Will this build work/ How can I make it better?

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
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10,510
I'm looking into building my own PC over the summer. I spent a few hours on amazon looking at parts and this is what I came up with. I was wondering if you could tell me if the build would even work, how I could improve it, advice, etc. It is for higher end gaming. I am new into building computers, but want to learn.

http://amzn.com/w/YM4IZ13AXEFQ
 
1. Intel Core i7-3770 not needed. Get an Intel Core i5-3470.

2. Radeon HD 7970 over the GTX 680. The GTX 680 is about 5% stronger, but that's $100 more. Not worth it. If you don't like AMD, go with the GTX 670 which is about 10% weaker than the GTX 680. Still not very noticeable for the $100 increase.

3. A better PSU. Corsair is a great PSU manufacturer, but the CX series is meant for basic builds, not high performance builds like gaming. Try the TX series.
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
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10,510


Thanks man! I updated the build. Tell me what you think now. Will that PSU be okay? Do you think the case would work fine? To tell you the truth, i could care less what case I have. I just want everything to fit nicely in it and have good air flow. Any suggestions on a different one? Or is this one suitable? Thanks for your help
 
This is about the same price as yours. About $20 more.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($183.56 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($95.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($112.52 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.34 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.20 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.24 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($21.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Asus VX238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1316.81
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
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10,510

Wow man.. You're the best! Thanks for your help!
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
0
10,510


I have a few questions if you don't mind haha. Will everything fit in the case you suggested? Also would this case have room to later upgrade my build if I wanted to? I am willing to spend an extra $50 or so for a more optimal and better looking case if you suggested one. Also, would I need to buy any extra fans for my case? Or are the ones already in there enough? Again thanks for everything!

For example, would this case be able to fit everything in my build comfortably/ Would I need to buy extra fans with it? http://www.amazon.com/CM-Storm-Enforcer-Computer-Windowed/dp/B004WK3KKQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1368068103&sr=1-5&keywords=gaming+case
 
1. Nice catch. I didn't click the right link on the PCPartPicker. Happens sometimes. So close together lol.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($183.56 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($95.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($112.52 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.34 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.20 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($389.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Illusion ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Enthusiast 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224BB/RSBS DVD/CD Writer ($20.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VX238H 23.0" Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1299.56
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

2. What kind of upgrades? There is room for CrossFire.

3. The Storm Enforcer is much bigger than the Three Hundred Illusion so it'll fit fine.

4. As for fans, both cases are perfect at stock configuration. They provide great airflow. You want air to keep moving. Blowing in more air creates a lot of turbulence. Since air is also a poor conductor of heat, more air doesn't help. You just need enough to push the heat away. The Three Hundred Illusion comes with 4 fans, 3 of which has a 3-speed switch control, and the other has a 2-speed switch control.
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
0
10,510

Thanks again man! I'll probably use your case. Last question (promise!) Do you have any suggestions on a blu ray drive? I just want to buy a drive that can read and write to Blu-ray media, as well as CD and DVD media (The blu ray drive could replace my need for a cd/dvd drive correct??
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
0
10,510


Thank you so much for your help!! You defiantly improved my build and helped me out a lot! Thanks for everything man, I hope you have a great week. You're awesome.
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
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10,510


Haha don't worry I will post pictures! And sorry to bother you, but I don't need to buy a CPU cooler do i?
 
I should've asked but I assumed based on your original post and wish list that you weren't planning to overclock. Moreover, if you don't know how to overclock, it's best to not do it. A wrong voltage will fry your CPU, motherboard, and also kill some other components.

If you're not overclocking, you do not need an aftermarket CPU cooler. The stock on is fine. But if you find the stock cooler to be too loud, you can buy a quieter one like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO. A great budget cooler at $30 and works very well.
 

turtles1224

Honorable
May 8, 2013
9
0
10,510

Alright thanks man, just making sure. And correct, I did not plan to over clock. Again thanks for your help! You have taught me a lot indirectly haha. Have a good night.