First time PC build, advice welcome

[Conundrum_]

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

Gaming, movie watching & school work (papers, research, etc.)

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

I would say $1300-$1500

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

CA, USA. From newegg (they are super close so shipping is cheap)

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.

For CPU not really but i'm leaning heavily towards the Intel i5 2500k. I hear/read good things. As for mother boards & GPU I like ASUS, they look rad and I have read good things about both. Hard drives i'm open to advice on. Brands, reliablity, benefits of a SSD?, Raid? (what is this, I will look into it but i'm truly lost on this). Same for memory and PSU.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
CPU : Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115072
HDD : HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721010DLE630 (0F13180) 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145533
GPU : ASUS ENGTX570 DCII/2DIS/1280MD5 GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121432
PSU : CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX650 V2 650W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139020
MEMORY : G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231422
MOTHERBOARD : ASUS P8P67 PRO (REV 3.1) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131771
CPU COOLING :
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835103065
OPTICAL DRIVE : ASUS Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Drive Model BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135247
SSD : Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) NOTE: This might be something I add later on 50/50 on it though. Will be getting at some point.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148441
OPERATING SYSTEM : Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM (I currently have vista..I liked XP better, I hear good things of windows 7)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116986
CASE : Corsair Carbide Series 500R White Steel structure with molded ABS plastic accent pieces ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (thought it was cool looking)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139010

Currently this build is $1,489.88 shipped to my doorstep. :biggrin: DMV fee's and BF3 here I come haha.

Am I missing any parts/components????

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

Yes, i'm new to this so its somewhat of a learning experience and input from others with more experience is a good thing. I am open to segesstions but I want to be honest, aesthetics are important to me to an extent so I realize I might be paying more for purely that. I'm okay with that. But if I am missing something or you guys have other suggestions for something then I would love to know about it.

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

As of right now no overclocking until I feel more comfortable working with these kinds of things and learn more about it. But later on once I know more, sure why not lol.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

1920x1080 possibly higher if I decide to buy a different monitor later on.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

Within the next 3 weeks depending on my paychecks lol. High possibility of ordering after next week.

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

Got'cha ^_^

EDIT: I have monitor, keyboard, and mouse currently. Nothing top of the line with my monitor being some what of an exception. Until one of these break I won't worry about these parts.

 

[lehtv]

Not bad at all! I would save cash on these two, the rest are great choices.

Mobo It looks like you're not considering dual-GPU, given the 3-slot Asus card and the 650W PSU. This means the mobo doesn't need to support it either - you'd be fine with Asus P8Z68-V LE in that respect, and you'd have the Z68 chipset (IGP and SRT support). $130.
RAM G.Skill Value 2x4GB 1333MHz for $35, or Mushkin Silverline 2x4GB 1600MHz for $40 AR.

You could afford a dedicated sound card. I recommend Asus Xonar DG, DS or DX.

 

[Conundrum_]

Not bad at all! I would save cash on these two, the rest are great choices.

Mobo It looks like you're not considering dual-GPU, given the 3-slot Asus card and the 650W PSU. This means the mobo doesn't need to support it either - you'd be fine with Asus P8Z68-V LE in that respect, and you'd have the Z68 chipset (IGP and SRT support). $130.
RAM G.Skill Value 2x4GB 1333MHz for $35, or Mushkin Silverline 2x4GB 1600MHz for $40 AR.

You could afford a dedicated sound card. I recommend Asus Xonar DG, DS or DX.

Thanks :biggrin: lol. I'll look into those three you suggested.

The dedicated sound card how ever I have not looked into at all, researched or talked to any friends about. I'm assuming it just provides improved sound? (which is awesome). I've already started looking for threads on this but what would the benefit of having this be?
EDIT: A quick google search gave some answers i'll look into this aswell, appreciate the help.

 

[Conundrum_]

Stupid me forgot to include the CPU in the spec list lol. That's lack of sleep for you. its an Intel i5 2500k so i'm over my budget. I'll update the post when I wake up.

 

[lehtv]

Dedicated sound does improve sound quality, but it also gives you some extra features that can be nice. For me, the most important ones are the equalizer which is great for compensating bass/treble/clarity/midtones that are too weak or too strong for your particular headphones and the audio source in question; and Dolby Headphone which works great for me making sound a lot more natural but some people don't like it.

 

[Conundrum_]

Dedicated sound does improve sound quality, but it also gives you some extra features that can be nice. For me, the most important ones are the equalizer which is great for compensating bass/treble/clarity/midtones that are too weak or too strong for your particular headphones and the audio source in question; and Dolby Headphone which works great for me making sound a lot more natural but some people don't like it.

