First Post! How does this build look?

[wangmeister]

CPU: i5 3570k

MOBO: ASRock z77 Extreme4

RAM: Mushkin Ridgeback 8gb

Storage: Samsung 830 series 256gb SSD

GPU: Sapphire 7950

Case: Cooler Master Elite 311

PSU: OCZ Modular 700W


I already have a Samsung 1TB HDD. Any feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[nsouter853]

Welcome! This looks pretty decent to me, although I would recommend a few changes here and there.

1) RAM. I have never even heard of Mushkin (EDIT: So I looked on Newegg and realized I have seen some of their stuff, but in the past 6 months or so, I have never seen anyone use them in their build, which may be telling. Up to you.), which is a bad sign. For RAM, since there isn't much of a price difference, always go with the more popular/trusted brands. Chances are nothing will go wrong, but it's not worth saving that extra $5-10 just for a brand that isn't as tested/known. Go with Corsair or GSkill.

2) PSU. While that is a pretty darn good PSU, I always advise going fully modular. Why? Because even if you use all the plug-ins on a non or partially-modular PSU (the one you have know is partially-modular) it is still way harder to manage cables, and even airflow may be affected (depending on your case). Find a modular PSU is all I would say.

3) Have you thought about what CPU cooler you will use? You will need an aftermarket cooler if you want to overclock, and if you don't want to overclock, it may not be worth getting the 'k' series i5. Just something to think about.

Overall you're doing pretty good. Good luck!

 

[wangmeister]

Damn pcpartpicker lied to me about the PSU! I don't plan on OC'ing immediately, so I'm holding off on the cooler right now.

 

[nsouter853]

A good choice on the cooling unit.

Yeah, it's very important to research your PSU thoroughly. Look at pictures, that's the best way to determine if it's fully modular or not. Granted you *could* do a build with a non or partially modular PSU (and many people do), I really think you will be thanking me down the road when you are building this thing, and you have a fully modular PSU.

 

[aznshinobi]

nsouter... you're not serious about the accusation of Mushkin right? Many people use them in their rigs even though you may not see them. They have a proven track record and their ram is still one of the best even though nowadays all ram is pretty similar in performance.

As for the PSU,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018&Tpk=OCZ%20modxstream%20700
Should you be referring to this one, it's is pretty much fully modular in my opinion. Not sure what's not "fully" modular there. I mean there is the obvious 24 pin and 8 pin MB power which is not modular because they are always needed, I don't see the problem.

OP you could be getting a better PSU for the same amount of cash though. The Rosewill 750w Hive is a great option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182133&Tpk=rosewill%20750%20hive
Review: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Rosewill-HIVE-650-W-Power-Supply-Review/1460

Your build looks solid though, good luck!

 

[nekulturny]

Mushkin makes RAM just fine.. Really, you'd be hard pressed to find a "bad brand" for RAM.

As far as modular power supplies. I honestly don't see the point, unless you're either a super perfectionist when it comes to not having any extra wires, or you plan on using a computer case that has a clear panel. Modular power supplies more often than not cost more, and while one can argue that it makes wire management easier, so does buying a case that isn't a cheap piece of crap, competent cases will have good solutions for wire management (tie up points and space to stow the wires behind the motherboard, etc).

I would suggest spending the 30 bucks and get the 212 evo cooler now, even if you don't plan on overclocking right away, it removes the hassle of having to go back in later and remove the old cooler, clean off the thermal compound and install the new cooler. Save yourself a good half hour of unnecessary work.

 

[proton007]

Well, modular supplies are also simpler when it comes to troubleshooting your system.
Also, better airflow.

 

[nekulturny]

How are they simpler for troubleshooting? I'm not being a smartass, seriously, I've never had one, but I can't conceive how it would make troubleshooting easier.

As far as airflow, see my "buying a decent case" argument.

 

[proton007]

Lesser wires, easier to trace, you can unplug them from the PSU side as well.
Making additions is easier, you don't need to rewire.

 

[nekulturny]

Point conceded on additions, but I'm still not sure the price they typically command over non-modular is worth it.

As far as tracing wires though, its either plugged in or its not. Wouldn't be the hard to trace. :lol:

 

[proton007]

From what I see, most modular supplies are also 80+ certified. So the extra price includes this as well.

 

[nekulturny]

Well, I wouldn't buy one that wasn't 80+ certified, modular or not lol.

 

[azeem40]

There are some PSUs that deliver their rated wattage and are very close to being 80+ Certified, like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

 

[nekulturny]

Thats not a bad one, if Hardware Secrets likes it, I like it.

 

[aznshinobi]

Rosewill's Hive PSUs all are fairly affordable fully modular PSUs that are great in performance... So... There's an example.