, and other stuff like that but I do not know how to pick those out.

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CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K - $230 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

GPU: Galaxy 67NPH6DV6KXZ GeForce GTX 670 GC 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - $440 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162109

PSU: (This is one thing I need help on, is this overkill for a PSU? Can I get a cheaper one with less voltage?)
COOLER MASTER Silent Pro Gold Series RS800-80GAD3-US 800W ATX 12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.92 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - $140 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171057

Motherboard: (Another thing I need help on, should I get this MB or is there a better option or anything that will utilize my build better? I heard the Sabertooth is much better or something like that.)
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $130 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL - $47 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

HDD: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $110 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Case: COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN3-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0 and Black Interior - $120 @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119197

(I need advice on this as well, are the case fans that come with this case good enough or should I get other case fans, and which ones should I get?)

And that is all I have atm. Am I missing anything and are all the parts compatible? One of the BIGGEST things I need help on is minor things, as I stated many times over. I know I need thermal paste as well as cables and such, I also need some of the parts I listed before, but I do not know what to get. I really need help on this guys.

Thanks for all the help and advice in advance. I know this was a long read, and thank you SO MUCH to anybody that read it all. This was a pain to type out. I know I asked many questions in this but that is because I am very inexperienced, this is my first build. Tips, suggestions, and advice will be SO helpful to me. Any tips having to do with anything will be much appreciated too. Thanks for all the help guys it means alot.

Oh and I'm only 13 if that means anything, I really want to go through will building a PC though. Age shouldn't matter right?

 
Solution
Look for a case with front 3.0 USB ports and ditch the Cooler Master psu.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139011 $79.99 - $69.99 after mail-in rebate card FREE SHIPPING $10 off w/ promo code EMCNDHB29, ends 7/4
Corsair Carbide Series 300R Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.956955 $149.98 save: $15.00 - $20.00 Mail In Rebates FREE SHIPPING
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B...

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
Not only can you get a cheaper PSU, you can also get a far better one for the same cost.

As far as the motherboard goes - that Asrock is the best price / performance motherboard on the market, as is the Gigabyte one that I'm including. The Sabertooth is a decent board but it's quite expensive and major overkill.

And that is all I have atm. Am I missing anything and are all the parts compatible? One of the BIGGEST things I need help on is minor things, as I stated many times over. I know I need thermal paste as well as cables and such, I also need some of the parts I listed before, but I do not know what to get. I really need help on this guys.

Actually you don't. Your PSU will include all the power connectors you will ever need and cable ties. Your motherboard will come with at least 3 - 4 SATA cables so there's no need to buy extra, and the CPU fan that I included includes MX-4 which is one of the best thermal compounds you can get. Your case will include all the screws and mounts you need. Tool kits are also a huge waste of money - all you need is a good Philips head screwdriver. So there's really no need to spend time worrying about the minor things. Concentrate on the major stuff, get the minor stuff later.

There's a few things I'd cut down on on the original build - mainly the case and PSU. If you want to do something around this price may I suggest this:

Try this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec Eleven Hundred ATX Full Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS224-06 DVD/CD Writer ($27.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1312.87
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
 

HomemadeChair

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Okay thanks that was a great help. I have a few questions though, what is the difference between that motherboard and the motherboard I picked at first? Also, what is the point of getting the Antec case instead of the HAF 922? What are the benefits of it?
 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator


The HAF 922 is a big case - I like the Antec 1100 because it can handle XL-ATX boards and it's just a bit bigger than the previous 900 model.

I like Gigabyte better than Asrock but both boards have about the same features so take your pick.
 

HomemadeChair

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Dec 18, 2011
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I think I'll go with the HAF 922 just because I'm more familiar with it seems more popular for it's "high air flow", about the MB I'm still undecided I think I need more suggestions from people.

If I were to get the 922, should I get any case fans to replace the ones that come with it and which ones?
 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator


With case fans you can only get whatever fans your case has mounts for. Plus you can only get fans if you don't have anything obstructing said mounts. The rule of thumb is to wait until you get your build up and running and see what your air flow is going to look like according to this chart: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cooling-airflow-heatsink,3053-6.html

After you get your CPU cooler and GPU situated it will look similar to that diagram, then you add the extra fans.

As far as motherboard goes - most people will recommend that Asrock board, but Gigabyte has some of the lowest fail rates in the industry - my last three boards have all been Gigabyte and they've all been excellent.
 
Look for a case with front 3.0 USB ports and ditch the Cooler Master psu.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139011 $79.99 - $69.99 after mail-in rebate card FREE SHIPPING $10 off w/ promo code EMCNDHB29, ends 7/4
Corsair Carbide Series 300R Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.956955 $149.98 save: $15.00 - $20.00 Mail In Rebates FREE SHIPPING
CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1600C9B

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.977991 $194.98 save: $20.00
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504 $229.99 FREE SHIPPING $15 off w/ promo code EMCNDHB34, ends 7/4
Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I53570K

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099 $30.00
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R2 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 2011/1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289 $17.99 FREE SHIPPING
LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423 $399.99 FREE SHIPPING
GIGABYTE GV-N670OC-2GD GeForce GTX 670 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211588 $94.99 FREE SHIPPING
ADATA S510 Series AS510S3-120GM-O 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704031 $31.99 FREE SHIPPING
TP-LINK TL-WN951N Wireless N Adapter IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b, CSMA/CA with ACK 32-bit PCI Up to 300Mbps Wireless Data Rates 64/128/152 bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES), WPS.

Total: $1,221.90 *not including rebates, promo codes, and shipping


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 $99.99 FREE SHIPPING
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM
 
Solution

HomemadeChair

Distinguished
Dec 18, 2011
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Thanks for the help especially for the combo deals, those will be really helpful.
No one seems to like the HAF 922 that I chose at first, people keep suggesting other cases. Is there a reason for this? I thought that they were known for there high air flow, or is there another type of case that will help keep my system cooler?
And yeah I think I will, the psu was really over priced, I'm not sure about the voltage though, for my build how much would I need? I dont want to under do it or over do it.
Also, what is the point of front 3.0 USB ports? I'm pretty sure the 922 has them but I dont know what they are for. Could you clarify this for me please?
And I really like the HAF XM case you listed, what are the differences between that one and the 922 and why did you pick it out?
Thanks for all the help.
 

The 922 is a great case it's just a bit dated is all. No dust filters and no front 3.0 USB ports. That last case I posted is the newer version of the HAF 922. But it's easy enough to add front 3.0 USB ports to that case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811996037 $12.99 FREE SHIPPING
Biostar CABLEUSB3.0 USB 3.0 Cable Bracket


http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6821 <------ Cooler Master released that case about 4 months ago.


As far as a psu goes, technically you can get by with a 650w psu for 670's in SLI but 750w gives you a nice amount of headroom so that if you ever do decide to add another one of those cards later on your psu isn't running maxed out.