First Time Building a PC; Need Advice

AceofSpades117

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Jul 27, 2012
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Hi everyone, this is my first time building a computer and I need advice on some of my parts.

My selected parts so far:

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
Processor: Intel i5 3570K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
GPU: MSI Radeon 7870 HAWK OR Twin Frozr II
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=msi+7870&x=0&y=0
Motherboard: (not sure about this either) ASUS Sabertooth Z77 1155 Socket
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131821
RAM: Corsair Vengeance — 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8
http://www.corsair.com/us/memory/intel-memory-upgrades/dual-channel-intel-memory-upgrade-kits/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c8.html
OR CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 (the difference is the C8 and C9 at the end)
http://www.corsair.com/us/memory/intel-memory-upgrades/dual-channel-intel-memory-upgrade-kits/vengeance-8gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz8gx3m2a1600c9.html


My questions:

1) What is the difference between the HAWK and Twin Frozr II cooling systems and is it enough to warrant the $40+shipping difference?
2) I chose MSI for their excellent cooling system. Are there any other manufacturers I should consider?
3) Are there any motherboards comparable to the Sabertooth Z77 that cost less? I would prefer ASUS or ASRock motherboards. Gigabyte is also acceptable.
4) What is the difference between the C8 and C9 versions of the Corsair Vengeance RAM and which should i get?
5) Should I consider waiting for Windows 8?

I haven't decided what my other parts will be and I will gladly accept recommendations. By the way, I plan to get an SSD, not an HDD.

Other Info:

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next 1 month
Budget:
$1000 but willing to go a little over if necessary
System Usage: Gaming (Planetside 2 mostly) and surfing the internet
I do plan to buy a 1920x1080 monitor
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: www.newegg.com www.amazon.com
Overclocking: Possibly but only after my next build so if I fry this one, I will have already built another rig anyway
CrossfireX: No

Additional Comments: I already have a spare keyboard and mouse i plan to use. I know wireless isn't good for gaming but for some reason I already had one laying around (unopened) and I don't feel like buying another keyboard and mouse.

Logitech Black USB Wireless Desktop MK300 Keyboard and Mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126069

I live in the United States if it helps d=(^_^)=b <-- It's a guy giving a thumbs up

Please let me know if you need any more information and thanks in advance :D
 

DeusAres

Distinguished
+1^

I'd go with the Asrock z77 extreme4

ASRock Z77 Extreme4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

Twin frozr cooling is better in my opinion. not much difference.

the C8 version of RAM is supposed to be faster. You typically look for low cas and decent MHz. but in your case, the cas 9 and 1600MHz is perfect.

No, don't wait for Windows 8. I've actually been hearing rumors that it will be illegal for you to use any programs that aren't certified by microsoft or something like that. This includes programs such as steam. I'd actually just go ahead and hoard a bunch of copies of Windows 7, lol. It's one of the most stable operating systems M$ has released thus far. No need for Win 8.
 

AceofSpades117

Honorable
Jul 27, 2012
28
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10,530


I have also heard things like 1600 Mhz RAM running at only 1333 Mhz. Is this something I need to be worried about? Also, can you tell me how many PCI-E ports I will need? I will be using onboard sound if it helps.
 

AceofSpades117

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Jul 27, 2012
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10,530

Thanks for the info. Also, should i consider the ASRock Fatal1ty series of gaming motherboards or are they just marketing?
 

DeusAres

Distinguished


Nothing to worry about. Sometimes mobos don't initially recognize what the RAM is rated for. Pretty much just go into the bios and change it. Make sure the timings are set as well. You can typically find those on the RAM packaging. standard timing for CAS 9/1600MHz RAM is usually 9-9-9-24 I believe.
 

AceofSpades117

Honorable
Jul 27, 2012
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10,530
Well, I decided on the LK for the mobo and now I am slightly confused over SSDs. What is the difference between these two Samsung 830s?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147134
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147163

The only differences seem to be the model number, product image, price, and the fact that one is labelled as a "Desktop Upgrade." One is the MZ-7PC128D/AM and the other is the MZ-7PC128B/WW. By the way, the 128D/AM version is the "Desktop Upgrade" version.