Building a PC

[clocand]

My goal is to build a good computer, learn from my experience, and time take pride in doing so. My spending limit is around $1000. I definitely am not certain in my decisions below. I am an intel-fanboy.
The games I will be Playing Include: BF3, SWTOR, Diablo 3, Crysis 2, SC2.
I'll be ordering the parts in about two weeks.

I am starting from scratch(have a good monitor), here is the list I have made from searching newegg:

Current Monitor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009145

Case:
CM 690 II $79.99 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119216

Motherboard:
ASRock Z68 Extreme3 $114.99 AR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157271

Processor:
i5-2500K $219.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072

Video Card:
SAPPHIRE HD 6950 Dirt3 Special Edition 2GB $259.99 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102945

Power Supply:
Antec EA-750 Green $82.99 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371051

CPU Cooler:
Cooler Master Hyper 212 $29.04
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065

RAM:
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series DDR3 1600 8GB $43.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231314

HDD:
HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D 1TB $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145533

DVD Rom:
Sony DVD-ROM $23.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827118031

 

[lehtv]

Could you post the product names and prices, no one's going to bother clicking through a dozen links.

Do you overclock?

The build here is a good start

 

[mfenn]

Could you post the product names and prices, no one's going to bother clicking through a dozen links.

I did.

OP, your build looks like a decent start, but there are a few places where you could do better:
- Mobo: The ASRock Z68 Extreme3 has pretty much the same features, but is $20 less AR.
- PSU: Not a bad deal AR AP, but it's more power than you need. The XFX Core 650W is $60 AR and is built by Seasonic.
- HDD : Fine, but the 7K1000.D series gets you the same 1TB per platter performance for less cost.
- ODD : No real need to pay anything over $20 for a burner

 

[clocand]

I've covered all the questions you asked by editing my original post and I have also updated the items I have changed based on mfenn's suggestions. (The Motherboard and HDD) As for the PSU would you recommend keeping the 750W, since it is such a good deal, especially if I plan on upgrading in the future. Also, would having the 750W put the computer in harm if that much power is not needed?

As for overclocking, I sadly don't know much about it. I would have to look it up and figure out what it's all exactly about.

Thank you.

 

[MAW1082]

IMHO, I would try to find a board with 4 memory slots if possible.

I built something similar and regret opting for a 2 slot board now . . .

 

[janas19]

IMHO, I would try to find a board with 4 memory slots if possible.

I built something similar and regret opting for a 2 slot board now . . .

Planning on needing 16 GB of RAM soon?

 

[lehtv]

@OP

Your build looks very good overall.

An overkill power supply isn't going to be harmful to your components. That said, 750W isn't overkill if you're going to add another 6950 and plan to overclock the cards and the CPU. XFX 650W linked by mfenn would handle 6950 crossfire but there wouldn't be much room for overclocking. But you can get the 750W version for $60 AR shipped from NCIX.US.

The Sapphire 6950 non-dirt3 is $20 less.

I should also mention that on your resolution of 1680x1050, it may be a good idea to save $100 for now and stick to a 6870 1GB. It's only about 10-20% slower on your resolution, depending on game, but 40% cheaper. Of course, if you're planning on a new monitor anytime soon, the 6950 is fine.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

As for overclocking, I sadly don't know much about it. I would have to look it up and figure out what it's all exactly about.

Thank you.

Then a 2500k might be a waste. FWIW I've heard it is very easy to OC this chip but you should decide if that is something you will, or will not, do.

Also, do you have a mircrocenter near you? If so, you will get that CPU and a comparable motherboard for about $100.- less than newegg. I think they are running the 2500k at around $180.- and giving $40.- off a motherboard for it.

OT: friend me up on LoL....screen name is the same.....warning I'm a horrible noob though.

 

[clocand]

I actually do have a MicroCenter about 30Miles from where I live:
For $179.99 that's $40 savings thank you.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0354589

As for the overclocking I think I'm going to stick with it and figure it all out once I have it put together and running (shouldn't be to hard, hopefully)

Thank you lehtv for your suggestion on the power supply, but sadly I won't have the money in time to receive the $25 mail in rebate. Also, for the video card I'm going to keep the one you suggested in mind when I go to order since it is currently not in stock. I also do plan on upgrading my monitor as soon as I have the money for it. When I do manage to get the other monitor would this build have any downsides to a dual monitor set up?

