Building my first desktop computer.

B

blacklight555

New Member
Hi guys! As the title suggests I'm about to build my first desktop computer (mainly for gaming). I've been wanting to build one myself for a long while and I now finally have the chance. My basic budget is under $1,300, but i could possibly stretch that up to $1,500 if I really need to.

I've had a look around, compared a few items (with my limited knowledge) and come up with these items for a starting point:

Processor

Motherboard

Graphics

I also want to have 8-16gb of ram, a 1tb(+) HHD and a water cooling system. Im not particuarly imppressed by flashy lights, so a plain El-cheepo case would suit me just fine.

All oppinions/suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
 
Personally, I think the water cooling is more trouble then it's worth but others may disagree. You could save a little money by sticking with 8G of RAM, 16G is kinda overkill.

The processor and mobo are a good matchup.

Consider a 128gb ssd drive for your OS/programs and use the 1tb spinner for data.

What power supply are you going to use?

Here's a site that let's you pick parts for your build, then shows you where you can get the best prices for that build. The site itself doesn't sell parts.
 
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A cheap case is fine, just make sure it is big enough for a video card and has enough airflow especially if you go with a high end cpu.
 
strollin said:
Personally, I think the water cooling is more trouble then it's worth but others may disagree. You could save a little money by sticking with 8G of RAM, 16G is kinda overkill.

The processor and mobo are a good matchup.

Consider a 128gb ssd drive for your OS/programs and use the 1tb spinner for data.

What power supply are you going to use?

Here's a site that let's you pick parts for your build, then shows you where you can get the best prices for that build. The site itself doesn't sell parts.
Click to expand...

I want the water cooling system for two reasons.
1. Where I live is rather hot most of the year (house is a furnace come summer).
2. So i can overclock. Although i am still rather new to the concept.

I probably will go with the 8gb ram (2x4gb sticks), if I really feel the need I can always upgrade later. As for the power supply at this point I have no idea.

clquestor said:
A cheap case is fine, just make sure it is big enough for a video card and has enough airflow especially if you go with a high end cpu.
Click to expand...

Big and breezy, got it! Any suggestions on where to find a nice big case with decent airflow?
 
blacklight555 said:
Hi guys! As the title suggests I'm about to build my first desktop computer (mainly for gaming). I've been wanting to build one myself for a long while and I now finally have the chance. My basic budget is under $1,300, but i could possibly stretch that up to $1,500 if I really need to.
Click to expand...

Does that budget include an operating system, a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers?
 
Do NOT get a cheap case. Get a case from NZXT or Corsair, like a Carbide 400R. A 3770 is useless for gaming, get a 3570K. Do you need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse? What about OS? A custom loop is not a good idea if this is your first time building a PC. I would wait for Intel's new Haswell CPUs that will come out in a few months. But if you need a new PC now, here is a build with os and no monitor or kb and mouse:

Gigabyte UD5H Z77
i5 3570K
evga GTX 670
2 x 8 GB G.Skill or Corsair, 1866 MHz
Corsair 400R
Corsair TX 650M
Corsair H100i (its water cooling, just it requires no maintenince and doesnt cool as good as a custom loop, but cools better then air)
Western Digital Black 2 TB
Windows 8 64 bit
 
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I use newegg.com for just about everything. I guess by cheap case you should spend no less than $50US. You don't need anything flashy just practical.
 
If your budget is $1300-$1500 you can probably afford to spend at least $100 or so on the case. I believe the Corsair 300R is about 80 bucks. Great case. Elegant, sleek and well-built. Also check out the Fractal Design Define R3 and R4 cases, they should be under 100 bucks.
 
clquestor said:
I use newegg.com for just about everything. I guess by cheap case you should spend no less than $50US. You don't need anything flashy just practical.
Click to expand...

Its not about flashiness, its about quality. Support/Warrenty will be much better on a nicer case, quality will be MUCH better, etc. And spirit, I think the OP should get a 400R if he is thinking about having a closed loop watercooling setup and 670.
 
viatical08 said:
Does that budget include an operating system, a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers?
Click to expand...

The budget does include an operating system, the rest can come later. As a temporary solution for the monitor I figured I might just hook it up to my TV. With a wireless keyboard and mouse I should have no trouble.

PCunicorn said:
Do NOT get a cheap case. Get a case from NZXT or Corsair, like a Carbide 400R. A 3770 is useless for gaming, get a 3570K. Do you need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse? What about OS? A custom loop is not a good idea if this is your first time building a PC. I would wait for Intel's new Haswell CPUs that will come out in a few months. But if you need a new PC now, here is a build with os and no monitor or kb and mouse:

Gigabyte UD5H Z77
i5 3570K
evga GTX 670
2 x 8 GB G.Skill or Corsair, 1866 MHz
Corsair 400R
Corsair TX 650M
Corsair H100i (its water cooling, just it requires no maintenince and doesnt cool as good as a custom loop, but cools better then air)
Western Digital Black 2 TB
Windows 8 64 bit
Click to expand...

I've decided that I will probably go with your suggested build. I'm going to get Windows 7 instead of 8. I know my way around 7 and don't particuarly like what I've seen interface wise from 8.

I put the build into Pc part picker and its looking pretty good:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/SRrC

I guess if theres anything in particular that I need later I can always upgrade. I did consider putting in an SSD but at this time I didn't think it was necessary. Also would there be any point in getting a sound card?
 
Get a sound card for most $75 plus speakers, or plus $40 headphones (not from skullcandy or anything, good headphones from Sony or Panasonic, etc.) A ssd would be nice for much faster boot. I reccomend getting 8 for the newest security features, and it's similar to 7 with pokki.
 
I think I'll skip on the sound card for now and I will probably get an SSD somewhere down the line. As for windows 8, I had no idea about pokkie. I might just get 8 after all.
 
Didn't want to double post but it's been a while so I guess it's ok. Just wanted to get some suggestions on future upgrades (2nd graphics card, more fans (oh golly gosh how I love my cooling), etc). I'm guessing with those kind of upgrades in mind I might need a stronger power supply?

On a completely different note, have just started ordering some of the components from Mwave. It's a tad annoying that there are so few decent tech stores that are willing to trade in Australia. I did check the local stores around town but they usually charge 250-300% mark-up on items and offer no discounts.

Edit: I've decided to get the Corsair GS-800 instead of the Corsair TX 650M. It's only a few dollars more and it gives a bit more room for improvements.
 
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Once again I'm bringing this old thread back to life, but I just wanted to say that I've got my system up and running now. It works much better than I expected. Thanks to everyone for their assistance!

Just a few photo's of my work:

1_zps9a550a8f.jpg


2_zps4165c9e0.jpg


3_zps0b43df37.jpg


Before anyone says it, I do realise my cord management skills could use a bit of work. But for the few cords left out I would need to take everything apart to fit them in properly, since I only just got it all together I don't really feel like doing that! I'll probably tidy it up when I upgrade it.
 
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