First Gaming Build - Needs fine tuning

[Gameboi_SS]

Hey everyone,
I'm entirely new to the construct-your-own-computer idea, even though I feel I have an above average understanding of computers. I've spent the last few days researching, digging for information, and considering components despite the heap of options present. I have been having a lot of fun learning about the process, but I need more experienced opinions to help guide me.

I'm interested in a stable gaming desktop with effective, reliable components. I'm building this from the ground up. At this point, I'm not sure about overclocking but may consider using SLI in the future. When gaming, I frequently play Guild Wars 2, Diablo 3, Minecraft, and Dota 2.

My budget is anywhere from $1000 to $1300. I've decided on most of my components, but am having difficulty choosing a MOBO and whether I should invest in a SSD/which i should purchase if going to do so. In addition, I'm not sure what constitutes a good HDD and would love some guidance to a reliable 500GB hard drive. Further, what options should i consider concerning wireless cards? I would be really thankful if anyone willing could give their opinions on what I have chosen thus far, and what would be worthy additions/replacements.

This is one MOBO I was looking at but was unsure about. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-157-293&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=4&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor

CPU Cooler: COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO Sleeve CPU Cooler http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4176827&SID=bjtuglgegexf

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Dual-Link-DisplayPort-Graphics-02G-P4-2678-KR/dp/B0083Y6MV6/ref=br_lf_m_1000825151_1_1_ttl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=electronics&pf_rd_p=1394592842&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1000825151&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0988NEKJRAG4M5PB5FJE

Case: Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower Case

Power Supply: Corsair 750W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MYFODI/?tag=pcpapi-20

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer


I really appreciate the help and opportunity to learn!

 

[DeusAres]

You could get a bit more balanced build than that. Looks like solids ideas; just needs a few subtle changes.

Be back in a bit with my recommendation...

 

[jk47_99]

Get a Ivy Bridge CPU, the i5 3570k is not that much more expensive and it will be a better fit for the rest of your system.

The OCZ Vertex 4 is a good SSD, getting a 128gb model would be the best. Samsung is also a safe bet. For a HDD, the Western Digital Caviar Black is priced higher but seems to have better reliability, the Seagate Barracuda is also a good drive.

For WiFi, you can either get a PCI card or an external USB receiver.

 

[DeusAres]

Here ya go...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 612 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($49.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($96.49 @ B&H)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Eleven Hundred ATX Full Tower Case ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($69.33 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS90 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1196.73
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-12 00:44 EDT-0400)

The MSI GTX 670 I recommended is factory overclocked and is faster than a gtx 680 straight out of the box. You may overclock it further if you wish.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

 

[nanzer]

+1 DeusAres, just a couple of changes I would recommend.
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533 - Caviar Black, much better performance.
Case: Corsair Carbide 500R http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139009
Power Supply: Corsair GS600 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139036&Tpk=gs600

These are my personal opinions, and according to me well worth the premium.
Also, the 670 2GB is currently the sweet spot card, saving a 100$ with no performance difference.

 

[azeem40]

The PSU is OK, but the one in Deus's build is more reliable.

 

[Gameboi_SS]

Alright, fantastic. I've decided to go with the Caviar Black HDD. Futher, I'm looking at the i5 3570k processor.

What makes you chose those PSU's over others? I'm basically asking what characteristics you are looking specifically for.

Also, do you consider a SSD a must ? Or could i pass on it and be fine ?

Lastly, any other solid MOBO recommendations? I'm still unsure what seperates them in terms of quality.

Thanks again.

 

[DeusAres]

For a PSU, we typically look for reliable brands (Antec, Seasonic, XFX, Corsair), 80+ certification, and wattage.

No, I don't consider a SSD a must. They merely shorten load times. They have no effect on the FPS of a game. However, they do load games much faster. It would be a great upgrade. If you have the cash, I'd definitely grab one.

Here's some more motherboard recommendations...

GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H LGA 1155 Intel Z77
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128544&Tpk=gigabyte%20ud3h%20z77

MSI Z77A-G45 LGA 1155 Intel Z77
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130645

Deal Alert!!

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

If you buy the asrock z77 extreme4 right now on newegg, you get 8gb of G.Skill Ares 8gb DDR3 RAM. Excellent deal, especially since that's the RAM I would recommend you get anyways.

 

[Gameboi_SS]

Best answer selected by Gameboi_SS.