First Time Build So I Thought I'd Ask The Experts Please HELP!!

[caffeedencebrah]

Hey so Ive assembled a list of parts for my build i just want to hear your guys thoughts on it and want to make sure everything is compatible and will fit in my case. I will be using this PC for gaming mostly. Im already over budget so Im going to buy most the parts now and probably save up for the graphics card for last since Im not 100% set on it yet although I do like this one. Ill probably use the disk drive out of my old tower to save a little on cost. Everything is from NewEgg and Im trying to buy most things in the next couple days to take advantage of them being on sale.

Heres the list:

APEVIA X-JUPITER-JR G-Type X-JPJGT-MG Metallic Grey SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811144191
GIGABYTE GA-970A-D3 AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128521
Mushkin Enhanced MKNSSDBRKT2535 2.5" to 3.5" drive adapter bracket
Item #: N82E16817812011
GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video ...
Item #: N82E16814125418
OCZ ModXStream Pro 700W Modular High Performance Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandybridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom
Item #: N82E16817341018
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL
Item #: N82E16820231428
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820227726
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX
Item #: N82E16819103727

 

[malbluff]

As you don't state prices/budget, or where you are, it's a little difficult to give best alternatives. However, GENERALLY speaking:

Even if you overclock that Phenom (and I don't see an aftermarket cooler in build), you would achieve better gaming performance with i3-3220 processor, and H77 mobo, at presumably similar cost.
Unless you plan to add 2nd graphics card, in crossfire, you don't need 700w PSU. 500 or 550w would be more than enough. I wouldn't use OCZ, anyway. Seasonic are very good, if pricey. For cheaper, good, alternatives; XFX, Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Antec, BeQuiet.
OCZ's Agility 3 isn't too good. Their Vertex 4's not bad, or Samsung 830, or Crucial M4.

 

[jmsellars1]

Agree with above.

I'd switch for an i3-3220, H77 board, 520W Seasonic PSU and Samsung 830/Crucial M4 SSD.

You would get better performance and reliability with lower power consumption at a similar price.

 

[caffeedencebrah]

Oh sorry yeah I'm in Salt Lake City Utah. I have OS and use my 42" LCD for my monitor so for just the PC I'd like to keep it around $500 maybe $600. This build is closer to $700 though. I was trying to save by going with AMD but if a dual core i3 is better than quad core AMD im all for it. I've always had intel and liked them. Sorry I'm a noob but thanks for the advice!

 

[caffeedencebrah]

Okay so I revised it and came up with this. What do you think? I would be interested in cheaper graphics card suggestions because that is by far the most expensive thing and im still a little over budget. I mostly play LOL, SC2, Diablo 3, GW2 and maybe some others. I would like to play on High Quality settings so if there is a card that can achieve that smoothly for a bit cheaper that would be awesome. Thanks guys


Mushkin Enhanced MKNSSDBRKT2535 2.5" to 3.5" drive adapter bracket
Item #: N82E16817812011
$7.99

GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video ...
Item #: N82E16814125418 $20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$259.99

SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817151095
$89.99

G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT
Item #: N82E16820231422
$33.99

Intel Core i3-3220 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ...
Item #: N82E16819116775
$129.99

SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC064B/WW 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820147162
$74.99

ASUS P8H77-V LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131834 -$20.00 Instant
$129.99

APEVIA X-JUPITER-JR G-Type X-JPJGT-MG Metallic Grey SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811144191 -$50.00 Instant $79.99
$29.99

 

[malbluff]

Apart from you could use 1600 MHz RAM, that looks pretty good. As to saving money, you COULD drop to HD7850, or even HD6870, but the HD7870 is very good, and you tend to lose more, in performance, than you gain, in money.

 

[morbious81]

Even if you overclock that Phenom (and I don't see an aftermarket cooler in build), you would achieve better gaming performance with i3-3220 processor.

I personally beg to differ. No this isn't an INTEL VS AMD BATTLE, and I refuse to get into one. I have computers running each of these chips, the Intel at stock, and the AMD OC'd. The AMD games better for me. That's just my experience. I've spent a lot more time tweaking the AMD though. You definitely want an aftermarket cooler if you're going to OC. Both build (cpu,mobo combo) ideas are solid. I'd put it to personal preference, and which set of gear you can get cheaper. Also, if you don't plan to tweak your machine the Intel would be a better choice.

 

[jmsellars1]

You could EASILY play those games at max settings on the cheaper HD 7850. You could go for that if you want to save some cash.

EDIT: That along with the i3 means the system would consume like 200W at full load as well. 400W+ would be plenty.

 

[caffeedencebrah]

Hey thanks for all the replies. My slightly over budget computer is on its way and it wouldnt have been nearly as awesome if it wasnt for you guys so thanks!