Advice on my first gaming PC build please

[felixx]

Hey everyone, I've started designing my first custom gaming PC but I'm not confident enough to buy everything until someone who knows more than I do can tell me its all compatible/if I'm missing anything.
this is what i've gotten so far as my build, any suggested changes/advice/telling me something i've missed is greatly appreciated.

Oh and I'm hoping to future proof this system as much as i can to avoid having to upgrade etc in future, so any advice that could help with that would be really helpful :]

Processor: AMD FX-8350 Vishera 4.0GHz (4.2GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W Eight-Core Desktop Processor FD8350FRHKBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284)

Motherboard: ASUS Crosshair V Formula-Z AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Gaming Motherboard with 3-Way SLI/CrossFireX Support and UEFI BIOS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131876

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C10Q-32GXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231562

Graphics card: EVGA 04G-P4-3688-KR GeForce GTX 680 Classified 4GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130801

HDD: Seagate 3TB 3.5 inch 7200RPM 64MB Cache SATA3 Hard Drive
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seagate-7200RPM-Cache-SATA3-Drive/dp/B006KCX0UE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1354405828&sr=8-3

SSD: SAMSUNG 830 Series MZ-7PC256N/AM 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) Notebook Upgrade Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147138

Optical drive: ASUS Black 12X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray Drive Model BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135247&Tpk=ASUS%20Black%2012X%20BD-ROM%2016X%20DVD-ROM%2048X%20CD-ROM%20SATA)

CPU Cooling system(If i need one?): COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel 1366/1155/775 and AMD FM1/FM2/AM3+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

Card reader: AFT PRO-55U All-in-one USB 2.0 Card Reader
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820176021

Case: (undecided)

Thats what i've come up with so far, theres a few things I'm unsure on still though:


Am i right in thinking this setup can use dual monitors?

OS: (should i be going for Win8 or sticking to 7)

Other fans/cooling systems: (do i need them and if so for what components?)

Sound card: (do i need one or is the motherboard built in sound ok?)

Power supply: (what kind of Wattage should i be looking at?)


Thanks so much in advance for any help you can offer me, it feels abit daunting so far lol

 

[Tman450]

Personally, i like it but hey, what do i know?

also, that motherboard is a bit overkill if you aren't planning to SLI or crossfire.

go at least like 700 watts for that build

Yes, it is a very good idea to get an aftermarket cooler for the FX-8350.

You most definitely do not need a sound card, unless you are a complete audiophile.

Man, that setup could do triple-monitor.

 

[felixx]

Yeah I looked up a cooler for the 8350 because a lot of people were saying the one included wasn't up to the job

What kind of motherboard would you suggest if you know of any that would work by chance?

Thanks for the help mate

 

[djangoringo]

"Oh and I'm hoping to future proof this system"

You better get an i5-3570k + asus z77 extreme 4/6

Psu you can get a xfx 550w or corsair tx650

You don't need that much ram, 8 gb will do fine.

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

 

[camohanna]

Looks good, 32gb ram is oooovvvvveeeerrrkkkiilllll. You will only need 8GB, maybe 16GB if you host a large server.

 

[camohanna]

"Oh and I'm hoping to future proof this system"

You better get an i5-3570k + asus z77 extreme 4/6

Psu you can get a xfx 550w or corsair tx650

You don't need that much ram, 8 gb will do fine.

Agreed, but get a 750W PSU, seasonic or corsair. Make sure to get the highest 80+ you can

 

[djangoringo]

Yeah i guess, with this you'll get better served.

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

GFX : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423 (no need for that expensive 680 gtx card.)
SSD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164 (the one you had was wrong)

The cooler stays.

 

[felixx]

"Oh and I'm hoping to future proof this system"

You better get an i5-3570k + asus z77 extreme 4/6

Psu you can get a xfx 550w or corsair tx650

You don't need that much ram, 8 gb will do fine.

