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Old 04-24-2011, 02:29 AM   #1
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Post My First Gaming Build

Hello everyone!

I am planning to build a gaming system and as the title mentioned, this will be my very first gaming build. Hence, any input, advice, and/or help would be very much appreciated!

I do not have a preference for either AMD or Intel, however I have read that AMD is better suited for lower priced CPUs. In addition, my projected budget for this particular build is around $1,000 to $1,500 CDN. Furthermore, this build will be a complete system (excluding the speakers, as I will be planning to purchase a headset instead).

I intend to use this build strictly for gaming. Some games that I will be playing include Mafia II, Portal 2, GTA IV, Far Cry 2, and Borderlands. I do not have an absolute need to play at max settings, although it would be a nice bonus.

After lurking around for a bit, this is my current list:

Case: Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

PSU: Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.ca - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Mobo: ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Newegg.ca - ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX250OCGMBOX
Newegg.ca - AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX250OCGMBOX

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.ca - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

RAM: CORSAIR XMS 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M1A1333C9
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M1A1333C9

Optical: LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X 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 - Bulk - OEM
Newegg.ca - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X 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 - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners

Video Card: ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
Newegg.ca - ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

KB/M: Microsoft Black USB Wired Desktop 600
Newegg.ca - Microsoft Black USB Wired Desktop 600

Monitor: Hanns·G HW-191APB Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 Built-in Speakers
Newegg.ca - Hanns·G HW-191APB Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 700:1 Built-in Speakers
(I realize this monitor comes with built-in speakers, but I will rarely ever use them)

Headset: Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset
Newegg.ca - Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - OEM
Newegg.ca - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - Operating Systems

Grand Total: $1,037.32

Thank you all for your time and input!!
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Old 04-24-2011, 09:20 AM   #2
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Since you still have room in your budget, I'd up the monitor. 19" monitors are good, but I switched to a 21" a few years ago when they were coming down in price and loved it. Prices have lowered enough so 23-24" monitors are now very good in price and the price jump seems to have settled on bigger. If you can afford it, you will not regret it going bigger.
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Old 04-24-2011, 09:38 AM   #3
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I would also recommend one of the Asus monitors with LED backlight.
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Old 04-24-2011, 02:46 PM   #4
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Thank you, chuck462 and glc, for your replies!

Going along with the monitor recommendations, would this one suffice?

ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers
Newegg.ca - ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1 (ASCR 20000:1) Built in Speakers

I forgot to mention that I will not be OC'ing. In addition, would it be better to attain this as opposed to the one I mentioned in my list? (regarding memory)

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G

Furthermore, I have read that a decent dual core CPU would be adequate rather than purchasing a quad core. However, I will be able to purchase a quad core as the price gap is not insurmountable. On the other hand, if I do not need it, then I would rather not purchase it. What are your thoughts?
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Old 04-24-2011, 09:42 PM   #5
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That is an excellent monitor, but it's not a LED backlight.

You should get the dual channel ram kit, not the single module.

Use this article to get the best gaming CPU in your budget:

Best Gaming CPUs For The Money: March 2011 : March Updates
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Old 04-24-2011, 11:19 PM   #6
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Thanks, glc! I found this one with the LED backlight:

ASUS VE247H Black 23.6" 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 300 cd/m2 10,000,000:1 (ASCR)
Newegg.ca - ASUS VE247H Black 23.6" 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 300 cd/m2 10,000,000:1 (ASCR)

I also swapped my single module from my first list with the dual channel. After reading that article, I thought about whether the L3 cache was worth getting. Then, I found this article that I thought might be helpful for anyone else in the same dilemma:

Athlon II Or Phenom II: Does Your CPU Need L3 Cache?
Athlon II Or Phenom II: Does Your CPU Need L3 Cache? : L3 Cache: How Important Is It To AMD?

Although the article is around a year and a half old (and it compares the Phenom II X4 965 to an Athlon II X4 620), it still provides some insight into the predicament. With that in mind, along with glc's recommended article, I decided that the L3 cache was not for me (as it does not hold a significantly huge advantage overall).

Thus, I decided to go with this CPU:

AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
Newegg.ca - AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
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Old 04-25-2011, 02:07 PM   #7
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This is my updated list:

Case: Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

PSU: Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.ca - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

Mobo: ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
Newegg.ca - ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 AM3 AMD 890GX HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
Newegg.ca - AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX640WFGMBOX
My previous selection was an AMD Athlon II X2 250.

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.ca - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
My previous selection was a WD Caviar Black 500GB.

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
My previous selection was a CORSAIR XMS3 4GB single module.

