Critique my very first build I'm planning to get..

[tnecniv]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Lots of gaming, but no games that are too intensive. Mostly WoW, SFIV:AE, some SC2, and eventually Diablo 3. Nothing crazy like Crysis. I do lots of multitasking, 10-15++ tabs in Google Chrome running, multiple MS Word/PowerPoint documents, and watching videos and movies. Would like the system to be as cool and quiet as possible.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
~$700

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
US

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
Intel, nVidia

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I will be using my current EVGA GTX460 SC EE , and Corsair 520HX PSU(pretty old I know)

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I've been reading other build threads and have tweaked my build to fit my needs and budget

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
This will be my very first build. Only parts I have ever messed with were installing a heatsink on my old 8800GT, and installing memory and PSU. I do not know how to OC, but I would like to in the future. I think that I would be able to figure it out fairly quickly. But if there are options that will give me the near equal performance for a better price I'm open to any suggestions.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
1920x1080 Widescreen

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Soon, but not in a super rush. I just need something a lot quieter than my current one

10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.


The above information IS NEEDED, in order that WE can help YOU make wise judgments on YOUR purchases :laugh:

COOLER MASTER Storm Scout SGC-2000-KKN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119196

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136533

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072

GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD4-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128478

ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204

CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233141

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065

Total after shipping: $674.41

I have: Windows 7 Ultimate, EVGA GTX460 SC EE 1GB, and a Corsair 520HX PSU.

1) Are there things that I could do without or any parts that I could switch that are more cost effective? I've seen the Samsung F3 being recommended and it's fairly cheap, but to me the SATA 6.0 looked good, but I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make.

2) Will my current PSU handle this now comp?

3) Will the Storm Scout be quiet? Is there a better, quieter, and cooler case in the same price range than it?

4) Regarding my situation on OC'ing, will I need the Hyper 212+? Could I do without if I do get the 2500k and don't plan on OC'ing for a while?

5) I am also interested in a reliable, cheap most likely 60-80GB SSD. Any recommendations?

I am open to any suggestions and criticism.

Thanks in advance!

 

[aphelion02]

You are somewhat overspending on RAM and mobo. However, those parts do look sweet, so I can't blame you too much. Just be aware that unless you plan to crossfire / sli, the ud3p is almost the same motherboard for $20 cheaper. RAM also really doesn't affect sandy bridge performance much.

I would probably suggest this:

Get the UD4 and i5-2500k in a combo to save $20 off your current config:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622005

The UD3p is unfortunately unavailable at newegg, so you could get the UD3 instead for a more cost effective mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622956

Pick up 8gb of RAM with the difference:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-426-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...m-_-11-119-233

1. Get the samsung F3 instead, 6gb really doesn't matter unless you get an SSD

2. PSU should be fine IMO.

3. In that price range, you should probably consider the HAF912 or HAF922. If you are willing to stretch the budget slightly, the Fractal R3 is very very quiet (probably one of the quietest cases you can get today) and with good cooling and quality.

4. Hyper 212+ if you plan on OC, stock if you don't.

5. Any intel / Sandforce SSD should be fairly decent.

Don't forget the tax day promocodes for RAM, SSD, etc: http://promotions.newegg.com/neemai...1511-_-EMC-041511-Index-_-E0-_-Ipod#Subsystem

 

[dma0991]

1. The Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB is pretty good as well. Many have tried it and said it is very fast and cheap. The SATA 6Gb/s almost makes no difference as even as some previous generation SSD can't even over saturate it.

2. Your current PSU is fine. You can upgrade it later if you want to SLi in the future.

3. I go for cases for the looks. :awe:

4. There is no problem with not getting but it reduces the hassle of having to take out your stock heatsink and installing the Hyper212+ next time. Even if you don't want to OC, it can give you better idle and load temps and quieter as well compared to the stock cooler.

5. Vertex 2 60GB or Corsair F60. Whichever Sandforce based SSD will give about the same performance +-.

Since you do open multiple programs at the same time, getting more RAM wouldn't hurt the pocket a lot. 8GB of RAM these days are commonplace and cheap and would give more room to work with. Either than that I have stated your build is good.

 

[tnecniv]

Thanks for the input.

