First computer build, based on i5 3570k processor (probably)

[davevrave]

Hi, I would like some advice on my first computer build. Would like powerful, fast, efficient computer that is near to silent. Thank you very much for some advice hopefully, looked at a lot of reviews and posts online and the parts I have listed appear to be good buys and compatible.

Approximate Purchase Date: Next week or week after

Budget Range: Approx £500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Watching media, encoding video surfing net, office applications and running academic software that doesn't have Mac versions. Maybe do some gaming if I get back into it but rather not buy graphics card now and spend more on other components.

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: All internal components apart from old pci wifi card and DVD burner. Will salvage keyboard, mouse and speakers from old computer.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes (Windows 8)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon.co.uk, ebuyer.com, dabs.com

Location: UK

Parts Preferences:

Curently looking at Intel i5 3570K (£170 amazon)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Generation-i5-3570K-3-40GHz-Technology/dp/B007RUZKK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352688056&sr=8-1

Asus P8Z77-V LX (£86 amazon)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-Motherboard-CrossFireX-Intelligent-Processors/dp/B007KZQE7Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1352688093&sr=1-1

Seasonic x-400 watt (£105 amazon)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SeaSonic-X-400FL-Fanless-Power-Supply/dp/B003ZWQXUQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1352688130&sr=1-1

or

seasonic x-660 watt (£124) depending advice and what is most suitable to system components.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seasonic-X-660-Watt-Power-Supply/dp/B004DRZI4Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1352688163&sr=1-1

Would like good value smallish SSD to minimise noise and maximise speed before adding larger HDD in future for media etc.

Not sure on case, looked at quite a few and dont want to spend over £50 on one really. Would like great air flow with large fans so they can be run slow (and be quiet) while effectively cool.

Currently there is a deal for cpu (as above), motherboard (as above) and ram at dabs (£290).
Asus Intel Performance Bundle (Includes P8Z77-V LX, Intel Core i5-3570K & 8GB Black Mamba DDR3)
http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-intel-performance-bundle--includes-p8z77-v-lx--intel-core-i5-3570k---8gb-black-mamba-ddr3--8BPY.html?q=i5%203570k&src=16

Overclocking: Maybe - dependent on temps and performance. Would like option in future

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe - Not currently but possibly in future

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Target is a computer that is as close to silent as possible, boots very quickly and will suit its purpose hopefully for quite a few years.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Would like desktop with windows for mostly watching TV/movies and encoding video but also to replace a laptop when it packs up that is used for general office and surfing.

Thanks again, sorry the post is quite long after filling in all the information that is requested.

 

[g-unit1111]

That bundle looks good, 400W will be very underpowered for any decent GPU. I'd suggest the Cooler Master HAF 912+ or the Fractal Design Arc MIDI for that price.

 

[davevrave]

Just had a look at both those cases and the Fractal Design Arc MIDI case looks amazing but is very expensive at around £100 @ ebuyer seemed cheapest.

The Cooler Master HAF 912+ at £66 looks like a good case (I had looked at it before but seen so many its hard to remember which ones!). Is a bit more expensive than ideal but if its solid and the fans are quiet then its worth it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-HAF-Plus-Case/dp/B003XEDTLM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352690802&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Thanks for the PSU 400W advice, I thought 660W to further future proof and allow for expansions and upgrades for £20 was probably worth it.

Don't suppose anyone could recomend a fairly cheap and near to silent cpu cooler and possibly some SSD advice. Also with ram is it best value to just pick up some cheap sticks, is there much difference between brands and rated speeds?

Thanks, David

 

[davevrave]

After some more research it appears that this might be a suitable case that is much cheaper and possibly better suited to my build and requirements, Would love some feedback either positive or negative towards it. Thanks you

BitFenix Outlaw Midi Tower Chassis - Black £40
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BitFenix-Outlaw-Midi-Tower-Chassis/dp/B005TUQGX6/ref=sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1352759859&sr=1-2