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

Thanks! out of interest and to help myself learning why the different motherboard?

and i've always thought i5s weren't that good for gaming setups but i presume it would be as fast as the 3850?

the massive ram is just to make sure i never have to deal with it and can't complain about it, I'm on 8gb at the moment and would rather have more

 

[djangoringo]

Are you kidding me? the i5-2500k and this one are the best for gaming, and will be much better for gaming.
You can add memory latter, no game uses more than 8gb ram.
And you can switch the 680 gtx for 670 with minimal loss of performance vs price.

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

GFX : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423 (no need for that expensive 680 gtx card.)

SSD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164 (the one you had was wrong)

CASE : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

CPU COOLER : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099 (this one is better)

 

[felixx]

Are you kidding me? the i5-2500k and this one are the best for gaming, and will be much better for gaming.
You can add memory latter, no game uses more than 8gb ram.
And you can switch the 680 gtx for 670 with minimal loss of performance vs price.

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

GFX : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423 (no need for that expensive 680 gtx card.)

SSD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164 (the one you had was wrong)

CASE : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

Alright, if i just changed the board and CPU would it all still be compatible? I'm ok with paying abit more for the graphics card and RAM for now if i may need it in future and it'll help with performance atall, thanks a bunch :]

 

[djangoringo]

You better switch for the 8gb low profile cause of the cooler and its compatibility.
Just get it, you won't get any performance loss with 8gb and 1600mhz.
The gpu, its your money i just gave an opinion.
See the case that i recommended and the cooler which is the evo not the plus.

 

[Schlect]

Thanks! out of interest and to help myself learning why the different motherboard?

and i've always thought i5s weren't that good for gaming setups but i presume it would be as fast as the 3850?

the massive ram is just to make sure i never have to deal with it and can't complain about it, I'm on 8gb at the moment and would rather have more

Trust me 32gb of RAM is way to much, if you are really paranoid about not having enough get 12gb, maybe even 16gb but you will never use that much just gaming. I would reccomend a 2gb GPU instead of a 4GB one. Are you going to be overclocking at all? If you are keep with a Z77 mobo and k series processor, if not just save the money and go for a non k series and z60 series. The reason for a different motherboard is AMD and Intel motherboards aren't the same, Intel uses plates and AMD uses spikes on the back of them. If you are editing than 32gb could be used but that would be some heavy rendering and keep the 4gb gpu than, also in that case get an i7 for the hyperthreading. Just make sure that your case fits that CPU cooler, it's a monster... but for heavy overclocking a liquid one would be better. In terms of Optical drive yours is fine but http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 is a little better. Windows 8 is really touch screen orientated, stick with windows 7.

 

[felixx]

If i were set on 32gb what would be my best option? i I'm willing to put money into improving performance, i've been one of those people who wants to have the best on the market, thanks a lot for your time btw :]

 

[leto7235]

Just wanted to say That Im gonna reply with my Opinion and i can very well be wrong or you might not agree.

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C10Q-32GXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231562

CPU Cooling system(If i need one?): COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible with Intel 1366/1155/775 and AMD FM1/FM2/AM3+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

Case: (undecided)

OS: (should i be going for Win8 or sticking to 7)

Other fans/cooling systems: (do i need them and if so for what components?)

Power supply: (what kind of Wattage should i be looking at?)


Thanks so much in advance for any help you can offer me, it feels abit daunting so far lol

1)32 gb of ram is Overkill but theres nothing wrong with that.
Would I would really suggest is picking up Ram on sale. Theres a lot of good deals going on this month with discounts or bundles.

2)Hyper 212 Plus is the same price as the evo Right now I would suggest the 212 evo instead.
People say the EVo is like 1 degree better performance.

3) case is a preference. I just bought this one and I like it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146067

4) OS is also a preference. I really prefer 7 over 8. But i dont like change.

5)other fans depends on what your case is. I usually do buy after market fans to pull/ push air from the case.

6) Power supply is very important and not to be Overlooked.
I would think 800+ watts would be good for future proof.
Also Ive reused power supplies many times When new CPUS and MObos come out.
Always buying name brand and more power than i really need.

Im a gamer on a budget so i only buy stuff on sale. black friday cyber monday and daily deals im always on the hunt. easier to make up your mind when its a good deal.