Ooo that sounds like something I would really enjoy having. Over budget or not ill look into this as I am always using headphones on my PC it seems. Thanks.

 

[PrayForDeath]

I love the simulated surround sound feature (CMSS-3D) on my X-Fi card. It works surprisingly well with headphones, you really can tell where the sound is coming from.

However, Creative drivers are utter crap. Something to keep in mind.

 

[mfenn]

Ooo that sounds like something I would really enjoy having. Over budget or not ill look into this as I am always using headphones on my PC it seems. Thanks.

What sort of headphones do you have? If they aren't fairly high-end, you will be better off dropping the cash there first.

Your build looks good to me; it's obvious that you have done your homework! I would definitely make the two changes that lehtv has suggested. Also, if you want to drop the cost a bit and not lose much performance, you can get a 6950 2GB for $255 AR.

 

[lehtv]

Btw, you can order an XFX Core 650W PSU for $50 after rebate and free shipping from us.ncix.com. Really awesome deal. Equal to TX650 V2 in performance as they're both Seasonic 80+ bronze units. But the XFX has four pcie connectors for a possible dual-GPU setup (though 570 SLI would be pushing it). The XFX Core 750W is $70 after rebate, also an insanely good deal. It'd run 570 SLI, so to top it off you could get Asrock Z68 Extreme3 ($133 shipped) and end up paying the same as for TX650 V2 and P8Z68-V LE.

 

[mfenn]

Btw, you can order an XFX Core 650W PSU for $50 after rebate and free shipping from us.ncix.com. Really awesome deal. Equal to TX650 V2 in performance as they're both Seasonic 80+ bronze units. But the XFX has four pcie connectors for a possible dual-GPU setup (though 570 SLI would be pushing it). The XFX Core 750W is $70 after rebate, also an insanely good deal. It'd run 570 SLI, so to top it off you could get Asrock Z68 Extreme3 ($133 shipped) and end up paying the same as for TX650 V2 and P8Z68-V LE.

Good find! You know NCIXUS is quickly becoming one of my new favorite websites because they often beat Newegg and with pricematch them when they don't.

 

[Conundrum_]

What sort of headphones do you have? If they aren't fairly high-end, you will be better off dropping the cash there first.

Your build looks good to me; it's obvious that you have done your homework! I would definitely make the two changes that lehtv has suggested. Also, if you want to drop the cost a bit and not lose much performance, you can get a 6950 2GB for $255 AR.

I have Bose on ear head phones, while not the best of the best they are better than the run of the mill head phones out there. Enough that I can actually notice a big enough difference.

Thanks, the list has gone through many revisions and i'm still revising lol. I am going to go with the G.Skill ram lehtv suggested but I think i'm going to stick with the mother board I picked, the reason being is that should I ever for whatever reason want an sli setup this will be out of the way already. I'm pretty set on that particular GPU after looking at a few others. And currently do not plan to run sli. A bit more pricey yes, but i'm okay with that. I'll keep looking into other cards though. I was actually talking to my friend about doing an sli setup today with cheaper GPU's. So who knows, most likely not though.

Btw, you can order an XFX Core 650W PSU for $50 after rebate and free shipping from us.ncix.com. Really awesome deal. Equal to TX650 V2 in performance as they're both Seasonic 80+ bronze units. But the XFX has four pcie connectors for a possible dual-GPU setup (though 570 SLI would be pushing it). The XFX Core 750W is $70 after rebate, also an insanely good deal. It'd run 570 SLI, so to top it off you could get Asrock Z68 Extreme3 ($133 shipped) and end up paying the same as for TX650 V2 and P8Z68-V LE.

This I am looking at right now and might change to this as well. This is dope lol.
Why would you run the ASrock Z68 Extreme 3 over the P8P68-V LE?

Good find! You know NCIXUS is quickly becoming one of my new favorite websites because they often beat Newegg and with pricematch them when they don't.

I'm thinking about getting a modular PSU like I had originally planned also, so i'll be on the look out for that as well unless its a ridiculous price or something.

I haven't looked at this site yet, what attracts me to newegg is how close it is to me shipping is literally like 10-15 bucks for everything lol. Or I could just pick it up (it's on my way to work :biggrin: ). But if its a good enough deal to cover that then absolutely I would order elsewhere.

EDIT: Original post updated with CPU & memory as well as new price shipped. Barely on budget lol. If the sound card is something I can add maybe a month from now? I'm all for it but that's because i'm getting anxious lol.
Thanks for the tips guy I really appreciate it!!

 

[lehtv]

Why would you run the ASrock Z68 Extreme 3 over the P8P68-V LE?

