First Computer Build, Need Help from the Experts!!

[Suess]

Okay I have been viewing tutorials around the web learning (hopefully) the basics of building a computer starting from scratch. I'm on a budget, of about $1000 NZD (approx $880 USD, $550 UKD). Be warned that this will be my first build, I have some experience in practicals of assembling so that should be alright.

So my AIM for the desktop computer:
That can handle at least minimum requirements for games such as Rome Total War 2, because I'd enjoy playing some strategic games here and there. I will use this computer for study which I guess falls to low end work such as word processing and programming using Java.

Parts I am considering at the moment:
- Intel Core i7-4790 Haswell Quad-Core 3.6GHz LGA 1150 84W Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4600 BX80646I74790 {$360NZD}
(I actually was gonna go with 4790K but I am quite new to how overclocking works at this stage so I avoided it)
-ASUS Z97-A LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard{$165NZD}
(I specifically chose a Z97 chipset because apparently the CPU chosen only works with this, referencing this off reviews by the way, because I'm pretty sure you can do something to the BIOS but I don't know too much about it)
-CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9{$105.00NZD}
(I was going for a 4GB but like apparently the inbuilt graphics card (HD 4600 by the way) on the Chosen CPU partitions some of your memory I found)
-I'll get some sort of HDD (1TB){$80NZD}
-GPU inbuilt processor (HD 4600)
-I'll find a case somewhere I think I'll go with a Full Tower{$100NZD}
-I believe a 550W power supply should suffice, please let me know if there is a problem with my PSU in particular as in how much power does this need.{$150NZD?}

I choose in that following order too by the way, the reason for a crazy processor is just because of me... Maybe I have this compulsion to get a more powerful CPU I don't know.
Screen and mouse etc.. to include in budget too. So maybe a lil over my budget, but that is alright.

THANKS HEAPS AND HEAPS

 

[schives]

possible misunderstandings:
1. You don't HAVE to overclock an unlocked CPU, so if the price difference isn't too high, go with the unlocked (so you can overclock at a later date).

2. The integrated graphics on any CPU will generally be crap, a discrete GPU will always be better, but the Intel 4600 should be sufficient to run most modern games in low graphics mode.

3. You don't want to EVER approach your PSU's max load, so if you want to install a discrete GPU or overclock in the future, I'd recommend a 550~650W PSU with active PFC. Modern PSUs generally achieve their max efficiency at 40~60% load; also, if you're concerned about your electric bill, get a 80+ certified PSU.


what you did right:
1. Dual channel kit (NEVER use just one stick of ram or if/when it fails, you'll be without a usable computer until your RMA comes through)

2. Got the latest stable chipset (things are generally backwards compatible, but not always forwards)


what you might want to consider:
1. A multi-drive configuration: put OS and programs on a smaller, faster SSD (like a 128 or 256gb crucial MX100) , and get a larger, slower HDD for data storage

2. Look for sales!!! (most often, good prices on pc parts don't happen all on the same day, check deals on a daily basis)
PS: some items like operating system software rarely ever go on sale.

 

[Suess]

possible misunderstandings:
1. You don't HAVE to overclock an unlocked CPU, so if the price difference isn't too high, go with the unlocked (so you can overclock at a later date).

2. The integrated graphics on any CPU will generally be crap, a discrete GPU will always be better, but the Intel 4600 should be sufficient to run most modern games in low graphics mode.

3. You don't want to EVER approach your PSU's max load, so if you want to install a discrete GPU or overclock in the future, I'd recommend a 550~650W PSU with active PFC. Modern PSUs generally achieve their max efficiency at 40~60% load; also, if you're concerned about your electric bill, get a 80+ certified PSU.


what you did right:
1. Dual channel kit (NEVER use just one stick of ram or if/when it fails, you'll be without a usable computer until your RMA comes through)

2. Got the latest stable chipset (things are generally backwards compatible, but not always forwards)


what you might want to consider:
1. A multi-drive configuration: put OS and programs on a smaller, faster SSD (like a 128 or 256gb crucial MX100) , and get a larger, slower HDD for data storage

2. Look for sales!!! (most often, good prices on pc parts don't happen all on the same day, check deals on a daily basis)
PS: some items like operating system software rarely ever go on sale.

Hey thanks for the help!!

Yeah you made me consider 4970k now, it runs at an outstanding 4GHz average, so I will have a look into it, but because I won't build the computer in a while, I might even wait for the Broadswell generation of CPU's from intel, but I will have to see.

I have some available PCI slots (I think specifically 2) available on the MoBo but purely for budget wise I might postpone the purchase of a graphics card for a bit. Because as you said running most modern games on low graphics suits me well enough at this stage.

Okay I will aim for a 600W PSU with active PFC.

And I actually no kidding was thinking of purchasing a 128GB SSD, but at this stage for budget wise I will postpone that until I can afford it later on.

Thanks so much for the help. I will just keep on studying on this for now.