$450 build - No GPU/PSU

[majini]

Is there anything I can do to save a little more money?
Any motherboard recommendations?

Approximate Purchase Date: August 23

Budget Range: $450

System Usage: rendering videos, converting videos, FRAPS to capture video games, surfing the internet with many open tabs at the same time.

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: CPU, MB, RAM, HDD

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Parts Preferences:
•CPU: Intel i5 3550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116505

•MB: ASRock Z77 PRO3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157297&Tpk=Z77%20PRO3

•RAM: Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104173

•HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

Overclocking: Maybe (in the future when extra speed will be needed)

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Is there noticeable difference between i5 3450 and i5 3550? Looking at the benchmarks i5 3550 seems to be almost in pair with i5 3570k, which, unfortunately, is out of my budget. Also, I will consider buying SSD in the future.

Upgrading my current build:
MB: GA-P35-DS3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo e8400
GPU: Gigabyte gtx 460 256bit 1gb
RAM: DDR2 800 1gb x2
PSU: OCZ ModXstream Pro 700W
HDD: Samsung HD403 LJ ATA device (372GB)
Monitor: Samsung S24A350H 1920x1080

 

[jjlu926]

You can get cheaper RAM if you want. Go with the G Skill Value Series 8gb.

 

[majini]

You can get cheaper RAM if you want. Go with the G Skill Value Series 8gb.

Okay, thank you, I will consider changing the RAM to a cheaper set.

I am really confused when it comes to buying a motherboard, and I would be very grateful if someone could tell me which one to choose and why.

There are 3 motherboards that caught my attention:

•ASRock Z77 Pro3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157297

•GIGABYTE GA-Z77-D3H
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128543

•MSI Z77A-G43
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130646

 

[majini]

Okay, after reading some reviews I guess, I will just go with the ASRock Z77 Pro3, however, there's something I have to make sure before buying it.

My current motherboard is ATX with dimensions 12.0" x 9.6" whereas ASRock Z77 Pro3 is also ATX but with dimensions 12" x 7.9".

How do I know if it's going to fit in my case?

 

[geofelt]

Okay, after reading some reviews I guess, I will just go with the ASRock Z77 Pro3, however, there's something I have to make sure before buying it.

My current motherboard is ATX with dimensions 12.0" x 9.6" whereas ASRock Z77 Pro3 is also ATX but with dimensions 12" x 7.9".

How do I know if it's going to fit in my case?

ATX motherboards have a standard set of mounting holes. They may differ a bit in length, but the hole arrangement and back panel does not change.
You are good there.

If you have any desire to overclock, you want a "K" suffix cpu like the 3570K, It is $20 more.
If you live near a microcenter, they will sell you one for $190.

 

[DarkOutlaw]

It is a little bit more, but if you cut out the HDD you can get:

Asrock z77 Extreme4
i5 3750K
8GB Gskill ripjaws

comes out to about $400, I would not skimp on these.

 

[jay2tall]

I see your purchase date is August 23. I would highly suggest spending some time on Newegg looking for combo deals and coupon codes. I have saved a bit of money in the past by doing this. You have to be a little flexible at times, but you save and you can also get some better parts for the same price. Here are just some random comments on your build.

1) The 3570K model has an unlocked multiplier and will overclock better. You can still OC a non "k" chip, but you have to increase the bus speed to do so.
2) RAM. There are so many different sticks of RAM, there is always a deal. Here is an example. G. Skill is good and always has something on sale. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428
3) Hard Drive. I am a fan of the Samsung F3 1TB drive. It is a hair slower than the WD Black drives for much less. They are also very reliable. Look, a coupon code again. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
4) I am very partial to ASUS motherboards. I have never once had an issue with one. Gigabyte, ASrock, and MSI are also good brands. Gigabyte would be my 2nd choice then ASrock. I know ASrock has really shined lately. Here is an ASUS board I'd consider. I've seen it put with combo's alot lately. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837