Help me to build my first gaming computer

[sktittles]

This is my first time ever trying to build a computer. I have experience putting in new memory, hard drives, ect. I'm looking for some input on the componets listed below. I really would like to use an AMD processor (unless there is a reason to use intel!!!!) I really wanna be around 750$ please, but 950 would be the max for me.

I basically want a computer that will run games like Diablo 3, MW3, and the like at atleast medium settings. I will mostly be using this computer for gaming, VS 2010, and other misc tasks.

I only wanna spend about 750-950 on a computer. Please give me some input on my listen options below. Some of which have multiple choices so please help me out to decide on everything below that will meet my needs, last for along time, and be a good quality build.

I was thinking about these 2 builds based on the options below: Please tell me if they will work and or help me to make a better build. (I really if possible wanna be on the lower side of my budget!!!!!!)

Build One: Componets listed below. Havent deciced on a case, but without the case the toal is 613.13 so any of my cases below would meet my goal. Assuming this will all work together,

CPU: Option #1
GPU: Option #2
Mothboard: Option #1
Memory: Option #1
HardDrive: Option #1
Power Supply: Option #1
Optical Drive: Option #1
Case: Undecided (I believe they will all work though? Please correct me if im wrong!

Build 2: Help me out here guys.

Thanks for all fo your inputs!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Componets:

-------
CPU Option #1: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ965FBGMBOX
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
PRICE: 109.99 + Free S&H
REASON: Seems like a solid and not to expensive processor.
EXTRA: 3.4GHz Quad Core Processor, Heatsink and fan included. 125W thermal Design Power. 3 year limited warranty
IMPORTANT: CPU Socket Type: SOCKET AM3
----
CPU Option #2: AMD FX-8120 Zambezi 3.1GHz Socket AM3+ 125W Eight-Core Desktop Processor FD8120FRGUBOX
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103961
PRICE: 159.99 + Free S&H
REASON: Eight Core Processor. 3.1GHz.
EXTRA: Seems pretty exxpensive. 125W thermal Design Power.
IMPORTANT: CPU Socket Type: Socket AM3+
----
CPU Option #3: Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074
PRICE: 189.99 + Free S&H
REASON: I've heard intel out performs AMD, but they both have there ups and downs.
EXTRA: SEEMS WAY OVRPRICED. 3.1GHz. Core i5-2400.
IMPORTANT: CPU Socket Type: LGA 1155
-------
GPU Option #1: MSI R7770-2PMD1GD5/OC Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664
PRICE: 134.99 (119.99 after mail in rebate) 6.98 S&H
REASON: DirectX 11 - OpenGL 4.2 - 1GB Video Memory - HDMI support - Cooler with fan.
EXTRA: Not sure on what kind of graphics card I will want.
IMPORTANT: Seems kinda expensive.
----
GPU Option #2: Open Box: ASUS HD7770-2GD5 Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 2GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121642R
PRICE: 111.99 - 7.56 S&H
REASON: 2GB Video Card
EXTRA:
IMPORTANT: OUT OF STOCK.
----
GPU Option #3: Really need some input on this.
LINK:
PRICE:
REASON:
EXTRA:
IMPORTANT:
-------
CASE Option #1: RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEB 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078
PRICE: 79.99 (59.99 after $20 mail in rebate) + 9.99 S&H
REASON: LED Fans - Side View Panel -
----
CASE Option #2: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with Upgraded USB 3.0
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
PRICE: 96.99 + 12.99 S&H
REASON: USB 3.0 - Side View Panel - LED Extra Fans -
----
CASE Option #3: COOLER MASTER Storm Enforcer SGC-1000-KWN1 Black SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case ATX PS2 / EPS 12V (optional ) Power Supply
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119240
PRICE: 84.99 (74.99 after mail in rebate) FREE Shipping and Handling
REASON: Side View Panel - USB 3.0 - Extra LED fan cooling
-------
MEMORY Option #1: AMD Performance Edition 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model AP38G1608U2K
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820103008
PRICE: 54.99 - Free Shipping
REASON: 2x 4GB DDR3 Memory
EXTRA: (Seems like 8 gigs would be enough)
IMPORTANT: AMD Memory - Timing 8-9-8 -
----
Memory Option #2: None
LINK:
PRICE:
REASON:
EXTRA:
IMPORTANT:
-------
HardDrive Option #1: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EARX 1TB IntelliPower SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136939
PRICE: 89.99 + Free Shipping and Handling
REASON: Need atleast 500GB of space
EXTRA: Don;t wanna spend a lot here.
IMPORTANT:
----
HardDrive Option #2: Suggest me some alternative please.
-------
MOTHERBOARD Option #1: Xtreme Design,Core Unlocker, AMD 6-Core& SLI Ready
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131636
PRICE: 139.99 + 3.99 S&H
REASON: Works with AM3+
EXTRA: Seems like a solid Motherboard.
IMPORTANT: Leaning more towards AMD stuff.
----
MOTHERBOARD Option #2: Onboard memory, Core Unlocker,CrossFireX support
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131827
PRICE: 89.99 - Free s&H
REASON: AM3 - Cheaper
EXTRA:
IMPORTANT:
-------
Power Supply Option #1: SeaSonic SSR-360GP 360W ATX12V v2.31 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Active PFC Power Supply
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151117
PRICE: 59.99 + 9.65 S&H
REASON: Gold Certified (wanna conserve power)
EXTRA:
IMPORTANT: 360W
----
Power Supply Option #2: SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V v2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093
PRICE: 79.99 + Free 2 day shipping
REASON: 520W
EXTRA: Only 80 Bronze Rating
IMPORTANT: I really dont wanna have a huge power bill.
----
Power Supply Option #3: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088
PRICE: 139.99 - 5.99 S&H
REASON: 80+ Gold rating (save on electric bill)
EXTRA: 650W (Too much power?)
IMPORTANT: 400W
-------
OPTICAL Drive: LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Internal Model IHAS324
LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106352
PRICE: 24.99 (Free Shipping)
REASON: I want this drive for xbox related activties as well. Which is why I choose an Ihas drive. (Will be cross flashing this drive to an Ihas 524/624
-------
Cooling: Should i get a better fan for the cpu?

