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Gaming Mini-ATX PC build

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Hello,

Could you please give me a quick advice regarding this configuration? It's been a long time since I built a PC, especially for games, and wanted to see if there are any issues with any of the components.

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($97.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.74 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($228.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Silverstone SST-PS07B MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($78.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $794.22
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-30 05:03 EST-0500)

I know at least that the CPU is ok :) . The issues are with the Video Card, Motherboard and maybe Case/Power Supply.

Regards

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For gaming you don't need 16GB RAM. But if you can and want to, I guess it's fine.

I checked Silverstone's website on the PS07. It seems like there's no clearance issue. You're good to go. The rest of the parts are fine.

$228 seems a bit too high for a 7850 right now especially since you can fine 7870s around $220-230 at Newegg. You could consider changing that. That psu can still handle it, no problem.

PSU: 520w is good for your build, but try to get a slightly more efficient PSU. (80 bronze)
Seasonic or Antec

Memory: 8gb is plenty and be careful cuz some RAM are tall and won't fit with a big CPU cooler.
(I've never seen my memory usage go beyond 6gb.)

CPU: 3570k is great, but needs a special cooler. The Cooler Master Evo is extremely popular, works great, and cheap. You have to buy one.

Case: mini cases have greater heat issues. For gaming desktops, they aren't advised especially considering you are getting a 7850. Also, don't forget to have 3 case fans and one should be a side case fan.

GPU: money saved by buying less RAM can go towards a 7870 Tahiti. It's a best!

Mobo: I'm not familiar with your choice.
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jcurry23 said:
why does he need a special cooler?

People choose the "k" model... 3570k... and "Z" model of Z77 because they plan on overclocking. If so, then the Intel cooler is not adequate for a safe system. Second, I've been told that the Intel cooler has a loud fan and doesn't keep the CPU cool well.

EzioAs said:
He could get by with the stock cooler if he's not overclocking the CPU just yet. But, at some point, he probably will so...my recommendations:

Cooler Master Hyper 212+
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Thermaltake Frio
Noctua NH-D14

Would you rather install everything at once or wait a month and buy a special cooler? If you'd rather wait then it means you have to remove the motherboard and and disconnect everything then reapply thermal paste and install the motherboard (again) and rewire everything. .... time consuming and not good advice.

However, all your coolers are good choices. If I overclocked my cpu more (better mobo) then I would have bought the Frio.

envy14tpe said:
Would you rather install everything at once or wait a month and buy a special cooler? If you'd rather wait then it means you have to remove the motherboard and and disconnect everything then reapply thermal paste and install the motherboard (again) and rewire everything. .... time consuming and not good advice.


I did not advice him that :??:  . I was just saying he could use the stock cooler for a while. There might also be the case that he's not overclocking straight away, it maybe years later before he's overclocking the CPU when the CPU is the bottleneck with later video cards.

EzioAs said:
He could get by with the stock cooler if he's not overclocking the CPU just yet. But, at some point, he probably will so...my recommendations:

Cooler Master Hyper 212+
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Thermaltake Frio
Noctua NH-D14


Thank you all for your replies and advice. For now, I'll stick with the stock cooler because I will not OC the CPU [yet]. Plus I don't mind if I'll have to disassemble everything to add a new cooler. Thanks for the suggestions!
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