First Build

[tury345]

I think I accidentally deleted my post =/ fail.
Approximate purchase date: two weeks or so
System Usage: Gaming, surfing web
Budget: $1000
Are you Buying a monitor: Yes
OS: no
Overclocking:no
Crossfire: Not atm

I live near a microcenter

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nHKf
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nHKf/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nHKf/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($87.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($49.00 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VH236H 23.0" Monitor ($148.77 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1038.26

Will I need a cooling system?
Would a similar 3450 cpu be much cheaper with a similar performance?

 

[malbluff]

I take it you have selected an unlocked "K" processor, for the very good deal, at present, with Microcenter. You do appreciate that is an in-store deal only?

You state you don't want to overclock, but, with an unlocked processor, it almost doesn't make sense not to leave yourself the option. No one says you HAVE to overclock, an unlocked processor, but, even if you don't want to, initially, it can be a handy tool to gain extra performance, when new processors start to make yours seem slow.
I would suggest using a slightly more expensive Z77 mobo, like Gigabyte GA-Z77-D3H, or ASRock Z77 Extreme 3 (or4). You certainly don't have to, but I feel it's a good investment for the future.

If you really don't want any overclocking capability, the i5-3470 is usually the best value for money. However, assuming you have a local branch, the Microcentre deals tend to distort the market. Even though it's not by much, there's no point in downgrading to a 3470, unless it saves you a decent amount.

I have no experience of the Antec Green. That's the only thing else I might have some doubts about, but as I really don't KNOW how good it is, hopefully another contributor could advise on that.

 

[tury345]

I was wondering what i needed to do to allow myself the option of overclocking later, all i would need is a better mobo?
Forgot to mention there is a nearby microcenter i am willing to go to, updating op.
Is there a reliable ~$50 psu anyone has any experience with they could recomend?

 

[malbluff]

Using the mobo, I suggested, would give you the option to overclock, in the future. When you wanted to do it, you would need to upgrade the CPU's cooler. The stock one isn't adequate, but something like a CoolerMaster Hyper 212Evo, at $25 is fine.
I wasn't saying there's anything wrong with your chosen PSU. Antec PSUs are usually fairly good, I just don't know it, to be able to confirm it's good. It's certainly a very good price. There's nothing I would recommend, at that power, that's not more expensive. Something like XFX 550w would be adequate, but would prefer 600w, especially to give scope for overclocking.