I should have mentioned that the price is including all the tax day promo codes, and the CPU+mobo combo.
What is the difference between the UD3p and UD3?
How much better is the G.Skill than Corsair? I've been a Corsair fanboy for a while but I really don't care what brand, as long as performance and reliability are great.
Will I need any thermal paste?
How important is one of those grounding wrist straps? Can't I just stay away from carpet and touch my computer case or something?

I should add that: while my price range is ~$700, keeping it as cheap as possible or cost effective as possible would be great

 

[dma0991]

It is not easy to measure how good a RAM can be as some cheap value RAMs may have good chips on them that have way better overclocking potential than a performance RAM. But that rarely happens but get the GSkill as it is cheaper per stick and 8GB is handy.

There is a tube of TIM provided with the Hyper212+. It works well enough but you could get a better TIM for maybe +- 5C difference.

I've build rigs without a wrist strap and it works just fine. Just touch your casing before you build and stay away from anything that has the potential to build up static electricity like wool carpet etc.

 

[tnecniv]

Updated list:

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119197

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231426

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622956

Hopefully I won't find out that I should have gotten the UD3P instead of the UD3

Huge savings, totals out to be $595.41 including shipping not including $10 rebate
I will probably use the $25 off $100 code so it'll turn out to be $578~

Now I just need to find a nice SSD.

Would you guys say the Fractal R3 is significantly quieter than the HAF 922?

 

[Starcrosser]

Not a big fan of the case. You could save some money there. Other than that, looks like a well-planned build.

64GB SSD go on sale every so often, probably wouldn't be bad idea to pick up a sale drive when they drop.

(Having a good-looking PC is pointless, btw. A computer computes. It isn't there to win a pageant.)

 

[aphelion02]

Fractal R3 is probably the quietest case on the market (except possibly the Antec 183), it has extremely positive reviews. HAF922 isn't bad, but its a case designed for airflow on a lower budget, so there is a definitely difference in both noise and build quality. I can't recommend the R3 enough if you are willing to spend more for a quality case.

There's very little difference between the UD3 and UD3P, I think the UD3P has a couple more USB slots, is slightly bigger, and is black in color (the biggest draw tbh).

 

[tnecniv]

Man I wish shipping for the Fractal R3 wasn't $16.99 for all the colors except white =\. I still plan on getting the silver for now since its $10 off, but I might just say screw it and go for the black.

 

[mnewsham]

I love the R3, a little flimsy, NOT as solid as HAF series but it is a good bit quieter, it has foam to absorb sound and filters for the fans to keep dust out. Little things like that.

 

[Athadeus]

UD3P has slightly better caps and cooling is main draw, black second for me, usb third.

Also, how do people say that the R3 is flimsy when it's 8 lbs heavier than the Storm Scout (which I have and is solid)?

 

[mfenn]

Updated list:

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204

COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119197

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231426

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622956

Hopefully I won't find out that I should have gotten the UD3P instead of the UD3

Huge savings, totals out to be $595.41 including shipping not including $10 rebate
I will probably use the $25 off $100 code so it'll turn out to be $578~

Now I just need to find a nice SSD.

Would you guys say the Fractal R3 is significantly quieter than the HAF 922?

I'd probably grab the normal G.Skill DDR3 1333 instead because it doesn't have any stupid heatspreaders that can block big heatsinks. The rest of the build looks good to me though.

The HAF 922 isn't a particularly quiet case. The R3 will be significantly quieter.

 

[tnecniv]

Updated list:

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204

Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Mid Tower Silent PC Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352003

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231426

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.622956

So I'm closing in on my build and I think this will be what I'm getting. I would like to get the Hyper 212+ but I don't want to have to deal with space issues. Anyone have any input on whether or not the Hyper 212+ will fit in this PC?

 

[LiuKangBakinPie]

MSI P67A-G45 B3 P67SATA6Gb/s USB3.0 SLI/CF 8x/8x
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=3067296&SID=

That board will be more than enough for you.

You can shave another 60 off with this combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.622006

 

[aphelion02]

There is nothing wrong with his mobo choice. I'd actually prefer Gigabyte to any MSI board.

OP, I would get the Samsung HDD and Gigabyte board together in this combo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.636452

Then, get this RAM and i5-2500k combo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.623062

Viola! Faster RAM for $10 less! (gotta check the heatsinks though) This Viper extreme has taller heatsinks.

