New builder, probably in over my head

[Lost in n0where]

Hello all I know you get questions like this a lot via the stickies but unfortunately the txt file in the sticky wouldn't open for me. My basic goal for this little project of mine is to learn how to build PCs while obtaining a decent gaming computer without, of course, blowing up my wallet.

I started pricing parts by using online PC building guides that offered a checklist of necessary parts. So far I got:

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Western Digital RE3 WD5002ABYS-01B1B0 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive

Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor

Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory

I was trying to be really careful to make sure everything was compatible, which I'm still not sure I've accomplished, but then I started noticing things that weren't on the check list like cpu cooling fans and I didn't know if my current fan would suffice or if I needed a new one. Also I didn't know how to tell how high of a wattage power supply I would need.

To sum it all up, I'm looking to build a PC that can run games like SWAT 4, Team Fortress 2, etc well while hoping to stay around a 700-800 dollar budget.

Thank you for your time and aid!

[jokerman01]

Your processor should come with a heatsink/cpu fan assembly, and I would recommend at least a 500 Watt power supply which will allow you to expand in the future. Good luck on your first build!

[glc]

Unfortunately, you are going about building a gamer the wrong way. The H55/Clarkdale onboard video is not suitable. You have also chosen a server-duty hard drive, not a desktop drive.

My suggestions:

Case/PSU: Antec Sonata 3 500
Motherboard: Asus P7P55D
CPU: Intel i5-750
Ram: Any DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600 that's on the Asus QVL.
Hard drive: WD Black 500 gb
Optical: LG, Lite-On, or Sony DVD burner
Video card: Radeon 5750

That's right around 800 bucks. Add an OS, software, and peripherals as needed.

[triquee]

Here's a link to the QVL for the motherboard glc suggested - look under the memory support list tab to find the pdf: Asus P7P55D.

If you do decide to go with the Core i5 (a great suggestion, IMO), you'll want to be sure that the RAM you select runs at 1.6 volts or less (some say 1.65v, but I'd probably go with 1.6 or less just to be sure). Also, the Core i5 is a 2.66GHz processor - look for that listing on the memory QVL (link above).

If you're looking at one of the higher end video cards like the ATI Radeon 5850, you'll want at least a 500W PSU (recommended by the manufacturer) - 600W if you plan to make use of CrossfireX technology in the future. For the 5750, a 450W minimum PSU is recommended - and again, 600W if you plan to use CrossfireX.

[glc]

The PSU in that case is a 500 watt Antec Earthwatts, a high quality unit.

Anything stronger than a 5750 will blow that budget.

[Khalil]

The 5750 is an amazing card for the money. I have used it in many systems we built during the Christmas season and I am impressed with the performance. This is the one we been using http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121356 out of the 40 or so we installed none gave us any issues. I test the machines with Dragon Age Origins which is a rather demanding game and those cards did very well.