First Gaming PC

[skirch56]

I am planning on building my first gaming PC. Until this time I have only used consoles. But with the rumors of next gen systems, and the fact the desktop I own now is pretty much junk, I think its time for something different.

Here is a link to my list of the major components I am thinking about using.

http://

I was told to go with the chosen motherboard so I had the possibility of expanding to two video cards if I feel like it in a year or two.
Same goes for the single 8 gig stick of ram.

If it matters, this PC will be hooked up to a 42 inch, 720p tv.

How does my parts list look? Any different suggestions? And if there are, please give the reason.

 

[AMD Radeon]

the coolmax psu is a pure junk. so do you plan to OC? we might help you better picking parts that suit your need

 

[skirch56]

the coolmax psu is a pure junk. so do you plan to OC? we might help you better picking parts that suit your need

I don't plan to OC right away. Other advice told me with the parts I have chosen, I can add another vid card, more ram, and OC in the future if I need the extra power to keep up with more demanding games.

 

[AMD Radeon]

actually, you pick some OC parts, so that your budget isnt balanced between cpu-gpu performance. OC cpu wont be a good plan if your gpu is weak.... it is better to have non-oc cpu and strong gpu

 

[skirch56]

So what parts should I change on my list?

 

[AMD Radeon]

depend on your budget, can be changed or not
how much is your budget?

 

[skirch56]

Well with the parts listed I am already over my budget. This is going to be a little slower project than anticipated. I would like to stay under 900 with the components I already listed.

Are you saying that something on my list other than the power supply need to be of higher quality?

 

[AMD Radeon]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($188.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($52.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($348.48 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $840.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-20 10:40 EDT-0400)

this build is non-oc build so that the money is focused on cpu-gpu balance, future upgrading wont be a nice plan, as you will suffer a bit before the upgrade time
1x 8gb ram ---> single channel lower performance on games
expensive cpu+mobo ---> have to pick weak gpu

 

[skirch56]

So is there a different way to go to keep my system upgradable in the future?

 

[AMD Radeon]

^ add a second similar GPU, that mobo is for SLI/crossfire
but you need to swap PSU for SLI certified, like corsair TX 750 V2 *which is 90-100 bucks, it is up to you if you want to buy it now

and add the exact same 2x 4GB ram so that you have 16GB in the end, 16GB is too much for gaming pc

 

[skirch56]

So just for clarification, if I plan on doubling up on the video card, why didn't the one I have listed work? Also, did you just change the processor because I don't plan to overclock?

Forgive me for all the questions, but this is all uncharted territory for me.

 

[AMD Radeon]

i pick the cheaper cpu+mobo to save money, and use the saving for stronger gpu, that is gaming PC balance

 

[jesot]

NewEgg has a deal on an Asus P8Z77-V LE motherboard.

You get 2x4GB G.Skill Ripjaws 1600 for free with the Asus P8Z77-V LE ($150) and a $20 rebate card.

Can also save some by going to 3350P or drop an extra $30 on the 3570k. I'd find the cash to get the more future-proof part, to be honest.

I'd definitely air toward the 670. It's a big upgrade over the 660 and is an overall better investment.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/660?vs=598

 

[skirch56]

So I guess my remaining questions are;

In what way do I benefit by going to the gtx 670 over the gtx 660?

Would it make a difference if I go with one of the higher versions of the 660, such as http:// or http://

And if done this way, is the addition of the extra video card and then overclocking the processor an option in the future without actually replacing parts?

Or is there something I am still not getting?

I apologize in advance if this is getting frustrating.

And I guess my line of thinking is that I like the price point of that video card for now, with the ability to just throw another one in at a later date.

I have also been pointed towards a Radeon 7870.