My First Build: List Revision, take a look!

[ogre934]

This is my first time posting so I apologize if I do something wrong here. Point it please if i Do. Anyway...

Approximate Purchase Date: sometime next week

Budget Range: around $1500 after rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: surfing and gaming, movies, homework (don't judge)

Parts Not Required: I'm planning a fresh start, so I am not sure exactly. Lets just say the extra stuff that no one would need. I'll edit this later if needed.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg, tigerdirect, amazon, and microcenter

Country: United States

Parts Preferences: Oh boy okay. Basically the well-known ones. I have no personal preference towards one. for example, I have no personal preference between corsair or cooler master in the psu department.

Overclocking: No. (not ready to do this yet)

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe, but not needed

Monitor Resolution: 1440x900 or larger. 16:9 or 16:10, doesn't matter, but one of those two is prefered.

Additional Comments: I already have windows 7 home premium 64bit so you don't have to worry about that. After 2 years of toying around with computers and doing google searches, I finally decide to build one. Gotta say it is pretty exciting. I spent a few days lightly researching parts, so If there are any better parts in terms of "bang for buck" or if there is an error in parts selection please comment.

Alright, now for the parts I have selected.

Build:

Processor: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo) LGA 1155
(2 Links Below)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0388577
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Processors%20-%20Desktops-_-Intel-_-19116504&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Processor 2 (instead of the other one, not combined): Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155
(2 Links Below)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

Case: Corsair Carbide Series 500R White Steel ATX Mid Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

DVD/CD: LG DVD Burner Model GH24NS90 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136247

HDD: Western Digital WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200RPM, 64MB, SATA 6Gbs
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6076939&CatId=2459

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD5H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Motherboards%20-%20Intel-_-GIGABYTE-_-13128545&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Power Supply: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650M 650W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233147

Video Card: EVGA 02G-P4-2678-KR GeForce GTX 670 FTW 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130787&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Video%20Cards-_-EVGA-_-14130787&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Monitor: ASUS VS228H-P 21.5-Inch Full-HD LED Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236176&Tpk=ASUS%20VS228H-P

Mouse: Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse (I'm want this mouse mainly for the looks, not dpi)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826104675

Mouse Pad: XTRAC PADS Ripper Optical
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817114174

Keyboard: Microsoft SIDEWINDER X4 Keyboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109191&Tpk=Microsoft%20SIDEWINDER%20X4%20Keyboard


Questions:

Do i need to get a stand-alone heat sink to replace the one that comes with the processor if i plan on playing games with skyrim-type graphics on high settings? And on that same note, Is this build able to play skyrim on high settings?

Is heat going to be a problem?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for reading. All constructive comments are welcomed as well as advice and information.

 

[cskoler]

Don't go P67 with your motherboard. It's outdated. Try something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128546
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

Honestly, if you just desire the best gaming performance, a Sandy Bridge i5-2500K will serve you just as well as the 3770K, for a lot less money:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

You don't really need a third-party heatsink/fan if you're not overclocking either (although getting the unlocked CPU allows for it in the future). Heat shouldn't really be a problem.

Couple more things:

Unless you're planning on adding two more of those cards in the future, that PSU is overkill. Try this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031 (650W)
That should take care of you even if you add another card in the future.

With the saved money from changes, you could upgrade to a GTX 670, too, which is an awesome card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423

And last, you can honestly scrap those last two things on the list. As long as you have a philips-head screwdriver at home you're good. And this can absolutely play Skyrim on max settings at 1080p.

 

[ogre934]

Don't go P67 with your motherboard. It's outdated. Try something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128546
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

Honestly, if you just desire the best gaming performance, a Sandy Bridge i5-2500K will serve you just as well as the 3770K, for a lot less money:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

You don't really need a third-party heatsink/fan if you're not overclocking either (although getting the unlocked CPU allows for it in the future). Heat shouldn't really be a problem.

Couple more things:

Unless you're planning on adding two more of those cards in the future, that PSU is overkill. Try this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031 (650W)
That should take care of you even if you add another card in the future.

With the saved money from changes, you could upgrade to a GTX 670, too, which is an awesome card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423

And last, you can honestly scrap those last two things on the list. As long as you have a philips-head screwdriver at home you're good. And this can absolutely play Skyrim on max settings at 1080p.

Thanks for the feedback!

I decided to change the motherboard to the asus one you linked, the psu to corsiar 650W, and the HD 7870 to a gtx 670.

The processor, however i decided not to change because its pretty cheap at micro center, which is pretty close to where i live. However, i did decide to put it in consideration because it is also pretty cheap at micro center as well.

I decided to also get the extras for extra protection for my first time building (I don't want to screw anything up. Plus, it gives me more confidence).

I found this other power supply at the same price. Should i get this one instead of the corsair?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182073

 

[g-unit1111]

Don't waste money on the anti static wrist strap, mouse pad, and the tool kit - those are things you will never use. The only tool you need is a good Philips head screw driver. Plus you're paying way too much money for peripherals and the i7-3770K will not be of use on a gaming rig.

On a $1500 build it should look something like this (without monitor/keyboard/mouse):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.95 @ B&H)
Total: $1514.86
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

 

[cskoler]

Thanks for the feedback!

I decided to change the motherboard to the asus one you linked, the psu to corsiar 650W, and the HD 7870 to a gtx 670.

