First timer here - Helpppp!! :)

[njoy7]

Ran a few specs together. Runs about $900 after taxes (my budget is between $900-$1200). I'm open for any recommendations. I'm definitely going to need help during this process... or I'll screw something up! This is just a rough draft.. but it's something to work with. BTW, the case is just thrown in there to complete the list -- haven't put much though into that.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan
Newegg.com - Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan
$59.99 (free shipping)

ASUS P8H67-M EVO (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - ASUS P8H67-M EVO (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
$139.99 ($7.56 shipping)

Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
$224.99 (free shipping)

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL
$69.99 (free shipping)

MSI N460GTX CYCLONE 1GD5/OC GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Newegg.com - MSI N460GTX CYCLONE 1GD5/OC GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
$199.99 (free shipping)

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$59.99 (free shipping)

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply
$109.99 (free shipping) *MIR: $15

Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner LightScribe Support - OEM
Newegg.com - Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners
$21.99 (free shipping)

[glc]

If you are going to be using a video card, get a P67 board instead of a H67.

Newegg.com - ASUS P8P67 LE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

If you are not going to be overclocking, get the i5-2500 instead.

Stay away from G.skill. get Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, or A-Data. 1333 speed if you won't be overclocking, 1600 speed if you are. 1.5 volt ram preferred.

Try to stick with Asus or EVGA video cards.

That PSU is considerable overkill.

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

[njoy7]

I really appreciate your input glc! Alright. I've noted the changes down. Any advice on the video card? I'm just looking for the best bang for my buck. I'd prefer Nvidia.

[chuck462]

Don't forget to get an OS.

[njoy7]

Yessir. I'll most likely be going with Windows 7 Home Premium.. unless I can somehow snag a copy of XP somewhere. :P

[glc]

Asus and EVGA make GTX 460 1GB cards.

[njoy7]

I'll keep this simple: I'm looking at this Velocity Micro Z5 rig for $934 (just under my $1000 budget). Based on the specs provided, is it worth it or should I build my own? *Also, if you see any compatibility issues, please let me know!

Windows 7 Home Premium
Asus P8H67-M EVO mATX motherboard
Intel Core i5-2500k
4GB DDR3-1333 dual channel memory (unknown brand name, would be replaced eventually)
1GB NVidia GeForce GTX550 TI PCI-e 2.1
500GB Hitachi 7200rpm SATA HDD
20x DVD+/-RW dual layer burner
1 yr warranty

After looking up each piece of hardware individually (and OS).. this computer comes out to be cheaper than actually building it. I'm just curious if I could build something a lot better for about the same price.. or if it would be best to save the time and hassle of building the thing and just picking this machine up.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks.

[glc]

Threads merged.

The 550 Ti is not as strong a video card as a GTX 460. I doubt the prebuilt is going to have a power supply anywhere near as good as a Corsair. The Hitachi drive is not as good as a WD Black.

[njoy7]

Thanks again glc. Sorry, should have posted that request in this thread. Also, looking at Corsair RAM as you had said.

Just want to ensure I get the correct RAM.

Corsair XMS3 8 GB 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

is compatible with...

ASUS P8P67 LE LGA 1155 SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 Supported Intel P67 DDR3 2200 ATX Motherboard

Correct?

[glc]

Yes it is, but if you plan on overclocking get 1600 speed.

[njoy7]

Alrighty. I'll most likely NOT overclock. I've never done it before and don't feel very comfortable doing so. I'd probably overheat the thing.

[glc]

Then save a few bucks and get the non-"K" series processor - the regular i5-2500. The ONLY difference is the K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, at stock speeds they are identical.

[njoy7]

Yes sir. That's what I'm planning to pick up!

Revised list - Buying through Amazon due to Prime/no tax:
Cooler Master SGC-2000-KKN1-G​P Storm Scout ATX/MATX/ITX Mid Tower Case (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

ASUS P8P67 LE LGA 1155 SATA 6Gbps and USB 3.0 Supported Intel P67 DDR3 2200 ATX Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/P8P67-REV-3-0-...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

Intel Core i5 Processor i5-2500 3.3GHz 6MB LGA1155 CPU BOX80623I52500
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Processo...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

EVGA GeForce GTX 460 1 GB GDDR5 PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card (01G-P3-1370-TR​)
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-P...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

Corsair XMS3 8 GB 1333 MHz PC3-10666 240-Pin DDR3 Memory Kit CMX8GX3M2A1333C​9
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-PC3-10...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

Western Digital 500GB SATA3 7200rpm 32 MB Hard Drive - Bulk WD5002AALX Caviar Black
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digita...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

Corsair CMPSU-650TX 650-Watt TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMPSU-...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

LG Electronics 10X Blu-ray SATA Writer Drive with Software WH10LS30K - Bulk (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics...d=RRKDC4VN42UX

*Still debating on an O/S. Can't decide between 7 Home Premium or Professional.
- Is Professional worth it?
- Is it wise to buy the "Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM" version instead of the "Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Full" version?