Also, would anyone know where to get a decently priced windows 7 operating system?

Lastly, I was thinking about maybe going with this case instead for easy cleaning any pro's or con's? or any suggestions on different cases that look decent and are good at keeping everything at a safe temperature.

Antec DF-35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129088

 

[lehtv]

Yes the 2500K is $40 less from microcenter, but in addition to that you get a discount on Z68 motherboards.

When I do manage to get the other monitor would this build have any downsides to a dual monitor set up?

You could run the new monitor with the 6950 and your secondary monitor with the integrated graphics. Running both monitors with the 6950 would unfortunately mean (as far as I know) that the GPU would be at full clocks while idling, increasing its power consumption/temperature/noise.

Also, would anyone know where to get a decently priced windows 7 operating system?

Unlikely to get it for any lower than $100 from newegg.

Lastly, I was thinking about maybe going with this case instead for easy cleaning any pro's or con's? or any suggestions on different cases that look decent and are good at keeping everything at a safe temperature.

Antec DF-35
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129088

If you look closely, that case lacks cable management behind the motherboard tray. And apart from the fact that it includes two more fans and aesthetics, there's not much difference to Antec 300 which goes for half that price. So, you can easily get a better case for $100. I'd pick Corsair 400R, Fractal Arc Midi or CM HAF 922 over that any day.

 

[clocand]

When I look on the MicroCenter website it says there are no motherboard/cpu bundles, the store close to where I live must not be running the sale. .

I can see that happening with the dual monitor idea maybe I'll have to look more into that when the time comes.

and thank you for the case ideas I'm thinking I may end up going with the CM HAF 922

 

[monkeydelmagico]

You gotta go in and look in the flier. Since you going to get the CPU anyways inquire. I'm pretty sure the deal is still on.

Supermediastore win 7 $90.- shipped

Oh yeah. CASE: Antec 300 $49.- at microcenter. $35.- after rebate. OR maybe Corsair Carbide 400r for %79.- after rebate?

HAF 922 is nice tho

 

[janas19]

You gotta go in and look in the flier. Since you going to get the CPU anyways inquire.

He was a poet.

But he did not know it.

Go look at the flier.

Might as well inquire.

Don't go to the wire!

Get what you desire.

I'm pretty sure, the deal is still on.

 

[mfenn]

You could run the new monitor with the 6950 and your secondary monitor with the integrated graphics. Running both monitors with the 6950 would unfortunately mean (as far as I know) that the GPU would be at full clocks while idling, increasing its power consumption/temperature/noise.

I believe that is the case if you want to use two TDMS-style outputs (DVI or HDMI) at the same time. If one display is VGA or DisplayPort, I think that it will still clock down.

 

[mfenn]

I've covered all the questions you asked by editing my original post and I have also updated the items I have changed based on mfenn's suggestions. (The Motherboard and HDD) As for the PSU would you recommend keeping the 750W, since it is such a good deal, especially if I plan on upgrading in the future. Also, would having the 750W put the computer in harm if that much power is not needed?

There is no harm beyond slightly decreased efficiency. I would say that it isn't worth it though, because the changes of upgrading to Crossfire anything are slim to none.

 

[clocand]

I was looking for more cases and I was wondering what you guys thought about it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811517006

It has cable management, aesthetics, and 2x 230mm fans, to name a few pro's that I can spot right away.

 

[lehtv]

And it looks absolutely horrible. (sorry had to)

Read some reviews on it to get a better idea if it's the case for you. E.g. http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.p...sk=view&id=452&Itemid=61&limit=1&limitstart=5

Pros:

+ Big airflow and superior cooling provided by five fans
+ Great cable management
+ Stunning red paint job
+ Support for big hardware
+ Strong and sturdy construction
+ Illuminated interior - although better in dark than day
+ Potential for water cooling
+ Big feet give lots of ground clearance
+ Bottom PSU installation
+ Top exhaust fan has speed control
+ Great value for money (even better after rebate)

Cons:​

- No 2.5" drive support
- Case needs to be deconstructed to install a HDD
- Side panel fan can conflict with tall CPU coolers
- No CPU backplate window
- No filters included for intake fans​

 

[mfenn]

And it looks absolutely horrible. (sorry had to)

I agree! It looks basically like a less expensive knockoff of the HAF 932.