Need an opinion on my $900 AUD computer build!

[danielcai]

Hey guys! I'm planning to build my first PC in two weeks. My budget is roughly Australian $900, plus or minus $10.

Here is my current setup: (PCPartPicker List)
**All prices are in AUD.**

• 
  $133 - AMD FX-6300
  $99 - AsRock 970 Extreme3 R2
  $95 - Kingston HyperX Blue 1600mHz 2x4GB
  $87 - Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB SSD
  $64 - WD Blue 1TB 7200RPM
  $209 - MSI Twin Frozr R9 270
  $99 - Corsair Graphite 230T
  $99 - Antec HCG-520M semi-modular 520W
  $24 or $30 - Cooler Master Hyper TX3 Evo or Vortex Plus (212 Evo is placeholder in the list)

I am planning on running Windows 8.1 Pro and playing War Thunder and Battlefield 3 (at the moment).

So, do you guys have any recommendations or suggestions? Do keep in mind that I live in Australia and that some parts are not readily available here. I am only buying from my local computer store, MSY, which has everything in stock.

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[Nuckles_56]

That looks pretty good really though if you can manage to find an extra $10 I would go with this power supply instead as it will save you some money especially with Australian power prices the way they are http://www.msy.com.au/viconline/pc-components/12440-antec-tpc-550-550w-true-power-classic-80plus-gold-power-supply-unit.html And the other thing is I would definitely make use of MSY as they are cheaper than most other places in Australia

 

[danielcai]

That looks pretty good really though if you can manage to find an extra $10 I would go with this power supply instead as it will save you some money especially with Australian power prices the way they are http://www.msy.com.au/viconline/pc-components/12440-antec-tpc-550-550w-true-power-classic-80plus-gold-power-supply-unit.html And the other thing is I would definitely make use of MSY as they are cheaper than most other places in Australia

OK, that sounds fine. Just a few more questions:

The motherboard I have chosen supports up to 2100+mHz RAM, but only supports 1333mHz without "OC" or "overclocking". It also says that anything 1600mHz or more depends on the CPU. Will my CPU/motherboard combination support 1600mHz RAM, and will I need to "overclock" it?

Do I need a 550W PSU? Or can I go for something much less? Say, 450W?

[strike]Also, I'd prefer a PSU that is either "modular" or "semi-modular", as they have removable cables? Any suggestions other than the HCG-520M?[/strike]

Thanks so much for your advice!

 

[Nuckles_56]

The CPU will support 1600mhz RAM and you shouldn't need to overclock the RAM at all. You don't need a 550W PSU but you don't really want one which is 450W, as 500W one would be ideal and I couldn't find a silver rated or better rated one on MSY.

 

[danielcai]

The CPU will support 1600mhz RAM and you shouldn't need to overclock the RAM at all. You don't need a 550W PSU but you don't really want one which is 450W, as 500W one would be ideal and I couldn't find a silver rated or better rated one on MSY.

How about this one? Corsair CS450M 450Watt 80Plus Gold ATX Power Supply Unit
It's modular too, with flat cables, so that's a plus!

Thanks again!

 

[Nuckles_56]

That one will do but if you can find a 500W one from http://www.mwave.com.au/ or http://www.cplonline.com.au/ It would be better as I like to leave a bit more headroom for the power supply and the system consumption.

 

[danielcai]

That one will do but if you can find a 500W one from http://www.mwave.com.au/ or http://www.cplonline.com.au/ It would be better as I like to leave a bit more headroom for the power supply and the system consumption.

I'm not buying online, so this 450W will do for now. I'll see if I can find room in my budget for the 550W one you suggested.

Thanks!

 

[Nuckles_56]

No worries

 

[danielcai]

That looks pretty good really though if you can manage to find an extra $10 I would go with this power supply instead as it will save you some money especially with Australian power prices the way they are http://www.msy.com.au/viconline/pc-components/12440-antec-tpc-550-550w-true-power-classic-80plus-gold-power-supply-unit.html And the other thing is I would definitely make use of MSY as they are cheaper than most other places in Australia

No worries

Oh, wait, sorry, one last question...
What's the typical way to calculate the PSU wattage compared to the power use of a system? PCPartPicker estimates my wattage to be 360W.

Thanks once more!

 

[Nuckles_56]

I use that same estimate and then add 150W to the system usage to select what Power supply to get as you always want head room for the power supply and besides, it means they get to run more efficiently as well

 

[danielcai]

I use that same estimate and then add 150W to the system usage to select what Power supply to get as you always want head room for the power supply and besides, it means they get to run more efficiently as well

Cool, thanks mate! Oh, and the PSU you suggested, the Antec TruePower Classic, is it modular? Because MSY's pictures show the modular connections, but the description doesn't mention anything.

Thanks!

 

[Nuckles_56]

I am pretty sure that is modular but I was unable to find out anywhere whether it is modular or not except from the photos that MSY provide

 

[danielcai]

I am pretty sure that is modular but I was unable to find out anywhere whether it is modular or not except from the photos that MSY provide

Alrighty! Thank you very much for your assistance!