TOTAL: $981.37 (without O/S)


If you see anything worth changing, let me know! I'm looking to get the most stable and quickest gaming machine (without overclocking) for under $1000 (including taxes/shipping).

[glc]

All the average user needs is Home Premium, and OEM version is fine.

[njoy7]

Alright, great! Home Premium 7 it is!

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - Operating Systems

Looks like I'm all set now. Thanks so much for the input GLC. You don't understand how much of a help you've been. Is there an appropriate spot in the forums I could document my building progress or should I just continue to add it to this thread?

Thanks again!

[glc]

Just keep this thread going!

[njoy7]

I'll more than likely run into a variety of problems as I piece this thing together. I'm hoping you're still able to dish out your expert, personalized advice as I go through each step in the process! I'll do my best to research any issues that arise, but being someone who over analyzes EVERYTHING.. I'll more than likely need confirmation on an issue before proceeding.

Expect step-by-step photos to be added soon!

Again, I really appreciate all of your help GLC. I most likely would be buying a premade PC if it wasn't for you. :P

[njoy7]

Question before I begin building:

If I ran an i7-2600 w/ a GTX 460.. would a 430 watt PSU suffice?

ASUS ENGTX460 DirectCU TOP/2DI/768MD5 GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card -- Overclocked to 700MHz and DirectCU cooling
Newegg.com - ASUS ENGTX460 DirectCU TOP/2DI/768MD5 GeForce GTX 460 (Fermi) 768MB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W ATX12V V2.2 Intel Core i7 Compliant Dual 80mm Fans Full Cable Sleevings Power Supply
Newegg.com - Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W ATX12V V2.2 Intel Core i7 Compliant Dual 80mm Fans Full Cable Sleevings Power Supply

Thanks in advance for all of the help guys!

[glc]

Nope. Nvidia specifies a 450 watt PSU for a 460. Not only that, but those old Thermaltakes are relatively weak on the +12v rails. Don't cheap out on a PSU, get the 650 watt Corsair.

You should also get the 1gb version of the GTX 460 if you possibly can.

If you need to cut costs, go back to the i5.

[David M]

A cheapo PSU can take out other components when it dies. It can also cause problems which are difficult to trace.

[glc]

Thermaltakes are not BAD units, but that one is underpowered for your proposed system.

[njoy7]

Alright. Thanks again for the info. I'm mainly asking for my girlfriend. She's recently discovered that I'm building a PC and now she wants one (although she's buying a prebuilt from HP through some recent deal they just had).

This is the system she ordered (copied and pasted):
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 quad-core processor with Turbo-Boost [up to 3.8GHz, 8MB cache]
• 8GB DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM [4 DIMMs]
• 1TB RAID 0 (2 x 500GB SATA HDDs) - performance
• 2GB DDR3 ATI Radeon HD 5570 [DVI, HDMI, DP, VGA adapter]
• LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
• Integrated Ethernet port, No wireless LAN
• 15-in-1 memory card reader, 1 USB, audio
• Beats Audio (tm) -- integrated studio quality sound
• HP USB keyboard and optical mouse

She mainly edits photos/videos, uses Autocad and occasionally plays World of Warcraft. With intent to game "harder" in the future, she was wondering how she should approach upgrading the GPU (along with the PSU since it's just 300w ). Given the specs provided... and the fact that she, too, is also wanting a GTX 460 GPU... should she also get a 650 watt PSU or will a ~500 watt PSU suffice?

She's spending $720 for that build.. and only looking to spend another ~$150-200 on a new PSU/GPU. I'm ASSUMING she would need a 650 watt PSU like me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[glc]

She is making a big mistake buying a HP with those specs and then thinking about upgrading it. A standard PSU may not fit in the case............................

Also, RAID 0 is a disaster waiting to happen. If one of the drive even hiccups, you lose everything.

[njoy7]

I warned her about the Raid 0 setup. Although I did not know *most* PSUs would not fit inside. I didn't insist on building her one.. since I'm not sure how successful MY build is going to go! :P

[glc]

I'd also be concerned about HP's policy on warranty coverage when you start changing components. She's essentially going to have to be happy with a 5570.

[njoy7]

Yeah, I've spoken with HP customer support. Once you add/remove any components within the machine you'd be voiding the warranty. Any idea if you'll be able to do anything with the 2GB ATI Radeon 5570? Would she at least be able to play WoW?

She's set on a prebuilt machine.. but I'm not sure what she exactly needs. I'm afraid to build her one as I haven't even had the chance to build my own! :|

[glc]

It will play WOW. It's essentially a $80 video card.