First Time Builder

[zaxehammer]

Hey all,

The GPU on my laptop just crapped out, so I decided that I'd finally build a desktop. I have a couple friends who gave me tips in addition to my own research (though I can't claim this to be extensive). Based on some things I've seen and read, I put together this parts list. I'd prefer to spend a little less if I can, but I liked going with the 4th-gen i5 as it leaves much more room for upgrades in the future. I also wanted someone (hopefully here) to make sure that all of these components are compatible with each other. I'm not especially married to the case or power supply; I just thought they looked pretty good. I also have a normal hard drive, so that's why I'm just looking to get the SSD. What do you guys think: are there better components I could go with that are similarly or lower priced? Thanks in advance.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($149.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($169.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill BlackHawk ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $900.40
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-09 00:28 EDT-0400)

 

[mc962]

if you dont really especially need all the features that are with the gaming version of that board then you might consider just the regular g45

 

[jinayhvora]

i would get a regular HDD, an SSD won't help in gaming, and step up th GPU to a 760

 

[Tradesman1]

Overall looks good, would check into another mobo, maybe the Asus Z87-A, I like many builders won't touch MSi, poor QC and support

 

[zaxehammer]

Thanks guys.

Here's a new build based on your suggestions. I'm still unsure about whether I'll go with an SSD, but I switched the mobo and graphics card (see below). As I've beefed up the graphics card, do you guys think that the power supply and/or CPU fan/heatsink are good enough for the rig? Thanks again.

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.98 @ Outlet PC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.98 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($263.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill BlackHawk ATX Mid Tower Case ($73.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Microcenter)

 

[mc962]

i assume you have some way to get windows onto your hard drive? if not then get a cheap optical drive

 

[Tradesman1]

Looks good !