The processor, however i decided not to change because its pretty cheap at micro center, which is pretty close to where i live. However, i did decide to put it in consideration because it is also pretty cheap at micro center as well.

I decided to also get the extras for extra protection for my first time building (I don't want to screw anything up. Plus, it gives me more confidence).

So how does everything look now?

Looks great. You'll be able to run basically any recent game maxed out at 1080p.

About the CPU, I wouldn't spend the extra $120 for a 3770K over a 2500K. First of all, keep in mind you could also go with the Sandy Bridge equivalent of the 3770K, the i7-2700K, which is sort of in-between. Really the only advantages of IB over SB are slightly lower power draw and better integrated graphics. And they're actually worse overclockers. As far as gaming goes, though, you won't be able to tell the difference between any of those CPUs. It's your graphics card that matters. So, up to you. It just depends how much saving some extra cash matters to you.

Also, I realized you left out an OS. If you're installing Windows, do you have a copy already? Just want to make sure.

Saw your edit. Doesn't really matter. Both will serve you well, you don't really need the extra 100W. Corsairs are more well known to be reliable and high quality though.

 

[ogre934]

Don't waste money on the anti static wrist strap, mouse pad, and the tool kit - those are things you will never use. The only tool you need is a good Philips head screw driver. Plus you're paying way too much money for peripherals and the i7-3770K will not be of use on a gaming rig.

On a $1500 build it should look something like this (without monitor/keyboard/mouse):

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 750W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.95 @ B&H)
Total: $1514.86
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

Thanks for the feedback. Here's what i changed:
CPU: changed to Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: no change. since im not overclocking, will i be fine without it?
Motherboard: no change, not sure which is better performance for dollar. detailed below
Memory: no change
Hard Drive: no change
Hard Drive: no change
Video Card: changed
Case: no change
Power Supply: not sure. detailed below
Operating System: I have my own windows 7 home premium OS 64 bit

Motherboard: which one is better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Motherboards%20-%20Intel-_-GIGABYTE-_-13128545&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Power supplies: Which one is better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182073

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Power%20Supplies-_-PC%20Power%20and%20Cooling-_-17703027&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Other:

Extras deleted, however, i actually do need a new mouse pad. The other peripherals are for both aesthetics and actual use.

Looks great. You'll be able to run basically any recent game maxed out at 1080p.

About the CPU, I wouldn't spend the extra $120 for a 3770K over a 2500K. First of all, keep in mind you could also go with the Sandy Bridge equivalent of the 3770K, the i7-2700K, which is sort of in-between. Really the only advantages of IB over SB are slightly lower power draw and better integrated graphics. And they're actually worse overclockers. As far as gaming goes, though, you won't be able to tell the difference between any of those CPUs. It's your graphics card that matters. So, up to you. It just depends how much saving some extra cash matters to you.

Also, I realized you left out an OS. If you're installing Windows, do you have a copy already? Just want to make sure.

Saw your edit. Doesn't really matter. Both will serve you well, you don't really need the extra 100W. Corsairs are more well known to be reliable and high quality though.

I have my own windows 7 home premium OS 64bit.

Also, i made a change the processor. Please give me some feedback on the change.'

One more thing, i need some help deciding what power supply and motherboard i should choose (look at my reply to g unit)

 

[cskoler]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's what i changed:
CPU: changed to Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: no change. since im not overclocking, will i be fine without it?
Motherboard: no change, not sure which is better performance for dollar. detailed below
Memory: no change
Hard Drive: no change
Hard Drive: no change
Video Card: no change
Case: no change
Power Supply: not sure. detailed below
Operating System: I have my own windows 7 home premium OS 64 bit

Motherboard: which one is better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128545&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Motherboards%20-%20Intel-_-GIGABYTE-_-13128545&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Power supplies: Which one is better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139031

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182073

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Power%20Supplies-_-PC%20Power%20and%20Cooling-_-17703027&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID=

Other:

Extras deleted, however, i actually do need a new mouse pad. The other peripherals are for both aesthetics and actual use.



I have my own windows 7 home premium OS 64bit.

Also, i made a change the processor. Please give me some feedback on the change.'

One more thing, i need some help deciding what power supply and motherboard i should choose (look at my reply to g unit)

For the CPU, there's really no reason to get the i5-3570K over the i5-2500K because it doesn't overclock as well, the clock speed is only 100 MHz higher and it performs basically identically. But you won't notice much of a difference either way, its just the 2500K costs less.

For the motherboard, go with the Gigabyte one for $180. That's a quality motherboard.

For the PSU, go with the Corsair. You don't need the extra wattage and the Corsair's the only one of the three that's modular, which means much better cable management and a generally hassle-free build.

 

[ogre934]

For the CPU, there's really no reason to get the i5-3570K over the i5-2500K because it doesn't overclock as well, the clock speed is only 100 MHz higher and it performs basically identically. But you won't notice much of a difference either way, its just the 2500K costs less.

For the motherboard, go with the Gigabyte one for $180. That's a quality motherboard.

For the PSU, go with the Corsair. You don't need the extra wattage and the Corsair's the only one of the three that's modular, which means much better cable management and a generally hassle-free build.

Alright so here's what changed:

Motherboard: changed to gigabyte

PSU: corsair

And for the processor, I will most likely go with the i5-2500k, but this will have to be a last minute decision.

I've decided not to get an ssd. Thanks for all your help!

 

[ogre934]

Best answer selected by ogre934.