Another First build thread!

[terra]

Hey guys!
First time building a PC. Been using a Dell for about 10 years now, which is pretty much going to go kaput anytime now.
This PC will be left on almost 24/7; So low noise+power consumption would be a good plus but not high on the priority list. Will be needing help on optimization and compatibility of parts.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

General usage, office work, occasional gaming (ok with <ultra settings) and will be slowly picking up programming

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

Purchasing in the country of Malaysia, budget will be about RM3,000.
Avg. ~900 USD
Price/Parts list can be found here FYI. ViewNet and Ideal Tech to be specific.


5. 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 preference.
No-no to ASUS. The RMA here is extremely horrible.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

RAM - G.Skill RipjawsX 4GB(2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600
SSD - OCZ Revodrive 50GB PCI-E [OS Usage Only]
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium
Cooler - Akasa Venom
Additional Fan - 120mm Akasa viper AK-FN059 fan

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

No plans to OC.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

1920 x 1080. Preference towards IPS 60Hz.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Before 2015 comes around

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

No additional software needed.


Now onto the parts I've picked out. Do note that apart from the chassis, I'm very open to any changes.

Chassis - NZXT S340 Black
Mobo - AsRock H97 pro4
CPU - Intel i5 4460
PSU - Seasonic M12II 520W
HDD - WD Caviar Blue 1TB 7200rpm
GPU - Gainward 750TI GS

Parts that will be reused :-

RAM - G.Skill RipjawsX 4GB(2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600
SSD - OCZ Revodrive 50GB PCI-E [OS Usage Only]
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium
Cooler - Akasa Venom
Additional Fan - 120mm Akasa viper AK-FN059 fan

Will be reusing a Wireless USB Adaptor for internet.

Apologies in advance for any silly choices of parts; and also thanks in advance for taking the time to read and offer your insightful opinions!

 

[mfenn]

Here's what I would recommend (from ViewNet unless otherwise noted):

i5 4460 RM 594
ASRock H97M Pro4 RM 299 @ Ideal Tech
Reuse RAM RM 0
MSI GTX 970 RM 1249
Crucial MX100 128GB RM 259 - 50GB is too small so you're losing a lot of performance from running a full drive
WD Blue 1TB RM 174
Corsair CX500 RM 269
Cooler Master N200 RM 149 @ Ideal Tech
Total: RM 2,993

 

[meeshu]

. .
Now onto the parts I've picked out. Do note that apart from the chassis, I'm very open to any changes.

Chassis - NZXT S340 Black
Mobo - AsRock H97 pro4
CPU - Intel i5 4460
PSU - Seasonic M12II 520W
HDD - WD Caviar Blue 1TB 7200rpm
GPU - Gainward 750TI GS

Parts that will be reused :-

RAM - G.Skill RipjawsX 4GB(2 x 2GB) DDR3 1600
SSD - OCZ Revodrive 50GB PCI-E [OS Usage Only]
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium
Cooler - Akasa Venom
Additional Fan - 120mm Akasa viper AK-FN059 fan

. .

Generally a good choice of components!

The PSU and the motherboard are the most important components of a system, so it is advised to use/get the best quality that is possible within budget.

The SeaSonic M12II 520 PSU is a very good choice! It is strongly advised not to go below this quality level of PSU, otherwise system reliability and durability will be compromised.

As mentioned in previous post, the SSD capacity should really be increased to allow better, faster and more reliable performance, especially if the SSD is (nearly) filled to capacity. Calculate/estimate how much capacity is required for programs and the operating system, and then double that value. That should be the minimum capacity for the SSD. So if you require, say, 40 GB for programs and OS, then a SSD with a minimum capacity of 80 GB should be considered.

The choice of case is more subjective rather than for technical reasons. However, make sure case is not too small. With all components installed within the case, there should be little or no clutter, otherwise access to components will be difficult and cooling airflow will be restricted.

 

[terra]

Here's what I would recommend (from ViewNet unless otherwise noted):

i5 4460 RM 594
ASRock H97M Pro4 RM 299 @ Ideal Tech
Reuse RAM RM 0
MSI GTX 970 RM 1249
Crucial MX100 128GB RM 259 - 50GB is too small so you're losing a lot of performance from running a full drive
WD Blue 1TB RM 174
Corsair CX500 RM 269
Cooler Master N200 RM 149 @ Ideal Tech
Total: RM 2,993

Thanks for the recommendation!
I've taken a look at the H97M Pro4 and yes, I will be changing to that as I don't see the need for the extra slots.

If you don't mind, may I know the reason why you recommended that 970? Is it the best bang for buck GPU out there right now? I don't think I'll be able to utilize such a powerful GPU to its potential..


SSD, Alright! Would the Samsung SSD's be a good choice ? I've read some really good reviews regarding their EVO series.


@meeshu
Glad I made some right choices. Thanks 😀

I'll be switching to the H97M pro4 instead for the mobo.

Noted on the SSD capacity. However I was thinking I'd just put the OS on it and maybe make another purchase of a larger SSD drive? perhaps an 80GB or 120GB for other programs.

The case choice was really just a matter of me liking the design. I've also read that it is quite easy to do cable management in the s340.


Is the 23" Dell S2340L a good choice for an IPS monitor? I think the size should be just about right for close up usage.

Thanks again for the valuable suggestions!

 

[meeshu]

The Samsung 840 EVO series of SSD's are highly recommended!

 

[mfenn]

If you don't mind, may I know the reason why you recommended that 970? Is it the best bang for buck GPU out there right now? I don't think I'll be able to utilize such a powerful GPU to its potential..

The GTX 970 is a very good value, but you could certainly be fine with a less expensive card such as one of the R9 280's.

SSD, Alright! Would the Samsung SSD's be a good choice ? I've read some really good reviews regarding their EVO series.

The 840 EVO is a good SSD, but it's generally in the same class as the MX100. If you spot an 840 EVO for the same price as an MX100, then by all means pick it up, but don't pay a premium for it.