What do you think of my build? Will the r9 270 OC fit in this case? and Can I install Windows 7 with just my activation key

[John Paul Hibbert]

So I'm building my first computer. I bought a used motherboard and video card and ordered the other parts online. I'm still waiting for them; I was just looking at pictures of the case online and I'm worried the r9 270 OC might not fit with all the HDD slots. Also, will the PSU that comes in the case be enough for the card?
I was also just hoping for a general insight on this build. I'm planning on gaming with it. I also still have the Windows 7 activation code from an old laptop and I was wondering if there is anyway for me to use that to install windows instead of buying Windows 8.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/TheJohnBomb/saved/4TB7YJ

 

[clutchc]

The card is 9.2" long. That is less than the width of a std. ATX/mATX MB. So you should be fine.

Install Win7 from either your installation disk that came with the old PC or download the .ISO file here and burn yourself a DVD: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/
Be sure to get the same version you have the product key for.

You'll be able to use Win7 for 30 days before it goes into its nag screen to get you to activate. When you do, use the existing key that you have. Normally, an OEM license is only good for the copy of Win being installed with the original MB. But M$ has been very lenient lately granting users a new license if they jump through a few hoops on a robo-call activation system. And sometimes, they even allow activation w/o that hassle. But technically, you are only allowed one PC with an OEM license.

 

[volcanoscout]

In no particular order:
- PCPartpicker lists the case and the GPU as compatible. I wasn't able to find any other non-anecdotal evidence, but it should fit.
- You'll need to buy a copy of W8. If the W7 activation code is for an OEM copy, even if you want to run W7 on your new rig you'll need to buy a new license.
- Technically the PSU should be able to run the GPU, but you'll want to check the brand, model and specs when you get it. If it's a crappy PSU, you'll probably want to replace it. See the PSU Tier list - go for a Tier 3 or better as your budget permits. If you get a new PSU, might want to bump the wattage also to give yourself some headroom.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

 

[volcanoscout]

Damn - ninja-ed again.

 

[John Paul Hibbert]

The card is 9.2" long. That is less than the width of a std. ATX/mATX MB. So you should be fine.

Install Win7 from either your installation disk that came with the old PC or download the .ISO file here and burn yourself a DVD: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/
Be sure to get the same version you have the product key for.

You'll be able to use Win7 for 30 days before it goes into its nag screen to get you to activate. When you do, use the existing key that you have. Normally, an OEM license is only good for the copy of Win being installed with the original MB. But M$ has been very lenient lately granting users a new license if they jump through a few hoops on a robo-call activation system. And sometimes, they even allow activation w/o that hassle. But technically, you are only allowed one PC with an OEM license.

I don't know much about pc gaming. Can you point me somewhere that can teach me about framerates, resolutions and all the adjustments I'm going to have to make please.

 

[clutchc]

The card is 9.2" long. That is less than the width of a std. ATX/mATX MB. So you should be fine.

Install Win7 from either your installation disk that came with the old PC or download the .ISO file here and burn yourself a DVD: http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/
Be sure to get the same version you have the product key for.

You'll be able to use Win7 for 30 days before it goes into its nag screen to get you to activate. When you do, use the existing key that you have. Normally, an OEM license is only good for the copy of Win being installed with the original MB. But M$ has been very lenient lately granting users a new license if they jump through a few hoops on a robo-call activation system. And sometimes, they even allow activation w/o that hassle. But technically, you are only allowed one PC with an OEM license.

I don't know much about pc gaming. Can you point me somewhere that can teach me about framerates, resolutions and all the adjustments I'm going to have to make please.

There's not much to learn. Start the game and be sure it is set for the resolution of your monitor. If the default settings aren't to your liking, simply go to options and make adjustments. I don't know of a website that gives general settings for all the games out there. http://www.tweakguides.com/Games.html used to be my go-to site for in-depth game analysis. But Koroush Ghazi has stopped supporting the page with new games for quite sometime.

 

[John Paul Hibbert]

Hey guys, thank you all for your help. I've finished my build; I ended up changing a few things up. I got a crappier case but a better PSU, I'm planning on updating the case sooner rather than later. I am very happy with it. I've got some pictures posted if you wanna check them out.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/b/dW8KHx