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First-time builder needing some help...

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  • parts
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  • Computers
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September 16, 2013 6:06:08 PM

Hello everyone.

Up until now I've been buying pre-built computers from Best Buy and I've decided to end that this year. I want to build my own computer and I'm confident that I can do it but what I'm not sure about is what parts will work together. I've already put together a list of parts for a computer that I want to build but I'd like to know from you more experienced fellows if they'll all work together or if I need to change something.

Here's the list:

1. CPU - Intel Core i5-4430 Quad-Core Desktop Processor 3.0 GHz 6 MB Cache LGA 1150 - BX80646I54430
2. Memory - Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit for Core i3, i5, i7 and Platforms SDRAM CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
3. Cooler - NZXT HAVIK CPU Cooler with Dual 140MM Fans - Silver/Black
4. OS - Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (OEM) System Builder DVD 1 Pack
5. Power Supply - Corsair Builder Series CX 600 Watt ATX/EPS 80 PLUS (CX600)
6. Optical Drive - Lite-On Super AllWrite 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive - Bulk - IHAS124-04 (Black)
7. Case - NZXT PHANTOM ATX Full Tower Case, Black PHAN-001BK
8. Sound Card - ASUS Xonar DGX PCI-E GX2.5 Audio Engine Sound Cards
9. MB - MSI Computer Corp. Motherboard Micro ATX DDR3 1333 LGA 1150 Motherboards H87M-G43
10. HD - Seagate Barracuda 1 TB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 32 MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Desktop Hard Drive ST310005N1A1AS-RK-Retail Kit
11. Graphics Card - XFX HD 6670 800M 2BG DDR3 DP HDMI DVI PCI-Express 2.1

The graphics card I am pulling out of my current computer, which is actually a replacement to the original one. My computer completely crashed last November and I basically had to replace my graphics card and hard drive and had to put in a new OS as well. I also put in a higher watt power supply to support the new graphics card. So, as I said, I'm confident about putting a computer together, just not too savvy on what parts/brands will work with others.

More about : time builder needing

September 16, 2013 6:20:35 PM

They will all work together but I have a couple suggestions.

1.You wont need an aftermarket cooler at all since both your CPU and motherboard dont support overclocking.
2.A dedicated sound card is really only useful if youre using VERY high quality speakers or headphones.
3.Graphics card is pretty weak if you're planning on gaming.

I would drop the cooler + sound card and get an SSD instead.
September 16, 2013 6:32:36 PM

1. What brand of cooler would you suggest? Or do I not need one at all?
2a. I honestly can't say if my speakers are really high quality. I bought them a few years ago for $20 or $30 and they've been working really well. They're not anything fancy but I definitely get a great quality of sound from them.
2b. The headphones I have are from Razer and I think I spent at least $75 on them but I don't use them unless I'm in some kind of voice chat with someone.
3. I do plan on gaming and the graphics card I have has been working pretty good. I was planning on using it just temporarily until I got a better one. The graphics card I've been originally looking at is a Gigabyte AMD Radeon HD 7950 3GB DDR5.
4. The SSD I can maybe work in but not sure yet. I would absolutely LOVE to have one though.
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September 16, 2013 6:49:16 PM

1. The CPU comes with a stock cooler which should be just fine for you.
2. I wouldn't get the sound card. Onboard audio is quite good on modern motherboards.
3. 7950 is a great choice! Good deals on them right now.
4. An SSD is a great upgrade, it will make your whole PC feel noticeably quicker.

Good luck!
September 16, 2013 6:54:28 PM

1. I didn't know that but now I do!
2. Fine with me. I didn't think I really needed it anyways but I figured I'd add it in just in case. I won't now.
3. Awesome!
4. If I do get an SSD, what size do you suggest? I'd like to go with a 128GB but I don't know how that size compares to a 1TB HD. Also, should I still get an HD or no? I'd prefer not to have both but I will if necessary.
5. As far as the OS is concerned, I know that the "SP1" stands for "Service Pack 1" but does it matter what Service Pack I buy for the OS or no?
September 16, 2013 7:07:17 PM

I would suggest a 120GB Samsung 840 SSD. Good performance & reliability and one of the cheapest out there right now.
You would still want a regular hard drive. The best route is to install Windows and any programs (Office, etc.) to the SSD and use the hard drive for general storage (videos, music, pics, etc.). Games can be installed on either, the SSD will reduce loading times but wont make it actually run any smoother.
September 16, 2013 7:14:17 PM

Okay, great.

And for the OS, I know the "SP1" stands for "Service Pack 1" but what does that really mean? The first pack of updates for Win 7? Should I get a different service pack? Or does it not really matter? It's still an OEM builder but I'm not sure if there's any difference between the one I listed and any other Win 7 OEM builder.
September 16, 2013 7:17:54 PM

Doesn't matter. It just means Service Pack 1 is pre-installed on the disc, but any version you buy will get all the free updates/service packs anyways.
September 16, 2013 7:24:39 PM

Ah, okay. Well, I believe this is all I need to know for now. Thanks so much for the help!
!