First Build

[Omustardo]

I read through a lot of threads that looked similar to what I want(gaming computer, less than $1500) and found a post by glc in this thread that is exactly what I'm looking for.
Here's the post:

Originally Posted by glc Under $1000. Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case Newegg.com - ASUS P7P55D-E LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760 Newegg.com - Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT25664BA1339 Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6402AAEX 640GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Newegg.com - LG Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM SATA DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners Newegg.com - ASUS EAH6870 DC/2DI2S/1GD5 Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity Newegg.com - CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply Newegg.com - Asus VE228H 21.5" Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers ASCR 10,000,000:1

I plan on using Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

The parts listed above look like exactly what I'm looking for but since this is my first time I'd like to be 100% positive before I go and buy them.

-Would it be worthwhile to spend ~30$ more to get 2x4GB Ram?(CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB))

-As far as I can tell there isn't a wireless internet card in the motherboard. Is this one a good option?

-Do I need any other things(cables/screws/coolant/etc)?

-Should I pay for the extended warranties on any parts?

-Is there anything I should be careful of if something doesn't work and I need to send it back(things that would prevent me from getting a refund/replacement)?

-Any tips for the mail in rebates(there seem to be a lot..)? Just read carefully and fill them out exactly as they say?

I need to get a keyboard and mouse.
-Keyboard : Saitek Cyborg V5 CCB44026N002/06/1 Black USB Wired Game Keyboard
This one has great reviews and looks quite nice, especially for the price.

-Mouse : I'm less certain with choosing a mouse. I'm looking for a mouse that can click very accurately but I don't know what to look for since I've been using a touchpad for the past 6 years. I know that I want a wired mouse with 2 or more programmable buttons. Most of the mice that I've looked at look good until I read the reviews which are generally terrible. Either that or they don't work for windows 7.
This one looks the best so far although up to 6000DPI is completely unnecessary: GIGABYTE GM-M8000X Rubber Black 7 Buttons USB Wired Laser Gaming Mouse


Thanks in advance for any advice. This site is easily the most useful that I've found for info on building computers.

If these parts are all that I need I'll order them within the next day or two, assemble them according to the instructions in the "build your own pc" section on this site, and hopefully have a working computer before long.

[glc]

-Would it be worthwhile to spend ~30$ more to get 2x4GB Ram?(CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB)) If you feel you may need it.

-As far as I can tell there isn't a wireless internet card in the motherboard. Is this one a good option? Yes.

-Do I need any other things(cables/screws/coolant/etc)? Nope.

-Should I pay for the extended warranties on any parts? Nope.

-Is there anything I should be careful of if something doesn't work and I need to send it back(things that would prevent me from getting a refund/replacement)? Don't destroy or lose any packaging.

-Any tips for the mail in rebates(there seem to be a lot..)? Just read carefully and fill them out exactly as they say? Yep. Don't cut out any bar codes until you are sure the item is not defective, you can't return stuff to Newegg after you do it. If you can without it expiring, wait 30 days.

The DVD burner is out of stock, you will have to pick a different one. Be mindful of shipping costs when you pick an alternate.

[Omustardo]

Thank you very much for the detailed info. I almost definitely would've tried sending off the rebates as soon as possible.


I'm not sure that I'd need 8gb ram but for 30$ more, as long as it's compatible, I don't mind paying.

I chose a different cd/dvd which is similar to the original choice. I also chose a basic cheap mouse which I will probably replace later but I need to have a basic mouse incase the other one dies anyway so this is fine for now.

Here's a picture of my shopping cart. I believe that's everything(except for the two promo codes I need to enter in before I check out). How does it look?

The only new parts are the keyboard, mouse, and the cd/dvd.

[pally01]

Originally Posted by Omustardo Any tips for the mail in rebates(there seem to be a lot..)? Just read carefully and fill them out exactly as they say?

Keep scans of every piece of documentation you use/fill out. Scan the UPC/barcode of the product too. Get the post office to date-stamp the envelope when you get a stamp etc. Follow-up. Persevere. Many give up when problems occur (and they do occur).If the rebate clearing house gives you unjustified grief, find the appropriate rep from the manufacturer and drop them a quick email. It's simple and very effective should things go bad. Just make sure you have followed the rebate conditions to the letter or you will have no recourse.

I have gotten every rebate I've ever been entitled too. Most without grief, but two (OCZ and an external hard drive case manufacturer, I forget the name of) did force me to elevate my claim. All it took was a simple follow-up email with the proper docs to them and I got my cheque post-haste.

[Nuclear Krusader]

8 GB is the sweet spot right now.