First build ever, suggestions/help plz

[wingchan]

Hi all,

My long loved laptop has died on me, and I've decided to build a desktop for my next computer. This will be my first build. I've been doing some research on multiple forums about what parts to get, and would love it if you guys can comment/critique on what I have so far. I'm trying to keep my budget to around $800.

My setup consists of:

CPU: i5 2500k (1155)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-z68x-UD3H - $290 (CPU+MOBO deal@microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 1.5V - $45HD: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB - $50
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi - $100
PSU: CORSAIR Professional Series HX650 - $100
Optical Drive: Sony DVD-R Drive - $20
GPU: XFX HD-6850 Black Edition (1GB, 256-bit) - $170
CPU Cooler: Either Cooler Master 212+ or CAFA70(Suggestions on which?) - $28/27
Total: $805

I plan on going Crossfire/SLI in the future(3-5 months), and hope to play SC2 and Battlefield. Other than that I'll be using it to do work-related tasks. Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!!

 

[AdrianPerry]

RAM: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/corsair-vengeance-crucial-ballistix-kingston-hyperX,review-32168-10.html
Based on Toms Hardware review Corsair Vengeance or G.SKill is better than Crucial Ballistix - i also believe corsair ram can be bought slightly cheaper. EDIT: Checked on NewEgg and there's literally $3-4 price difference.

The case you have chosen is nice and wide so should easily fit the Hyper212+ - due to its great cooling performance and price, id recommend it.

Other than the RAM it seems you have done your research well and your build looks good.

 

[wingchan]

Good find! I'll definitely be switching to either of the two brands for memory.

Thanks for the help!

 

[wingchan]

Looked a little bit more about the two coolers, and noticed that the dimensions are the same. However, the Corsair has an extra 120mm fan. If you don't mind me asking, why would you favor the CM 212+?

 

[ervinelim]

Looked a little bit more about the two coolers, and noticed that the dimensions are the same. However, the Corsair has an extra 120mm fan. If you don't mind me asking, why would you favor the CM 212+?

I'd get this PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1ix939d2tbvc6

It's OCZ modular 600watts with a free optical drive which only cost $50 after mail in rebate. So you have $70 dollars saved!

Also I'd suggest just getting a 560ti rather than crossfiring for now especially when the 560ti crushes the 6850. Your games don't require much hardware too run and I doubt that the 560ti will have a hard time playing games from 6months to 1yr.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130610

 

[AdrianPerry]

Looked a little bit more about the two coolers, and noticed that the dimensions are the same. However, the Corsair has an extra 120mm fan. If you don't mind me asking, why would you favor the CM 212+?

The hyper 212+ has been well established as the budget CPU cooler of choice. Its also about $20 cheaper than the Corsair (based on NewEgg's prices)

 

[wingchan]

Ervinelim- I'll look into the 560ti. I was hoping to spend around 200 max, but I might consider spending a little more for that.

AdrianPerry- The a70 is $27 with MIR, which was why I considered it. Microcenter is selling the 212+ for $24. I considered the a70 because it was the price difference between the two is minimal. However, I haven't really found any good reviews on it.

From what I've seen, the a70 has an extra fan, bigger core, and the copper piping is 8mm thick. Whereas the 212+ is PWM compliant, has a single sleeve bearing fan, and has a staggered 6mm copper piping setup. Temp differences between the two seem to range from 3-6c. It seems that the 212+ was built a bit more strategical/efficient, which is why people love it for the price tag. The a70 is has bigger numbers.

 

[AdrianPerry]

In that case, considering the offer price, id be very very tempted to go with the A70.

If it was a case of paying almost $20 more (when the A70 isnt on offer) i think the 212+ would be the obvious choice.