As for HSF, I recommend the Xigmatek Dark Knight over Hyper 212+ for now since it has a $20 rebate (making it cheaper), and reviews show it to have better performance. On my current Gigabyte LGA775 board there is still an inch of clearance between it and the DIMMs, so I can't imagine any ATX board having a problem with RAM.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233029

 

[fffblackmage]

Then, get this RAM and i5-2500k combo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.623062

Viola! Faster RAM for $10 less! (gotta check the heatsinks though) This Viper extreme has taller heatsinks.

That ram set requires 1.65V. It'll work, but I would try to stick with the standard 1.5V.

 

[aphelion02]

Damn, my bad. Makes sense about the price now. In that case it doesn't look like you can beat the Ripjaws.

 

[tnecniv]

Ahh, I got excited with the new recommendations for better stuff for almost the same price! Didn't realize that the Patriot was 1.65V.

 

[tnecniv]

Hmm I think I will still use that MB+HDD combo and then get the CPU+Hyper 212 combo, everything totals to be a few dollars cheaper than the Dark Knight and Patriot RaM+CPU combo anyways! Closer to the final build:

LG Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136236 - $20.99

Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Mid Tower Silent PC Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352003 - $99.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231426 - $84.99

GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.636452 - $157.98

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.625350 - $251

Total: $615.93 + $26.01 shipping - $3.50 (I'm assuming HSF promo code) = Grand Total of $638.44

Now, I would REALLY REALLY like a SSD but I'm not sure if I really need it. If I hold off, is it possible and if so, how easy would it be to transfer my OS and whatever applications I frequently use on to the new SSD?

I will probably try out the ShopRunner thing to try and knock off a few dollars of shipping. Anyone have any experience of signing up for it and cancelling it right away to not get charged?

 

[mfenn]

Hmm I think I will still use that MB+HDD combo and then get the CPU+Hyper 212 combo, everything totals to be a few dollars cheaper than the Dark Knight and Patriot RaM+CPU combo anyways! Closer to the final build:

LG Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136236 - $20.99

Fractal Design Define R3 Silver Arrow ATX Mid Tower Silent PC Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811352003 - $99.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231426 - $84.99

GIGABYTE GA-P67A-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.636452 - $157.98

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.625350 - $251

Total: $615.93 + $26.01 shipping - $3.50 (I'm assuming HSF promo code) = Grand Total of $638.44

Now, I would REALLY REALLY like a SSD but I'm not sure if I really need it. If I hold off, is it possible and if so, how easy would it be to transfer my OS and whatever applications I frequently use on to the new SSD?

I will probably try out the ShopRunner thing to try and knock off a few dollars of shipping. Anyone have any experience of signing up for it and cancelling it right away to not get charged?

I still say that you should get the normal G.Skill instead. It's $5 cheaper and there will be absolutely no chance of clearance issues.

Moving to an SSD pretty much requires a clean install of Windows in order to get the partition alignment right. Of course that means reinstalling all of your programs.

 

[tnecniv]

I may be wrong but the normal G.Skills don't seem to be compatible with P67, but I have no clue. I've been looking up builds of people with the Hyper 212 and Ripjaws and I haven't seen any problems. Also the Ripjaws give me a $6.99 USB drive for free which would be handy since I don't have one and I'm in school. Hope I'm not wrong about the clearance issues though!

If I do decide to jump on a SSD, would this one be good for the money?

Crucial RealSSD C300 CTFDDAC064MAG-1G1 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148357

Thanks everyone for the help, I really appreciate it and am really looking forward to building my first computer!

 

[dma0991]

I don't see why it wouldn't be compatible when DDR3-1333 is under the support list for that particular Gigabyte motherboard. You can go for the Ripjaws if you think it is worth it, either way works fine. I prefer the Sandforce SSD more but I seem to heard good things about Crucial SSDs as well.

 

[tnecniv]

I really don't know if I should get a SSD or not! The decision is killing me, lol. I'm so ready to order everything!

 

[ttujim]

Get a small one under 120 gigs, its definitely worth it.

 

[aphelion02]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-551-_-Product

This is a good deal right now.