Seeking wisdom on my first build.

[Retrowire]

Hello, this is part 2 of a previous thread which can be found here,

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=31&post=382074&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=1&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0

I just thought I'd start a new thread because I've updated the previous configuration by a good amount and I wanted to see if this would all work out. This is my first build but I'm not a complete novice with computing in general. Thanks to smorizio for his help in the previous thread btw.

Here's the build as of now:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/ANJo

I'm open to any and all suggestions to improve this system and stay within the $800 budget.

Questions:
1. Should this type of build have any form of liquid cooling?
2. Do you have to buy your own thermal paste when assembling a computer or does it usually come with the CPU?

Thanks again for any help.

 

[tenaciousk]

Made a few changes that i would do, switched you CPU to something a little better. the i5-3570k paired with the z77 motherboard. opens the door to future overclocking if you ever decide that is something you would like to do. Also added a aftermarket CPU cooler. also replaced your power supply with a higher quality manufacturer. for more reliability and a longer life. (you don't want to put a cheaply made power supply in your system and sacrifice your work.)



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($120.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 650 2GB Video Card ($118.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: StarTech Model TX3SPLITTER 6" TX3 Fan Power Splitter Cable F-M ($3.79)
Other: XIGMATEK FCB (Fluid Circulative Bearing) Cooling System Crystal Series CLF-F1251 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 pcs in 1 package CFS-SXGJS-BU2 ($11.99)
Total: $763.65
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-02 08:24 EST-0500)


Edit, not sure why the price is coming to that. its not adding something. if you click the link you will see this comes to $797.45

 

[tenaciousk]

In this build i got a little bit cheaper motherboard. And upgraded the gpu a little for better performance. This is another option for you. (there are many different ways to spend 800 dollars) =D



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G45 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB Video Card ($143.79 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: StarTech Model TX3SPLITTER 6" TX3 Fan Power Splitter Cable F-M ($3.79)
Other: XIGMATEK FCB (Fluid Circulative Bearing) Cooling System Crystal Series CLF-F1251 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 pcs in 1 package CFS-SXGJS-BU2 ($11.99)
Total: $777.45
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-02 08:37 EST-0500)

 

[Retrowire]

Made a few changes that i would do, switched you CPU to something a little better. the i5-3570k paired with the z77 motherboard. opens the door to future overclocking if you ever decide that is something you would like to do. Also added a aftermarket CPU cooler. also replaced your power supply with a higher quality manufacturer. for more reliability and a longer life. (you don't want to put a cheaply made power supply in your system and sacrifice your work.)



PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($120.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 650 2GB Video Card ($118.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: StarTech Model TX3SPLITTER 6" TX3 Fan Power Splitter Cable F-M ($3.79)
Other: XIGMATEK FCB (Fluid Circulative Bearing) Cooling System Crystal Series CLF-F1251 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 pcs in 1 package CFS-SXGJS-BU2 ($11.99)
Total: $763.65
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-02 08:24 EST-0500)


Edit, not sure why the price is coming to that. its not adding something. if you click the link you will see this comes to $797.45

Hey that's a great suggestion on the power supply, I did figure that Antec was a better brand I just guess I didn't look hard enough! And thanks for noticing I wanted an eco friendly variety. Also, that is the processor that my wife and I originally had in mind. Problem is, Microcenter isn't that accessible to us but saving money on the PSU might give us room in the budget for a better CPU. Nice work!

In this build i got a little bit cheaper motherboard. And upgraded the gpu a little for better performance. This is another option for you. (there are many different ways to spend 800 dollars) =D

My wife is pretty adamant on the features of GIGABYTE brand mobo's and I like em' too. But that GPU is a nice step up, I found it at a good price elsewhere but it was an MSI brand GTX 650 ti and both reviews and general opinion has kinda led me away from MSI brand products. Do you have any personal experience with the brand? Also, is that Galaxy brand a good manufacturer?

Thanks again for all your help.

