first time advise

[jbily0]

This is my first build and I did not know the difference between a windows full and a windows OEM?

Do I need a sound board if I only plan on using simple speakers?

Should I steer clear of opened box parts to save a buck or are they okay?

Anything cheaper/better then what I have so far?

Here's what I have so far,
Intel Core i5-3570K, MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti, Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed - System Build - PCPartPicker

Thanks,
John

[Jbc223456]

Originally Posted by jbily0 This is my first build and I did not know the difference between a windows full and a windows OEM? Do I need a sound board if I only plan on using simple speakers? Should I steer clear of opened box parts to save a buck or are they okay? Anything cheaper/better then what I have so far? Here's what I have so far, Intel Core i5-3570K, MSI GeForce GTX 660 Ti, Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed - System Build - PCPartPicker Thanks, John

You do not need a sound card if you are going to use basic speakers. I feel that much of the onboard audio is just as good as using a sound card these days.

Buying open box items are a gamble: sometimes you can buy an open box item and it'll be perfectly fine. Other open box items could have been returned and remanufactured, but is unable to be sold unless as an "open box" item. If I were you, I'd steer clear of it.

I don't think there is much difference between OEM and Retail Windows. You still get the same OS. However, I think with an OEM OS, it cannot be transferred from computer to computer: once installed, it can only be installed on that computer. You would also have to pay for support from Microsoft if you were to have an issue (but why would you need support when you're a member of this forum? ).

What are you planning on doing with this computer? I would assume that you are going to be using it for gaming. If that is the case, I would suggest getting an ASUS P8Z77-V LK. With that aftermarket CPU cooler, you'll probably want to get Low Profile RAM, such as Corsair 8GB LP RAM. Also, switch the Seagate drive with a Western Digital Black. The video card I would suggest is EVGA 660 ti.