Custom Gaming Computer Build

[bomberboysk]

awesome and just for clarification DIMMs are the memory sticks right? and im hoping to run crysis 2... thats my goal for this compputer. oh and i looked at a diagram of the motherboard that you told me to buy and theres 2 shorter slots i think thats where the video cards go right? and then in between each of the shorter slots theres a longer grey one... what are those for?

The X58 FTW3 has three PCI Express x16 slots, which allows for use of up to three video cards in CrossfireX or SLI. The X58 SLI(old model, without Sata 6Gb/s or USB 3.0 and a few other features that the FTW3 offers over the old SLI) has the same three PCI Express x16 configuration.

and on that other motherboard that i was originally planning on getting were there 4 slots for video cards? and what is PCI x16, PCI x1 express, PCI, and USB ports used for? I know waht a usb is i just want to know what connects to it on a motherboard

PCI Express x16 is used mainly for graphics cards, although some raid controllers may use a pci express x16 slot.

PCI Express x1 is generally used for peripherals such as audio cards, tv tuners, network interface cards, etc.

PCI is a legacy interface that is pretty much being replaced by PCI Express x1 slots, tv tuners, Network Interface Cards, and Audio cards are all still available on the PCI platform.

USB is universal serial bus, this is the port that you would plug most printers, thumb drives, cameras, keyboard/mouse, etc into.

and for the monitor did that have 2 ports that support hdmi? for the computer and for my ps3?

The display has one VGA connector(which can be used with your PC) and one HDMI connector, if you want an HDMI connector and a DVI connector, i would suggest this display:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009255

Also, instead of continuously making new posts, please use the edit post button.

 

[bigtyme07]

so heres the final outcome



quantity of item 1
Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model AD-7261S-0B LightScribe Support - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118040
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options27-118-040|hide options27-118-040)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info27-118-040.0.18)

1 year: $6.99
2 year: $11.99
$19.99
select item 2 quantity of item 2
COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119225
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $199.99
select item 3 quantity of item 3
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152185
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-152-185|hide options22-152-185)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info22-152-185.0.120)

1 year: $9.99
2 year: $16.99
$74.99
select item 4 quantity of item 4
EVGA 012-P3-1470-AR GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Item #: N82E16814130550
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy -$30.00 Instant

$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-130-550 $349.99
$319.99
1 Nvidia Free Mafia 2 Game Coupon
Item #: N82E16800999247
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$59.99 Saving
$59.99
$0.00
select item 6 quantity of item 6
XFX Black Edition P1-750B-CAG9 750W ATX12V v2.2 / ESP12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular ...
Item #: N82E16817207003
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$30.00 Instant
$159.99
$129.99
select item 7 quantity of item 7
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ...
Item #: N82E16820226030
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $159.99
select item 8 quantity of item 8
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy $99.99
select item 9 quantity of item 9
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
Item #: N82E16819115225
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options19-115-22510|hide options19-115-22510)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info19-115-2251.0.120)

1 year: $29.99
2 year: $54.99
EVGA X58 FTW3 132-GT-E768-KR LGA 1366 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813188065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

also what is the memory timing about? all i see is 9-9-9-20 or stuff like that what does it mean?

Also am i going to have to mess with anything after i put it all together? like i heard ppl talking about going into the BIOS and changing the times and alll of this other stuff. I want to just be able to boot it up and have it run nice. Other than that Ill probably overclock it sooner or later

I also changed the Cooler Master Case for an Antec Twelve Hundred Case. Seemed better built however i bought a usb keyboard and usb mouse but theres only one usb port on the case... do i need to get a different case? also im going to be hooking up to our wireless network at home so i can use the printer but ill be using an ethernet cable for direct internet for the best connection do i need any wireless network cards or anything to put on the motherboard?

If you have any final thoughts or any last things i should change please tell me.

 

[bomberboysk]

so heres the final outcome



quantity of item 1
Sony Optiarc CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model AD-7261S-0B LightScribe Support - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118040
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options27-118-040|hide options27-118-040)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty Plan
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info27-118-040.0.18)

1 year: $6.99
2 year: $11.99
$19.99
select item 2 quantity of item 2
COOLER MASTER HAF X RC-942-KKN1 Black Steel/ Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811119225
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $199.99
select item 3 quantity of item 3
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152185
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options22-152-185|hide options22-152-185)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info22-152-185.0.120)

1 year: $9.99
2 year: $16.99
$74.99
select item 4 quantity of item 4
EVGA 012-P3-1470-AR GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
Item #: N82E16814130550
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy -$30.00 Instant

$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card14-130-550 $349.99
$319.99
1 Nvidia Free Mafia 2 Game Coupon
Item #: N82E16800999247
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$59.99 Saving
$59.99
$0.00
select item 6 quantity of item 6
XFX Black Edition P1-750B-CAG9 750W ATX12V v2.2 / ESP12V v2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS SILVER Certified Modular ...
Item #: N82E16817207003
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$30.00 Instant
$159.99
$129.99
select item 7 quantity of item 7
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ...
Item #: N82E16820226030
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy $159.99
select item 8 quantity of item 8
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116754
Return Policy: Software Standard Return Policy $99.99
select item 9 quantity of item 9
Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
Item #: N82E16819115225
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options19-115-22510|hide options19-115-22510)
Service Net Replacement Extended Warranty
The product will be replaced and shipped directly to you at no charge.(more info19-115-2251.0.120)

1 year: $29.99
2 year: $54.99
EVGA X58 FTW3 132-GT-E768-KR LGA 1366 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813188065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

also what is the memory timing about? all i see is 9-9-9-20 or stuff like that what does it mean?

