First PC Build. How did I do?

[Crystal88]

So I am putting together my first build and need some advice. These are my parts so far (missing pieces will be coming from my current machine) but I need advice for improving this without going too much more expensive, especially regarding my choice of CPU. I am hoping to do a lot of gaming on this machine and am willing to spend a bit more than the $400 if it will significantly improve the setup. I know nothing about motherboards and am wondering if I should spend less on it an put more into the GPU instead.

I was planning to use ncix.ca as it is very close to me but will buy elsewhere if the prices are better (and they are in canada)

These are the links to the parts if anyone is interested in more details.

http://ncix.com/products/?sku=57953&promoid=1084 - ram
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=63715&promoid=1360 - motherboard
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=46281&promoid=1084 -cpu
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=57910&promoid=1084 - case
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=71065 - GPU

Thanks guys!

 

[strife_ff7]

This card is better and it's the same price after the rebate xfx 7770 $110 http://ncix.com/products/?sku=68526&promoid=1084

 

[bctande1]

Whats your budget?

 

[strife_ff7]

Here is a better deal for a hd 7770 $89 after rebate http://ncix.com/products/?sku=72479&vpn=R7770%2DPMD1GD5&manufacture=MSI%2FMicroStar

 

[JKatwyopc]

You're going to need a power supply and probably an optical drive as well.

Do you have a full retail version of windows that you can use or do you need to add an operating system.

Please fill this out as well so we can provide better suggestions: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/353572-31-build-upgrade-advice

Try out this for planning your build: http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/ You can set the country to canada in the upper right corner.

 

[Crystal88]

Sorry I didn't see this before


Approximate Purchase Date: In the next couple days

Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) $500 after taxes/shipping (maybe a little more if its REALLY worth it)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Streaming movies (to PS3) general home use

Are you buying a monitor: no

Parts to Upgrade: Motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, Case. Reusing BFG 700 watt PSU

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: ncix.ca

Location: Victoria, B.C.

Parts Preferences: the best bang for your buck!

Overclocking: Maybe, never have before but might try if viable

SLI or Crossfire: Probably not

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: (e.g.: Need to have a window and lots of bling, I would like a quiet PC. Please also list specific software or games you're using)

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: The parts Im replacing are out of date and in dire need of upgrading



G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 8GB 2X4GB DDR3-1600 CL9-9-9-24 Memory
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=57953&promoid=1084

ASUS M5A97 AMD970/SB950 ATX AM3+ DDR3 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 SATA3 USB3.0 Audio CrossFireX Motherboard
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=63715&promoid=1360

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Quad Core Processor AM3 3.4GHZ 8MB Cache 125W 45NM Retail Box
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=46281&promoid=1084

Zalman Z9 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case Black 3X5.25 1X3.5 5X3.5INT No PS W/ Fan Controller & Temp Display
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=57910&promoid=1084


XFX Radeon HD 7750 Double D 900MHZ 1GB 4.5GHZ GDDR5 2xDVI HDMI DisplayPort PCI-E Vide *IR-$10*
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=71065

 

[Crystal88]

Thanks for the replies so far. I used the link you sent me strife, much appreciated. How is my choice of CPU? That and the motherboard are what I am most unsure of at the moment.

 

[strife_ff7]

This is a good build for gaming and should be about $500 after taxes/shipping.

cpu & mobo - i3 2120 & gigabyte b75m-d3h http://ncix.com/products/?sku=73581&promoid=1386

gpu - gigabyte hd 7850 http://ncix.com/products/?sku=69494&vpn=GV%2DR785OC%2D2GD&manufacture=Gigabyte&promoid=1084
The case and ram you picked are ok. The gpu is the most important part for a gaming build and that's a good one. You shouldn't have to upgrade for years.

 

[BuddiLuva]

Radeon HD 6870 will definitely give you a bang for your buck or if thats too much even a HD 6850 will do the job

 

[Crystal88]

So here is what I have so far thanks to your suggestions. Let me know what you guys think!