My First Custom Build

[danboreland]

Hey guys, this is my first post on Toms Hardware, and I was looking for some help on building a computer for gaming. I have a budget of around 1200-1400 AU, but unfortunately that includes buying windows, a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse. So this pulls me down about 400, so I'm kinda stuck. These are the parts I'm looking at:

Processor - Intel Core i7 2600k - $335
http://www.centrecom.com.au/game/product-info/?sort=2a&products_id=50089&mid=28

Motherboard - Asus MAXIMUS IV GENE-Z/GEN3 - LGA 1155 - $189
http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/maximus-gene-gen3-asus-maximus-gene-zgen3-1155-p-53166.html?sort=2a

Graphics Card - Gigabyte Nvidia Geforce GTX 560 ti 1GB - $248
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Gigabyte-Nvidia-Geforce-GTX-560-ti-1GB-GDDR5-Video-Card-/260817300960?pt=AU_Components&hash=item3cb9ec2de0#ht_3351wt_742

I was also looking at a Thermaltake Dokker for my case. Any suggestions for change of parts or for a monitor is welcome.

If possible, I'm also looking for parts from eBay, Amazon, or Centrecom.

Cheers

 

[Nw333]

If i were you, Id buy an i5-2500K then spend more on the GPU. Thats alot for a mobo, although it has good features, just get a z77 if you plan on OCing. A great GPU is the 7850 btw. Id also look at the CoolerMaster HAF 912 (case i always recommend xD)
As for the monitor, all depends on how big you want it.
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit generally costs $100.

 

[DDevine]

Hey,

If you're Australian you're far better off getting parts from places such as Umart (best IMO), MSY, PC Case Gear or Techbuy as they're all Australian and trustworthy with prices mostly better than eBay.

You should have a look at Australian forum threads such as the one at Atomic MPC and PC Power Play build threads for suggestions of builds in the 1000 - 1200 AUD price bracket. Atomic build thread -> http://forums.atomicmpc.com.au/index.php?showtopic=13969
or PCPP build thread-> http://pcpowerplay.com.au/forums/showthread.php/240313-PCPP-Build-Thread

 

[rdx07]

i agree with Nw333 to get the 2500k instead and spend more on the gpu.2500 and 2600 perform almost the same in games and since you're only after gaming, you won't be needing the benefit from hyperthreading which i7 gives.

 

[danboreland]

If i were you, Id buy an i5-2500K then spend more on the GPU. Thats alot for a mobo, although it has good features, just get a z77 if you plan on OCing. A great GPU is the 7850 btw. Id also look at the CoolerMaster HAF 912 (case i always recommend xD)
As for the monitor, all depends on how big you want it.
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit generally costs $100.

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll go with the 2500k for my processor, because I looked it up and realised there is almost no difference from the 2600k, but I was just wondering, how many years will I get good performance from it? One of the main reasons I'm allowed to build my pc is because I told my parents it would last about 3 years, so that's why I was planning on the i7.

I think I'll stick with the motherboard only because of all the features I get from it.

For the GPU, does the 7850 support DX11?

I'll have a look at the CoolerMaster Case, and I'm pretty sure I've read about it before.

Lastly, I thought you couldn't buy Windows 64bit separately?

 

[Nw333]

I think it would last a good 3 years. You can just buy an i7 when you wanna upgrade
All modern cards support DX11. Windows wouldnt come with a system unless its included in a bundle or something.

 

[rdx07]

that's good enough for several years. i'm thinking, maybe longer than 3 years...that's if for that period, new processors wouldn't matter to you

 

[SingingThroughTheStorm]

The i5-2500K would probably last quite a while, but the 7850 is questionable.
If games become increasingly heavy in the next 3 years, the 7850 might struggle
if you want to be at 1080P and max detail settings.

Although you could just add another 7850 in CF in a couple years if that is the case.

 

[rdx07]

yup! that's how it'll be...if you want your pc to run future games, gpu will be your somewhat the thing to look at

 

[danboreland]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking of sticking with a NVIDIA GeForce, but I might shell out and get a better version. Also, what are your thoughts on the NZXT Phantom?

 

[Nw333]

Thanks guys. I'm thinking of sticking with a NVIDIA GeForce, but I might shell out and get a better version. Also, what are your thoughts on the NZXT Phantom?

Awesome case.

 

[danboreland]

That's good. I looked The phantom up on Amazon and it's $120. So is it worth getting? I also looked up some ram and found this
- http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-Channel-Memory-CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9B/dp/B004RFBIUU/ref=pd_cp_e_2

Lastly, I need help with a graphics card and power supply. I've probably got about 400 left in total :/ so help would be much appreciated

 

[Nw333]

You could spend less on the case and you dont need 16GBs of RAM for gaming.
Just get 8Gb and youll be fine

 

[danboreland]

Ok, what do you think of GSkill Rip Jaws X 8gb? They Re supposed to be really good

 

[Nw333]

Awesome. I use them also and Ive had no problems

 

[danboreland]

That's good. So what about a motherboard or power supply? Sorry about all the questions, but I'm more of a software person

 

[Nw333]

H67 if you arent OCing and z77 if you are 550W should be fine and from a reliable brand.

 

[danboreland]

I don't plan on overclocking, so I'll go with a H67, and I read up about power supplies and there was someone that reccommended having at least 700 watt?

 

[Nw333]

You mentioned above that your going with the i5 and 7850, you wouldnt need 700W unless your gonna Xfire.

 

[danboreland]

This might sound like a really noobs comment, but what's crossfire?

 

[Nw333]

Its the term for having TWO radeon GPUs active at the same time, SLI is for nVidia, incase you were curious

 

[danboreland]

Best answer selected by danboreland.

 

[guerrero]

Do you really need an i7?