Optical: ASUS 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 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Newegg.ca - ASUS 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 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners
My previous selection was a LITE-ON product similar to this.

Video Card: ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
Newegg.ca - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

KB/M: Logitech MK200 Black USB Wired Slim Mouse and Keyboard Combo
Newegg.ca - Logitech MK200 Black USB Wired Slim Mouse and Keyboard Combo
My previous selection was a Microsoft keyboard and mouse set that is no longer in stock.

Monitor: ASUS VE247H Black 23.6" 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 300 cd/m2 10,000,000:1 (ASCR)
Newegg.ca - ASUS VE247H Black 23.6" 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 300 cd/m2 10,000,000:1 (ASCR)
My previous selection was a 19" Hanns·G.

Headset: Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset
Newegg.ca - Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - OEM
Newegg.ca - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - Operating Systems

Grand Total: $1,204.62

I believe I am ready to make my purchase, unless there are still some adjustments to be made. If not, I am planning to purchase these items in a couple of days.

Thank you for your help!
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Old 04-25-2011, 03:35 PM   #8
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Looks good to me - but I'm not up on AMD, so if someone else who is would care to comment, please do!
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Old 04-25-2011, 04:50 PM   #9
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I don't understand the point of going AMD when Intel has faster CPU's in the same price range. I wouldn't mind hearing an explanation from someone in defense of AMD. I am not a fan boy of either. I have bought both in the past. All I care about is the best deal.
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Old 04-25-2011, 10:13 PM   #10
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Thank you, glc and David M, for your replies!

Haha, I guess you're right! Along with your recommendations, I read the "Best Gaming CPUs For The Money" article again, so I have swapped the AMD CPU for this:

Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Newegg.ca - Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100

I realize I have to switch my mobo, but I wasn't too sure about the choice. This is because I would (maybe) like to purchase the i5-2500 later on. Would this choice be sufficient?:

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

I don't think I need to swap the other parts...right? Or maybe the PSU...
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Old 04-26-2011, 01:00 AM   #11
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Good motherboard, and nothing else has to be changed.
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Old 04-26-2011, 06:44 AM   #12
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Thanks glc!

But I think I got another problem. I checked the RAM compatibility list for my mobo, and it looks like my RAM isn't compatible. It says that a quad channel kit of essentially the same type (I think) that I have IS on the compatible list, but mine (a dual channel kit, which evidently is the type of channel supported for my mobo, oddly enough) is not.

This is the quad channel kit that is on the list:

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M4B1333C9
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M4B1333C9

This is my current selection (which is not on the list):

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G

So, I'm wondering if the dual channel kit I selected should work, and if not, then would these selections be 'better'? (These kits are on the compatible list):

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMV4GX3M2A1333C9
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMV4GX3M2A1333C9

CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M2A1333C9

In addition, do you think my case would fit the mobo (with relative ease)? I have read mixed views about problems regarding the mobo fitting in a mid tower case.
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Old 04-26-2011, 08:24 AM   #13
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The RAM will work fine, dual channel will work in the motherboard.

The motherboard will fit in the case.

The video card dimensions are: 10.24" x 4.84", it will fit without a problem. It won't have conflict with the RAM chips.
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Old 04-26-2011, 11:05 AM   #14
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For best compatibility, use ram that's rated at 1.5 volts.
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Old 04-26-2011, 03:36 PM   #15
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Sweet! Thanks for the replies, ChoboSeki and glc!

I have now purchased the parts; this is what I bought:

Case: Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.ca - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition VL80001W2Z Black SECC / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

PSU: Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.ca - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

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

CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100
Newegg.ca - Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.ca - Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
Newegg.ca - CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G

Optical: ASUS 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 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Newegg.ca - ASUS 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 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners

Video Card: ASUS EAH6850 DC/2DIS/1GD5/V2 Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity
Newegg.ca - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

KB/M: Logitech MK200 Black USB Wired Slim Mouse and Keyboard Combo
Newegg.ca - Logitech MK200 Black USB Wired Slim Mouse and Keyboard Combo

Monitor: ASUS VE247H Black 23.6" 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 300 cd/m2 10,000,000:1 (ASCR)
Newegg.ca - ASUS VE247H Black 23.6" 2ms Full HD HDMI LED BackLight LCD Monitor w/Speakers 300 cd/m2 10,000,000:1 (ASCR)

Headset: Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset
Newegg.ca - Creative Fatal1ty Gaming Headset

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - OEM
Newegg.ca - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit English 1-Pack - Operating Systems

I appreciate everyone's input and advice. Thank you all, I really could not have done this without all of your help. Special shout out to glc for consistent feedback!

