Total NOOB Needs Help Cutting Build Plan to $650-750

[takeitfor4]

Hello,

I have been researching this and other sites to see what the experts say about critical/non-critical components for a new gaming build. I have a monitor I want to reuse. It has built in speakers. I also have Windows 7 and MS Office software I can reload on new system.

I myself am not a big gamer and my system will mostly be used by me for office related activity. *However* I have three boys that have fried my current desktop playing GW2, LoL, Starcraft and similar. They aren't constant users, but time has taken a toll.

Based on the above use, I came up with this build and have a friend who can help do it. My question: It's a little out of budget and I wondered if anyone can suggest "downgrades" that will keep the system relevant for 3-4 years anyway (and my boys will be out of college by then and can hopefully afford their own!) haha.

Obviously, no overclocking and all those other terms you bandy about that since I don't know anything about them, means I will probably never use/need them! 😎

Here it is:

Intel Core i5-3570 3.4 GHZ $169.99 (MicroCenter)
Coller Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler $24.99 (Amazon)
Gigbyte GA-H77 DS3H ATX LGA155 $95.23 (NCIX US)
Corsair Vengeance 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3-1600 $27.98 (Amazon)
Seagate Barracude 1TB 3.5" 7200 RPM $67.99 (NCIX US)
MSI GEForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB $290.99 (SuperBiiz)
Creative Labs Audigy SE 24-bit 96 KHz Soundcard $25.99 (SuperBiiz)
Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower $59.99 (Newegg)
Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 Plus Cert. ATX12V $95.98
Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD $19.99 (SuperBiiz)

Final Price: $873.13

Last questions: Should I go up to Windows 8? With built in speakers in monitor, I assumed I still needed some kind of soundcard, but wasn't sure - feedback? Did I miss anything that needs to be installed? All prices include shipping and none of the rebates, as those come as cards, not discounts.

Your feedback is appreciated!

Linda

 

[Onus]

I have no desire to hijack the OP's thread, but read the reviews at HardwareSecrets, and also what they've said to Gabriel Torres in interviews when he's called them on their BS.

 

[jemm]

HardwareSecrets is a very commercial site, like the ´Clube do Hardware´, which Gabriel Torres runs in Brazil -- if I were you, I´d get a better source of information.

 

[ybnrmalatall]

HardwareSecrets is a very commercial site, like the ´Clube do Hardware´, which Gabriel Torres runs in Brazil -- if I were you, I´d get a better source of information.

+1 😉

 

[Onus]

Cite errors in fact, or be quiet. The site is remarkably non-commercial, without the extra dozen advertising / tracking sites to block that BestofMedia uses. Iirc, they also escaped payola accusations of some years ago. Their tutorials are also solid. I am not familiar with the Brazilian site, but I don't find other reputable review sites disagreeing with Gabriel Torres' findings in his reviews.

 

[jemm]

So it is Cooler Master vs Gabriel Torres!

Anyway, HardwareSecrets also made a review on the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler -- it got the Hardware Secrets Golden Award. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-Hyper-212-EVO-CPU-Cooler-Review/1407/1

 

[Onus]

I never said it sucked; just that it was the product of a provably dishonest company, therefor not something I will EVER buy or recommend.

 

[jemm]

Apart from Gabriel Torres, do you have any other source stating that Cooler Master is a " provably dishonest company"?

 

[Onus]

How about their own product literature? Claiming a circuit is present when it is not isn't being overly optimistic, it's an outright lie.
Anandtech found their sickleflows to be grossly overstated as well, although I can accept that as in the realm of marketing "exaggeration." HardOCP is another source concerning their PSUs. Anyway, I don't want any of us to get banned for hijacking this thread. Enough is enough. I don't support dishonest companies. If you do, that's your choice.

 

[jemm]

@ Onus

Apart from Cooler Master, is there any other companies you consider dishonest?

I really do not want to be bashed, nor be said that I have "less than average IQ", just for recommend products from companies you just do not like.