 

[idroid]

here you go:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LX ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($297.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $996.44

a little over budget but worth it-

 

[sktittles]

here you go:

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LX ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.98 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($297.55 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black/Orange) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $996.44

a little over budget but worth it-

I really was wanting to stay on the lower side of the scale. I was also really wanting to use the componets I listed above for my build. Unless something in them does not work and needs to be changed/or needs to be changed for a good reason.

I also really wanted to use an AMD processor over INTEL unless there is some reason to not use AMD over INTEL.

Your post didnt even use anything I mentioned, or answer my question its just a random build.

 

[idroid]

I really was wanting to stay on the lower side of the scale. I was also really wanting to use the componets I listed above for my build. Unless something in them does not work and needs to be changed/or needs to be changed for a good reason.

I also really wanted to use an AMD processor over INTEL unless there is some reason to not use AMD over INTEL.

Your post didnt even use anything I mentioned, or answer my question its just a random build.

*Its a lot better to spend a little bit more money NOW than regretting not having spent it later when your system starts showing its age

*The 7770 SUCKS, that's a mainstream card mostly used for really light gaming at low resolutions

*Why would you limit your options when it comes to parts? if there are better parts you should consider them

*Don't tell me you're an AMD fanboy..... i am gonna be clear, AMD sucks, ok?? they used to be competitive and really good but not anymore...get over it.

*Yes, there is a GOOD reason to go with intel over AMD, the 3570k rapes the 8150 in every game and most heavy tasks.

Edit: i didn't used any of the parts you mentioned because they suck, simple as that.

there are way better options and no, my build isn't "random" i plan and make those builds with balance and performance in mind, i will be SHOCKED if someone can come up with something better than my build at that pricepoint (Keeping the SSD ofcs...)

if you really wanna cut costs then drop the SSD and get a cheap HAF 912 case but you will not get the same performance (becuase of the SSD) nor the airflow (because of the case)

 

[sktittles]

*Its a lot better to spend a little bit more money NOW than regretting not having spent it later when your system starts showing its age

*The 7770 SUCKS, that's a mainstream card mostly used for really light gaming at low resolutions

*Why would you limit your options when it comes to parts? if there are better parts you should consider them

*Don't tell me you're an AMD fanboy..... i am gonna be clear, AMD sucks, ok?? they used to be competitive and really good but not anymore...get over it.

*Yes, there is a GOOD reason to go with intel over AMD, the 3570k rapes the 8150 in every game and most heavy tasks.

Edit: i didn't used any of the parts you mentioned because they suck, simple as that.

there are way better options and no, my build isn't "random" i plan and make those builds with balance and performance in mind, i will be SHOCKED if someone can come up with something better than my build at that pricepoint (Keeping the SSD ofcs...)

if you really wanna cut costs then drop the SSD and get a cheap HAF 912 case but you will not get the same performance (becuase of the SSD) nor the airflow (because of the case)

I understand that the build you suggested is of better performance, but I wont be doing super high end gaming (I dont mind medium settings on most games. I don't really need the super high-end computer.)

Looking at the build i'd drop the SSD, and maybe get a slightly less powerful GPU. Are there any other GPU's you might recommend?

The case isn't my favorite, but i'm kinda looking at some alternatives to it. The price for it doesn't bother me.

 

[idroid]

I understand that the build you suggested is of better performance, but I wont be doing super high end gaming (I dont mind medium settings on most games. I don't really need the super high-end computer.)

Looking at the build i'd drop the SSD, and maybe get a slightly less powerful GPU. Are there any other GPU's you might recommend?

The case isn't my favorite, but i'm kinda looking at some alternatives to it. The price for it doesn't bother me.

You want something cheaper then drop the 7950 & SSD and get a 7850/7870