First Time Builder(gaming PC)

[Jatanasio]

Basically, I am in the same boat as many first time builders. I have an idea of what parts are necessary for a gaming PC, and I am pretty confident in actually putting one together (have seen numerous videos). My issue is actually making sure components are compatible and work well together. The following are the parts I have researched after reading numerous reviews and forum opinions. I am not really willing to go any higher than my current price which is around $1,500.00.

If you guys have any advise on better parts that are more compatible, or parts that are equally powerful but less expensive, please I need suggestions!

CASE: NZXT TEMPEST EVO Crafted Series TEVO-001BK Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (big enough to fit the CPU cooler) - $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146062

CPU: Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80605I5750 - $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115215

CPU COOLER: Prolimatech Megahalems Rev.B CPU Cooler (They are out of the black version sad.gif - sad ) - $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835242001

COOLER FAN: Scythe SY1225SL12M 120mm "Slipstream" Case Fan (I'm am not sure if I want two for the pull/push air mechanism) - $12
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185058

MOTHERBOARD: ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard - $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131621

RAM: CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8D - $230
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145224

VIDEO CARD: ASUS ENGTX470/2DI/1280MD5 GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - $350
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121372

HARD DRIVE: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185

POWER SUPPLY: CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139004

SOUND CARD: Creative 70SB073A00000 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829102006

NETWORK CARD: VisionTek 900296 10/ 100/ 1000Mbps PCI-Express Killer Xeno Pro Gaming Network Card - $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833189001

OPTICAL: ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM - $25

MY QUESTIONS:
1. Will the motherboard have enough slots for the x3 2GB? Should I be sticking with x2 2GB or upgrade to x2 4GB?
2. The EVO crafted series case seems to come with at least 3 case fans, does this mean I will not have to purchase extras for the case?
3. Do you see anything that is not compatible?
4. Is there anything that seems unnecessary price wise (in other words, could I downgrade anything and still see good results)

Thanks in Advance!

[Khalil]

Welcome to pcmech/forums!
You don't need that network card, the onboard network is as fast as they get.
Samsung Hard Drives are not desirable, we recommend WD Black for gaming builds.
The i5s run cool so buying that CPU cooler is a waste of money.
This motherboard is dual channel so you want 2x2GB kit.
Don't skim on the power supply 550W is bare minimum I would recommend a Corsair, Seasonic or Antec 750W for that nVidia 470 beast.

[glc]

In addition to what Khalil said, I'd build it without a sound card and use the onboard sound. If you don't like it, you can always add a card later.

[orbrit]

Also the MB could be downgraded to the P7P55D-E if you never plan to SLI.
With all those savings, personally I'd change the GPU to the HD5870

[Khalil]

Well said Orbrit!

[Jatanasio]

Awesome responses thanks so much!

Ok, so you are totally right about the unnecessary sound and network cards and downgrading the mobo if I am not going to use SLI. My next question, would using SLI make a noticeable difference on this kind of gaming system that i proposed? If I did decide to use SLI, what 2 graphics cards would I put in the "ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel" Motherboard?

My final question is, since this MB is a dual channel, would it be feasible to put in x2 4GB (8GB total) into the "ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel" Motherboard?

[flanzig1]

Generally with Sli, we recommend going with 2 of the best cards out there. If you use 2 middle grade cards, a single top end card will generally out perform them. And with Sli rigs, you will need a PSU that is certified for the 2 cards. With high ends cards, that PSU could get up to a 1000w, big$$$$.
For the memory, would start with a pair of 2gigs, then add more to the other slots if needed.

[orbrit]

I started with just 1 HD5770 which performed pretty well. Probably good enough.
Out of curiosity I added a second in Crossfire. (ECS P55H-A Motherboard)
I've had no issues with stability or power with my Corsair 550VX PSU.

Performance is fantastic. I am about 500% better as a gamer with this setup now.
I went from being mediocre - more deaths than kills in MW2, to being top of most games I play.
here's some of my videos..
http://www.xfire.com/profile/orbrit/videos/

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by Jatanasio My final question is, since this MB is a dual channel, would it be feasible to put in x2 4GB (8GB total) into the "ASUS P7P55D-E Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel" Motherboard?

Since the mobo is dual channel, you want to purchase dual channel RAM in pairs. 2x2GB is more than enough. Later on down the road you can upgrade. Make sure to stick with the RAM QVL on the ASUS site for the motherboard that you are going to use.