Well you had P8P67 Pro listed which is dual-GPU compatible, so I figured I'd suggest a cheaper alternative. P8Z68-V LE can't do x8/x8 only x16/x4. But for a single GPU setup now and in the future, I'd definitely prefer the P8Z68-V LE over Z68 Extreme3.

 

[mfenn]

Well you had P8P67 Pro listed which is dual-GPU compatible, so I figured I'd suggest a cheaper alternative. P8Z68-V LE can't do x8/x8 only x16/x4. But for a single GPU setup now and in the future, I'd definitely prefer the P8Z68-V LE over Z68 Extreme3.

:thumbsup:

OP, when looking at components, you really have to ask yourself, "what can more expensive part A do that less expensive part B cannot?" If you find yourself struggling to come up with concrete reasons that part A is better (i.e. not "but I like it more"), you are better off with part B.

 

[Conundrum_]

Well you had P8P67 Pro listed which is dual-GPU compatible, so I figured I'd suggest a cheaper alternative. P8Z68-V LE can't do x8/x8 only x16/x4. But for a single GPU setup now and in the future, I'd definitely prefer the P8Z68-V LE over Z68 Extreme3.

:thumbsup: Thanks. Well currently i'm talking with my friend about sli setups and if it would be a better way to get to ultra on BF3. Something like dual 6950's, GTX560,GTX 400's or something else. If the GTX 570 get's me close to ultra (which i'm almost certain it can) then I can look at the boards that support only one card. Since my build got pushed back a week it gives me some extra time to think about this route. I know you guys have "the rule of thumb on IF some one wants to do sli", and basically I have decided that if it's going to happen i'll just do it from the get go that way its just done with. Otherwise i'll be doing a single card setup. But I would like to play other games such as witcher, SC2, Crisis, and Guild wars all at max or close to it. So i'm taking my time with this before I drop the dough. But since I am going to have to basically wait another paycheck I can probably spring for that sound card :biggrin:

:thumbsup:

OP, when looking at components, you really have to ask yourself, "what can more expensive part A do that less expensive part B cannot?" If you find yourself struggling to come up with concrete reasons that part A is better (i.e. not "but I like it more"), you are better off with part B.

I can't argue with this, you are right. But with so many options its hard to know whats good and whats not. Every thing you guys have suggested has good reviews, and after that I feel it's more of a brand costing a certain ammount. But I will keep this in mind, thanks.

Appreciate guys.

 

[lehtv]

I'm sure GTX 570 would run BF3, and any other game for that matter, on high settings, but I doubt it can do BF3 Ultra smoothly. Since the Extreme3 is the same price as the P8Z68-V LE, and the 750W XFX only $20 more than the 650W, you could do yourself a favor and keep your options open if you want to grab another GTX 570 down the road. (Or upgrade to something like GTX 670 SLI.) 6950 2GB Crossfire is an option too (I'd get XFX for the transferable lifetime warranty), but I wouldn't recommend 560 Ti SLI due to only 1GB VRAM, and the GTX400 series are obsolete.

 

[mfenn]

. I know you guys have "the rule of thumb on IF some one wants to do sli", and basically I have decided that if it's going to happen i'll just do it from the get go that way its just done with.

This is the best way to do dual-GPU IMHO. There is nothing wrong with SLI/CFX if you're after day one performance that isn't obtainable with a single card. 6950 2GB CFX or GTX 570 SLI are the sweet spot right now.

 

[Conundrum_]

I'm sure GTX 570 would run BF3, and any other game for that matter, on high settings, but I doubt it can do BF3 Ultra smoothly. Since the Extreme3 is the same price as the P8Z68-V LE, and the 750W XFX only $20 more than the 650W, you could do yourself a favor and keep your options open if you want to grab another GTX 570 down the road. (Or upgrade to something like GTX 670 SLI.) 6950 2GB Crossfire is an option too (I'd get XFX for the transferable lifetime warranty), but I wouldn't recommend 560 Ti SLI due to only 1GB VRAM, and the GTX400 series are obsolete.

This is what i'm looking at. And me and my friend came to the same conclusion about the GTX400's & the 560's. So i'm still looking around at vids and such to get others take on single cards during different games and such. I am a 50/50 on this but I should know for sure by the end of the week whether or not I am going to SLI/crossfire.

This is the best way to do dual-GPU IMHO. There is nothing wrong with SLI/CFX if you're after day one performance that isn't obtainable with a single card. 6950 2GB CFX or GTX 570 SLI are the sweet spot right now.

Yup that way if there are any hassles its all during the build process and everything can be addressed all at once. I would hate to deal with some bad luck after I have enjoyed the comp for a while. Plus I could possibly save money this way.