 

[Schlect]

If i were set on 32gb what would be my best option? i I'm willing to put money into improving performance, i've been one of those people who wants to have the best on the market, thanks a lot for your time btw :]

That's a huge waste of money, but it's up to you, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231507 seems like a good pick.

 

[felixx]

Trust me 32gb of RAM is way to much, if you are really paranoid about not having enough get 12gb, maybe even 16gb but you will never use that much just gaming. I would reccomend a 2gb GPU instead of a 4GB one. Are you going to be overclocking at all? If you are keep with a Z77 mobo and k series processor, if not just save the money and go for a non k series and z60 series. The reason for a different motherboard is AMD and Intel motherboards aren't the same, Intel uses plates and AMD uses spikes on the back of them. If you are editing than 32gb could be used but that would be some heavy rendering and keep the 4gb gpu than, also in that case get an i7 for the hyperthreading. Just make sure that your case fits that CPU cooler, it's a monster... but for heavy overclocking a liquid one would be better. In terms of Optical drive yours is fine but http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 is a little better. Windows 8 is really touch screen orientated, stick with windows 7.

I don't think I'll be going into overclockign atall, i've heard a lot can go wrong if you do it badly and since I'm not really experienced with it all that seems likely

i do alot of recording games with fraps/camtasia sometimes but I'm mainly just looking for whatever will give the best performance without being stupidly expensive, thanks for the advice!

 

[djangoringo]

Always prefer dual channel instead of quad :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233388&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

16GB will do even if you're paranoid and it has good timings and is a low profile one.

 

[felixx]

That's a huge waste of money, but it's up to you, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231507 seems like a good pick.

Does it matter atall if the RAM is quad-channel and the board is dual-channel?

 

[djangoringo]

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233388&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

GFX : The card that you like.

SSD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164 (the one you had was wrong)

CASE : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

CPU COOLER : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099 (this one is better)

This is all you need, the 3TB hdd and other things that you decided stays.

 

[felixx]

CPU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504

MOBO : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157295

RAM : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233388&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

PSU : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703027

GFX : The card that you like.

SSD : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147164 (the one you had was wrong)

CASE : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139010

CPU COOLER : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099 (this one is better)

This is all you need, the 3TB hdd and other things that you decided stays.

so the above with the dual-channel g-skill 4x8gb(sorry but I'm set on the RAM ;p), that motherboard and the i5-3570k(thats the best on the market processor wise for gaming you said?) should be able to record any game in ultra/host servers?

 

[djangoringo]

It's better than the 8350 even for that, but if you want also for video editing there's also the i7-3770k : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501

About the memory, really even for video editing 16gb will do, just use dual channel low timing low profile memory like the one i recommended.
The mobo is really a good one.

 

[felixx]

It's better than the 8350 even for that, but if you want also for video editing there's also the i7-3770k : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501

About the memory, really even for video editing 16gb will do, just use dual channel low timing low profile memory like the one i recommended.
The mobo is really a good one.

I'll start looking into memory again then :] and two last things,

how different is the i7-3770k to the i5-3570k?

and i have no idea how three screens would work but could the setup with the ASRock Z77 etc have three screens?

 

[Schlect]

I'll start looking into memory again then :] and two last things,

how different is the i7-3770k to the i5-3570k?

and i have no idea how three screens would work but could the setup with the ASRock Z77 etc have three screens?

i7 and i5 are pretty much the same except for the fact that i7 hyperthreads ( which games can't utilize ) to tell the computer that it has 8 cores instead of 4 or 12 instead of 6, it makes editing etc. run faster. The screen question you have is based on your GPU, not you mobo. That GPU can support four monitors ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCuejLSnvjU )

 

[felixx]

i7 and i5 are pretty much the same except for the fact that i7 hyperthreads ( which games can't utilize ) to tell the computer that it has 8 cores instead of 4 or 12 instead of 6, it makes editing etc. run faster. The screen question you have is based on your GPU, not you mobo.

Cheers :] now to start looking for the cheapest places to get these parts, won't bother with an i7, thanks so much for the help everyone