I know I'm going to need some more help once I get the parts, as I have never built my own PC before. But until then, wish me luck!
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Old 05-03-2011, 07:02 PM   #16
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Building Process!

Hello again!

I have received my parts and currently undergoing the building process.

I followed HAL9000's thread about starting the core components outside the case and it worked!

Now, I am placing the parts into my case, and I have encountered a problem: the i/o shield's padding is preventing the mobo from getting screwed in. I have tried to push the mobo through to fit the gaps for the screws, but to no avail. I fear that I might break the mobo if I keep pushing.

So, I was wondering if I can take out the i/o shield and proceed with building. Or should I just take off the padding to allow more space for the screw hole gaps?

Thanks for your help!
***********************Edit
I just tried pushing the i/o shield out (from the inside) and now the mobo fits! Haha, I wasted a lot of time fidgeting with the mobo. Now, hopefully I didn't damage it...

Last edited by aclos; 05-03-2011 at 07:20 PM.
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Old 05-03-2011, 07:18 PM   #17
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If the I/O shield is completely snapped into the case cutout, and none of the tabs or fingers on it are hanging up on the port block, it will go through far enough to get the holes to line up.

You ARE using the correct standoffs in the motherboard tray, right?
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Old 05-03-2011, 07:34 PM   #18
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Thanks for your reply, glc!

My case has only one brass standoff in the center and "bumps" for the other 8 screw holes. The case gives 2 extra brass standoffs, but I put the mobo directly on the "bumps". Should I have gotten more brass standoffs?
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Old 05-03-2011, 09:04 PM   #19
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Put a standoff under every screw hole in the board that doesn't have a "bump" under it. Remove any standoffs that are not under a screw hole.
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Old 05-03-2011, 09:44 PM   #20
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Thanks glc!

I was able to put everything together. When I turned on the computer, the HDD was not detected, so I am re-connecting the wires to see if it'll help.

*******************EDIT
Hmm, it says in the manual that I have to have Windows XP SP3 or a later version installed before using SATA HDD. I have Windows 7 64-bit ready to go, but how would I go about doing this? (I can't just load the CD in my optical drive, right?)

Last edited by aclos; 05-03-2011 at 09:57 PM.
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Old 05-04-2011, 04:28 AM   #21
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Put the hard drive and the optical drive on the gray SATA 6.0 ports (by P67, not Marvell).

Boot with your Windows 7 DVD.
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Old 05-04-2011, 07:41 AM   #22
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Thanks glc!

Question: the manual indicates to use the SATA 3.0 port for the optical drive, but is it okay to use the 6.0 port as you mentioned?
**********************EDIT
I lurked for a bit and read that the optical drive will work on the 6.0 port (it won't be able to surpass 3.0 speeds though).

**********************EDIT
I was able to install Windows 7, and everything seems to be in order. Thank you very much, glc!

Alas, another problem has been encountered: I am attempting to place the external SATA port (and 2 extra usb) at the back of the case. However, it is very flimsy (even though I screwed it in) and I think it touches the mobo when fidgeted. Will the metal casing touching my mobo cause dire problems, or is it nothing to worry about?

The e-SATA and USB bracket shown here:
Newegg.ca - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
******************EDIT
I placed a twist tie at the base of the bracket and it feels a whole lot firmer. Hopefully, it is okay...

Last edited by aclos; 05-04-2011 at 10:59 AM.
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Old 05-04-2011, 11:44 AM   #23
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Look carefully for a slot to insert the tip of the plate into.
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Old 05-04-2011, 12:29 PM   #24
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Thanks glc!

I see that there is a gap for the tip, but I can't get the tip to go outside the case. I get the same problem for the video card (the ports for DVI, VGA, etc). I was trying to slightly force it out, but I don't want to damage the video card (I am already cautious from my mobo adjustment from before). Instead, the tips are inside the case, is that dangerous?

The back expansion slots of the case is very malleable and flimsy, so maybe that is the problem. I am afraid my mobo will get damaged, but for now everything seems to be in order.
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Old 05-28-2011, 10:01 PM   #25
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Posts: 18
After almost a month has passed...

And the build is going strong! Everything is working great! Thank you everyone for your input! And a special shout out to glc for the consistent feedback!

If I were able to change anything, I would go for the i5-2500 instead. In addition, I would have purchased a better case (although a pretty decent deal due to the cost).

All in all, it was fun to build, and as it was my first time, it was a great experience. I recommend anyone out there who haven't built their own to do so!
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Old 05-29-2011, 10:13 AM   #26
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Francisco Bay
Posts: 5,959
That's great to hear aclos. Another happy customer.
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