VERY Novice (1st Time Builder) Please help! - i5 Gaming Build

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Dardore

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Mar 21, 2011
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I had a Dell 7100 XPS ordered... but they tried to delay it over a month. I cancelled, and I am going to attempt to build my first new PC. Please help! I am afraid I am going to screw something up though, so I depend on you guys :) I'd REALLY like to get the cost down more if I could under $800 or so if it were possible. Did I miss anything?

Approximate Purchase Date: Immediately

Budget Range: $1000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, Web Browsing, Watching Movies

Parts Not Required: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com & Amazon.com

Country of Origin: United States of America

Parts Preferences: I'd like a pretty powerful gaming computer that will hold me through the next few years

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Yes

1
Antec Three Hundred Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811129042
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$69.95
$59.95

1
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$224.99

1
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231311
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$84.99

1
MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813130574
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$179.99

2
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 5770 100283-3L Video Card
Item #:N82E16814102873
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$239.98
$229.98

1
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822136533
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99

1
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827106335
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$24.99

1
OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817341022
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 32-bit 1-Pack
Item #: N82E16832116989
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
-$13.00 Combo
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$224.98
$196.98




Grand Total: $1,091.86





Thanks in advance.
 
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For a $60 case, I think the HAF 912 is hard to beat. Consider that instead of the Antec 300. The HAF 912 is a bit more spacious.

For your graphics card, consider a 2 GB Radeon 6950. It will perform better than the two 5770s, it will allow you to crossfire later.

When Crossfire works and scales well, the two 5770s will be about as fast as a 5870. I would still recommend a 6950, or gtx 560 Ti as a single card solution with similar performance as two 5770s. Less power needed, no scaling to worry about, and an upgrade path.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thank you mortonww. As I mentioned, this would be my first build... so just want to make sure I cover all my basis and won't need anything additional or have any compatibility issues.

Thanks so much for your prompt response

If I updated that spec, to replace the Antec 300 with the HAF 192
If I updated that spec, to replace (2) 5770 with a 6950

it would look as follows:

1
XFX Radeon HD 6950 HD-695X-CNFC Video Card with Eyefinity
Item #:N82E16814150530
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
$274.99

1
Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #:N82E16822136533
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99

1
LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Item #:N82E16827106335
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$24.99

1
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Item #:N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$224.99

1
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory
Item #:N82E16820231311
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$84.99

1
MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #:N82E16813130574
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$179.99

1
COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black Computer Case
Item #:N82E16811119233
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$59.99

1
OCZ Fatal1ty OCZ550FTY 550W Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817341022
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 32-bit 1-Pack
Item #: N82E16832116989
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
-$13.00 Combo
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$224.98
$196.98


Grand Total: $1,136.91



 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Buy windows 7 64 bit because 32 bit won't use more than 4 gigs of RAM

Upgrade your power supply because it will hardly run 1 5770 never mind two. You really should be looking at a 750w psu at least. Go with a quality brand such as antec, seasonic, xfx or corsair, brand name is everything when it comes to your psu.

You really should go for a more powerful single card setup like a hd 6950 which also has the potential to be unlocked to a 6970!

For a gaming rig 4 gb of RAM is easily enough but if you really want 8 gb it's still fine

If you plan to overclock you'll need a good aftermarket cooler. The hyper 212 plus offers great bang for the buck.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Oh, I didn't see this before. You'll want to get a 64 bit version of windows. Also, you can get the OEM Home Premium 64 bit for $99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986&cm_re=windows_home_premium_64-_-32-116-986-_-Product

The OEM Professional 64 bit is $139. Home Premium usually suits the needs of a gamer, but if you have some specific use for Professional, stick with it.

If you were to install a 32 bit operating system, you'd only be able to use about 3.5 GBs of that 8 GBs of RAM you have.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thats a great psu. It is also modular which means less cable clutter in your case.
Make sure to get a 2gb reference model 6950 if you plan on unlocking to a 6950.
Other than that you'll be very happy with your build 😀
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Before we go further, I just want to say how IMPRESSED I am with the forums. You guys are so great with your responses.... so TY TY so much.

Let me give you this build now, see if there's anything else you recommend.



LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Item #: N82E16827106335
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$24.99


COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119233
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$59.99


Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136533
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99


HIS H695FT2G2M Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
Item #: N82E16814161359
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$279.99


CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W ATX12V v2.31/ EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC High Performance Power ...
Item #: N82E16817139021
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$35.00 Instant
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$139.99
$104.99


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231311
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$84.99


MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813130574
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$179.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Item #: N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$224.99


Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
$99.99


Subtotal: $1,149.91
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You should go with the corsair hx 750 since it is modular. It costs a bit more but for your first build it'll be easier to work with.http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139010&Tpk=hx750
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
OK Robbie, I got the PSU replaced with the modular one + I added the coolmaster 212 in the event I plan on overclocking (that's a completely different conversation all together I am sure)

So finally, this is my spec... what do you think?



LITE-ON 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support
Item #: N82E16827106335
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$24.99


COOLER MASTER HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 Black SECC/ ABS Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119233
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$59.99


Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136533
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99


HIS H695FT2G2M Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
Item #: N82E16814161359
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$279.99


CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-750HX 750W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular Active ...
Item #: N82E16817139010
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$30.00 Instant
$169.99
$139.99


G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
Item #: N82E16820231311
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$84.99


MSI P67A-GD65 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813130574
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$179.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Item #: N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$224.99


Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116986
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy
$99.99


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$34.99


Subtotal: $1,219.90
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thanks cmadrid. I'll make those revisions no problem. Is there a particular ram that you do recommend? I was getting G Skill since it was usually pretty inexpensive RAM, but am totally open to suggestions.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

It looks pretty good 😀
 
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