Buidling my first computer

[matleez]

im looking into building my first computer and id like some input. this is what i am looking to start with and it cant really go above $1200
CPU: i5 2500k
MOBO: ASUS P8Z77-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
GPU: ASUS ENGTX560Ti448DC2/2DIS/1280MD5 GeForce GTX 560 Ti - 448 Cores (Fermi)
CASE: CM HAF XM
CPU COOLER: CORSAIR H100
MEM: G.SKILL (2X4GB)
HDD: 1TB SEAGATE
PSU: 1000W ROSEWILL BRONZE

please comment about my setup and give input, the GPU and MOBO are two things im not really sure about, i am going to be playing BF3 on it at high hopefully

 

[proton007]

I think you can do with a smaller cooler, unless you want to overclock, or you live in areas with higher ambient temperature. Use the savings to go for a better GPU, maybe 660 Ti.

 

[matleez]

i am wanting to do overclocking and well im not sure where im going to live, as of now im in columbus ohio it goes from -5 to 105. but i may be in hot areas due to military living

 

[lunyone]

Here is a build that I think will be better and perform better in B3.

~$1078
i5 3570k Build w/Corsair 300 Case

 

[matleez]

also, why are SSD drives so small yet pricey?

 

[lunyone]

They are made up of RAM and don't have any moving parts. They are quick to load apps and also boot up Windows faster. If you aren't comfortable with them, just drop it off the list and save your $ for something else

Wiki link to SSD's

 

[matleez]

hmm i might do that. but i kinda have issues with amd gpus, is that normal or rare? like the drivers and crap

 

[lunyone]

Both companies have driver issues. Buy whatever your comfortable with. I prefer AMD, but that is just me. If nVidia suits you than look for the best nVidia GPU that you can afford (assuming you want the best gaming for the $).

In your budget I'd look at what Tom's believes is the best GPU for the $ (August edition) here.

 

[proton007]

The case, yes, you can go with something much cheaper like the Corsair 300R (recommended above) or Antec Eleven Hundred. Keep the cooler. Use the savings for better GPU.
SSDs are a pricey medium because they're flash memories. There's no spinning hard disk inside.

 

[matleez]

ok...what about MOBOs i have no clue about anything on them haha

 

[proton007]

Mobo wise if you're going for the Z77/Z68 chipset then I doubt it'll go below $100. You can save 10-15 bucks going for Gigabyte Z77x-D3H

 

[matleez]

would this be a good mobo? http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z77extreme4

 

[lunyone]

would this be a good mobo? http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z77extreme4

Yes that would be fine too. I look for the onboard USB 3.0 connectors, so if you get a case that supports it (front USB 3.0 ports) than your good to go!

 

[proton007]

Yeah, seems highly recommended on the forum.

 

[matleez]

wait that does support usb 3.0 right?

 

[proton007]

Yes

 

[lunyone]

Yes it does. My son has the same mobo and it's been just fine since we installed it on his newer system a couple of months ago.

 

[matleez]

is it easy to overclock on? from what i understand you have to go through your BIOS to do so, correct?

 

[lunyone]

Yes basically that is what happens. You buy a CPU with unlocked multiplier and adjust the multiplier settings in the BIOS to reflect the speed your wanting to run at. If you OC more than just a little there is more involved, like voltage adjustments and such, but that is basically how it works. You will want to stress test your system after each OC adjustment to verify that you are stable too.

 

[matleez]

ok cool, ill have to study more into the OC process, id like to get the 2500k to about 4.1ghz, is that alot for it?

 

[lunyone]

No, but the 3570k is the latest and cheapest Ivy Bridge CPU with an unlocked multiplier. The 2500k is good too, so don't discount my suggestions.

 

[proton007]

3570k and 3770k are both Ivy Bridge.
Both can go to 4.5GHz with a good cooling system.

 

[matleez]

How are the asus BIOS I heard that they are really user friendly

 

[matleez]

also, what is a good SSD drive size just for a boot drive?

 

[lunyone]

I prefer a 128 gb SSD for a boot drive. It'll allow you extra room for some games if you like and still isn't too expensive.

Most BIOS's aren't too bad. It take a bit to get used to, but there are plenty of resources out there if you need help.