Advice for first build

[LeopardBear]

Recently when I got Shogun 2 and could barely make it run acceptably at 1280x720, I realized that I needed a new computer, mainly just for gaming at 1920x1080. The budget is pretty much $1000, though I can go over by a hundred or two. How does this look?

Processor:
Intel Core i5-2000K. $224.99

CPU Cooling:
Cooler Master Hyper 212. $39.99

Mobo:
ASRock P67 Extreme4. $159.99

Power:
Corsair CMPSU-650TX. $84.99

RAM:
G.Skill Ripjaws 2 x 4GB. $79.99

Graphics:
Sapphire Radeon HD 6950 2GB. $262.99

Optical:
ASUS 24x DVD Reader/Burner. $19.99

Storage:
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB. $64.99

Case:
Raidmax Aztec ATX-619WB. $69.99

Total: $1007.91

I already have all the peripherals I need, so that's not a problem. Do I want to add a sound card? Also, I'm a total novice with PC building, so what other tools do I need?

 

[mfenn]

Overall, your build looks pretty good, but there are a could of places where you could save some money without impacting performance.

- Get the i5 2500K + GA-Z68A-D3H combo for $330
- Get the HCG 520W for $60

As for tools, you really don't need anything beyond a #2 Phillips head screwdriver.

 

[LeopardBear]

Okay, thanks. Just to be clear, all the cables and the like are included with the components, right?

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Damn you beat me to it again mfenn!

Yes mate all the cables are included. The only thing I can say is that I'd check under the hood of that antec for who made the main components. It looks solid enough, I just like the corsair myself. It is also more energy efficient than the Antec (only about 3-5&#37.

Also, that board looks like a great find for the combo, so +1! I just wouldn't take ur CPU over 4.2Ghz with that board. Not enough power phases for great overclocking imo. Meh, I said that as if 4.2Ghz is slow! Lol.

I'm also not a fan of the RAM for the reason that DDR3-1600 DIMMs can be had for that price. Have a look at these:

PNY 1333 kit for $58 AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178333

Corsair 1600 kit for $75 with code (ends soon)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145345

Hmm on second though it looks like most of the deals on the RAM have expired, the 1600 kits are back to $100. :S



EDIT: Just make sure that rebate comes though on the GPU, $265 is steep imo. $235 is great though!

 

[LeopardBear]

So, would it be a good idea to go from the current PSU to the Antec one and use the savings to upgrade to the Corsair 1600 RAM?

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Just found these too:

2x4GB G.Skill Sniper 1866 $80 free shipping, should do 1333/1600/1866... w/e u need it to!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

 

[fffblackmage]

If you're looking at $58 AR for DDR3-1333 and $75 AP for DDR3-1600, I would just pocket the savings instead. The marginal increases in performance isn't worth it, IMO.

 

[mfenn]

Damn you beat me to it again mfenn!

:ninja:

Yes mate all the cables are included. The only thing I can say is that I'd check under the hood of that antec for who made the main components. It looks solid enough, I just like the corsair myself. It is also more energy efficient than the Antec (only about 3-5%).

The HCG series are Seasonic-build IIRC, so you can't really go wrong there.

 

[mfenn]

If you're looking at $58 AR for DDR3-1333 and $75 AP for DDR3-1600, I would just pocket the savings instead. The marginal increases in performance isn't worth it, IMO.

:thumbsup:

 

[LeopardBear]

Another question. I've asked for help on this on another forum, and somebody suggested that if I'm not going to overclock (which I'm not) I should get just the normal 2500 processor instead of the k, a cheaper mobo, and then drop to 4 gigs of RAM in exchange for an SSD. Something like drop the mobo to this guy, go to these 4 gigs of memory, get the 2500, and use the savings to get a SSD like this. Does that make sense?

 

[Blitz KriegeR]

Well personally I'd never count out overclocking for the future; it is after all free performance. The normal 2500 also doesn't have HD3000, which if u are getting a P67 you won't care, and lastly for $15 I'd say it is worth the future-proofing.

There is nothing wrong with that RAM or SSD other than its not much bang for your buck. Why spend $55 on 4GB when u can have 8 for $75-85? Why spend $110 for 60GBs when you can have 90 for $99 (OCZ Agility2) or 120GB for $165-200.

Also, while the SSD would do wonders for your day to day OS experience and web browsing, it will do very little for your gaming; jack all if you get one so small windows + basic apps/driver + 1game will fill it.

Lastly, because you already listed your choices for all that stuff and it is quality hardware that meets your budget, so nobody is going to question well picked parts!

 

[mfenn]

Another question. I've asked for help on this on another forum, and somebody suggested that if I'm not going to overclock (which I'm not) I should get just the normal 2500 processor instead of the k, a cheaper mobo, and then drop to 4 gigs of RAM in exchange for an SSD. Something like drop the mobo to this guy, go to these 4 gigs of memory, get the 2500, and use the savings to get a SSD like this. Does that make sense?

Dropping to the i5 2500 is fine in my eyes. However, you'd want to stay with a Z68 or go for an even cheaper H67 if you do so. Personally, I'd stick with Z68 (the i5 2500 and GA-Z67A-D3H are available in combo).

As for the RAM, that kit is not a very good value at all; you shouldn't pay more than $40 for 4GB of DDR3 1333. I wouldn't recommend an OCZ 2 series SSD either because of the issues that they have with their flash. If you want an SSD (won't help Shogun much, but it is nice to have), then you are better off with the Mushkin Callisto Deluxe.

 

[Zap]

If you aren't going to overclock, don't bother with the aftermarket heatsink.

Start with onboard audio. If after using it you feel as if you are missing out on audio, then go for the sound card.