building a computer for the first time, need help!

[Jabbathewut]

Hi guys! I'm a computer newbie that wishes to build his own computer. I play alot of games and I will reuse my Radeon HD 5670 in my new computer. I was wondering if this list is good, however I would definitely like cheaper suggestions (PLEASE use Amazon). Anyways, here is my list:

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-High-Tower-Black/dp/B001EPUQAE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297633760&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-W0070RUC-430W-Power-Supply/dp/B0009Q56N6/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297633935&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-120mm-Blue-Case/dp/B0026ZPFCK/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297633792&sr=1-4

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Extreme-Desktop-Motherboard-LGA1156/dp/B002N2Z0JY/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297634588&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Processor-1333MHz-LGA775-BX80570E8400/dp/B00116SLYY/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297634056&sr=1-10

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Scorpio-Drive-WD5000BEVT/dp/B001JSSDGU/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297634183&sr=1-12

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MRW620-U1-181-Internal/dp/B001AI6CNK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297634290&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Office-Home-Student-Version/dp/B000HCZ8EO/ref=sr_1_2?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1297634342&sr=1-2

Again, if there are cheaper items out on Amazon that will work just as well please post them!

I also have a few newbie questions:

Are all the wires for computer-building supplied with the products? Or do they have to be ordered separately?

Is there a good youtube video that explains all the wiring to the motherboard?

 

[cmichael138]

Iwould recommend a different and more powerful PSU. This is one component you don't want to buy "on the cheap" Here's an alternative:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Memory-Compatible-Certified-CMPSU-600CX/dp/B0044R93S0/ref=sr_1_37?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297641822&sr=1-37

 

[Jabbathewut]

Iwould recommend a different and more powerful PSU. This is one component you don't want to buy "on the cheap" Here's an alternative:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Memory-Compatible-Certified-CMPSU-600CX/dp/B0044R93S0/ref=sr_1_37?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297641822&sr=1-37

Thanks! Should I make any other changes

 

[Jabbathewut]

I was also wondering if there is a better, cheaper motherboard

 

[max40watt]

You appear to have linked to a core 2 duo cpu which is socket 775 and a socket 1156 motherboard. The are incompatible with one another.

Assuming those were the actual parts you selected and not a typo, I'd recommend ditching the core 2 duo line. They're fine cpus and certainly 'good enough' but when you're buying new, for around the same price you can get a core i series. And if you wait a month or two for the whole socket 1155 recall to get squared away, you could pick up a top of the line core i sandy bridge cpu for around the same price.

 

[Jabbathewut]

You appear to have linked to a core 2 duo cpu which is socket 775 and a socket 1156 motherboard. The are incompatible with one another.

Assuming those were the actual parts you selected and not a typo, I'd recommend ditching the core 2 duo line. They're fine cpus and certainly 'good enough' but when you're buying new, for around the same price you can get a core i series. And if you wait a month or two for the whole socket 1155 recall to get squared away, you could pick up a top of the line core i sandy bridge cpu for around the same price.

How about this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-Processor-LGA1156-I5-750BOX/dp/B002KQ5KDY/ref=pd_sim_e_1

 

[max40watt]

How about this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Core-Processor-LGA1156-I5-750BOX/dp/B002KQ5KDY/ref=pd_sim_e_1

That would be a much more appropriate cpu choice. Quick question, are you located by a Microcenter by any chance?

I live in Boston with a Microcenter just a few miles away and their cpu/mobo combo prices can not be beat.


I would also caution waiting, if you can, for the dust to settle from the Sandy Bridge motherboard recall. If you can wait a month or two, a Sandy Bridge unlocked i5 2500k cpu and mobo would be in the same price range as what you're looking at, and give a higher degree of performance.

 

[tpadgett1]

Iwould recommend a different and more powerful PSU. This is one component you don't want to buy "on the cheap" Here's an alternative:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Memory-Compatible-Certified-CMPSU-600CX/dp/B0044R93S0/ref=sr_1_37?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1297641822&sr=1-37

please for my benefit, and possibly Jabbathewut's, would you explain why this is so important?

 

[max40watt]

please for my benefit, and possibly Jabbathewut's, would you explain why this is so important?

The thinking is that a when a bad/low quality powersupply fails, it may take the motherboard and other parts of the computer with it. If a graphics card or ram stick fails, you typically just need to replace that one part. But a bad powersupply or motherboard failure can take the rest of the system with it.

Also, 'low end' power supplies tend to overrate their stable wattage. They may be sold as a 500w psu, but in reality they may not be able to stably power a system requiring that much power. Whereas 'high quality' psu tend to underrate their stable wattage.

 

[dimamu15]

I would pick a better hard drive, as your choice is outdated i think.
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-3-5-Inch-Internal-WD5000AAKX/dp/B00461G3MS
I picked it from newegg for 50$ =\ wish i checked it on amazon earlier.
Do you really need full tower 120$ case? I mean here: http://www.amazon.com/GAMMA-Classic-Interior-Chassis-Black/dp/tech-data/B002UDK9U6/ref=de_a_smtd
great company, amazing price, good quality. I bought NZXT M59 only because it was in a nice combo. Otherwise I would have picked this one.
Your mobo is super expensive compared to cpu you picked initially. Do some research to understand difference. But I will agree with matt40watt, wait for lga 1155 motherboards and buy one of sandy bridge cpu.

knowing your budget would also help us help you.