 

[tenaciousk]

Hi, I am glad you have taken a few things from the build. Glad i could help out. As for MSI i have had a few of there products, they have never let me down so far. I have never owned anything galaxy. But from my experience most graphics cards are made pretty decent, with different brands they pretty mugh just bight clock it a little different and throw there own Cool on it. Galaxy may not be known as EVGA,XFX or other popular brands but it's got good reviews


It still has the dame geforce 650ti technology, I dont think you would have anything to worry about. (if that is what you decided to go with)

 

[tenaciousk]

here is a little info about the galaxy card if you like. (just to give yo an idea what you are buying)
Playing Dirt 3 max settings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2CT6am7jDY

Little review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOa6SBPABXQ

Little info on GTX 650 ti in general, with all the cards.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6365/nvidia-geforce-gtx-650-ti-launch-recap

 

[Retrowire]

Hi, I am glad you have taken a few things from the build. Glad i could help out. As for MSI i have had a few of there products, they have never let me down so far. I have never owned anything galaxy. But from my experience most graphics cards are made pretty decent, with different brands they pretty mugh just bight clock it a little different and throw there own Cool on it. Galaxy may not be known as EVGA,XFX or other popular brands but it's got good reviews


It still has the dame geforce 650ti technology, I dont think you would have anything to worry about. (if that is what you decided to go with)

I think I am leaning towards the 650 ti, it's only 10 bucks more for a little extra oomph so that's a good selling point. It's still under the $800 budget.

Should this build have liquid cooling? I've heard that fans are always dependable enough.

 

[Retrowire]

I do want a good graphics card but I'm beginning to think that I shouldn't settle on a card too soon before building the thing, (We were gonna build this thing maybe early march.)

I think I'll just decide the best graphics card for the money the same day I start ordering all the parts.

 

[iceclock]

country of origin. and max budget+do u need os?

 

[Retrowire]

country of origin. and max budget+do u need os?

Country of Origin: USA

Max Budget: $800 - $850

Yes I'll need an OS, preferably Windows 7

Thanks for asking.

 

[Retrowire]

Whoops, I kinda just realized that when I update my pcpartpicker list that it creates a new Permalink so the link in my original post is outdated methinks.

Here's the new list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B0LK

 

[lewisuk]

Hi I would recommend dual channel RAM. i.e. 2 x 4GB instead of 1 x 8GB.

 

[Retrowire]

Hi I would recommend dual channel RAM. i.e. 2 x 4GB instead of 1 x 8GB.

I've heard this before! Why is that exactly, because I've been wanting to do that but it would 1. take up more RAM slots and 2. cost more money.

 

[lewisuk]

Hi the i5 3570k has dual channel memory architecture, which means if you install a matched pair of modules you can theoretically double the data transfer rate. I wouldn't worry about taking up the extra slot because 8GB is plenty for most people and you will still have 2 left just in case. BTW I think an SSD boot drive will also speed your system up a fair bit.

 

[Retrowire]

Hi the i5 3570k has dual channel memory architecture, which means if you install a matched pair of modules you can theoretically double the data transfer rate. I wouldn't worry about taking up the extra slot because 8GB is plenty for most people and you will still have 2 left just in case. BTW I think an SSD boot drive will also speed your system up a fair bit.

Hmmm.... Well i'm not particularly interested in a SSD at the moment, but that sounds good regarding the ram. Would it make that big of a difference though? The difference between 1 stick and 2 sticks, I mean...

 

[lewisuk]

I have just thought of an analogy to explain it. You have to fill a tank with water. With the single channel memory it is like you have only one pipe feeding the tank. With dual channel memory, the tank of water is the same size, but there are 2 pipes feeding it so it takes less time.

 

[Retrowire]

I have just thought of an analogy to explain it. You have to fill a tank with water. With the single channel memory it is like you have only one pipe feeding the tank. With dual channel memory, the tank of water is the same size, but there are 2 pipes feeding it so it takes less time.

Great analogy, that makes perfect sense. I'll update my list accordingly! Thanks so much.