Also am i going to have to mess with anything after i put it all together? like i heard ppl talking about going into the BIOS and changing the times and alll of this other stuff. I want to just be able to boot it up and have it run nice. Other than that Ill probably overclock it sooner or later

I also changed the Cooler Master Case for an Antec Twelve Hundred Case. Seemed better built however i bought a usb keyboard and usb mouse but theres only one usb port on the case... do i need to get a different case? also im going to be hooking up to our wireless network at home so i can use the printer but ill be using an ethernet cable for direct internet for the best connection do i need any wireless network cards or anything to put on the motherboard?

If you have any final thoughts or any last things i should change please tell me.

Your printer should be on the same network as your wired connection if you are using a combination wireless router/switch. Otherwise, to use your printer you would need a wireless card. Edimax makes some decent ones for cheap.

The HAF X is quite a heavily built case, better built than the antec twelve hundred, although asthetically i can't stand either of them.

The motherboard has something like six USB ports on the back I/O panel, no need to worry about case connections.

 

[bigtyme07]

what full tower case would you recommend? and is it safe to overclock with just fan cooling or would i need to get a water cooling system? and you didnt say anything about me needing to mess with the timing at all does that mean i wont have to? Do you have a facebook or something so that we could just do an IM thing so we can talk about this easier? something with like a chat room? i only have a few more questions but itd be easier to talk that way id think. what do you think about the build so far?

 

[bomberboysk]

what full tower case would you recommend? and is it safe to overclock with just fan cooling or would i need to get a water cooling system? and you didnt say anything about me needing to mess with the timing at all does that mean i wont have to? Do you have a facebook or something so that we could just do an IM thing so we can talk about this easier? something with like a chat room? i only have a few more questions but itd be easier to talk that way id think. what do you think about the build so far?

-The HAF X is a great case if you like the looks of it, otherwise some other good options are the Azza Solano cases(Red or Blue), Lian-Li PC-A70F, and the Thermaltake Spedo Advance.

-You're fine overclocking on air.

-Timings should set themselves automatically, if they don't its a painless setting to change in the bios.

-I do have a facebook and IM(msn can be found on my profile page), but it is preferred to keep discussion on the forums, as IM wouldnt be saved to the website for future reference(eg- someone searches for a similar question you ask).

 

[bigtyme07]

well it looks like im all good to go. the motherboard has usb 3.0 ports which is reallly cool. better data transfer from an ipod or camera im guessing. im still a little scared to press buy now hahaha im afraid i wont have all the knowledge to put it together. any advice? also im gonna shop around for the best prices. oh and should i look at a water cooling part? I mean will it help a lot when i overclock or is it kinda take it or leave it? and when I do get everything and put it together how do i check temperatures to make sure everything is running as it should be? and what should the temperatures be?

 

[fastdude]

how do i check temperatures to make sure everything is running as it should be? and what should the temperatures be?

Realtemp will tell you CPU temps. GPU-Z
will tell you GPU temps.

Generally speaking, anything above 50Celsius idling at stock speeds is bad news. I'm not allowed to lmgtfy, but searching the name of your CPU/GPU in a search engine will tell you the vital temperatures (one being the maximum temperature it can operate at, for most CPUs/GPUs, about 100C, though you don't want to get up there) Obviously OC'ing will increase temps., but if you do it gradually and are careful, you'll be fine, good luck ;D

 

[FBJ]

bigtyme07, please don't use a watercooler. If it's the only thing you do.

 

[bigtyme07]

whats wrong with using a water cooler? oh and fastdude for the intel i7 930 processor it said 69.7 degrees celsius but it said Tcase i dont know what that means like where you would think it said maximum temp or operating temperature it said Tcase i was thinking that maybe thats what the temperature should be in the case? and for the GPU it said 105 degrees celsius its the Nvidia GTX 470

 

[bomberboysk]

Stay away from any watercooling "kits" or self contained units like the h50, if you want to go watercooling put together a custom loop. However, watercooling won't really net you much more overclocks than on air, you'll want to learn how to overclock in the first place before dumping money into a watercooling setup, and you would notice more improvement getting another GPU than going water(a decent water setup is in the range of ~$300).

whats wrong with using a water cooler? oh and fastdude for the intel i7 930 processor it said 69.7 degrees celsius but it said Tcase i dont know what that means like where you would think it said maximum temp or operating temperature it said Tcase i was thinking that maybe thats what the temperature should be in the case? and for the GPU it said 105 degrees celsius its the Nvidia GTX 470

How are you using realtemp when you haven't ordered your parts yet...

 

[bigtyme07]

im not using realtemp i looked up the manufactures specs for both the processor and video card and those are the temps they said they should run at and so if i wanted to overclock the GPU youre saying that i should just do the SLI method? basically get another identical video card? how many video cards can i put on the motherboard im getting?

 

[FBJ]

I just wouldn't recommend touching watercooling on your first build for a while. I think it's best if you play it safe for now. I'm not saying you shouldn't use it in future.

 

[bigtyme07]

just one more question guys. how does this system look for overclocking? been reading up on it a lot and i want to get that i7 up to 4 ghz. a lot of people say that they have to move their vcore up a bunch tho kinda sounds risky... but thats besides the point so hows it look for overclocking?