 

[TheBigTroll]

id get something like this
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BuKN

ram
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=74758&promoid=1292

psu is cheaper here
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59615&promoid=1257

if newegg doesnt have stock fast, get the case here
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=76376&promoid=1292

skip the hard drive in the build. its a placeholder. get this
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=70854&vpn=ST1500DM003&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1292

you dont need liquid cooling because you cant overclock. heck, you dont need a aftermarket heatsink. the stock one will be fine. obviously if you want to purchase a k series CPU and overclock, you have to get a aftermarket heatsink

i doubt you will need a splitter for the fans and the stock fans in the case are fine. xigmatek makes junk anyways

 

[iceclock]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BvPr
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BvPr/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BvPr/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition 89.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 990XA-GD55 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($112.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: StarTech Model TX3SPLITTER 6" TX3 Fan Power Splitter Cable F-M ($3.79)
Other: XIGMATEK FCB (Fluid Circulative Bearing) Cooling System Crystal Series CLF-F1251 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 pcs in 1 package CFS-SXGJS-BU2 ($11.99)
Total: $759.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 18:58 EST-0500)

should be better and quite good. 2gigs on a 650 is stupid considering it barely uses 1gig. doesnt have the power for 2 gigs.

 

[TheBigTroll]

wouldnt get a msi board to be honest. there is an asus board for only 5 bucks more that offers better features

 

[iceclock]

i like msi. and especially there 990fx boards. and big bang series are sexy as hell.

also there 1155 boards are decent. i own one runs great.

 

[iceclock]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BxKe
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BxKe/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BxKe/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition 89.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus M5A88-V EVO ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($133.43 @ Mac Connection)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: StarTech Model TX3SPLITTER 6" TX3 Fan Power Splitter Cable F-M ($3.79)
Other: XIGMATEK FCB (Fluid Circulative Bearing) Cooling System Crystal Series CLF-F1251 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 pcs in 1 package CFS-SXGJS-BU2 ($11.99)
Total: $790.08
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 21:26 EST-0500)

 

[Retrowire]

id get something like this
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BuKN

ram
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=74758&promoid=1292

psu is cheaper here
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59615&promoid=1257

if newegg doesnt have stock fast, get the case here
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=76376&promoid=1292

skip the hard drive in the build. its a placeholder. get this
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=70854&vpn=ST1500DM003&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1292

you dont need liquid cooling because you cant overclock. heck, you dont need a aftermarket heatsink. the stock one will be fine. obviously if you want to purchase a k series CPU and overclock, you have to get a aftermarket heatsink

i doubt you will need a splitter for the fans and the stock fans in the case are fine. xigmatek makes junk anyways

Thanks for answering my message TheBigTroll! I'm happy you helped me out, your recommendation on the RAM is perfect so I've bookmarked that page since I can't attach it to my pcpartpicker list with NCIX's link.

I should probably mention some things that my wife and I are adamant about;

We want to stick with an Intel based computer/mobo.

We want to have an eco friendly PSU.

We don't have a need for over a terabyte of storage because believe it or not, we live out in the middle of nowhere and won't be doing massive downloads left and right because of our limited Satellite based internet connection, that's right, Satellite. Exede to be more specific. It's nice but we've got a 10gb per month data cap as well as a terribly high latency connection.

We're on the fence regarding the opposition between AMD and Nvidia. I'm leaning either way, my wife is solid on Nvidia.

Thanks again for helping as much as you did, I'm definitely considering NCIX's inventory a bit more now. Ooh! And do you have any firsthand experience with the Xigmatek brand? I read great reviews typically, why would you say they're junk?

 

[Retrowire]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BvPr
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BvPr/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BvPr/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition 89.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 990XA-GD55 ATX AM3+/AM3 Motherboard ($112.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Other: StarTech Model TX3SPLITTER 6" TX3 Fan Power Splitter Cable F-M ($3.79)
Other: XIGMATEK FCB (Fluid Circulative Bearing) Cooling System Crystal Series CLF-F1251 120mm Blue LED Case Fan, 2 pcs in 1 package CFS-SXGJS-BU2 ($11.99)
Total: $759.20
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-04 18:58 EST-0500)

should be better and quite good. 2gigs on a 650 is stupid considering it barely uses 1gig. doesnt have the power for 2 gigs.

Good point about the Gb's in the GPU iceclock, I guess I'll save some coin and get a 1 gb model for 20 bucks cheaper, I am thinking I'm just gonna get the GTX 650 ti model anyway. Doesn't the Radeon HD 7770 benchmark much lower than the GTX 650 though?

Also, is there an intel based build you could suggest? My apologies for not mentioning the preference.

 

[Retrowire]

Oof, correction I just looked at Anandtech's benchmarking data and found that the Radeon HD 7770 does out perform the GTX 650 in a number of tests. But the GTX 650 ti does make up for it.